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Best Time to Visit Nepal 2026–2027: Month-by-Month Weather, Trekking, and Travel

Best Time to Visit Nepal 2026–2027: Month-by-Month Weather, Trekking, and Travel

SubarnaUpdated on January 22, 2026

Nepal offers one of the world’s most dramatic climate ranges. Within just a few hours, we experience/ travelers can journey from warm subtropical lowlands to snow-covered Himalayan viewpoints. Because altitude strongly affects weather conditions, the best time to visit Nepal depends on your travel goals, such as trekking, cultural sightseeing, wildlife safaris, festivals, or budget travel.

This complete Nepal travel guide for 2026 and 2027 explains seasonal weather patterns, trekking seasons, travel costs, major festivals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and essential packing tips. It also highlights the best months for popular Himalayan treks, including Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC).

Weather varies by region: Pokhara is generally wetter than Kathmandu, while Upper Mustang remains dry even during monsoon due to its rain-shadow location. This guide is written by local trekking experts based in Nepal, with years of field experience across all major trekking routes and seasons.

Climate and Geographical Zones of Nepal

Nepal’s climate changes rapidly with altitude. The country has five major climate zones:

Tropical & Subtropical Zone (Below 1,200 m / 3,937 ft)

Climate: Hot summers, mild winters (Terai plains)
Crops: Rice, sugarcane, fruits, tropical crops

Temperate Zone (1,200–2,400 m / 3,937–7,874 ft)

Climate: Pleasant, mild temperatures (mid-hills, Kathmandu Valley)
Crops: Maize, wheat, vegetables

Cold Zone (2,400–3,600 m / 7,874–11,811 ft)

Climate: Cold winters, cool summers (high mountain slopes)
Crops: Cold-tolerant crops, forests

Subarctic Zone (3,600–4,400 m / 11,811–14,436 ft)

Climate: Harsh cold, mostly above the tree line

Arctic Zone (Above 4,400 m / 14,436 ft)

Climate: Permanent snow and ice (high Himalayas)

Tropical/Subtropical (4,400 m): Permanent snow and ice

Nepal also follows six traditional seasons (Ritus):

Basanta (Spring)
Grishma (Early Summer)
Barkha (Monsoon)
Sharad (Early Autumn)
Hemanta (Late Autumn)
Shishir (Winter).

Understanding these zones is essential when planning treks, tours, and outdoor activities.
Choosing the right season can make or break your Nepal trip.

Nepal Weather and Temperature

Seasons	Kathmandu Valley	Terai Lowlands	High Altitudes
Spring (Mar-May)	16–25°C	20–30°C	5–15°C
Mansoon (Jun-Aug)	20–30°C	25–35°C	10–18°C
Autumn (Sept-Nov)	15–25°C	18–30°C	5–15°C
Winter (Dec-Feb)	2–15°C	7–20°C	-10–5°C

Mountain nights are much colder than daytime temperatures.

Nepal Month-by-Month Travel Guide

Months	Weather	Best For	Trekking Notes
January	Cold, dry	Culture, safaris	Clear views, very cold at altitude
February	Cold, dry	City tours, short treks	Good lower-altitude trekking
Manrch	Warming	Trekking begins	Rhododendrons start blooming
April	Mild, clear	Peak trekking	One of the best months overall
May	Warm	Trekking, tours	Haze possible late month
June	Mansoon starts	Cities, Mustang	Increasing rain
July	Very wet	Rain-shadow treks	Increasing rain
August	Wet	Upper Mustang, Kathmandu culture	Short hikes between rain
September	Improving	Start of Autumn	Best from mid-September
October	Dry, stable	Best overall	Peak trekking season
November	Dry, cool	Trekking	Excellent visibility
December	Cold, dry	Safaris, heritage tours	Cold nights, quiet trails

Spring Season in Nepal (March to May)

Spring is one of the top trekking seasons in Nepal. Spring combines stable weather with colorful landscapes, making it ideal for longer treks and scenic photography. Wildflowers bloom at lower elevations while high mountain views remain clear.

Why visit in spring?

Comfortable trekking temperatures
Rhododendron forests in bloom
Clear mountain views (especially mornings)
Great balance of culture and adventure

Watch-outs

Popular routes can be crowded in April
Prices rise during peak weeks
Slight haze possible in late May

Best for: Trekkers, photographers, first-time visitors, families

Summer / Monsoon Season in Nepal (June to August)

Monsoon transforms Nepal into a lush, green landscape and brings fewer tourists. Monsoon season offers a quieter, more local experience of Nepal, with vibrant countryside scenery and excellent conditions in rain-shadow regions such as Upper Mustang.

Why travel during monsoon?

Green hills, waterfalls, rice terraces
Fewer crowds in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Lower hotel and tour prices
Dry trekking in Upper Mustang and Dolpo

Watch-outs

Flight delays
Leeches on forested trails
Landslides on remote roads

Best for: Budget travelers, photographers, cultural tours, Mustang treks

Autumn Season in Nepal (September to November)

Autumn is the most reliable and popular season. Autumn delivers Nepal’s most consistent trekking conditions, making it the preferred season for classic Himalayan routes and first-time visitors.

Why autumn is ideal?

Dry trails and stable weather
Crystal-clear Himalayan views
Major festivals (Dashain, Tihar)
Best season for EBC, ABC, and Annapurna Circuit

Watch-outs

Crowds in October
Higher flight and lodge costs
Early booking recommended

Best for: Trekkers, adventure travelers, first-time visitors

Winter Season in Nepal (December to February)

Winter is dry, peaceful, and underrated. Winter favors cultural exploration and wildlife safaris, while lower-altitude treks remain accessible with proper cold-weather preparation.

Why visit in winter?