When being asked when is the best time to trek in Nepal, without hesitation, many wills answered that the best time to visit Nepal is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). The reason that both spring and autumn seasons are the best seasons to visit Nepal is they have pleasant weather and low precipitations which are perfect for trekking. However, this also means that tourists will crowd these trekking seasons in Nepal.
“Rain or Shine. It’s going to be a Beautiful Day”
One can visit and trek to Nepal at any time of the year. Nepal is a country with tremendous geographical diversity, which rises from the tropical Terai / Plain Land region, Middle Hill region (which does not contain snow) to the Himalayas mountain region (which contains snow), its climate varies dramatically. And, with each season, the same landscapes will look different and deliver a unique experience altogether.
Let us guide you through what to expect in each of the seasons in Nepal and what are our recommendations on the various Nepal trekking, climbing, or activities suitable during that time of the year.
We hope this will help you make an informed decision about the best time to go to Nepal before deciding on your trip.
Trekking Seasons in Nepal
Spring – One of the best times to trek in Nepal (March to May)
Rhododendron Flowers during spring
Spring is one of the most spectacular seasons or the best time to trek in Nepal. Over 30 species of rhododendrons will bloom throughout the country during this season. We find them at an elevation ranging from 1,400 meters to 3,600 meters.
With the coming of spring, the days will be warmer. The temperature hovers around 20 degrees Celsius during the daytime and 7 degree Celsius at night. There is little precipitation; however, the dust accumulated in the air after a dry winter may affect the visibility of the mountains in lower altitudes. Trekking in Spring will reward one with a breathtaking view of rhododendrons and other flowers. The rhododendron blanket the hills with great beauty. Some famous spring season treks include treks like Mardi Himal Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, Jomsom to Muktinath Trek, etc.
Typically, this time of the year is also “the window” for high-altitude climbing expeditions because of a prolonged period of stable weather. Undoubtedly, Spring is one of the best trekking seasons in Nepal.
Monsoon Trekking (June to August)
Waterfall in Annapurna Region during Summer
Summer is often deemed not suitable for trekking and climbing activities because of monsoon rains, coupled with hot weather. The monsoon typically starts from mid of June and ends in August. During this time, some trails and roads could be muddy, landslides may occur, and rain clouds may obscure views of the mountains.
In the daytime, the temperature rises to 30 degrees Celsius in Kathmandu and could be as high as 40 degrees Celsius in the Terai region.
Notwithstanding that, summer is a good time to trek in the Upper Mustang region, Dolpa region, and trek in the Annapurna Circuit (upper parts of Manang) which are significant dryers. For those who are rain lovers and prefer less crowded treks, trekking in summer is still possible. You can enjoy the solitude and stunning view of fields lush with bright green vegetation.
Summer is also a good time to have an excursion to the cities. Kathmandu Valley, Lumbini, and Pokhara, and neighboring places such as Tibet, can be superb choices.
Autumn- The best time to trek to Nepal (September to November)
View of Everest Region from Gokyo Ri during the autumn season
Autumn is the absolute best time to trek to Nepal. With the monsoon rains washing away the dust, the air becomes fresh. The sky is clear and the Himalayan mountain views are impeccable. It is also the season of harvesting. You will see villagers coming out in groups, joyfully singing folk songs while harvesting their crops. Besides, there are also many important and colorful festival celebrations in Nepal during this time of the year, such as Dashain.
Weather in autumn is pleasant, with a temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius in the daytime and around 10 degrees Celsius at night.
Trekking to the Everest region (especially Everest Base Camp), the Annapurna region, and the Manaslu region are popular in autumn.
Winter Trekking (December to February)
Namche Bazaar as seen during winter
Winter comes from December to February, during which Nepal experiences the coldest season.
In December and January, the climate and visibility are still good for trekking, though it can get freezing and dangerous at high altitudes. For those who prefer lesser crowds, clear skies, and don’t mind the cold temperature, trekking in winter has its distinctive advantages.
Daytime temperature in winter hovers around 10 degrees Celsius and drops to near zero at night.
Winter is suitable for trekking in the lower elevation region. Likewise, it can also be the best time to visit national parks, conservation areas, and wildlife reserves such as Chitwan National Park.
At The End
One can trek to Nepal at any time of the year. However, the above paragraphs give you an insight into what to expect during that season of the year. Besides, many consider the best seasons to visit Nepal as Spring and Autumn. So, we consider the time between March to May and September to November to be the best time to trek in Nepal.