Destination: Nepal
This guide will help you navigate Nepal's climatic and festival calendar to plan your perfect journey.
Nepal changes beautifully throughout the year. Each month brings different weather, festivals, trekking opportunities, and cultural experiences. Whether you dream of Himalayan adventures, colorful celebrations, or peaceful cultural exploration, knowing what to do each month helps you plan the perfect trip. This guide walks you through Nepal month by month and highlights the best things to do during your visit.
01 - January
January is winter in Nepal, with cold temperatures and occasional snow in the mountains, and crisp, pleasant days in the lowlands.
Best Things to Do
• Wildlife safari in Chitwan and Bardia National Parks
• Cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur
• Sunrise views from Nagarkot
Festivals and Events
• Maghe Sankranti: Celebrated with traditional foods and rituals to mark the winter solstice.
02 - February
February slowly warms up and is ideal for cultural travel and short hikes before the spring rush.
Best Things to Do
• Visit temples and monasteries
• Easy hikes around Kathmandu Valley (e.g., Champadevi, Shivapuri)
• Explore Pokhara at a relaxed pace
Festivals and Events
• Maha Shivaratri at Pashupatinath Temple, drawing thousands of sadhus.
• Holi (late Feb/early March): The vibrant festival of colors.
03 - March
March marks the beginning of spring and is one of the best times to visit Nepal, with warm days and clear skies.
Best Things to Do
• Trekking in Annapurna and Langtang regions
• Sightseeing in historical cities
• Paragliding and boating in Pokhara
Festivals and Events
• Holi: The festival of colors.
• Ghode Jatra in Kathmandu: Featuring horse racing and festivities.
04 - April
April is one of the most popular months to travel, with perfect trekking weather, clear skies, and forests blooming with rhododendrons.
Best Things to Do
• Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp trekking
• Rhododendron forest walks
• Peak climbing expeditions
Festivals and Events
• Nepali New Year (Bikram Sambat) celebrations.
• Bisket Jatra in Bhaktapur: A dramatic festival with chariot processions.
05 - May
May is warmer but still excellent for trekking, though higher passes may begin to open. Pre-monsoon heat builds in the lowlands.
Best Things to Do
• Visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha
• Wildlife safari before the monsoon rains
• Mountain expeditions to peaks like Island Peak
Festivals and Events
• Buddha Jayanti: Celebrating the birth of Lord Buddha with processions at major stupas.
06 - June
June marks the start of the monsoon season. The countryside turns lush green, but leeches and landslides can affect trekking.
Best Things to Do
• Explore the rain-washed Kathmandu Valley
• Visit museums and cultural sites
• Travel to the arid Upper Mustang region (rainshadow area)
Festivals and Events
• Paddy planting celebrations (Ropai Jatra): A festive time in the rice terraces.
07 - July
July is the heart of the monsoon, offering a quieter, more spiritual travel experience with frequent, heavy showers.
Best Things to Do
• Yoga and meditation retreats
• In-depth cultural tours of Kathmandu's durbar squares
• Visit monasteries for teachings
Festivals and Events
• Guru Purnima, a day to honor teachers and guides.
08 - August
August continues the monsoon but is rich in vibrant cultural celebrations. Travel can be challenging but rewarding.
Best Things to Do
• Short hikes around Kathmandu Valley when rains subside
• Cultural tours and temple visits
• Exploring indoor markets
Festivals and Events
• Gai Jatra, the "Cow Festival" commemorating the departed.
• Krishna Janmashtami.
• Teej, a women's fasting festival for marital bliss.
09 - September
September welcomes the end of the monsoon. Skies clear, air is fresh, and the autumn trekking season begins (especially late month).
Best Things to Do
• Start of major trekking seasons (Everest, Annapurna)
• Heritage walks and cultural tours
• Adventure activities in Pokhara resume
Festivals and Events
• Indra Jatra in Kathmandu, featuring the Kumari Jatra and masked dances.
10 - October
October is the peak and best month to visit Nepal. Perfect weather, clear mountain views, and major festivals define this month.
Best Things to Do
• Everest Base Camp, Manaslu, and Annapurna treks
• Mountain flights over the Himalayas
• All forms of outdoor activities
Festivals and Events
• Dashain, Nepal's biggest festival (family gatherings, blessings, kite flying).
• Tihar (late Oct/early Nov), the festival of lights.
11 - November
November offers excellent, stable weather with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds than October. Ideal for trekking.
Best Things to Do
• Trekking in Mustang and Dolpo regions
• Paragliding in Pokhara
• Jungle safaris in the Terai
Festivals and Events
• Tihar, the festival of lights.
• Chhath Puja, a sun-worshiping festival mainly in the Terai region.
12 - December
December brings early winter. Days are sunny and pleasant, but nights are cold, especially at altitude. A peaceful time to travel.
Best Things to Do
• Lower altitude trekking (e.g., Ghorepani Poon Hill)
• Relaxing in Pokhara
• Tea garden visits in eastern Nepal (Ilam)
Festivals and Events
• Christmas & New Year celebrations in tourist hubs.
• Yomari Punhi, a Newar festival celebrating the rice harvest.