Nepal in August: Travel Tips for Monsoon Weather
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.
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Nepal Weather in August
The weather in Nepal in August is generally hot and rainy. This is the last month of the summer and the peak of the monsoon season, meaning that rain is frequent.
The country can be divided into two climate zones, the south, located about 500 meters above sea level, and the north, with peaks of over 5,000 meters. In the south, cities such as Kathmandu experience highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C, with an average of 22 days of rain. Temperatures in the north of Nepal are colder, with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Precipitation is also frequent here, with an average of 28 days per month. However, there are a few areas between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri region in the rain shadow, such as Mustang and Nar Phu Valley, that get little rain, making trekking in Nepal in August still possible!
For a seasonal overview, make sure to check our article on the best time to visit Nepal.
Weather in Nepal in August - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 19 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 20 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 2 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 13 | 8 | 4 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 67 | 70 | 77 | 83 | 85 | 85 | 83 | 85 | 83 | 81 | 76 | 68 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 36 | 41 | 47 | 54 | 61 | 67 | 68 | 68 | 67 | 56 | 47 | 40 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 14 | 19 | 34 | 61 | 124 | 236 | 363 | 331 | 200 | 51 | 8 | 13 |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 28 | 29 | 28 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 20 | 20 | 19 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 83 | 85 | 83 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 68 | 68 | 67 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 363 | 331 | 200 |
Why Visit Nepal in August
Despite the heavy rain, touring Nepal in August can be a wonderful experience for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few.
- Better rates: August is the perfect month to visit Nepal if you're on a budget. This is one of the most affordable countries in Asia, but prices get even cheaper during monsoon season as people tend to avoid Nepal during this period. Try the resorts in Chitwan or the higher-end hotels in the Kathmandu Valley for great deals!
- Trekking: While most of the country experiences heavy rain in August, there are a few regions, such as the Mustang and Nar Phu Valley that are in the rain shadow area, making this month ideal for those who want to go on a trek.
- Avoid the crowds: As most tourists visit this country in the winter months, if you opt for a trip to Nepal in August you will be able to explore its most popular sites, such as Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Temple, without having to deal with massive crowds of tourists.
- Nature galore: The rainy season is synonymous with lush green vegetation. In August, the rice fields located in the Terai region will provide you with the chance of taking some of the most stunning pictures of your life.
Where to go and what to do
With plenty of activities to offer, choosing a single destination can be tough. So, what are the best places to visit in Nepal in August? If you decide to explore this unique country, then a Kathmandu tour should be on your list! August is the ideal month to visit the capital of Nepal—before the arrival of huge crowds of tourists— And has plenty of indoor spots to take refuge from the rain. Take a picture of the stunning buildings in Durbar Square, visit the Kopan monastery, or opt for a food tour to try some of the local specialties, such as momo, chatamari, and sekuwa.
For hiking and trekking, your best option in August is the famous Upper Mustang Loop. This 12-day itinerary will take you to Lo Manthang, an isolated Tibetan settlement, and passes through both the eastern and western sides of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Along the way, you will find traditional villages and will be able to marvel at the stunning view of the Himalayas. The Upper Mustang trek is quite tough, with some steep and windy cliffs, so if you decide to opt for this unique adventure make sure you’re prepared!
Wildlife enthusiasts should definitely book a trip to the Chitwan National Park or the lesser-known hidden gem Bardia National Park. These amazing natural areas are both open through the monsoon and are home to a variety of animals, ranging from rhinos to Bengals tigers, sloth bears, elephants, and even dolphins and crocodiles! While rain and vegetation might make spotting more of a challenge, you’ll likely be able to score great monsoon deals at the resorts.
If you are now feeling overwhelmed with options and starting to have doubts about how long your trip to Nepal should be, don’t hesitate to check out our guide on how many days to spend in Nepal.
Despite being the peak of the monsoon season, traveling to Nepal in August is still likely to be a fantastic experience. Enjoy the warm temperatures, crowds, and cheaper prices!
If you are now eager to visit this country but don’t have the time to organize everything by yourself, don’t hesitate to check out our customized tours to Nepal and contact our travel experts, who will help you plan your dream trip.
Related articles:
Nepal in July
Nepal in September
