When is the Best time to visit Nepal? When is the best time for trekking in Nepal? Read below to find out when you should visit Nepal and what each season has to offer with pros and cons.Â
Nepal is a gorgeous country with unprecedented prospects for tourism. Due to its remarkable diversity in culture and geography, any traveller visiting Nepal will surely get a marvellous experience from his/her stay.
Nepal is majorly known for its mountains and the trekking programs that take you around it. The key areas you can trek are the Everest Region, Annapurna Region, Langtang Region, Manaslu Region, and Dolpo Region and these are just a few. These include some of the most fascinating and exciting trekking programs such as the Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Circuit trek, Manaslu Circuit trek, Langtang trek, and so on.
Even for ones who desire to take their time for spiritual revelation or leisurely stroll and excursion, Nepal offers a stupendous array of choices. This is what makes Nepal the best place for tourism.

Thousands of tourists come to Nepal every year to go trekking/climbing on these trails to explore the geographical phenomenon of Nepal. You can surely visit Nepal at any time of the year, but keep in mind what activities you want to do: it’s best if you schedule it accordingly to the best time to visit Nepal.
Touring cities during the monsoon can give you a tough time or not getting to see the views due to fog can be a real bummer. Therefore it is best to find out what the ideal time for your travel is and take off.
Generally, we do not categorize any season as the ‘worst’, but we do consider two seasons to be the best seasons for visiting Nepal. The spring and autumn months which occur from March to May and mid-September to November are the ideal months to travel to Nepal. You will witness a pleasant climate with clear skies. For trekkers and climbers, the trails are dry and easier to walk on.
Here are further details on why you should visit Nepal during these seasons.
Annual Climate Charts
Kathmandu


Lukla


Pokhara
1. Trekking in Nepal in Spring Season (March to May)
Spring or Pre-Monsoon season occurs during the dates of March to May. This is the time when the cold from the winter (Dec – Feb) decreases and the temperature just starts getting warmer and more pleasant. As the fog clears up, you will be able to get the best views of the magnificent scenery. The trekking trails all over the country are laden with vibrant mixes of red, pink, and white offering a surreal experience along the trek. The Spring season is another busiest time of the year in Nepal for trekkers.
For trekkers, the spring season offers warm temperatures, blossoming flora and temperate days. For climbers, the Spring season is the preferred time as Mt. Everest and other 8000m mountains such as Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga are climbed during this season due to the low winds at the summits. The treks to the base camps of these mountains are also interesting at this time of year due to the expedition. The Spring season is also the best time to witness the wildlife of Nepal. The best places to do so are Chitwan and Bardia. The wildlife frolicking in their haven welcomes as the trips in the country take shape for a magnificent experience. Pro’s of trekking in the Spring season:
- Warmer days, blossoming flora and temperate days for trekkers
- Interaction with climbers/sherpas heading to scale Everest (Everest region)
- Fewer trekkers as compared to the Autumn season
Con’s of trekking in the spring season:
- Clouds will form usually from the afternoon time obscuring the views of mountains
- Warmer days at lower elevations can lead to uncomfortable situations (hot and sweaty)
2. Trekking in Nepal in Summer/Monsoon (June to Aug)
Summer/Monsoon which starts in June and lasts till August brings rain to Nepal thus making the travel wet and warm. Trekking in Nepal during this time of year is not typically recommended due to high temperatures, more rain, and uncomfortable conditions. Seeing the mountains at this time of year is very rare as the mountains are enveloped in clouds.
The mid-hill regions are covered with greenery, lush vegetation and stunning flowers which can capture the viewer’s heart at a glance. However, monsoon season blesses areas north of the Himalayas like Dolpo/Upper Mustang as these regions fall under the shadowland thus keeping it out of range of the rain clouds. The regions that are rain shadowed can be visited at any time of the year. These places include Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Rara Lake, Annapurna Circuit trek, Humla Limi valley etc. Pro’s of trekking in Summer/Monsoon season:
- Fewer tourists on the trail
- Lush vegetation and stunning flowers
Con’s of trekking in Summer/Monsoon season:
- Warmer days with frequent rains make the trail wet
- Obscured views and muddy trails
- Leeches are common at this time of year.
3. Trekking in Nepal in Autumn Season (Mid-Sept to Mid Dec)
The autumn or post-monsoon season occurs during the dates of Mid September and Mid December. This is when the rain settles and the weather gets dry. As the cold starts rising the days become shorter. But again, the skies start clearing and you get the best possible views. Most people prefer this time for trekking as the trails are dry and it’s easier to walk.
The Post Monsoon season brings a stable high pressure, giving clear skies, sunshine, warm days and cool nights. All the trekking routes and climbing peaks receive massive numbers of travellers at this time of year. The festive season also begins during autumn making the cities also pretty interesting as they are decorated with all the possible glitz and glamour. Â Pros of trekking in the Autumn season:
- Clearer views with stable and sunny weather
- Pleasant weather with moderate temperatures at lower areas ranging (from 16-24 degree celsius during day time)
- Guaranteed views of mountains at this time of year at higher elevations
Cons of trekking in the Autumn season:
- More travellers making the trails and hotels busy
- Pre-bookings are required as the hotels en route will be fully packed
4. Trekking in Nepal in Winter Season (Mid Dec to Feb)
December to February (Winter) brings snow that sprinkles over the mountains making it great for viewing the snowcapped peaks. However, the harsh weather makes it more difficult to reach destinations. Popular treks like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, and Everest Panorama can be done at this time of year. Weather will still remain clear offering views of mountains, trails will be less busy, and a perfect time for photographers with fresh snow on the hills but the only significant downside is the cold temperature. Daytime temperatures can range between 9-12ºC, and evenings can drop to sub-zero temperatures. High Passes treks such as Annapurna Circuit and Everest Three High Passes Trek are usually closed at this time of year due to more snow. The Winter season is also a good time for travellers who are looking just to explore the cities of Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nagarkot, Bandipur etc. Pros of trekking in the winter season:
- Less number of travellers
- Perfect time for photographers due to clear weather and fresh snow on the grounds
Con’s of trekking in the winter season:
- Colder temperatures
- Trails to high passes will be blocked due to more snow coverage
Finally
Nepal can surely make you believe heaven-on-earth is a truth. Any traveller must have Nepal on his list or else s/he will be missing out on this beautiful country. A country of varying races, cultures, and geography is a wonder and is even more ravishing if you can just plan your trip as per your preferences. You can visit Nepal at any time of the year, but keeping in mind what activity you are going to do it’s wise to travel at the best time to visit Nepal. By doing so, you will get the best experience from your visit to Nepal.
Data Source: Department of Hydrology and Metrology, Nepal