Many people wonder when is the best time to visit Nepal?

Generally, the time between October and December is the best time to visit Nepal. The skies are clear at this time and you can see the spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges. The climate stays dry until about April. January and February can be cold particularly around mornings and evening time, however it will reward you with spectacular scenes and calmer trekking trails as there are less visitors.

Pre-summer also another best time to visit Nepal as the rhododendrons burst into blossom. From May, warmth and humidity levels work until the rainstorm downpours touch base in June and the mists cloud covers the magnificent mountain scene. Nepal celebrates festivals all year round, so there is regularly a celebration or journey occurring which is entertaining.

Basically, Nepal has four main seasons with two additional seasons. In most of the western regions of the world, there are 4 seasons. The Two additional seasons in Nepal are Rainy Season and Pre-winter Season. Nepali seasons are 2-months long. Climate is thus a deterministic factor, while travelling.

Weather in Nepal by Season

Visiting Nepal in Winter (December – February)

Winter is mostly clear,stable and  cold. The temperature is moderate during the day but drops significantly at night. In the trekking areas, the weather is dry and trekkers can see occasional snow in the mountains. Winter is also a time when many fruits such as guava and oranges as well as many vegetables are harvested and made available during winter in Nepal.

In this season, wildlife is worth exploring. National Parks, Chitwan and Bardia are two of the well protected national parks, offering great sightings of wild animals.

Visiting Nepal in Spring (March – May)

When temperatures increases and rhododendrons bloom, it’s the beginning of spring in Nepal. The weather is warm and the days are long. Because of the stable weather it is one of the best time to trek in Nepal. During this season, it is a great time to  cross high passes like Larkya La (on the Manaslu Circuit Trek), Kongma La (Three Passes Trek), Thorung La (Annapurna Circuit Trek) and trek to the high viewpoints of Nepal such as Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri in the Everest Region.

This season is also marked by the color of festival Holi the festival of love or colors that signifies the victory of superior over immoral. It is also the season where wildlife is worth exploring and having a great adventure.

Visiting Nepal in Summer (June – August)

During this season the days are warm, wet and with high humidity. The rain often occurs at night resulting beautiful scenery view in the morning. Kathmandu is hot and humid, and the lowlands in the south are even hotter. Visiting the world heritage sites, old temples and knowing the culture of Nepal with less crowd is beneficial in this season.

Another factor you can experience is the various sports adventure like rafting, cycling, canyoning, kayaking, bungee jumping etc are best fit for this season.

Visiting Nepal in Autumn (September – November)

The Autumn season comprises the best conditions for trekking in Nepal. This season offers clear skies, fresh air and incredible views. All areas in Nepal are accessible during the season, and weather conditions are usually moderate and thus great for travelling.

This season also occur at the same time with the two of Nepal’s biggest festival Dashain and Tihar. The popular trails will be crowded. So, it’s a good idea to book early.

Conclusion

Visiting Nepal is different in each season. So, there is no exact best time to visit Nepal. As described above, there is a lot to explore in Nepal and visiting Nepal once is not enough. It’s up to you; what kind of adventure, trek or trip you want to experience. So, start backpacking and plan your wonderful trip in Nepal.