Best Time to Visit Nepal

Geographical Difference and Climate

If you want to have the best-traveling experience in Nepal, you have to understand the geographical difference and how climate varies from one region to another. Nepal is divided into three regions geographically- Terai (plains) in the south, Hills in the central, and Mountains in the north.

Likewise, the country sees four seasons- spring (March to May), summer/monsoon (June to August), autumn (October to November), and winter (December to February). Each region has its own distinct weather patterns and climate conditions, ranging from tropical to alpine.

Compared to Hills and Mountains, the Terai region is excessively hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Likewise, the monsoon brings heavy rainfall. Usually, the transitional seasons- spring and autumn do not make much difference because the climate is either too hot or cold.

Below we have mentioned the weather and average temperature of each region. This will help you plan your trip to Nepal.

Terai Region:

Terai is the plain part of the country and has a tropical climate. The weather is hot and humid in the summer months from March to June, with temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F) and occasional rain showers.

The monsoon season lasts from June to September, and brings heavy rain and high humidity. The winter season, from October to February, is dry and mild, with temperatures averaging around 20°C (68°F) during the day and dropping to around 7°C (45°F) at night.

Tourist cities like Chitwan, Janakpur, Lumbini, etc are in Terai.

Hilly Region:

The hilly region covers the central part of Nepal. It has a subtropical to temperate climate. The summer months from March to June are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rain, fog, and landslides that obstruct traveling.

The winter season, from October to February, is dry and cool, with temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F) during the day and dropping to around 0°C (32°F) at night.

Kathmandu and Pokhara are in the Hilly region.

Mountain Region:

The mountain region lies in the northern part of Nepal. It has an alpine climate. The summer months from March to June are mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F) during the day and dropping to around 0°C (32°F) at night.

The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rain and causes landslides in the lower part of the trail, which makes trekking difficult. The winter season, from October to February, is cold and dry, with temperatures ranging from -10°C (14°F) to 10°C (50°F) during the day and dropping to around -20°C (-4°F) at night.

Himalayan belt is the mountain region. It includes all trekking routes.

Trekking in Nepal in Spring, Summer/Monsoon, Autumn, and Winter

Trekking in Nepal is one of the most popular activities for tourists visiting the country. There are many different trekking routes and destinations to choose from. The best time to trek in Nepal depends on the season and the region you plan to visit.

Below is a detailed description of Nepal trekking season 2023:

Spring (March to May):

Spring is one of the best times to go trekking in Nepal, particularly in the higher altitudes. The weather is generally mild, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures during the day. The trails are also covered with blooming rhododendron forests, making it a picturesque time to trek.

Popular treks during this time include the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit, and Langtang Valley Trek.

Summer (June to August):

Summer and monsoon seasons go hand in hand in Nepal, with heavy rainfall and high humidity. Trekking during this time can be challenging, as the trails are often muddy and slippery. The views of the mountains are often obscured by clouds, and the lower part of the trail has a high risk of landslides.

However, there are some treks that are less affected by the monsoon, such as the Upper Dolpo trek and Upper Mustang trek, which can be great options for experienced trekkers looking for a unique challenge.

Autumn (September to November):

Autumn is considered the peak trekking season in Nepal, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and dry weather. The trails are less crowded than during the spring season, making it a great time to go trekking if you prefer a quieter experience.

The mild climate and stable weather make trekking fantastic. The mountain views are clear and spectacular. As Nepalese celebrate their biggest festivals in the autumn season,  visiting Nepal during this time of the year adds special essence to your trip.

Some of the popular treks during the autumn include the Manaslu Circuit, Upper Mustang trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, EBC trek, Langtang Gosaikunda, Kanchenjunga trek, etc.

Winter (December to February):

Winter is the coldest season in Nepal. However, the weather is generally dry and stable, making it a great time to trek in lower altitudes. Some of the popular treks during this time include the Poon Hill trek, the Mardi Himal trek, and the Helambu trek.

Trekking in the winter also offers a unique experience as the trails are often quieter, and the accommodation price drops down. Likewise, the snowfall makes winter a magical time to trek.