Nepal Climate

Thinking of trekking through the Himalayas and exploring the temples of Kathmandu? Here's a handy guide about the best times of year to visit Nepal and the climate of the country.

The seasons in Nepal are pretty much the same as in Europe. In January it's cold, while in July you could make do with shorts and t-shirt. But Nepal remains a country of extremes, and, if you're planning to head into the mountains, you definitely need to be aware of the Nepal trekking season. The Nepal climate is moderate, which means the winters are dry and the summers are hot. But because of the huge range in altitude and landscape, Nepal climate differs considerably throughout the country. 

- The Lower Plains ... 
The Nepal climate in the lower plains, including Kathmandu is (sub)tropical. Summers are hot and humid and temperatures can soar to 40°C. It's the same heat that covers Northern India at this time of year and the months before the monsoon hits can be particularly hot and sticky (May and early June). Winters in the lower plains are mild and dry with temperatures averaging between 10°C - 17°C.

- Himalayan foothills ...
The mountains and valleys in the Himalayan foothills have a moderate climate with warm summers and cool winters. As it lies at a relatively southern latitude, the Nepal climate is even pleasant at altitude, and the tree line is quite high. Average temperatures vary from 10°C in January to 24°C in July. In winter, the Nepal climate is (as you might imagine), pretty chilly. Temperatures drop and nights can be very cold, although they rarely sink to below freezing. In Kathmandu, from April - September, temperatures can climb to 28°C with nights averaging around 20°C. 

 - High Himalayan Mountain Range ...
The high mountains of the Himalayas which run along the northern border, above 4000m, have an alpine Nepal climate. Temperatures remain below 0°C and the landscape is covered with snow and ice.

Monsoon season ...
The South-West monsoon lasts from June to September, and this is definitely not the best Nepal trekking season. During this time, the monsoon rains gradually advance east to west (whereas the most western part and the north of Nepal remain dry). The densely populated lowlands receive a lot of rain (up to 2000mm-3000mm), and over the rainy season, many roads are blocked by landslides and trails become slippery tracks. Leeches can be an irritation at Chitwan National Park in the wet season and if trekking from Pokhara.

Generally, the best time of year for Nepal trekking holidays is October and early November and March/April. The weather should be dry and bright over this period with good visibility for all those stunning mountain views.

For any further advice about Nepal itineraries and the opportunity to build your own Nepal trip, visit Nepal Travel Plan.

Article Tags: Nepal Climate, Nepal Trekking

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