Seasons in Nepal & The Best Time To Visit

Need to know about the seasons in Nepal so you can plan your trip? Here we will cover the best time to visit Nepal, monsoon season in Nepal, the trekking season in Nepal, and much more!

When I was planning my own trip, I had a hard time getting any clear information on what to expect during different seasons in Nepal.

So many sites had conflicting information on when was the best time to visit Nepal, and that made it tough to map out my perfect Nepal itinerary.

Little did I know, there was a good reason for this.

Nepal has six major climatic zones within its small borders. Here you’ll find tropical, subtropical, temperate, subalpine, alpine, and tundra climates. These range from the southern Tarai plain surrounding Chitwan National Park to the northern high and trans-Himalaya regions, the famous Nepal trekking region.

Having this many climates zones in such a small place means that the best time to visit Nepal depends entirely on what you plan on doing.

Here I will unpack what to expect during each season in Nepal, so that you can determine what is the best month for you to visit!

Seasons in Nepal: What To Expect

Here is exactly what to expect in each of these Nepal seasons.

Spring (March-May)

The Spring season in Nepal begins in March and lasts until May.

This is the season for colorful blooms. You will see a wide variety of flowers blooming, such as Nepal’s national flower, the Rhododendron. Look for magnolias and vibrant wildflowers growing across the whole country.

The Spring months of March and April are considered to be pretty good choices for trekking – the second-best season, to be exact. In these months, the mountain views are clear and sweeping. And, the high passes are typically snow-free.

The Spring season is a great time to consider visiting Nepal. The warm days and nights are overall comfortable, with warm days and nights.

Note that in May, some areas of the country will start to heat up. The Chitwan jungle and surrounding areas will be getting toasty. And yet, Kathmandu can still be quite chilly.

Spring in Nepal is also known as the “pre-monsoon season” as locals know that wet days are soon to come.

Pro Tip: Check out my post on What To Wear in Nepal for my best packing tips for different elevations, seasons, and temperatures. Hint: layering is your best friend!

Summer (June-August)

Nepal’s summer months span from June to August. Throughout this period, rainfall becomes a daily occurrence, sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms.

The frequent storms and heavy rainfall may cause landslides in some areas of Nepal. Be aware that roads can close and some areas experience flooding.

The summer temperatures may dip as low as 68°F and up to 95°F. However, the Terai and hilly regions experience much hotter temperatures because of the scorching sun.

Pro Tip: In the summer months, you should pack: a wide brim hat for built in shade, a reusable water bottle (that one keeps your drinks cool even in the heat!), and a lightweight scarf to cover your shoulders in the sun or your head when it rains.

Autumn (September-November)

September, October, and November are Nepal’s Autumn season. During this time, the rain has ended, and the climate is temperate and cool.

Autumn is a very pleasant time in Nepal. The clear skies, pleasant weather, and cooling temperatures attract a large number of tourists, making it also a pricier time to visit.

Note that the Autumn season in Nepal brings about the two major festivals of Dashain and Tihar.

Winter (December-February)

From December to February, Nepal welcomes the winter season with cold temperatures but sunny skies. Expect snowfall at higher altitudes in the winter months.

The temperature will drop to freezing in some areas, such as hilly regions which usually experience rough weather and heavy snow.

Even the hills surrounding Kathmandu can see snow, so be sure to come prepared if you fly into the capital city.

Monsoon Season in Nepal

Nepal’s annual monsoon season takes place between June and August each year, during the summer months.

Large rain clouds form in the south of India and sweep north, where they collide with the cooler air of the Himalayas. This causes torrential rainfall and harsh downpours.

Most regions around the country experience these sudden downpours, although some mountainous areas remain fairly dry year-round. this is because they are essentially sheltered from the rain by the Himalayas.

The Upper Mustang region and sections of the Annapurna circuit, a popular place for trekking in Nepal, receives very little rain even through August. However, the Pokhara Valley is often absolutely drenched.

Note that even in peak monsoon season, the rain rarely lasts for long periods of time. If you do visit during monsoon season, you will have the cultural sights of Kathmandu and Pokhara mostly to yourself.

You May Also Like: Is Nepal Safe for Solo Female Travel?

The Best Time To Visit Nepal

I think Nepal is worth visiting in different seasons for different reasons. But let’s break down some of the main reasons you may choose one season over another.

The best time to visit Nepal to see the wildlife in Chitwan National Park is in April and May.

The most popular time to visit Nepal for trekking is in October and November.

The Best Time To Visit Kathmandu

The best time to visit Kathmandu based on weather is from September to December. During this time, the city experiences cool but dry temperatures.

For lower prices, you can often find better deals in Kathmandu during the monsoon season, in the summer months.

Be sure to read about the best things to do in Kathmandu to plan your visit!

When did I choose to visit Nepal?

I had a long list of sights and activities I wanted to see on my first visit to Nepal!

I wanted to see the colorful cultural sites and temples in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Additionally, I wanted the best chance of seeing the wild animals on safari in Chitwan National Park.

And I also wanted agreeable enough weather that my adventure activities, like bungee jumping and paragliding, would not be canceled.

Because of this adventurous bundle of things to do across multiple regions and elevations, I determined the best time for me would be the month of May.

After the fact, I have no complaints. I saw every animal that I wanted to see in Chitwan, and then some! Not one single adrenaline activity was canceled or postponed.

And, despite a few colder than predicted days in Kathmandu, the weather was exactly what I expected.

If you follow the same route that I did, I highly recommend booking in May. While there may be no season that every separate elevation is 100% what you desire, that is just part of traveling!

Pro Tip: Read more about my trip on my Nepal Itinerary page. Or, swipe my exact route with this 10 Day Nepal Adventure Tour! It hits every region I named in this section!

Nepal Trekking Season

Nepal is one of the most popular destinations in the world for adventurous travelers looking to trek the rugged terrain with spectacular views.

With eight of the top ten highest summits in the world, trekking here is one of the most unique and breathtaking experiences in the country.

The best time to trek in Nepal is after the summer monsoon season.

The most popular Nepal trekking season runs through October and November. This applies to not only in the mega-popular regions of Everest and the Annapurnas, but also in greater Nepal.

These Autumn months have pleasant daytime temperatures, good visibility and long stretches of comfortable weather.

Note that trekking takes place across all seasons and months in Nepal. So, regardless of when you go, it is more than possible to join a trek.

Pro Tip: Don’t head out for a trek without reading my Nepal Trekking Packing List! It has everything you need to stay safe, dry, warm, or cool, depending on your route.

Nepali Seasons

Locally, the seasons in Nepal are split into six distinct season, each lasting for two months. Here are the Nepali names for these six seasons in Nepal.

Basanta Ritu (mid-March to mid-May)

What we know as Spring in the USA is called Basanta in traditional Nepali.

The season spans from Mid-March to Mid-May and brings largely favorable temperatures throughout Nepal. This is a fairly good season for trekking as the weather is generally good. However, high winds and light rainfall occur in some regions.

Nepal is especially beautiful this time of the year, due to the colorful flower blossom.

Grishma Ritu (mid-May to mid-July)

Grishma is the hottest season in Nepal in most areas. Temperature rise in all parts of Nepal except for the Northern areas, which are spared from the high heat due to the mountains.

Barsha Ritu (mid-July to mid-September)

“Barsha” translates to rain in English, and this is essentially the monsoon season in Nepal.

Lasting from mid-July to September, most of the regions in Nepal experience heavy rainfall daily. One exception to this is the Trans Himalayan Region, such as Upper Mustang, Nar Phu Valley, and Limi Himal, for example.

Sharad Ritu (mid-September to mid-November)

The fourth of the Nepali seasons is called Sharad, or, Autumn. This season sees plentiful festivals like Teej, Kartik Naach, Dashain and Tihar.

Travelers who want to experience the cultural energy of Nepal might consider visiting during this time.

This season is also regarded as a great time for adventure activities in Nepal. The skies remain clear, the temperatures remain moderate, and the cool breeze keeps things comfortable.

Hemanta Ritu (mid-November to mid-January)

In Nepal, winter is divided into two parts, with Hemanta being the “pre-winter season” so to speak.

These months see a gradual decrease in average temperatures around Nepal. It is considered a good season for trekking in Ghorepani Poonhill, Manang Gosaikunda, Manjushree Trail and more.

For the farmers in Nepal, pre-winter is the harvesting season. Crops are collected and stored for the upcoming winter.

Shishir Ritu (mid-January to mid-April)

These months are the “true” winter months. But, note that winters in Nepal have a large variation depending on the region.

The Southern plains of Nepal remain fairly warm while the mountainous regions often see heavy snowfall.

A Summary of Nepali Seasons

Nepali Seasons	Western Equivalent	Span of Months
Basanta	Spring	Mid-March to Mid-May
Grishma	Early Summer	Mid-May to Mid-July
Barkha	Summer Monsoon	Mid-July to Mid-September
Sharad	Autumn	Mid-September to Mid-November
Hemanta	Pre Winter	Mid-November to Mid-January
Shishir	Winter	Mid-January to Mid-April

FAQs on Seasons in Nepal

Let’s tackle some of the most common questions about Nepal’s seasons and

Is there autumn in Nepal?

Yes, Nepal does have Autumn. The Autumn season starts in the middle of September and goes to the end of November. The weather will remain humid, warm, and sunny.

Which month is most hot in Kathmandu?

June is the hottest month in Kathmandu with a temperature of 73°F on average. The skies are generally clear and sunny.

Which is the coldest month in Nepal?

January is the coldest month in Nepal, with temperatures sitting around 52 °F on average.

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Is there snowfall in Nepal?

Yes, there is often snowfall in Nepal! In December, the winter season begins, and snow can fall as earl as the fall months and up through February.

Which season is best for Nepal?

There is no singular best time of year to visit Nepal. Rather, it depends on what activities you wish to do. For wildlife in Chitwan, visit in late Spring. For pleasant trekking, visit in the Autumn months. And, for dry weather in the capital, visit in the winter.

Which season is best for Chitwan National Park?

If you want to see the most wildlife, visit in April and May. This is the end of the dry season. While it can be toasty, this is when wildlife gathers at waterholes in search of a drink.

If you are more after pleasant temperatures than wildlife, then October to early March is the best time to visit.

Which country has six seasons?

Nepal is the country that has six seasons. Nepal does not use the western “four seasons” structure. Instead, they have six seasons made up of two months each.

The name and range of these six seasons can be seen below.

What are the 6 seasons in Nepal?

• Basanta Ritu (mid-March to mid-May)
• Grishma Ritu (mid-May to mid-July)
• Barsha Ritu (mid-July to mid-September)
• Sharad Ritu (mid-September to mid-November)
• Hemanta Ritu (mid-November to mid-January)
• Shishir Ritu (mid-January to mid-April)

Final Thoughts on the Seasons in Nepal

The month you choose to visit Nepal should be based on what activities you plan to take part in. There is no one perfect timeframe within the Nepal seasons that works for every activity and elevation.

Personally, I think any season could be a great time to visit Nepal. However, they each have their own pros and cons to consider.

Remember to plan ahead with either my What To Wear in Nepal post or my Nepal Trekking Packing List. What will ensure a comfortable (and dry!) trip!

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