What’s the ideal time to explore Nepal?

Nepal is renowned for its towering mountains, but it also stretches from the lush, lowland Terai—bordering India—to the high Tibetan Plateau, showcasing a wide range of climates.

Determining the best month for your visit to Nepal greatly relies on your planned activities and whether you'll be in high or low-altitude areas. Weather significantly influences tourist seasons.

Whether you're interested in spotting rhinos, white-water rafting, or trekking through the mountains, our insider's guide to Nepal's seasonal changes and celebrations will help you select the perfect time for your visit.

The prime period for trekking, sightseeing, and celebrations is from late September to November.

October to November marks the peak travel season in Nepal, making these months ideal for most activities (with late September as the shoulder season, though lingering monsoon rains may occur). The weather is pleasantly warm, skies are generally clear, providing stunning mountain vistas. Rafting or kayaking on Nepal's rivers is enjoyable during this time, with good water levels and comfortable temperatures. While it's not the cheapest time to visit, Nepal remains generally affordable.

Many potential visitors hesitate to travel during peak season due to crowd concerns, but this varies by location. On popular trekking routes, such as Everest Base Camp, expect significant foot traffic. It's advisable to book guides, flights, and accommodations well in advance, possibly several months ahead.

Those infamous images of traffic jams on Everest? They mainly pertain to climbers, not trekkers. Overcrowding is primarily an issue for Everest, not the entire country. Most travelers are not looking to summit Everest, but if you are, the prime climbing season differs from the peak tourism season (see below). To enjoy the favorable weather of peak season while avoiding crowds, explore lesser-known trekking paths. They tend to be quieter, with more accommodation options available.

The peak tourist season aligns with the height of festival celebrations. Dashain (known as Dashami or Durga Puja) typically occurs in October, while Tihar (referred to as Deepawali or Diwali in India) usually takes place in November. The dates fluctuate due to the lunar calendar. Dashain is primarily a family-oriented festival, leading to a near-empty Kathmandu for about a week, with many shops and businesses shuttered. In contrast, Tihar, the festival of lights, is more traveler-friendly, occurring a few weeks after Dashain's conclusion. Expect to see vibrant lights and rangoli decorations adorning homes and businesses across the nation. It’s a fantastic time to explore Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Discover some of our top trekking recommendations in Nepal.

Winter is ideal for low-altitude trekking during the off-season.

Much of Nepal is at a lower altitude than many realize, and the brief winter (from December to early February) is generally mild at these elevations, including in the capital. While you might encounter foggy mornings and cool nights, sunny winter days can be pleasantly warm in the cities when the skies are clear.

Visiting during winter offers significant advantages, including being one of the most affordable times to travel to Nepal, with minimal tourist crowds. Trekking trails at lower altitudes—anything below approximately 2500m (8200ft)—are comfortable, provided you have a warm jacket for the cooler nights. Seasoned winter hikers may explore higher altitudes, but proper gear and snow preparedness are essential.

The latter part of winter is the prime time for wildlife viewing.

Nepal offers more than just stunning mountains. The national parks in the Terai region, such as Chitwan and Bardia, are teeming with wildlife, including numerous one-horned rhinoceroses and a handful of Royal Bengal tigers. The optimal time for wildlife spotting is at the end of winter (January and February). Late January marks the time when local villagers are permitted to cut the tall elephant grass that grows after the monsoon (which concludes in September), making it easier to see the animals that were previously concealed. At this time of year, the chances of spotting rhinos and other wildlife are significantly increased. Wait too long, and the Terai temperatures will soar uncomfortably high.

Spring is considered the second peak season, but caution is advised.

For years, spring (from late February to April) was regarded as a secondary peak season in Nepal. However, this understanding has become less accurate in recent times. Winters tend to be dry, and as spring temperatures rise, wildfires can occur.

This issue has persisted for a long time, but climate change has exacerbated wildfires significantly in recent years. The smoke from these fires affects air quality across the country—especially in Kathmandu—compromising visibility of the mountains.

Nonetheless, one of spring's highlights is its array of festivals. Shivaratri in February, Holi in March, and Patan’s Rato Machhendranath festival in April are all accessible to travelers and provide a lot of enjoyment.

Steer clear of the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods—these are the least favorable times to visit Nepal.

As late spring approaches, Nepal anticipates the onset of the monsoon. Many areas experience uncomfortably high temperatures and poor air quality. The oppressive heat subsides somewhat with the arrival of the monsoon in June, and locals eagerly welcome the cooling and rejuvenating rains.

However, for travelers, the monsoon season is the least desirable time to visit Nepal. Rain leads to overcast skies, muddy and flooded streets, delayed or canceled flights, and the risk of landslides on roads. While there may be glimpses of beauty during this season, visitors should largely avoid it. The rains typically diminish by mid-September.

Spring and fall are ideal for mountain climbing.

Much of the previous advice may not apply if you're planning to climb Mt. Everest or another Himalayan peak, as climbing seasons don’t always coincide with the best times for trekking and sightseeing. Spring (from March to May) and early autumn (late September to October) are the prime months for mountaineering, with optimal temperatures and weather conditions. However, conditions can vary from year to year, and climbing expeditions can be impacted by the unpredictable nature of the mountains.

Continue planning your Nepal adventure:

• Choose your must-see destinations with our guide to the best places to visit

• Discover insider tips and tricks for exploring Nepal on a budget

• Create your own adventure and travel through Nepal on a road trip