The best time to visit Nepal is from October to December. This is the time of the month when the sky is very clear and you can see beautiful views. Until April, the climate stays dry, but the temperatures can change depending on which region you are in.
It is pretty cold in January and February, but you will be blessed with a crystal-clear sky and remarkable views.
Nepal temperature in May gets warmer, with more humidity in the lowlands.
The monsoon starts in June and lasts until the end of August. The rainy weather, slippery roads, and prone to flood and landslides make these months to avoid trekking and hiking.
However, if you’re fully informed about the seasons, any time can be the ideal time to visit Nepal.
So, let’s dig into the details.
- The best time to visit Nepal is from October to December
- The best time to visit Nepal for trekking is September to November
- The best time to go to Nepal for snow is December
- The best time to visit Nepal for hiking is Autumn (September to late November) and spring (February to Mid-April)
Best Month to Visit Nepal: Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Weather | Festivals | Best Time For |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold, Snow in the Himalayas | Maghe Sankranti | Wildlife viewing, Lowland exploration, Winter trekking |
| February | Cold mornings, Clear skies | Losar (Tibetan New Year) | Cultural visits, Lower altitude treks, City sightseeing |
| March | Warming up, Spring blossoms | Holi | Trekking, Spring blooms, Paragliding, Adventure activities |
| April | Pleasant, Rhododendrons bloom | Nepali New Year, Bisket Jatra | Everest Base Camp, High-altitude trekking, Adventure sports |
| May | Warm, Pre-monsoon | Buddha Jayanti | Mountain biking, River rafting, Outdoor adventure |
| June | Hot, Monsoon begins | Ropain (Rice planting) | Photography, Village exploration, Cultural tours |
| July | Peak monsoon, Heavy rains | Ghantakarna | Quiet, off-season travel, Indoor cultural experiences |
| August | Monsoon continues, Humid | Janai Purnima, Gai Jatra | Lush landscapes, Lowland visits, Cultural exploration |
| September | Monsoon ends, Clearer skies | Indra Jatra, Teej | Photography, Short treks, Mountain views |
| October | Clear skies, Perfect weather | Dashain, Tihar | Peak trekking season, Mountain views, Paragliding |
| November | Cool, Crisp air | Tihar (continues from October) | Wildlife viewing, Trekking, Rafting, Chitwan safari |
| December | Cold, Dry, Snow in high altitudes | Christmas (tourist areas) | Quiet treks, Cultural tours, Lowland exploration |
Best Season to Visit Nepal
1. March – May
March means the spring is here. The days are warm and the nights are cool. Trust me, the warm weather and long sunny days will definitely make you drop everything and switch to vacation mode.
Why Travel Nepal from March to May?
- You don’t want to miss big festivals like Holi, Nepalese New Year, and Buddha Jayanti.
- Longer days, clear skies, and dry roads make it an ideal time for trekking.
- You have a great opportunity for wildlife spotting in Chitwan National Park and Bardiya National Park.
Also Read: A complete travel guide for Nepal
2. June – August
June marks the beginning of the monsoon season. The wet and muddy road won’t favor the trekking and hiking. However, it typically doesn’t mean you should drop your plan to visit Nepal in these months.
The heavy rain often occurs at night and you will be blessed with beautiful morning sceneries. The greeneries around you make a perfect time for photography.
Additionally, travel costs will be lower, with affordable flights and many hotels offering attractive discounts on accommodations.
But yes, you must take some precautions during your visit between June to August.
What to Avoid in Rainy Season in Nepal?
- Avoid trekking and hiking.
- Always carry an umbrella or raincoat with you.
- Do not visit near the river as the water level will be rising.
3. September – November
Following the monsoon season, Nepal embraces a season of warmth, clear skies, amazing views, and ideal weather conditions making it the peak trekking season.
Why Visit Nepal from September to November?
- You will get to experience Nepal’s biggest festival, Dashain and Tihar which falls between September to November.
- Clear skies, drier roads, breathtaking views, and comfortable temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold make September to November the best time to visit Nepal for trekking.
- This season of the year is a perfect time for adventurous activities like rafting, boating, paragliding, zip line, and many more.
- Drier months provide you with a great opportunity for wildlife spotting in Chitwan National Park and Bardiya National Park.
During these months, travel costs are significantly higher due to increased demand for flights and accommodations, as well as the popularity of trekking seasons and major festivals.
Tips: Book your flights and accommodations early to get lower prices and discounts.
4. December – February
December brings cooler weather, with pleasant daytime but chilly nights and mornings, dropping to 2°C at midnight. But do not worry as you will be provided with warm blankets, AC, and hot water in most of the hotels. However, because of the cold in the Himalayan region, it might not be perfect weather for trekking.
Why Visit Nepal from December to February?
- The cold will not be unbearable.
- You will have the opportunity to experience Maha Shivaratri, the grand festival dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- You will still have a great chance for wildlife spotting in Chitwan National Park and Bardiya National Park.
- It will be less crowded in tourist spots.
Explore the best places to visit in Nepal in winter
Best Time to Visit Nepal: Conclusion
Nepal is great to visit all year round, with each season offering something special. Spring has beautiful and warm weather, while the monsoon is perfect for photography and enjoying nature.
The cooler months are quieter and have their own charm, with clear skies and special celebrations. No matter when you go, you’ll find something amazing to do in Nepal.
So, pick the best time for you and get ready for a wonderful trip!
Also Learn : Top Reasons to Visit Nepal
FAQ
Is January a good time to visit Nepal?
Yes, January is a good time to visit Nepal. You can experience a pleasant climate and clear skies in January. You can also enjoy winter trekking in destinations like Kalinchowk and Nagarkot. Additionally, the crowd is fewer, offering you a peaceful and budget-friendly trip in Nepal.
Asmita is a travel enthusiast who enjoys discovering new places, trying local dishes, and finding hidden gems across Nepal. As a writer for Travel Nepal Guides, she shares honest tips and personal experiences to help travelers explore Nepal with confidence.
