Weather of Nepal

While summers in the north of Nepal are chilly and winters are harsh, those in the south are hot and mild to cold. Spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter are the five seasons in Nepal.

Winter temperatures in the Tarai (southern Nepal) range from 7°C to 23°C, with summer temperatures exceeding 40° C and even 45° C in some places. The summers are mild while the winters can get very cold in hilly areas, hills, and valleys. The average summer and winter temperatures in the Kathmandu Valley range from 20° to 35°C and 2° to 12°C, respectively.

Every 1,000 metres of elevation gain results in a 6°C decline in average temperature in Nepal.The Himalayas act as a barrier to the cold winds blowing from Central Asia in winter, and form the northern boundary for monsoon rains. Some places like Manang and Mustang fall in the rain-shadow behind the mountains and are mostly dry. Eighty percent of all the rain in Nepal is received during the monsoon (June-September). Winter rains are more pronounced in the western hills. The average annual rainfall is 1,600 mm, but it varies by eco-climatic zones, such as 3,345 mm in Pokhara and below 300 mm in Mustang.

There are no restrictions on travel to or through Nepal based on the seasons. Even in December and January, when winter is at its worst, there is dazzling weather and stunning scenery to make up for it. The best seasons to visit are in the spring and fall, as with the majority of Nepal’s trekking destinations. Rhododendrons blossom in the spring, and the clearest skies are after the monsoon season in October and November. Nepal, though, is accessible all year long.

Average summer and winter temperatures and precipitation in the three most popular tourist destinations:

Visit the Department of Hydrology & Meteorology, Ministry of Environment’s official website for additional details about Nepal’s climate. http://www.dhm.gov.np/