When is the best time to visit Nepal?

Choosing to visit this spectacular region is an easy decision – but when is the best time to visit Nepal?

Spring (March to May) 

Springtime in Nepal is warm and pleasant, with rhododendrons blooming across the hills, adding colour to every trail and trekking route. It's one of the best seasons to trek, with routes like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit and the Langtang Valley at the most scenic amongst the flowers and blue skies. It's also a good time of year for wildlife watching, with Chitwan and Bardia National Parks to look for rhinos, rigers and elephants in the lowland forests. March is also when Holi celebrations spread across the country, with particularly joyful celebrations across the Kathmandu Valley.

Summer (June to August)

June brings the monsoon to Nepal, with heavy rain and high humidity engulfing the country, especially the hills and lowlands. It's not ideal time to visit the country but if you find yourself here during the summer, you'll find lush landscapes and few tourists, so you can explore with the locals. Venturing up to Mustang and Dolpo, you'll find rain shadow regions, where the monsoon doesn't reach, which can be dry and pleasant during the summer months. 

Autumn (September to November)

The post-monsoon skies are clear and autumn has arrived! Autumn is the best time to visit Nepal - warm in the lowlands and cool in the mountains. It's the most popular time for trekking, with well-maintained trails at their best and most explored. After the rains, the grasses in Chitwan can be long, so it's not the best time to see wildlife, although with time and patience, you still might be lucky. It's a great time to enjoy the culture of Nepal, meeting friendly locals and enjoying traditional festivals like Dashain. 

I completed the Annapurna base camp trek from Pokhara in November. We had fantastic weather with clear blue skies during the day and incredible views of the majestic snow-capped mountains. - Chris West

Winter (December to February)

Winter is chilly in the high mountains but Kathamadu and the lowlands are a lot more mild, usually between 6°C and 20°C. It's a good time to embark on some of the low-altitude treks like the Ghorepani-Poon Hill or the Royal Trek but the mountains will be snowy and much more treacherous for Everest Base Camp and others. Winter is ideal for wildlife spotting as the grasses have dried out, so heading to Bardia or Chitwan National Parks to look for Indian rollers and white-throated kingfishers. 

Interested in visiting Nepal? 

No matter when you visit, the vast mountains of Nepal will deliver. If you'd like to plan a trip to Nepal, we can help. Whether you're looking to embark on an epic trek across the country, explore the local temples or relax in luxurious lodges, we can plan the perfect trip for you. If you want to extend your time and visit India and Bhutan as well, we can help with this too - just request a quote or give us a ring on 1273 320 580.