Best time to visit Nepal

The winter months from December to February tend to be mild in the daytime but can become very cold at night, especially in the mountains. January is the coldest month of the year and although Nepal’s cities are chilly, as there is no snow it is easy to explore the sights.

Spring appears from March to May with pleasantly warm temperatures and occasional showers. Flowers begin to bloom during this time and it’s also a wonderful time of year to spot wildlife. The annual temperatures peak in May.

June to September is considered the summertime, or monsoon season, and the daily forecast typically consists of extremely high temperatures and intermittent rainfall. Summer is a good time to explore the cities and by the end of the monsoon season the countryside can be seen lush and green.

From September the climate begins to change as the country welcomes autumn, which lasts from October to November. These months are much drier with pleasant temperatures in the day time and good visibility, leading to this being peak season for visitors.

Kathmandu can be visited throughout Nepal’s drier months, with the best time to visit being during autumn from September to November. The weather during this time is bright and sunny, with many festivals giving the city a wonderful atmosphere.

This is also peak season, therefore although winter brings colder temperatures there will be fewer tourists also trying to see the city’s top sights.

Chitwan can be visited from October to March as this period sees relatively clear skies. However for the best wildlife viewing, it’s best to time your visit after the towering phanta grass has been cut by villagers from late January to March. This improves visibility considerably, as the grass can grow up to 8 metres tall.

September to November and February to April are great for bird watching as migrations occur during these months. During the summer monsoon, jeep safaris are virtually impossible as the tracks through Chitwan become impassable.

Likewise to much of the rest of Nepal, the best time to visit Pokhara is during the autumnal months of September to November. The weather is pleasant, with clear skies, although this time sees the maximum number of visitors as it is peak season.

Pokhara sees a lot of rain during the monsoon, making this an unfavourable time to visit. But for winter sports fans, the colder months of December and January can be considered a good time as Pokhara is the base for many adventure sports.

Generally, Lumbini can be visited at any time of year. However as the site lies on the southern plains, summer temperatures can get very high and autumn, from September to November, is recommended for the best weather.

During April and May, Lumbini attracts thousands of pilgrims as they come to celebrate the birth of the Lord Buddha. Therefore this is also considered a great time if you want to experience more of Nepal’s Buddhist culture.

The effect of the summer monsoon season in the Everest region is very pronounced, with heavy rainfall effectively closing down the region. Trails can become extremely difficult, with slippery mud and rocks, and most lodges close. In addition, the trails can also see outbreaks of leaches, therefore trekking is not recommended during this season.

Spring and Autumn then see much drier and brighter days, making March to May and September to November great times to go trekking. Rainfall is still not an issue in winter, however you will have to face severe snowfall and some high passes become unsafe to cross. Winter also brings very cold temperatures, particularly at night, so although this season sees quiet trails you will need top-quality sleeping bags and clothing.

This region is far less affected by Nepal’s summer monsoon and therefore it’s possible to trek here year-round. However, the summer season is not without its challenges. Hard rains can cause paths to become slippery leading to downfalls and leeches can be a problem. Summits can also be cloud-covered, obscuring the magnificent views.

As the Annapurna region offers a much bigger time window for trekking, this is the best option for those who are restricted on when they can visit Nepal. But if time is on your side, it’s likewise recommended to visit from March to May and September to November.

Dashain is a 15 day festival celebrated by the Nepalese as well as many other Hindus and Buddhists around the world. The festival celebrates the forces of good overcoming evil and while the exact story changes according to which religion you follow, the gist is that the first nine days symbolise good’s battle with evil and the tenth day is when victory was achieved. The first, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth days are the most important of the festival.

Taking place over the course of five days, Tihar is a festival of great religious and cultural significance. Each day sees something different being worshipped starting with crows on day one, dogs on the second day and cows on the third. There is also a part during the celebrations when sisters worship their brothers and give thanks for the protection they provide. Siblings exchange gifts and tikas and strengthen their bond with one another.

One of the most auspicious days in the Buddhist calendar, Buddha Jayanti celebrates the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Gautam Buddha. The festivities that take place during this period are tranquil and gentle, in keeping with the practices of Buddhism. Vegetarian food is usually exclusively consumed and many people spend the day attending a slightly longer than usual sutra, which is a type of service.