Nepal in February: Wildlife Sighting in Cold Weather

Nepal in February sees a vast improvement in the winter conditions of the months prior. The average temperatures range between 4°C and 19°C, but expect cold conditions to persist in high-altitude areas. The capital city Kathmandu sees dry conditions with temperatures between 4°C and 21°C in February. Pokhara, another popular tourist destination in Nepal, is slightly warmer, with the mercury hovering between 9°C and 22°C. The historic city of Janakpur, located close to the Indian border, has some of the warmest conditions in Nepal in February. Lukla, the main gateway to the Everest region, is still under sub-zero conditions, with an average low of -2°C and a high of 14°C.

For monthly weather breakdowns, you can check out our article on the best time to visit Nepal.

It may be the low season in Nepal in February, but there are many reasons to visit the country in the last month of winter. Here are some of them:

• Maha Shivaratri: Visit the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu to see thousands of holy men gather to celebrate the festival of Maha Shivaratri, which honors Lord Shiva.
• Better rates: You will find excellent rates all around the country as tourism is still recovering after the slow winter season.
• Lesser crowd: February is not the best time for trekking in Nepal, so you can expect fewer crowds wherever you go.
• Wildlife sightings: National parks in Nepal have excellent conditions for wildlife sightings in February. It is a great idea to visit Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park, and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve before it gets too hot and humid.
• Bird watching: February is also the start of the migratory season for birds, making it one of the best months to go bird watching.

One of the first things that come to mind when you think of traveling to Nepal is trekking, but there are better months than February for this activity. Still, there are tons of fabulous low-altitude treks that you can take during this time. The mild weather and dry conditions make February in Nepal the perfect time for embarking on a low-altitude trek or hike. If you do not mind cold weather and snow, you can embark on the popular Everest base camp trek. As February marks the beginning of the trekking season in the Everest region, you can get excellent services at the tea houses along the route. Ghandruk, Langtang and Balthali are other popular trek and hike destinations.

For wildlife spotting and warm weather conditions, visit Chitwan National Park. This wildlife sanctuary is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit to see one-horned rhinos, Asian elephants and Bengal tigers. You can also take a trip to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, to check out the many historical sites and learn more about the early life of Buddha, who was born as a prince.

You will also love cycling in Nepal at the end of winter. Pedal your way through the ancient city of Kirtipur for a genuinely remarkable cultural experience or embark on a scenic ride between Kathmandu and Dakshinkali. For a better idea of how many days to spend in Nepal, look at our itineraries to start planning your visit.

If you travel to Nepal in February, you will be richly rewarded with great deals and largely empty attractions. Pleasant, dry weather dominates across the lower altitude regions, and sunny skies will be the cherry on top for an unforgettable trip. Although February is still part of the low tourist season in Nepal, you can still embark on mountain treks and get your blood pumping with adventure activities. Besides, this is also a great time to visit the attractions in southern Nepal, which are usually hot and humid during the summer. Speak to our dedicated tour experts to set up a customized trip to Nepal.

Other related articles:
Nepal in January
Nepal in March
Winter in Nepal