Trekking Seasons in Nepal

• Nepal has 4 distinctive seasons and each season has its advantages and drawbacks from trekking aspect.
• The ideal time for trekking is during spring (February through May) and autumn (September through November). Warm days and clear skies make these seasons favourable and extremely enjoyable for trekking.
• Autumn is favoured by trekkers because after monsoon period the air is very clear with great visibility.
• Spring is favoured by climbers because the ice and snow are more stable and climbs are more reliable.
• Winter period December and January can be quite cold at high altitudes however lower elevations are very pleasant for hiking and trekking because mild cool weather makes it very comfortable for walking.
• The summer, monsoon season last for three months, i.e. June, July and August. During this period, trekking is possible in the rain-shadow regions north of the Himalaya, like Mustang, Dolpo, Humble and the Jumla-Rara Lake regions of Nepal and of course some regions of Tibet.

Autumn Season (Mid September to November):

After the monsoon, the skies are usually very clear, the days are warm and the evenings are cool. This makes it a good time for trekking or climbing at high altitudes. Autumn is considered the best time for trekking in Nepal, offering excellent weather and breathtaking mountain views. The temperatures are moderate, making it a good time for trekking in any area. Occasional short storms can cause snow at higher altitudes. Autumn is the most popular season in Nepal for trekking and mountaineering, although some mountains may be in good climbing condition in spring.

Winter Season (December to February):

You will generally enjoy clear skies with clear days but cold nights at higher altitudes. This is a good time for trekking at lower and medium altitudes, where temperatures are still pleasant and there are fewer trekkers on the trek. This season is known for occasional snowfall only at higher altitudes, making it difficult and dangerous to traverse the high passes.

Spring Season (March to May):

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the magnificent mountain flora with the blossoming of giant redbud flowers; the days are warming up making it particularly comfortable to trek at high altitudes. This is the best time of year for any trek, offering a variety of wildflowers, especially the rhododendrons flowers that turn the mountains above 2500m fiery red. This is a great time to trek to Everest Base Camp.

Summer Season (June to September):

The summer months actually continue until mid-September, when the monsoon usually ends, making the trek wet and warm. These times are a boon for the keen botanist or photographer as the high valleys and grasslands bloom with flowers and lush vegetation, making it the perfect time to capture Nepal in all its beauty.

The only areas unaffected by rain are the rain-shadow regions north of the Himalayas: Mustang, Dolpo, Humble and the Jumla-Rara Lake regions of Nepal and of course some regions of Ladakh and Tibet.

Normal Temperatures in Nepal