Nepal in March: Celebrations and Spring Weather
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.
Nepal Weather in March
Nepal’s weather in March varies massively. While the capital, Kathmandu, can experience highs of 25°C, the Himalayan Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar only reaches highs of -0.4°C. It all depends on where you want to focus your trip. Jomsom in Mustang district near Tibet is more temperate with highs of 7°C and lows of -9°C.
There is still snowfall in March, but not as much as in other winter months. In Namche Bazaar, with its higher elevation, you can expect around 18 days of snowfall for the entire month. In Pokhara, Kathmandu and Jomsom, rain is more likely than snow due to the climbing temperatures.
Need more seasonal information? Have a look at our guide on the best time to visit Nepal.
Weather in Nepal in March - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 17 | 19 | 24 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 22 | 18 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 2 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 9 | 4 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 62.6 | 66.2 | 75.2 | 82.4 | 84.2 | 84.2 | 80.6 | 80.6 | 80.6 | 77 | 71.6 | 64.4 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 35.6 | 39.2 | 46.4 | 53.6 | 59 | 62.6 | 64.4 | 64.4 | 62.6 | 57.2 | 48.2 | 39.2 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 13 | 14 | 10 | 29 | 70 | 129 | 325 | 239 | 175 | 67 | 7 | 8 |
Why Visit Nepal in March
With the winter season behind, some of the best places to visit in Nepal start reopening for the tourist season. Here are some reasons why you should visit Nepal in March.
- Holi: The festival of color tends to fall in March. Bring your camera and clothes that you do not mind getting splotched with colors and embrace this vibrant festival celebrated across the country.
- Maha Shivaratri: The night of the Hindu god Shiva is celebrated across Nepal, but not so as fervently as in Kathmandu. See a collection of Hindu holy men, otherwise known as sadhus, and tens of thousands of devotees gather around the impressive Pashupatinath Temple.
- White water rafting: With the thawing of the ice and rise in temperatures, rivers in Nepal start to flow a little faster, giving you the perfect opportunity to try white water rafting. Pokhara is a great place to start.
Where to go and what to do
March marks the major start of the trekking season in Nepal. Although some high-altitude routes are not open yet due to wintery conditions, the Upper Mustang region around the Tibetan border reopens for trekkers and tourists this month. Journey to Jomson, the main city, and enjoy one of the lesser-known but still spectacular Nepali treks. Marvel at the beautiful mountain views while trekking through one of the driest areas of the country.
Looking to boost your adrenaline levels? The clearer conditions that come with springtime mean that extreme sports like paragliding are back on schedule. Head to the lake city of Pokhara, which is fast becoming the base for many thrillseekers, that offers exciting activities like skydiving, paragliding, ultralight mountain flights and rafting, among others. While you might not be able to access high-altitude trails by foot, you can still take them in from above with mountain flights, which can be an unforgettable experience. You can also go on a short hike or trek around Pokhara during this time.
White water rafting in Nepal is not the only water sport that you can enjoy in March. If you are staying around Kathmandu, head to Jalbire for a canyoning experience. Scramble up rocks and abseil down cliffs and waterfalls. It will be a cool respite from the growing heat and the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu.
March is one of the best times to visit Nepal. It is the springtime season minus the tourist crowd of the peak season that starts in April. Not all high-altitude trekking trails are open in March, but you will still find many trails to trek and hike, places to see and activities to enjoy.
If you need a hand organizing your next trip to Nepal in March, check out our customized trips in Nepal. Our local travel experts can answer your questions and help you plan a perfect itinerary to suit your needs.
