Nepal’s ideal travel time depends on planned activities. September to November is best for trekking, December to February for winter sports and festivals, and March to May for sightseeing and rhododendron forests. Monsoon season from June to August is less favorable but good for visiting the Terai region. Consider weather and itinerary before booking for a memorable trip.

Nepal has four distinct seasons: Spring (March-May), Summer (June – August), Autumn (September-November), and Winter (December-February).

Main Seasons

Winter brings cold weather at higher elevations but is a great time to visit Nepal for crystal clear skies. Treks in the lower Himalayan foothills are perfect in winter, and so are the jungles of Chitwan and Bardia in the south of Nepal.

Spring is a popular time to go trekking in Nepal, as temperatures climb steadily and the weather tends to be more stable. Trails are more crowded, however, and the skies can be a bit hazy at times. Spring features great festivals, including Holi in March and Nepalese New Year in April.

Summer is the monsoon season and brings hot, humid weather, with most trekking areas seeing cloudy skies and rain. Choose a trek in the “rain shadow” of the Himalaya at this time of year, such as Upper Mustang or Nar Phu. The Yarthung Horse Festival takes place in June in Manang.

Fall is the most popular trekking season because the weather is usually stable, temperatures are moderate, and skies tend to be clear. Since the weather conditions are at their best, the crowds are at their peak as well! Autumn has the big festivals like Dashain (October) and Tihar (November).