Summer in Nepal: Top Destinations and Weather Advice

Summer in Nepal is the height of the monsoon season. As such, it’s the wettest the country gets all year! It is largely warm, humid, and wet, which may not be ideal for hiking or spotting animals on safari. However, summer features the longest sunlight hours of the year — with almost 14 hours of sunlight in Nepal in June. It is also the hottest time of the year, although frequent rains bring respite from the heat.

Following spring, the windiest part of the year in Nepal, summer’s wind speeds sit at around 8 kph. This provides a pleasant breeze and breaks from the humidity, averaging around 70% throughout the summer.

For a seasonal overview, check out our article on the best time to visit Nepal.

Summer in Nepal is the low tourist season. So while a trek to Everest Base Camp may not be in the cards, there are plenty of deals to be had.

• Fewer crowds and better rates: The monsoon season can deter travelers, as it’s not always safe to trek with the chances of mudslides. As a result, accommodation can be super cheap, with budget accommodation being as little as USD 100* for 8 nights.
• Watersports: This season is also a perfect time to try your hand at white water rafting in Pokhara, on the Seti Gandaki River. The extra rain from the monsoon means the rivers are full and raging — perfect for adrenaline junkies.
• Festivals: If you’re into local cultural festivals, the end of June and the start of July marks the ropain (rice-planting) festival, celebrated by farmers around the countryside. Get muddy, learn how the locals plant rice, and enjoy a post-plant feast!
• Off-season hikes: Towards the end of summer, trekking is possible in the Upper Mustang region. If you’re heading north, you can treat yourself to world-class hiking with affordable accommodations.

Insider's Tip: Discover the allure of summer in Nepal! With fewer crowds, affordable rates, thrilling water sports, cultural festivals, and off-season hikes, it's the ideal time to explore. Embrace the lush landscapes, vibrant temples, and unique experiences while escaping the scorching heat. Make unforgettable memories in Nepal this summer! — Sujan Lamichhane from Alpine Club of Himalaya

Nepal has its popular destinations like Pokhara and Kathmandu, but in summer, the following locations are great off-the-beaten-path options:

1. Bandipur

This traditional Newari hill town between Pokhara and Kathmandu is a well-preserved piece of local culture, fascinating to explore and spend a few days. Several temples, local villages, and shrines dot the area, and if it is not too wet, hike to Siddha Gufa, Asia's second-largest cave.

Major attractions: Siddha Gufa, Ramkot, Thani Mai Temple, Chhabdi Barahi Temple, Khadga Devi Temple.

Pros:

• The riverside area of Bandipur is at its best during the monsoon rains.
• Indulge with the Newari community and try local cuisine, like samaya baji.
• There are fewer tourists in the Thani Mai Temple during this season so you can enjoy the serenity all to yourself.

Cons:

• The hike to the Siddha Cave can be very tiring in the summer heat and there may be mud and leeches from the monsoons.
• The mountainous area around Bandipur can be difficult to get around in monsoon season due to mudslides.

2. Kathmandu

When the skies open, it’s always a good idea to have an indoor contingency plan. Luckily, a trip to Kathmandu this season is full of exploring amazing temples to stay cool and dry.

Major attractions: Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, and Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square.

Pros:

• The cooler temperatures in the Kathmandu Valley can make the summer humidity in Nepal a lot more bearable.
• There are plenty of indoor excursions, like visiting art galleries and ancient Durbar Squares to enjoy while the daily rains are descending!

Cons:

• Due to the cloudy weather from the monsoons, the iconic views of the Himalayas aren’t really visible.
• You miss all the major festivals that make the city come to life for tourists the world over!

3. Ilam

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and escape to one of the most underrated hill stations in Nepal? Ilam in the eastern region is a beautiful spot that offers a cool respite from the humidity. Home to dozens of tea plantations, the monsoon rains bring the whole area alive in a sea of lush greenery. Check out the historic Temple Gajurmukhi, the free-flowing Todke Jharna waterfall, and the special sunrise spot of Shree Antu.

Major attractions: Singhabahini Temple, Ilam Tea Estate, and Forests of Sanketham and Choyatar.

Pros:

• Ilam is a lot cooler than a lot of spots in Nepal due to the higher altitude.
• It’s an amazing time to see the tea estates of Ilam, as the rain makes the entire landscape vibrant and aromatic.
• The Todke Jharna waterfall is in full flow during the monsoon season, making it a spectacular place to visit in the summer months.

Cons: 

• Some of the peaks in this area are going to be inaccessible during the summer months due to the unsafe rain-soaked trails.
• It can be tricky to get up to the hill stations in the northeast of Nepal. During monsoon season, a lot of roads to remote places, like Ilam, get blocked.

These are some of the top places to visit in Nepal during the rainy summer season, so you can choose where to go according to your interests and preferences.

Despite the monsoon rains that dominate summer, there are still some great things to do in Nepal during this particular season.

• Raft down the Bhote Kosi River: If you want to get your heart racing and adrenaline spiking, head to the Bhote Kosi River in Pokhara and rush down the valley in a white water raft. As it’s only two or three hours away from central Kathmandu, it’s the perfect location for a day trip and the roads are normally pretty good during monsoon season. The water is super cool and refreshing, making rafting tours in Nepal the perfect antidote to the summer heat and humidity!
• Sightseeing in Bhaktapur: Located in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is an ancient city filled with temples, architecture, artifacts, culture, and history. The valley location means that the city can often be a few degrees cooler than the surrounding area, so it's a great place to check out if you’re looking to escape the heat. Also, you can escape the summer monsoon rains in various temples, like Siddhi Lakshmi, Nyatapola Temple and Changu Narayan.
• Trekking tours in Upper Mustang Region: The vast majority of the trekking hotspots in Nepal are basically no-go areas during the summer months due to the rain. The exception to this rule is the northern Upper Mustang region as it’s in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. This means that this area is largely dry, despite Nepal in summer being predominantly wet and cloudy. Given that Nepal is one of the best trekking destinations in the world, you simply have to check out this wild, rocky, and beautiful region.

You are in for an unforgettable summer experience with these amazing activities to try out in Nepal this season.

• The monsoon rains are often heavy but short-lived, arriving around the same time each day. Work out when this is and organize your vacation days accordingly.
• Be prepared for travel disruptions due to mudslides, stuck buses, and more unreliable transport issues that are common in Nepal in summer! Give yourself plenty of contingency time to get to your destination or opt for a flight.
• Quick-drying clothes are going to be your best friend. Sportswear is a great option as they’re quick-drying for both sweat (for dealing with humidity) and rain.

Although summer in Nepal doesn’t exactly offer optimum weather conditions, it is a very affordable time to go and there are still plenty of things to do, including visiting temples, indulging in adventure sports, and trekking in the northeastern rain shadow. If you want to plan a customized trip to Nepal, we’ve got you covered. Our destination experts can help you with the perfect trip to Nepal, no matter what time of year you want to visit.

*Note: The prices mentioned are as of 2023. They are subject to change.