Nepal: Best time to go

Nepal’s climate widely varies; from the Terai zone’s tropical savannah to the blistery snow-capped mountains. However, being easily identified means Nepal’s weather patterns can be usefully divided into the four seasons. A definite spring, summer, autumn and winter makes holiday planning a lot easier when there are only a few minor blurry transitions.

Beginning with spring (March - May); its comfortable temperatures (averaging 22°C), blooming shades of pink coating the country’s heartlands and freshly cut back national parks, make this time of year a joy to visit Nepal. At Chitwan and Bardia National Parks, sightings of the rare one-horned rhinoceros are more productive, and the pleasant temperatures are perfect for exploring the ancient villages, buzzing markets and cultural delights of Kathmandu valley. The longer lasting daylight hours also work a treat if you’re an avid trekker, taking on some of Nepal’s scenic mountain range routes. Visibility, however, can be a little hazy as the first signs of monsoon season start to drift through the mountain peaks, giving the beautiful panorama glacial views an ethereal, misty feel.

Summer (June - August) is Nepal’s monsoon season, when the rain clouds travelling from India sweep across the country’s foothills and valleys, colliding with the cooler air from the Himalayas. Sharp downpours can last a couple of hours, but this usually occurs at night, making the crisp morning air a delight for some early morning exploring. More popular Himalayan trekking routes aren’t as enjoyable during peak monsoon, with some areas drenched in 850mm of rain and temperatures dropping to -19°C, however pockets of the Upper Mustang region and Annapurna Circuit are blessed with less downpour and daytime temperatures between 13°C to 20°C. So trekking isn’t totally off the agenda as there are still some drier, untouched scenic routes waiting to be discovered.

Autumn (September - November) is widely acknowledged to be the best time to visit Nepal. For the autumnal clear, bright skies that break from the summer monsoon, make visibility exceptionally reliable and in favour for several reasons. It’s popular for trekking explorations across the country, wildlife viewings are also successful, and October and November are particularly favourable to experience some Nepalese culture - two important festivals are celebrated during this time (Dasain and Tihar). Expect vibrant street parades, decorated temples and houses with the warming sight of family and friends dancing and singing together.

Winter (late November - February) is still rain-free but the nights begin to get colder and a warm fleece for the evenings is required. Popular visits to Kathmandu valley can hover as low as 3°C, whereas high up in the mountains in December, a drop to -10°C is not uncommon - not ideal temperatures if climbing to Everest Base Camp. The skies are still clear and with winter being Nepal’s low season for tourists, this time of year is a great for wildlife spotting at some of Nepal’s other great reserves.

N.B. All information given here is to the best of our knowledge, however, changes do occur, sometimes at short notice. Ampersand cannot be held liable for such happenings. Of course, if you have any tips that you feel would benefit other travellers, please pass them onto us and we will add them.