Nepal has diverse and varied landscapes, ranging from the high Himalayan peaks in the north to the subtropical forests in the south. As a result, the best time to visit Nepal depends largely on what type of experience you are looking for and your personal preferences and comfort level. The country's geography is divided into the Terai, the Hills, and the Mountains. Terai is the lower part of Nepal, the plains. It is hard to feel the difference between spring and autumn. The Hills combine cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. The climate is mild in this area, and most cities & towns are located inside valleys. Hills are a perfect part of the country to experience transitional seasons, along with mountains, where most treks happen. It is crucial to understand this geographical variation of the country and consider where the journey will take you before choosing the season to travel in Nepal. Spring (March to early May) and autumn (late September to November) are the best time for trekking and tours.
September to November is the best time for trekking and sightseeing
October to November is the peak season for trekking in Nepal and is ideal for many activities. The weather is warm, with clear skies providing great mountain views. Rafting and kayaking are also enjoyable during this time. While it’s a bit pricier, Nepal remains affordable. Crowds can be a concern, especially on popular trails like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley Trek, and Manaslu Circuit, so booking in advance is recommended. To avoid crowds, consider less-known trekking routes like Kanchenjunga, Dolpa, Upper Mustang, Tamang Heritage, Langtang Gosainkunda and Nar Phu Valley. This season also aligns with major festivals like Dashain in October and Tihar in November. Dashain is a family event, with many businesses closed in Kathmandu, while Tihar, the festival of lights, is vibrant and accessible to travellers.
Spring (March to May) | 2nd Peak season for Trekking
Spring is a great time to visit Nepal, as the weather is generally pleasant, and the landscapes are lush and green. The days are warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 20-25 degrees Celsius). However, the evenings can be cool, especially at higher elevations. This is an ideal time for trekking and touring, as the trails are in good condition, and the views are clear and unobstructed. Popular treks like the Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani Poon Hill, Langtang Valley Trek and Manaslu route are full of adventure seekers, while off-the-beaten-path such as Kanchenjunga and Dolpa trek offers less crowd environment with a more serene experience. Spring also brings a vibrant cultural scene, with festivals like Holi, Maha Shivratri, Chaite Dashain, Ram Navami, Buddha Jayanti, Machhendranath Rath Jatra, and Bisket Jatra. These festivals provide a unique glimpse into Nepalese culture and traditions.
Where to Visit During Spring
This season is also perfect for helicopter tours and adventure sports such as paragliding, bungee jumping, and rafting. Spring is ideal for both high-altitude treks and lower-elevation adventures. The hills around Pokhara and Kathmandu are excellent for day hikes like Nagarjun, Champadevi, Shivapuri, and Chisapani-Nagarkot, offering stunning views and a taste of rural life without the strenuous challenge of high-altitude trails. Summer is the monsoon season (June to August) in Nepal, and the weather is characterised by heavy rainfall and high humidity. The days are hot and sticky, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 25-30 degrees Celsius). The rainfall can be intermittent, with long spells of sunshine interspersed with sudden downpours. While the monsoon season is not the best time for trekking or touring, it is an excellent time for other activities, such as rafting and kayaking, as the rivers are filled with rainwater and provide an exhilarating ride. It is also a good time for cultural sightseeing, as the crowds are thinner and the prices are generally lower.
We also have some special trekking packages in the monsoon season. These packages explore the trans-Himalayan rain shadow areas, so there is a chance of less rain. The trekking regions are arid and barren. Upper Dolpo Trek and Upper Mustang Trek are the two top packages to do in the monsoon season in Nepal. If you plan to visit Nepal during the summer, it is important to be prepared for the weather and bring appropriate clothing and gear.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is the coldest season in Nepal, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit (around 5-15 degrees Celsius). The days are short, and the nights are long, and there is often snow at higher elevations. So the winter season is not the best time for trekking or touring. Nepal isn’t only about the mountains. The national parks on the Terai, such as Chitwan and Bardia, are full of wildlife, including lots of one-horned rhinoceros and a few Royal Bengal tigers. The best time to spot wildlife is at the end of winter (January to February).
Conclusion
Choose your travel time based on your interests. Whether trekking, tours, expeditions, or simply soaking in Nepal’s natural beauty. For the best all-around experience, spring and autumn are unbeatable.
- Late September to November is the best time for trekking, sightseeing and festivities
- Peak tourism season also coincides with peak festival season. Dashain (also called Dashami or Durga Puja) usually falls in October, while Tihar (also called Deepawali) is in November.
- Winter is the best time for off-season low-altitude trekking
- Foggy mornings and chilly nights, best for Homestay treks and low-altitude treks
- Late winter is the best time for wildlife spotting (Bardiya Jungle Safari and Chitwan Jungle Safari)
- Spring is the best time to visit Nepal
- A second peak season in Nepal, an attractive feature of spring, however, is all the festivals. Shivratri in February, Holi in March, and the Rato Machhendranath festival in April are all accessible to travellers and great fun
- The monsoon season is the worst time to visit Nepal
- Cloudy skies, muddy and flooded streets, cancelled or delayed flights, and the potential for landslides across the country.
- Get in touch with us for more information and trip-planning assistance.
- Plan your journey to Nepal at the most favourable times for a memorable experience.
