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Nepal · tool

Best time to visit Kathmandu

Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.

Best time to visit Kathmandu, Nepal

Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.

Month	Weather	Crowds	Prices	Highlights
January	2-15°C, clear and dry with excellent mountain views.	low	low	• Crisp, clear skies perfect for trekking and sightseeing • Fewer tourists allow for more intimate cultural experiences ⚠ Days are short, and evenings can be very cold.
February	5-18°C, dry and starting to warm up.	low	low	• Pleasant temperatures for exploring the city and surrounding valleys • Budding rhododendrons in higher altitudes
March	10-23°C, mild and increasingly sunny.	moderate	moderate	• Ideal trekking weather as the snow melts • Vibrant colors of spring flowers appearing ⚠ End of March can see the start of pre-monsoon showers.
April	14-26°C, warm with increasing humidity and occasional showers.	moderate	moderate	• Trekking season is still excellent before the monsoon • Nepali New Year celebrations ⚠ Pre-monsoon showers can occur, especially later in the month.
May	18-28°C, hot and humid with increasing monsoon influence.	moderate	moderate	• Last chance for trekking before the heavy rains • Lush green landscapes ⚠ The monsoon season officially begins, bringing heavy rainfall and reduced visibility.
June	20-29°C, hot, humid, and rainy.	low	moderate	• Monsoon rains make trekking difficult and roads prone to landslides • Fewer tourists ⚠ Heavy monsoon rains are prevalent, impacting travel and outdoor activities.
July	21-29°C, peak monsoon season with heavy, persistent rain.	low	low	• Monsoon season is at its height, making most outdoor activities challenging • Vibrant green scenery due to heavy rainfall ⚠ Heavy monsoon rains continue, significantly disrupting trekking and travel.
August	21-28°C, late monsoon with heavy rain easing slightly.	low	low	• Monsoon rains persist, though may begin to lessen towards the end of the month • Post-monsoon greenery ⚠ Monsoon rains continue, though the intensity may decrease by late August.
September	18-25°C, post-monsoon, clearing skies and mild temperatures.	moderate	moderate	• Skies clear, offering excellent mountain views • Trekking season begins again with pleasant weather ⚠ Still a chance of lingering showers early in the month.
October	12-22°C, dry, sunny, and pleasant with crisp air.	peak	peak	• The absolute best weather for trekking and sightseeing • Major Hindu and Buddhist festivals like Dashain and Tihar ⚠ This is peak tourist season, so book flights and accommodation well in advance.
November	8-18°C, dry, sunny, and cool.	high	high	• Excellent trekking conditions with clear skies and moderate temperatures • Autumn foliage in many areas ⚠ Temperatures drop significantly in the evenings and at higher altitudes.
December	3-15°C, cold, dry, and clear with potential for frost.	low	low	• Clear, cold days offer stunning Himalayan vistas • Fewer tourists for a more peaceful experience ⚠ Very cold nights and early mornings; mountain passes can be snow-covered.

Annual events worth timing your trip around

April

Nepali New Year (Baisakh)

Celebrated with parades, cultural programs, and family gatherings, marking the start of the traditional Nepali calendar.

May

Buddha Jayanti

Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, with special prayers and ceremonies at Buddhist monasteries.

August

Gai Jatra (Cow Festival)

A unique festival where people parade cows through the streets to honor the deceased, accompanied by music and comedy.

September

Indra Jatra

A vibrant festival dedicated to the god of rain and thunder, featuring masked dances, processions, and the living goddess Kumari.

October

Dashain

The longest and most important festival in Nepal, celebrating victory over evil with family reunions, feasting, and kite flying.

October

Tihar (Festival of Lights)

A five-day festival of lights, where homes are decorated with oil lamps and candles, and various animals are worshipped.

February

Maha Shivaratri

A major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed with fasting, prayer, and pilgrimage to Pashupatinath Temple.

Insider timing tips

•The post-monsoon months of September and October offer a sweet spot with clearing skies and moderate temperatures, though crowds and prices increase.
•While winter (December-February) is cold, it offers the clearest mountain views and lowest prices, making it ideal for budget travelers who don't mind the chill.
•The monsoon season (June-August) sees significantly fewer tourists and lower prices, but heavy rainfall can lead to travel disruptions and limit outdoor activities.
•April is a great shoulder month for trekking before the monsoon, with pleasant weather and the added cultural vibrancy of Nepali New Year.