Weather in Nepal
With approximately 75% of the land made up of mountains and one of the most topically diverse countries on the planet, Nepal understandably has a variety of climate zones and weather to consider. The country is loosely divided into three zones, a lower-lying flat region known as the plain, a warmer temperate climate in the lower mountains and a cold mountain climate in the higher Himalayas regions.
The weather greatly varies with the altitude in Nepal, with the winter average temperature being 13°C in some places and -16°C at Base Camp. It will get very hot over the summer months in the lower flat strip, with very muggy and uncomfortable conditions in the middle of the year due to the monsoon. These intense downpours are generally more impactful in the Terai region, the southern sub-tropical region of Nepal. For trekking, the best months are March to April and from mid-October to mid-November. See our monthly Nepal guide below to learn more.
Weather in Kathmandu
Kathmandu lies within the hilly region of the Kathmandu Valley and is classified as a temperate weather zone with a wet and dry season. Sitting at approximately 1400m, the country's capital usually doesn't snow, with winter minimums occasionally getting to 0°C.
While summers do get warm, the temperatures usually won't increase past 34°C. However, the rain and humidity will peak from June to September. The highest rainfall is usually observed in the middle of July.
Month | Average high | Average low |
March to May | 27°C | 12°C |
June to August | 28°C | 18°C |
September to November | 25°C | 13°C |
December to February | 19°C | 3°C |
Weather at Everest Base Camp
As you'd imagine, hiking Everest Base Camp (EBC) is no walk in the park, with windstorms, blizzards, hailstorms, snowstorms and more occurring throughout the year. The EBC trek spans a large area, so the climate will vary with the altitude, ranging from temperate to cold tundra.
The best times for trekking to EBC are during the spring and autumn months to avoid the high winds of winter and the muddy, wet conditions of summer. During these months of March to May and September to November, days are comfortable and often clear, sometimes even t-shirt weather.
Month | Average high | Average low |
March to May | 11°C | -6°C |
June to August | 16°C | 6°C |
September to November | 12°C | -6°C |
December to February | 4°C | -16°C |
Weather in Pokhara
Pokhara sits at 800m above sea level, just under the Annapurna Range. When heavy clouds hit the Annapurna Mountain Range, they dispel their water, bringing heavy rain to the area. Because of its geography, Pokhara is Nepal's rainiest city, with most of its rainfall occurring in July with the summer monsoon.
The dry season is usually filled with warm days and clear visibility. Generally, the temperatures in Pokhara don't get over 35°C or below 5°C. Even winter sees pleasant daytime conditions. Nights still getting chilly, even in the warmer months.
Month | Average high | Average low |
March to May | 33°C | 18°C |
June to August | 36°C | 26°C |
September to November | 31°C | 18°C |
December to February | 20°C | 8°C |
Weather in Bharatpur
For those looking to visit the World Heritage Chitwan National Park, the weather in the nearby city, Bharatpur, is very similar. Just like the rest of the country, there are two primary seasons that take up most of the year in Bharatpur, a wet summer season from about June to September and a dry winter season spanning October to June.
It gets very muggy during the summer season, with the hottest time being April/May. For the best animal spotting at Chitwan NP, visit during the dry season months of December and January when the weather is milder.
MONTH | Average high | Average low |
March to May | 34°C | 21°C |
June to August | 33°C | 27°C |
September to November | 29°C | 17°C |
December to February | 25°C | 13°C |
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