Weather of Nepal - Climate & Seasons

Comprehensive guide to Nepal's diverse weather patterns across regions and seasons

Nepal's Climate Overview

  • Climate types: Tropical, temperate, and arctic within short distances
  • Key factors: Altitude variation (60m to 8,848m), monsoon patterns
  • Seasons: Spring, Summer/Monsoon, Autumn, Winter
  • Rainfall: 80% occurs June-September (varies by region)
  • Temperature range: -30°C to 40°C (-22°F to 104°F) across country

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Spring (March-May)

  • Temperature: Warm days, cool nights (15-28°C in valleys)
  • Precipitation: Increasing humidity, occasional thunderstorms
  • Characteristics: Rhododendron blooms, clearer air than winter
  • Best for: Trekking at all elevations, wildlife viewing

Monsoon (June-September)

  • Temperature: Hot and humid (25-35°C in lowlands)
  • Precipitation: Heavy rainfall, especially July-August
  • Characteristics: Lush vegetation, leeches, possible landslides
  • Best for: Rain-shadow areas (Upper Mustang, Dolpo), cultural tours

Regional Weather Variations

Region Altitude Summer (Jun-Aug) Winter (Dec-Feb)
Terai (Chitwan, Lumbini) 60-300m Hot (35°C), humid, monsoon rains Mild (20°C), dry, foggy mornings
Kathmandu Valley 1,400m Warm (28°C), rainy, humid Cool days (18°C), cold nights (2°C), pollution haze
Pokhara/Annapurna Foothills 800-2,000m Warm (25°C), very rainy Mild days (15°C), chilly nights (5°C)
High Himalayas (Everest, Annapurna) 3,000-5,000m Cool days (15°C), monsoon clouds Very cold (-10 to -30°C at night), stable weather
Trans-Himalayan (Mustang, Dolpo) 2,800-4,000m Dry, warm days (20°C), cool nights Cold (-5 to -15°C at night), sunny days

Best Time to Visit Nepal

October-November (Autumn): Clear skies, mild temperatures, best mountain views
March-April (Spring): Warmer weather, blooming rhododendrons, good trekking

Monthly Weather Summary

Month Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Everest Region
January 9-18°C, dry 8-19°C, dry 10-23°C, foggy -15 to 5°C, stable
April 14-28°C, clear 15-28°C, clear 20-35°C, warm -5 to 10°C, good trekking
July 20-29°C, rainy 22-29°C, very rainy 25-33°C, monsoon 5-15°C, cloudy
October 15-26°C, clear 16-25°C, clear 20-32°C, pleasant -5 to 10°C, excellent views

Weather Impacts on Activities

  • Trekking: Best Oct-Nov & Mar-Apr (avoid monsoon and deep winter)
  • Wildlife viewing: Optimal Feb-Apr (Chitwan, Bardia)
  • Mountain flights: Best visibility Oct-Dec
  • Cultural tours: Year-round (umbrella needed monsoon season)
  • Whitewater rafting: Pre-monsoon (Mar-May) for big waves

Extreme Weather Events

Weather Hazards by Season

  • Spring: Occasional hailstorms, pre-monsoon forest fires
  • Monsoon: Flooding, landslides, travel disruptions
  • Autumn: Generally stable, early snow at high passes possible
  • Winter: Snow closures on high passes, cold waves in mountains

Climate Change Impacts

  • Increasingly unpredictable monsoon patterns
  • Shorter, more intense rainfall events
  • Retreating glaciers affecting water sources
  • Earlier springs and later winters
  • Increased extreme weather events

Pro Tip for Travelers

Nepal's weather varies dramatically by elevation. Always pack layers and be prepared for temperature changes of 20-30°C (36-54°F) between daytime and nighttime, especially when trekking.