While planning your trip to Nepal you must keep in mind the temperature and climate at a certain time of year and at your intended destination. Nepal has three regions; Himalayan, Hilly, and Terai. The climate in these three regions differ from each other, sometimes greatly and other times only slightly. It is important to note that according to the season and temperature of the surroundings Nepal will look different, not just in the scenery department but also the behavior of the locals, the festivals you will witness and traffic flow. Some locations in Nepal are better visited in winter while others are at their best during summer.
Nepal experiences five seasons; spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, winter.
The spring time in Nepal brings in a sense of renewed vigor and adventure, especially as the Nepali New Year tends to fall around this time. And oh, let me tell you the celebrations are unmatched. The street concerts and fests pull in everyone and reignite the sense of community and new beginnings. Because of this New Year's motivation and backing up of the pleasant weather, trekking and outdoor activities are especially popular during the months of March to May/June. Trekking in the Hilly regions especially is a pleasant Saturday family activity for many Nepalis. Attempting taller peaks during the spring is also an amazing idea. The average temperature in Nepal during spring tends to be around 65°F to 80°F.
Summer in Nepal, from June to September, includes many pool days and picnics under the cool shades of trees and historical buildings. Summer is a great time to visit Nepal but not a great time to visit the Himalayan region of Nepal as there will be plenty of rainfall which makes trekking and climbing routes muddy and slippery which may be dangerous. Summer is however a great time to visit the cities and even the wildlife of the lower regions, if you are feeling daring, but you should be aware of the mosquitos that tend to lurk within the greenery. The average temperature in Nepal during summer tends to be around 72°F to 85°F.
Monsoon is not the ideal time to visit Nepal; the heavy rainfall pretty much prevents any fun. Except, the hot food. A plate of steaming momos with pickles and a cup of tea is all you need during Nepali monsoons. The best time to experience Nepali food would probably be monsoon season but traveling and sightseeing would not be the most practical. The temperature during the monsoon season averages around 60°F to 75°F.
Autumn in Nepal however is in stark contrast to the boisterous rainfall of the season before it. Autumn in Nepal creeps up on you and wraps you in a little hug of cold breeze. The autumn season in Nepal is less obvious and there is only a slight drop in temperature but the wind definitely picks up. It is however an amazing time to experience Dashain festival in Nepal. Dashain is one of the biggest festivals in Nepal celebrated all over the country. Due to the windy conditions kite flying is an integral part of Dashain and staying on your terrace with your family, snacks and a pile of kites is mandatory.
Near the end of the year the temperature in Nepal does drop to as low as 40°F with 60°F often being the highest temperature. And so snowfall is very rare in the middle and lower regions of Nepal. The Himalayas however, look magnificent in the winter sun and it is a perfect time to plan journeys to the upper regions as the routes would be more sturdy and secure. But you should be aware of the dangers winter brings to taller mountains like harsh storms; smaller mountains are more feasible during this time.
Nepal’s climate is definitely robust but there is something new and different to experience in every season. Each season carries its own importance to different cultures and influences their festivals.
Written by
Kritisha Amatya
