When to go
When to go to Nepal: seasons, monsoon, festivals
Nepal can be visited all year round, but not in the same way everywhere: the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, the Terai plains and the mountains each have their own calendar. In short: October–November is the best time, the monsoon (June to September) the worst for views.
Month by month, region by region
Kathmandu Valley
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Best from October to April: mild, sunny days, cold nights in December–January (close to 0 °C). From May to September, heat then monsoon, mostly with late-afternoon showers: the sites are still worth visiting.
Pokhara
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The peaks are mostly visible from October to February, early in the morning. In spring, haze often veils them; from June to September, it's one of the rainiest towns in the country.
Terai (Chitwan, Bardia, Lumbini)
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The southern plains are pleasant from October to March. In April–May it can reach 40 °C, but it's the best time to see wildlife. During the monsoon: humid heat, mosquitoes, park tracks partly closed and many Bardia lodges shut.
Mountains (treks)
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October–November and March–April are the trekking seasons. In winter, high passes close; in summer, rain, leeches and clouds. Full details on Trek Nepal.
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The four seasons
October – November
High season
Skies washed clean by the monsoon, visible mountains, mild temperatures, and the two big festivals, Dashain and Tihar. The downside: it's the most expensive and busiest period; book flights and hotels, especially around the festivals.
December – February
The dry winter
Often very clear skies, few people, lower prices. It's cold in the mornings and evenings, and cheap hotels are poorly heated. Frequent fog in the Terai in December–January. Pollution rises in Kathmandu.
March – May
Spring
Rhododendrons in bloom, warm days, lively festivals (Holi, Nepali New Year). Haze and pollution often hide the peaks in the afternoon. Very hot in the Terai from April.
June – September
The monsoon
Heavy but rarely continuous rain, very green landscapes, few tourists and low prices. Hidden mountains, roads cut by landslides, delayed domestic flights: keep some margin in your programme.
Festival calendar
Most festivals follow the lunar calendar: their dates move by about two to three weeks every year. Check them before booking.
| Festival | When | Where, and what you'll see |
|---|---|---|
| Losar | January–March | Tibetan and Sherpa New Year: Boudhanath and Swayambhunath come alive with dances and new prayer flags. |
| Maha Shivaratri | February–March | Shiva's night: tens of thousands of pilgrims and sadhus from India at Pashupatinath. |
| Holi | March | The festival of colours: people throw powder and water at each other in the streets. Wear clothes you don't mind ruining. |
| Nepali New Year and Bisket Jatra | mid-April | The Nepali calendar starts a new year; giant chariots and a raised pole in Bhaktapur. |
| Buddha Jayanti | April–May | The Buddha's birth: processions at Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Lumbini. |
| Rato Machhindranath Jatra | April to June | The great chariot pulled through Patan for weeks. |
| Teej | August–September | A women's festival: dressed in red, they fast and dance, notably at Pashupatinath. |
| Indra Jatra | September | Masked dances and the Kumari's chariot procession at Durbar Square (Kathmandu). |
| Dashain | September–October | The country's biggest festival, 15 days: going home to the village, kites, bamboo swings. Shops closed and transport overloaded on the main days. |
| Tihar | October–November | The festival of lights, 5 days: oil lamps, marigold garlands, offerings to crows, dogs and cows. |
| Chhath | October–November | Offerings to the setting and rising sun on the banks of rivers and ponds, mostly in the Terai. |
You get your visa on arrival, at Kathmandu airport or at the border: form, fees and pitfalls to avoid on our dedicated site.
Visa Nepal →Fancy a few days of walking? Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Langtang… permits, guides, transport and day-by-day itineraries on our trekking site.
Trek Nepal →Comments
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