Nepal Weather & Climate

Nepal has 4 main seasons, categorized into six distinct climate periods:

• Basanta (spring)
• Grishma (early summer)
• Barkha (summer monsoon)
• Sharad (early autumn)
• Hemanta (late autumn), and
• Shishir (winter)

The rainy season starts from June to September with significant downpours in the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara. The rainfall is generally lighter in the Himalayas than Kathmandu, though the mountain peaks are often not visible due to clouds.

October to December experiences clear and dry weather. After the monsoon season, there is less dust in the air so this is the best time to visit the hilly and mountainous regions.

The temperature drops significantly from January to March, with the average temperature in Kathmandu as low as 0°C and below 0°C at higher elevations. It is possible to trek in places like the Everest region during the winter, but it is extremely cold during this time of the year and significant snowfall may prohibit going above 4,000 – 4,500 meters. The Jomosom trek is a reasonable alternative, staying below 3,000 meters with an expected minimum temperature of -10°C, and much better chances of avoiding heavy snow.

Dry and warm weather marks the months of April to June. Flowers bloom abundantly in the Himalayas, rhododendrons in particular, adding a splash of color to the landscape. The temperature in the Terai region may reach and exceed 40°C, while Kathmandu temperatures hover around 30°C. This is the best time to undertake mountain expeditions.