The short answer
- Best overall
- October and November
- Second best
- March to May
- Quietest
- December to February
- Rainiest
- Mid June to mid September
Nepal has four seasons, but for most visitors the choice comes down to two windows: autumn, from late September to November, and spring, from March to May. Both bring settled weather and clear views of the Himalaya, which is why nearly all trekking happens in these months.
Outside those windows Nepal is still very much worth visiting. Winter is cold in the mountains but dry and quiet, and the monsoon turns the hills green, empties the trails and is a good time for some rain shadow treks. Here is how to choose.
Nepal's seasons at a glance
| Season | Months | Weather | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Late Sept to Nov | Dry, clear skies, mild days, cold nights at altitude | All treks, mountain views, festivals |
| Winter | Dec to Feb | Dry and sunny, cold nights, snow on high passes | Lower treks, Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan |
| Spring | Mar to May | Warm, some afternoon cloud, rhododendrons in bloom | All treks, Everest climbing season, wildlife |
| Monsoon | Mid June to mid Sept | Heavy rain most afternoons, cloud on the peaks | Upper Mustang, culture tours, green landscapes |
Autumn: late September to November
Autumn is the classic trekking season. The monsoon rains clear the dust from the air, so the mountains are at their sharpest, days are warm and nights are cold but bearable. October is the busiest month on every major trail, and lodges on the Everest and Annapurna routes fill up, so book well ahead.
November is just as clear and a little quieter, with colder nights above 4,000 metres. Autumn is also festival season: Dashain and Tihar, Nepal's biggest celebrations, usually fall in October or early November, when families gather and towns are decorated with lights.
Tip: If your dates are fixed for October, reserve your trek as early as you can. Flights to Lukla and the best lodges sell out first.
Winter: December to February
Winter brings dry, sunny days and very clear skies, but nights at altitude drop well below freezing and heavy snow can close high passes such as Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit. Some lodges on the highest routes close for a few weeks.
It is a lovely time for lower treks such as Poon Hill, Mardi Himal or the Langtang valley, for the Kathmandu Valley's temples and for jungle safaris in Chitwan, with far fewer visitors and lower prices.
Spring: March to May
Spring is the second great trekking season. Temperatures rise, the hills turn red and pink with rhododendron blossom in March and April, and wildlife is easier to see in the lowland parks. Afternoons can bring cloud and haze, so mornings give the best mountain views.
April and May are the Everest climbing season, when Everest Base Camp fills with expedition tents. May gets hot in the lowlands and pre monsoon showers start towards the end of the month.
Monsoon: mid June to mid September
The monsoon brings heavy rain on most afternoons, cloud on the peaks, leeches in the forests and occasional landslides that can delay road travel and flights to Lukla. Most visitors avoid long treks at this time.
It is still a good season for culture tours of Kathmandu and Pokhara, for lush green scenery and for treks in the rain shadow north of the Himalaya, such as Upper Mustang, which stays fairly dry.
Month by month
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| January | Cold and clear. Great for Kathmandu, Chitwan and low treks. High passes often snowbound. |
| February | Still cold, warming by the end. Tibetan New Year (Losar) in Boudha. Quiet trails. |
| March | Spring begins. Rhododendrons start to bloom, treks reopen fully. Holi festival. |
| April | Peak of spring. Warm, busy trails, Everest expeditions arrive. Nepali New Year mid month. |
| May | Hot in the lowlands, hazier views, showers late in the month. Good for high treks early on. |
| June | Monsoon arrives around mid month. Low season for trekking. |
| July | Wettest month. Best for culture tours and Upper Mustang. |
| August | Rainy and green. Fewer visitors and lower prices. |
| September | Rains ease in the second half. Trails start to fill by the end of the month. |
| October | Best and busiest month. Clear views, Dashain festival, book early. |
| November | Clear, settled and slightly quieter. Colder nights. Tihar festival. |
| December | Cold, dry and quiet. Excellent views on lower treks, snow higher up. |
Best time for each type of trip
- Everest Base Camp: October, November, April and May. Late March and early December are quieter alternatives with cold nights.
- Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill: October to early December and March to April. Poon Hill also works in winter.
- Annapurna Circuit: October, November, April and May. Thorong La can close after heavy snow in winter.
- Chitwan safaris: October to March for comfortable weather, February to April for the best chance of seeing wildlife in short grass.
- Kathmandu Valley culture tours: Any time of year, though autumn and spring are most pleasant.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Nepal?
October is the best month for most visitors, with clear skies and settled weather, followed by November. March and April are the best months in spring. All four are busy, so book early.
Is it worth visiting Nepal during the monsoon?
Yes, if you choose the right trip. The monsoon is fine for culture tours and treks in the rain shadow such as Upper Mustang, but views of the high peaks are often hidden and long treks in the Everest and Annapurna regions are less enjoyable.
Can I trek in Nepal in winter?
Yes. Lower treks such as Poon Hill, Mardi Himal and Langtang are very good in winter, with clear skies and few people. Higher routes are possible but very cold, and high passes can close after snowfall.
When are Dashain and Tihar?
They follow the lunar calendar and usually fall in October and early November. Offices and some businesses close for several days, so transport can be busy, but it is a wonderful time to see Nepali family life and celebrations.
About the author
Ananda Dhital
Ananda Dhital is the CEO and Managing Director of Travel Gateway Pvt Ltd, a travel company based in Kathmandu that organises treks, tours, rafting, peak climbing and day trips across Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and the wider Himalaya.
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