"When is the best time to trek in Nepal?" is the first question almost everyone asks us, and the honest answer is: it depends on where you want to go and what you want from your trip. Nepal's weather is shaped by the monsoon, which brings rain from June to September, and by altitude, which means the same month can feel like early summer in Pokhara and deep winter at Everest Base Camp.
The classic answer is autumn (October–November) and spring (March–May). These are the two main trekking seasons, and for good reason. But every month has something to offer if you choose the right trek. Below we go through the year month by month: what the weather actually does on the trails, and which treks we send people on at each point.
Quick answer: the best time to trek in Nepal is October to mid-December for clear skies and stable weather, and March to May for warmer days and rhododendrons in bloom. Winter (December–February) is good for lower treks such as Poon Hill, and the monsoon (June–September) suits rain-shadow areas such as Upper Mustang and Nar Phu.
Nepal's trekking seasons at a glance
| Season | Months | Weather | Crowds | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Late Sep – Nov | Clear, dry, stable; cold nights at altitude | Busiest | Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang |
| Winter | Dec – Feb | Dry, often clear; very cold above 4,000 m | Quiet | Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Everest View, Helambu |
| Spring | Mar – May | Warmer, some afternoon cloud, rhododendrons | Busy | Everest, Annapurna, peak climbing |
| Monsoon | Jun – mid-Sep | Rain in the lower hills, cloud, leeches | Very quiet | Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, Dolpo |
How Nepal's weather works
Understanding two simple ideas will help you plan any trek in Nepal.
The monsoon
From roughly June to mid-September, warm, moist air from the Bay of Bengal brings heavy rain to the south-facing slopes of the Himalaya. The lower hills are green, humid and wet, trails can be muddy and slippery, landslides block roads, and cloud hides the mountains for days at a time. The monsoon usually starts in the east and moves west, and it retreats from west to east in September.
Altitude
Temperature drops roughly 6°C for every 1,000 m you climb. On a sunny October afternoon it may be 25°C in Kathmandu (1,400 m), 12°C in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) and below freezing at night in Gorak Shep (5,164 m). This is why a trek that starts in a T-shirt ends in a down jacket.
Rain shadows
North of the main Himalayan range, in places such as Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, Dolpo and the upper Manang valley, the mountains block most monsoon clouds. These areas stay relatively dry all summer, which makes them the best monsoon treks in Nepal.
Nepal month by month
January
January is the coldest month. Kathmandu is sunny by day (around 18°C) but close to freezing at night. Skies are usually clear and the views are sharp, but high passes such as Thorong La and Larkya La may be snowbound, and some high lodges close. Best for: lower treks such as Ghorepani Poon Hill, the Everest View Trek, Helambu and Chitwan safaris, which are pleasant in the dry, cool season.
February
Days start to lengthen and warm up, although high altitudes remain very cold. Occasional winter storms can bring snow. It is a great month for quiet trails at mid-altitude. Losar, the Tibetan and Sherpa New Year, often falls in February, with celebrations in Boudhanath and the mountain villages. Best for: Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Langtang Valley (with warm gear) and cultural tours in Kathmandu.
March
Spring arrives. Temperatures rise, rhododendron forests begin to bloom at lower altitudes, and the main trekking season starts. Early March can still bring snow on high passes; by late March most routes are open. Haze and afternoon cloud become more common than in autumn. Best for: almost all treks, including Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp and Langtang.
April
April is one of the best months of the year for trekking. Rhododendrons turn the forests of the Annapurna and Langtang regions red, pink and white; days are warm and nights at altitude are less harsh than in autumn. It is also the start of the Everest expedition season, and base camp fills with climbers' tents. Nepali New Year (Bisket Jatra in Bhaktapur) falls in mid-April. Best for: Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, Manaslu and peak climbing.
May
May is warm and increasingly humid as the monsoon approaches. Mornings are usually clear, but clouds build by early afternoon, and pre-monsoon storms become more frequent later in the month. Lowland areas such as Chitwan become very hot (35–40°C). The Everest summit window usually falls in mid to late May. Best for: high treks such as Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Three Passes and Upper Mustang; the Tiji festival in Lo Manthang.
June
The monsoon usually arrives in the first half of June. Lower trails become wet and leeches appear in the forests; flights to Lukla and Jomsom face more delays. Rain-shadow regions remain dry. Best for: Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, Dolpo, and Tibet tours.
July
July is the heart of the monsoon. It does not rain all day every day: often there are dry mornings and heavy afternoon or night-time showers. The hills are green, the rice is growing, and you will have most trails nearly to yourself. Best for: Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, the Annapurna Circuit's upper section, Kailash and Tibet.
August
Much like July. The Janai Purnima festival at the sacred Gosainkunda lakes draws thousands of pilgrims in July or August. The Teej women's festival is usually in late August or September. Best for: rain-shadow treks, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and cultural experiences in Kathmandu.
September
The monsoon retreats during September, usually from west to east. The first half can still be wet; by the end of the month skies are clearing, the air is washed clean and the rice terraces are golden green. Late September is a good time to start a trek before the October crowds. Best for: late September treks in Annapurna, Langtang and Manaslu.
October
October is the most popular trekking month in Nepal, and with good reason. After the monsoon the air is clear, the mountains are sharp against deep blue skies, temperatures are comfortable and the weather is stable. Dashain and Tihar, Nepal's biggest festivals, usually fall in October or early November. The main trails are busy and lodges fill up, so book early. Best for: Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu, Langtang: everything.
November
November has the clearest skies of the year and fewer trekkers than October. Nights become colder at altitude, especially from mid-month, but days remain sunny. Many experienced trekkers consider it the single best month. Best for: all major treks, especially Everest, Gokyo and Three Passes.
December
Early December is still excellent: clear, quiet and cold. From mid-December, winter settles in, high passes can become snowy and some high-altitude lodges close. It is a great time for peaceful treks below 4,000 m and for Christmas in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Best for: Everest Base Camp in early December, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Pikey Peak and Chitwan.
Month-by-month trekking ratings
If you just want a quick comparison, this table rates each month for high-altitude treks (above 4,000 m), mid-altitude treks (2,000–4,000 m) and rain-shadow treks, based on our own experience of weather, views and trail conditions.
| Month | High treks | Mid treks | Rain-shadow treks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Fair | Good | Poor | Very cold, clear, quiet |
| February | Fair | Good | Poor | Warming up, Losar festival |
| March | Good | Excellent | Fair | Rhododendrons begin |
| April | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Peak spring season |
| May | Good | Good | Excellent | Warm, afternoon cloud |
| June | Poor | Poor | Excellent | Monsoon begins |
| July | Poor | Poor | Excellent | Heart of the monsoon |
| August | Poor | Poor | Excellent | Green, quiet, wet |
| September | Fair | Good | Excellent | Monsoon retreats |
| October | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Best overall, busiest |
| November | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Clearest skies |
| December | Good | Excellent | Fair | Cold, clear, quiet |
How far ahead should you plan?
For October, November and April, we recommend booking your trek three to six months in advance, especially if you want a specific departure date, a popular route such as Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp, or a trek that needs restricted-area permits. Lukla flights and good lodges in Namche, Dingboche and the Annapurna Sanctuary fill up early. International flights to Kathmandu are also more expensive around Dashain and Tihar, when many Nepalis working abroad fly home.
For winter and monsoon trips, one to two months' notice is usually enough. Restricted-area treks such as Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, Tsum Valley and Manaslu need at least a week or two for permit processing, and Tibet tours need about a month for the Chinese group visa and Tibet permits. Whatever the season, the earlier you plan, the more flexibility you have to add a spare day, a safari or a few days of rest in Pokhara at the end.
Temperature guide by altitude
| Location | Altitude | October day / night | January day / night | April day / night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | 1,400 m | 25°C / 13°C | 18°C / 2°C | 28°C / 12°C |
| Pokhara | 820 m | 27°C / 16°C | 20°C / 7°C | 30°C / 16°C |
| Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m | 14°C / 0°C | 7°C / −10°C | 15°C / 1°C |
| Dingboche | 4,410 m | 10°C / −6°C | 2°C / −15°C | 10°C / −5°C |
| Gorak Shep | 5,164 m | 6°C / −12°C | −4°C / −20°C | 6°C / −10°C |
These are typical figures, not guarantees; wind chill can make it feel much colder, and sunshine can make midday feel much warmer.
Best treks by season
Autumn: the classic season
- Everest Base Camp Trek: clear views of Everest from Kala Patthar.
- Annapurna Circuit: Thorong La is usually free of snow until late November.
- Manaslu Circuit: quieter than Annapurna, and at its clearest just after the monsoon.
- Langtang Valley: close to Kathmandu and golden in autumn.
Spring: flowers and warmth
- Ghorepani Poon Hill: rhododendron forests in full bloom.
- Annapurna Base Camp: warm days in the Sanctuary.
- Island Peak and Mera Peak: the most popular climbing season.
Winter: quiet and clear
- Mardi Himal, Pikey Peak and Helambu: lower altitude and sunny days.
- Chitwan Jungle Safari: cool, dry weather and good wildlife viewing.
Monsoon: go north of the mountains
- Upper Mustang: dry desert landscapes and Tibetan culture.
- Nar Phu Valley: hidden villages in a rain shadow.
- Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: the pilgrimage season runs May to September.
For a closer look at the rainy season, read our guide to trekking in Nepal during the monsoon, and for the cold months, trekking in Nepal in winter.
Festivals that affect travel
| Festival | Usual timing | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Losar (Tibetan/Sherpa New Year) | February | Celebrations in Boudhanath and mountain villages |
| Holi | March | Colour festival in Kathmandu and the Terai |
| Nepali New Year / Bisket Jatra | Mid-April | Chariot festival in Bhaktapur |
| Tiji | May | Masked dances in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang |
| Mani Rimdu | October/November | Masked dances at Tengboche Monastery |
| Dashain | September/October | Nepal's biggest festival; transport busy, offices closed |
| Tihar (Deepawali) | October/November | Festival of lights; beautiful in Kathmandu |
During Dashain and Tihar, buses and domestic flights fill up with Nepalis returning home, and some offices close for several days. Book transport early if you travel then. The festivals are worth being around for, but buses and flights fill up.
Best time by trekking region
Nepal is a long, narrow country, and the timing of the seasons varies from east to west and from south to north. Here is how the main trekking regions compare.
Everest region (Khumbu)
The Khumbu is high, so it is colder than most regions and the season is shaped as much by temperature as by rain. October and November are the classic months, with April and May close behind. Spring is warmer at altitude but hazier, and pre-monsoon cloud tends to build in the afternoons. Winter is possible for experienced, well-equipped trekkers, with clear, cold days and near-empty lodges, but temperatures at Gorak Shep can fall below −20°C. Lukla flights are the main weak point of the region in any season; they are most reliable in autumn and least reliable in the monsoon.
Annapurna region
The Annapurnas are closer to the monsoon's path, so the south side (Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal) is very wet in summer but mild in winter. The rhododendron season here is the best in Nepal, peaking in late March and April. The Annapurna Circuit is a special case: its northern section, from Manang over the Thorong La to Muktinath, lies in a rain shadow and stays fairly dry in summer, but the pass itself can be closed by snow between December and March.
Langtang and Helambu
Close to Kathmandu and reached by road, Langtang is a flexible region. Autumn is golden and clear, spring is green and floral, and Helambu is one of the best winter treks near the capital. The upper Langtang Valley is cold in winter but usually walkable; Gosainkunda is often snowbound from December to March.
Manaslu and Tsum
Manaslu is best in October–November and March–May. The Larkya La (5,106 m) can hold snow into April and from December, and the lower Budhi Gandaki valley is hot, humid and prone to landslides in the monsoon. The Tsum Valley is slightly drier and can be visited a little earlier or later than the main circuit.
Far east: Kanchenjunga and Makalu
The eastern Himalaya receives the monsoon first and heaviest, so the season is narrower. October to mid-November is by far the best time, with April to May as the second choice. Winter is too cold for most trekkers on these remote routes.
Far west: Rara and Dolpo
Western Nepal receives less monsoon rain and a later monsoon, so the season extends into early June and begins again in September. Rara Lake is lovely in May and June, when the meadows flower, and in October, when the forests turn gold. Dolpo is a true rain-shadow region and a summer destination.
Best time for tours, safaris and flights
Not every trip to Nepal is a trek. If you are planning a cultural tour, a safari or a scenic flight, the calendar looks a little different.
- Kathmandu Valley sightseeing works all year. October–November and February–April are the most comfortable; the monsoon brings afternoon showers but also festivals and fewer tourists.
- Chitwan and Bardia safaris are best from October to April. February to April is the peak wildlife season, when tall grasses are cut and animals are easier to see, although it gets hot from April. Bardia's tiger sightings are highest in the dry, hot months of March to May. Both parks have limited access in the monsoon.
- Pokhara is best from October to April for mountain views and paragliding. In the monsoon, the lake is beautiful but the mountains are usually hidden.
- Everest mountain flights and helicopter tours operate all year, but views are clearest from October to December and February to April. Flights go early in the morning, before clouds build.
- Tibet is best from April to October; it is often closed to foreigners for part of February and March. Bhutan is best in March–May and September–November.
Peak climbing seasons
Trekking peaks such as Island Peak, Lobuche East, Mera Peak and Yala Peak have two main seasons. Spring (April–May) offers longer, warmer days and more stable snow conditions, which many climbers prefer. Autumn (October–November) brings the clearest views but colder summit mornings and sometimes harder, icier slopes. Winter ascents are possible but very cold and windy.
What if the weather turns?
Even in the best months, mountain weather is unpredictable. A few rules of thumb help:
- Start early. In every season, mornings are usually clearer than afternoons. Plan big views and pass crossings for the morning.
- Keep spare days. One spare day for flights, and one for weather on routes with high passes, gives you room to wait out a storm rather than taking a risk.
- Listen to your guide. Local guides read the weather better than any app, and they will not hesitate to delay a pass crossing if conditions are unsafe.
- Carry layers. A sunny morning can become a snowy afternoon in an hour above 4,000 m.
In October 2014, a late cyclone brought heavy snow to the Annapurna Circuit, and in several recent autumns unexpected storms have closed passes for a day or two. These events are rare, but they are the reason we build flexibility into every itinerary.
Crowds, prices and booking ahead
In October, November and April, the most popular routes, especially the Everest and Annapurna trails, can be busy. Lodges in places such as Lobuche, Gorak Shep and Machhapuchhre Base Camp fill up, and Lukla flights are in high demand. If you travel in these months, book your trek at least two to three months ahead, and ideally ask your trekking company to pre-book lodges.
If you prefer quiet trails, consider the shoulder months (late September, early December, late February and early March), or choose less-visited treks such as Manaslu, Makalu, Tsum Valley or Khopra Danda. Trek prices do not change much by season in Nepal, but hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara may offer discounts in the monsoon and winter.
A note on climate change
Our guides, many of whom grew up in the mountains, have noticed changes in recent years: later and more erratic monsoons, less snow on some lower passes in winter, heavier bursts of rain and more frequent glacial lake and landslide warnings. Seasons still follow the same broad pattern, but the edges are less predictable than they were a generation ago. That is one more reason to keep a day or two of flexibility in your plans and to trek with a company that watches conditions closely.
Our recommendations
- First Himalayan trek and want the best chance of clear views? Go in late October or November.
- Love flowers and warmer weather? Choose April.
- Want quiet trails and do not mind the cold? Try early December or February on a lower trek.
- Only free in summer? Head to Upper Mustang, Nar Phu or Tibet.
- Climbing a trekking peak? April–May or October–November.
Remember too that the "best" month on paper is not always the best month for you. A November trek to Everest Base Camp offers the clearest skies of the year, but also the coldest nights of the main season; an April trek is warmer and more colourful, but the afternoons are often cloudy. A monsoon trek in Mustang gives you empty trails and golden cliffs under blue skies while the rest of Nepal is wet. Think about what matters most to you, whether that is views, warmth, flowers, solitude or festivals, and choose your month and trek together.
Whatever month you choose, the Himalaya can surprise you. We have seen perfect blue skies in July and snowstorms in October. Build a spare day or two into your itinerary, pack for all conditions and stay flexible, and you will have a great trip. If you would like advice on the best trek for your dates, ask our team in Kathmandu.