When to Visit Nepal

If you are looking for the best time to visit Nepal, you need to factor in things like weather, trekking seasons, national festivals, and more. The fall season, between mid-September to November, is the best time to travel to Nepal when the conditions are cool and dry. The time is ideal for a trekking adventure in the Annapurna Circuit or the famous Everest Base Camp trek. These periods offer the driest conditions, and the winter snows that make the trails perilous have not kicked in yet. The fall season is also a perfect time to go whitewater rafting and canyoning in the monsoon-fed rivers and waterfalls.Plan your Nepal trip from March to May or September to November to visit national parks in the southern plains. You can book a safari tour in Chitwan National Park to spot various animal and bird species, including the one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger. The summer months of May to September see lots of rainfall in Nepal, making it the least ideal time to visit. The weather in the chart is based on Kathmandu.

January is the middle of winter and the coldest month in Nepal. But the temperatures are pleasant enough to explore cities and temples, visit national parks and go on low-altitude treks. Since hotel tariffs are low, you can spend more days touring Nepal in January without hurting your wallet. Enjoy gorgeous temple art and architecture in Kathmandu Durbar Square, spot one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers in Chitwan National Park, and go trekking in Poon Hill in the Annapurna region in January.

As February enters, the woes of winter start to melt away in Nepal, making way for excellent low-season conditions. Pleasant weather and low tourist crowds are the perfect combinations for a short getaway in Nepal in February. While adventure activities like mountain biking and low-altitude hiking take the spotlight, you can also look forward to exploring the culture and wildlife of Nepal. Here is a look at everything you need to know about Nepal as winter draws to a close and the outdoors beckons.

With the end of the winter season and the beginning of the popular spring season, Nepal in March is where we see temperatures and crowds starting to rise. March is a good month to visit Nepal, but not as good as April, however, there are more tourists during April. The only caveat to visiting Nepal this month is that some high-altitude trekking and camping trails may not be open yet. But regions like the Terai start heating up around this time and the mountain district of Mustang also reopens for tourists. Some of the top things to do in Nepal this time of the year are the cultural and religious festivals celebrated across the country.

Looking for a great month to trek the Himalayas? April is one of the best times to visit the mountain region of Nepal due to warm, dry weather and good visibility. Obviously, popular time means one thing: crowds—and lots of them. But if you plan ahead, trekking in Nepal this month can be a wonderful experience. The best way to avoid crowded trekking trails when exploring Nepal in April is to check out the lesser-known routes, away from Everest and Annapurna.

May is the end of one of two high seasons in Nepal and one of the best times to explore. As it’s pre-monsoon season, the weather in Nepal in May is favorable and the long days and clear conditions make it an excellent time to go on a trekking holiday, especially if you’re hitting up the Himalayas and Annapurna Circuit. Want to know what to expect from a Nepal trip in May? Read on and let’s find out.

Although June marks the start of the monsoon season in Nepal, trekking and hiking—two of the most popular activities for visitors in the country—are still possible. Head to the rain shadow areas such as the Annapurna and Manaslu regions to enjoy the stunning mountain views and landscapes. True, you may not be able to explore the full range of Nepal’s beauty in June, but you will have the advantage of the lush greenery, low tourist crowds and cheaper accommodation. Read on to find out what your holiday to Nepal in June can look like.

July is an interesting month to travel to Nepal, precisely because it is a low season. You might have to deal with rains while you are in the country at this time, but there are advantages too. The month of July offers an excellent opportunity to soak in the cultural highlights of Kathmandu and Pokhara minus big crowds and get the best possible deals on hotels and resorts. If you are game for adventure, trekking in Nepal in July is possible too—again without having to encounter the crowds that some of these trekking routes see during peak tourist seasons.

Known for its high mountain peaks and spectacular views, Buddhist monasteries, and vibrant cultural heritage, Nepal is the ideal place for those wanting to immerse themselves in a unique culture. August in Nepal is monsoon season, characterized by warm temperatures and high chances of precipitation, but if you know where to go, you will be able to avoid the rain and take advantage of the low season. With stunning cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Janakpur, breathtaking natural landscapes in the Upper Mustang Region, and lush rice fields scattered all over the country, a trip to Nepal should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Monsoon rains gradually dissipate all over the country by the beginning of fall, which means that you can enjoy captivating views of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas combined with the luscious greenery of valleys during your trip to Nepal in September. However, a visually pleasing aesthetic is not the only thing that you can enjoy during this month. From exhilarating trekking routes that take you to the base camp of some of the highest mountains on earth to festive celebrations and wildlife safaris, a visit to Nepal in September offers a wide range of places to discover and activities to indulge in.

The fall season is the best time to visit Nepal. No surprise that the country draws a huge number of tourists in October. The weather conditions are great for trekking and sightseeing and the country celebrates its two major festivals—Dashain and Tihar—during this time. Traveling to Nepal in October does mean that you will have to deal with peak crowds and prices. But that is a small price to pay to see this beautiful country in the best condition. Just make sure to book your tours early and you will be all set.

With the monsoon season long over and winter yet to set in, Nepal in November flaunts clear skies, moderate temperatures, and excellent mountain views. Take on a trek to the famed Annapurna or Everest regions of the Himalayas, or enjoy the vivid festivities of Kathmandu. November is an ideal time to explore Nepal and visitors will find a wide range of activities for all interests.

While visiting Nepal in December might not be a popular option, this month can be a surprisingly good time to visit the country. It is early winter in Nepal, which means that some areas will be cold. However, on the plus side, the country is mostly dry during this time of year. High in the mountains, night-time temperatures can go well below zero. But down in the plains, as well as in Kathmandu, you will experience pleasant weather during the daytime. December is therefore still a good time to explore the valleys and national parks of Nepal, without having to face high-season crowds.

Home to the mighty Himalayas and the vibrant Chitwan National Park, Nepal is a destination for a diverse range of activities and tour types. Summer in Nepal, in June, July and August, marks the monsoon season, where warm daily rains mingle with humid sunshine.This means it’s a great time to check out the country’s temples, cities, and indoor attractions. As the outdoors tends to get wet and muddy, taking refuge in Basantapur’s favorite restaurants might be a good idea to check out the expansive food scene or visit the National Museum of Nepal at the base of Swayambhunath. A trip to Nepal in the summer might also be a good time to experience white water rafting or kayaking in the popular adventure capital of Pokhara.

Nepal is a treasure trove for travelers, not just for its incredible Himalayan peaks but also its medieval city squares, beautiful temple architecture, colorful cities and sprawling forests. During winter in Nepal, which starts in December and ends in February, the upper reaches of the mountains can become inaccessible because of heavy snowfall, but lower-elevation trekking in winter (such as in the lower Everest region and near Pokhara) is a magical experience, often with clear skies, outstanding views, and few people. Winter is also a great season to tour the Chitwan and Bardia National Parks and gorge on temple art in the durbar (royal) squares. Keep reading to find out more about winter tours in Nepal.