Nepal is a country that offers great travel opportunities. You have everything here from mountains to wildlife to diverse culture and traditions. We will discuss about best time to visit Nepal
The best time to visit Nepal is during the peak seasons, autumn and spring. During these seasons, the weather is clear and dry. It is neither too cold in higher elevations nor too hot in the plains of Terai.
But, because of the wide range of things you can do here, Nepal sees tourists coming in all year round.
Nepal, despite being a small country, is geographically diverse. It has a wide variety of elevations and climates, stretching from the subtropical jungles in the south to the world’s highest peaks in the north.
This means you can experience various weather conditions in different parts of Nepal at the very same time. For example, the temperature in the south of Nepal could be over 30-degrees C on a given day. While on the very same day, the temperature of Everest Base Camp could be below freezing point.
So, to help you understand the weather of Nepal to decide the best time for your tour, we have given below the details of Nepal’s seasons.
Weather of Nepal
Spring (March, April, May)
Spring season continues in Nepal from March till May. The temperature ranges from 8-24℃. You may have slight rainfall at night and it clears up the skies in the morning.
There are flowers blooming everywhere and the landscapes are lush green.
March is the beginning of spring, the temperature slowly increases and rhododendrons bloom. Although it is still cool at night, days are longer during March and April making the perfect time for trekking.
May is one of the warmest months of the year but also the beginning of Monsoon in Nepal. There will be rain towards the end of May, so come prepared for the rain when traveling in this month.
It is one of the best seasons to travel to Nepal. And you can enjoy activities like Bunjee, Rafting, Trekking, etc in this weather.
Summer/Monsoon (June, July, August)
Summer/Monsoon continues in Nepal from June till August. It is the hottest season and also the season with most rain in Nepal.
The temperature in this season ranges from 18-30℃. The days are warm and humid with possible rainfall on most days.
Summer/Monsoon is the least favorable season to travel to Nepal. However, with proper planning and equipment, you can still have an amazing time in Nepal.
As an exception, this season is the best time to explore the rain-shadow areas like Upper Mustang, Dolpo region.
You can enjoy paddy plantations during this time of the year. Spectacular views of lush and green hills washed by rain are a treat to the eyes.
There are also lesser tourists on the trekking trails making it a great time to trek in peace and quiet.
Autumn (September, October, November)
Autumn in Nepal is from September to November with temperature ranging from 10℃ to 25℃.
This is the best time to travel to Nepal. The weather is pleasant with clear skies and the biggest Hindu festivals Dashain and Tihar also fall on this season.
Autumn is the peak season for trekking in Nepal. The rain from the monsoon clears the trekking trails and the surrounding. And the crystal clear skies provide the best panoramic views of the snow capped mountains.
Winter (December, January, February)
Winter in Nepal starts from December to February with the temperature going below 0-20℃.
The weather in the lower regions is normally pleasant and not freezing cold. The nights can get pretty cold so come prepared with warm clothes.
The temperature in the higher region, however, is below freezing point and often faces heavy snowfall. But the days are fine with lots of sun and clear skies.
Winter is also a great time to trek in Nepal. There is little to almost no rainfall and the skies are usually crystal clear, offering the best views of the Himalayan giants.
But, because of the cold, fewer people visit Nepal for trekking. This makes winter perfect for people who want to avoid the overcrowded trails of the peak seasons.
Best Time to Visit Nepal for Different Activities
Trekking
Typically you can go trekking any time of the year in Nepal. And each season in Nepal delivers different looking landscape, environment, and experience.
But, the best time to trek in Nepal has to be Autumn. It is also the peak season for trekking in Nepal and brings in a lot of trekkers. The monsoon rains will have cleared the sky of dust and the trails are clean and the views are often spectacular.
The valleys are lush green and the weather is stable and mild, making the trek an enjoyable and comfortable.
Spring is the second best season for trekking in Nepal. But, over the past few years, the end of February is also included in the Spring since the cold winter and snow ends by the middle of February.
Spring marks the end of the dry winter season and beginning of blooming rhododendrons and other flowers.
The trails are free from the snow and the weather is neither too hot or cold. And the clear views of the mountains and spectacular scenery makes Spring a popular season for trekking.
The mountain views are most often obscured by haze and dust during monsoon. The rainfall and heat can make your trekking experience an unpleasant one.
Winter is not a bad season to trek in if you can put up with the cold. The skies are clear, providing you with spectacular views of the mountains. You should come prepared to face the snow with the right equipment to make it through the trails in winter.
But, if you do not like the cold, you can trek in the lower elevations like the Ghorepani Circuit, Royal Trek, Helambu trek, etc.
Witness Festivals
Nepal is home to more than 100 different ethnic groups who follow their own culture and traditions.
This makes Nepal a great place to observe and learn about a variety of cultures. And what better way to learn about it than to be a part of their festivals. If you are in for participating in some festivities, here is when you can do it.
Dashain
Dashain, celebrated in October, is the longest and the most auspicious festival celebrated by the Nepalese people. This harvest festival of Nepal is of great importance to the Nepalese people. It is time for family reunions, exchange of gifts and blessings and elaborate pujas.
Tihar
Tihar the festival of lights comes after Dashain and is the second biggest festival in Nepal. It is usually celebrated on the Kartik month of Nepali calendar which is October/November in the solar calendar.
This festival continues for 5 days and during these days people will honor crows, dogs, cows and Laxmi, the goddess of wealth.
Holi
This festival of water and color falls in between February and March. Holi signifies the arrival of spring and the end of winter.
Teej
Teej celebrated on August/September is one festival celebrated only by women.
The unmarried and married women worship goddess Parvati and observe rigid fasting. Unmarried women do it in the hope to get married to good husbands and married women do it for good health and success of their husbands.
Tiji Festival
Observing the Tiji festival celebrated during May is a great way to immerse yourself into the Tibetan Buddhist Culture.
This festival observes traditional myths and Buddhist rituals for three days in Lo Manthang. The name Tiji comes from a Tibetan word, Tempa Chhirim which means prayers for world peace.
It marks the victory of Lord Buddha’s incarnation over a demon. This festival is a great combination of ancient Tibetan Culture in the backdrop of the beauty of Upper Mustang.
Religious Tours
Nepal is a country of diverse culture and traditions and every culture has its own set of gods/deities they worship.
Nepal is home to various UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Pashupatinath-a famous Hindu site, Lumbini– the birthplace of Gautam Buddha and several monuments.
All this makes Nepal a perfect place for religious tours to cleanse your mind and rejuvenate your spirit.
Wildlife Tours
Nepal is great for jungle safari and wildlife tours in Asia. The plains of Nepal have well-conserved jungles of some rare and endangered species of animals and birds.
Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park and Khaptad National Park are another great way to explore wildlife.
They offer a variety of activities to get acquainted with the wildlife and biodiversity of Nepal. You can indulge in Jeep Safaris, Canoeing, Bird Watching, Elephant bathing, etc.
Although these National Parks are open for tourists all year round, the best time to visit it is during the dry season.
March, April, September, October, November, and December are good for wildlife tours in Nepal.
Monsoon is probably the least favorable time to visit the National Parks. The heavy rain makes Jeep Safari impossible and most resorts are also closed for business because of the fear of floods.
Conclusion
There is no definitive answer to when is the best time to visit Nepal since it all depends on the purpose of your visit.
But, whatever season or time you visit Nepal, it is sure to blow your mind away with its scenic beauty, cultural diversity, spiritualism, etc.
An experience accentuated by the warmth and hospitality of the locals it is sure to be one of the best trips of your life.
For further queries or bookings, please contact us.
