The short answer
October to November and March to May. Autumn is the clearest and busiest, spring is warm with flowers, and winter is cool and quiet.
The best time depends on the region and the trip. Pick the season for the place, not for the whole country.
Key facts
- Autumn
- Oct to Nov
- Spring
- Mar to May
- Winter
- Dec to Feb
- Monsoon
- Jun to Sep
How it works
- Match the month to the placeOctober to early December suits the hills and mountains; December to February suits the Terai jungles and the Kathmandu temples; March to May suits flowers and rhododendron hills; Mustang and Muktinath work in monsoon because they sit in a rain shadow.
- Book the peak weeks earlyThe two weeks around Dashain and Tihar (usually October) and the whole of April fill the best hotels and domestic flights. Reserve rooms and flights two to three months ahead for those dates.
- Use the shoulder monthsLate November, early March and early May have most of the clear skies with fewer crowds and softer prices. They are the connoisseur's choice.
Season by season
Autumn, from October to November, has clear skies, stable weather and the biggest festivals, which makes it the most popular time. Spring, from March to May, is warm, with rhododendrons in bloom in the hills, though haze can soften far views.
Winter, from December to February, is cold in the mountains and mornings, but clear and quiet, and ideal for the Terai and lower valleys. The monsoon, from June to September, brings rain, green hills and cloud.
Choosing by region
For high treks, choose autumn or spring. For Chitwan and Bardia, winter and early spring are comfortable and good for wildlife. For Kathmandu and Pokhara, autumn and spring give the best balance of weather and views.
For Mustang and Muktinath, the drier months are best, and the monsoon is easier there than in most of Nepal. Book peak months early, because flights and hotels fill up.
Insider tip
Pick the season for the region, not the country. The Terai is nicer in winter; the hills in autumn.
Avoid this
Do not book peak months at the last minute.
Related questions
Is Nepal too cold in winter?
The cities and the Terai stay comfortable, with sunny days and chilly mornings. High viewpoints and the mountains are below freezing at night, so pack warm layers for anything above about 2,000 m.
Is monsoon dangerous for travel?
Not dangerous in itself, but landslides can block highways and cancel flights for a day or two. If you travel from June to September, keep slack in the itinerary and avoid back-to-back long drives.
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