Weather

In Nepal the main considerations to take into account regarding the weather are the altitude, which of course has a drastic effect on temperature, and the monsoon, which brings heavy rain during the summer months.

Although Kathmandu and the lower plains of Nepal enjoy a mild climate year-round, if you are going higher up into the mountains, the temperature will drop considerably, especially at night time and during the winter (from late November to late February). At high altitude, nights can drop to as low as -20°C in winter, though daytime temperatures at lower altitudes are generally mild at up to 20°C. In winter also the snowline descends to around 2000-3000 metres, though snow is rare below 2000m.

The monsoon season is from mid-June to mid-September – and it can rain a lot, so if you’re planning lots of outdoor activities, prepare to get wet. You may find that many trekking routes are impassable at this time of year – particularly in July and August when rainfall is at its highest – so if this is your main reason for visiting, you’d be best off avoiding these months. This is, nonetheless, the hottest time of year, when temperatures average at around 24°C in Kathmandu and it can reach 30°C.

At either side of the monsoon season, from mid-September to mid-November and March to mid-June, the temperature is generally mild and comfortable and these are the best periods to visit the country. The weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, however: there can be heavy rain at either side of the monsoon season or sharp drops in temperature as winter approaches.

Average Weather Guide:

Temperature in Degrees Centigrade

Rainfall in Millimetres

The tables above are intended as guidelines only.