Best Time to Visit Nepal: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Last updated: November 4, 2026. Weather is a seasonal guide, not a forecast.
Quick answer: The best time to visit Nepal is autumn (October to November) for clear mountain views and stable weather, and spring (March to May) for rhododendron blooms and warm days. Winter (December to February) is good for low-altitude trips and cultural travel. The monsoon (June to September) brings rain and leeches but green landscapes and fewer crowds.
Nepal’s four seasons at a glance
| Season | Months | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Oct to Nov | Trekking, mountain views, festivals | Crowds and higher prices |
| Winter | Dec to Feb | Chitwan, Pokhara, low-altitude treks | Cold nights, snow on high passes |
| Spring | Mar to May | Rhododendrons, Everest season | Haze at lower elevations |
| Monsoon | Jun to Sep | Upper Mustang, green hills, low prices | Landslides, flight delays, leeches |
Month-by-month guide
January and February
Cold and crisp with clear skies. Choose lower treks from our best winter treks in Nepal and look out for Maghe Sankranti in mid-January.
March to May
Warmer days and blooming rhododendrons make this a favourite for Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. Book flights and lodges early. Wildlife viewing at Chitwan National Park is best in the dry months.
June to September
Heavy rain falls in most of the country, but the rain-shadow region of Upper Mustang stays dry. It is also the season for white-water rafting when rivers run high, though conditions can be risky.
October and November
Peak season. Skies are clear after the monsoon and Dashain and Tihar light up the cities. Try the Langtang Valley trek or the Tilicho Lake route. Reserve trekking permits, flights and hotels well ahead.
December
Cold at altitude but dry and quiet. A good month for Pokhara and the Kathmandu Valley.
Best time by activity
- Trekking: October to November and March to May. Read the ultimate guide to trekking in Nepal.
- Wildlife: February to April.
- Cultural sightseeing: year-round, with festivals in autumn.
- Budget travel: June to September and December to January.
Plan the rest of your trip
Check Nepal visa on arrival fees, estimate costs in how much a trip to Nepal costs and assess altitude risk with our altitude sickness risk calculator. For official weather, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Nepal?
October and November offer the clearest skies and most stable weather for mountain views and trekking.
When is the cheapest time to visit Nepal?
The monsoon months (June to September) usually have the lowest hotel prices, followed by December and January.
Can you visit Nepal in the monsoon?
Yes, but expect rain, landslides and flight delays. Rain-shadow areas such as Upper Mustang are drier.
Is Nepal too cold in winter?
Days are mild at low altitude, while nights and high passes are cold. Pack layers and choose lower treks.
Sources: Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Nepal; Nepal Tourism Board.
