Nepal Climate and Weather

 

Nepal is an inland mountainous country in South Asia, located in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, bordering China and India. Nepal's climate is a monsoon climate. Generally, it is simply divided into the rainy season (April to September) and the dry season (October to March), while the peak tourist season is concentrated in the dry season.
 

 

OVERVIEW

 

1. Nepal Climate

Nepal is an approximately rectangular country with a high north and low south. In general, the climate of Nepal belongs to the monsoon climate, which is simply divided into the rainy season (April to September) and the dry season (October to March).  Due to the large terrain difference, tourists can often see the different scenery in different parts of Nepal in the same season: the high mountains in the north may still be snowing, and the valleys and hills in the central cities are already full of flowers.
 



The geographical change between north and south of Nepal is huge, and the regional climate difference is obvious. It is divided into three climate zones: northern high mountain, central temperate zone and southern subtropical zone.

  • The north is an alpine mountain area with snow all year round, and the lowest temperature can reach -41℃.
  • Due to the hilly valley in central Nepal, the climate is mild and the temperature is pleasant all year round.
  • But the south is a plain, which is hot in summer and gale in winter. The maximum temperature in summer can reach 45°C.
  • The highlands above 4,000 meters above sea level have a remarkable alpine climate. Summers are short, while winters are cold and dry, with many clouds, low temperatures and strong winds.


Therefore, when you travel, you should choose the clothes and equipment to carry according to the destination you want to go to.


Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, has a height of 1,331 meters above sea level, and the snow-covered peak in the north, but the temperature here is very mild. In summer, the average maximum temperature can reach 30 degrees Celsius, while in winter the average temperature is about 10 degrees Celsius.
 



In winter, frost sometimes occurs, and the climate is dry with few clouds. The summer monsoon blows from the southwestern sea surface and is saturated with water, often bringing abundant rainfall. This moderate climate allows local food to be harvested three times a year, and small-scale planting can be done between the two harvests.

 

2. Dry Season in Nepal

Every year from October to March of the following year is the dry season (winter) in Nepal. During this period, there are clear skies, fresh air, and very little rainfall, but the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. The temperature in the morning is about 10 degrees Celsius, and it will rise to 25 degrees Celsius by noon, but the climate is very comfortable and refreshing.

 

3. Rainy Season in Nepal

The rainy season (summer) is from April to September every year in Nepal, and the climate in April and May is particularly sultry. The highest temperature often reaches 36 degrees Celsius. It will be thunderstorms in the evening.

Rainfall began as a prelude to the rainy season from May. The rainy season really came at the end of June and lasted to the end of September for three months. During this period, the eastern region was affected by the southwest monsoon, so the rainfall was the most abundant. The hazy rain and mist in the Himalayas made it difficult to see the true look. At this time, the mountaineering route and the road from Tibet in China to Nepal will often collapse due to heavy rain. Therefore, it is best to avoid climbing in the rainy season.

 

4. Best Time to Visit Nepal

The dry season (October to March) is the best season to visit Nepal. Although the temperature will drop to near freezing point at night, the sun will drive away the cold during the day. The sky is generally clear and bright, the air is dry and warm, and the morning is as invigorating as the evening. The climate from October to February is the most refreshing and pleasant. May to September is the rainy season, it is not very suitable for traveling.
 

 

5. Dressing Code

The average temperature in Nepal during the rainy season is 18°C - 29°C. It is recommended to wear light shoes and clothes. The average temperature in Nepal during the dry season is 4°C - 22°C. It is recommended to wear a long T-shirt plus jacket or thin sweater. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. also need to be carried with you. It is best to wear easy-drying undershirts and shorts while drifting in Nepal.

 

6. Four Seasons in Nepal & Places to go


The dry season are generally considered to be the best seasons to visit Nepal, since the weather tends to be moderate and stable, with clear skies. However, since of Nepal's complicated topography and climate, generalizations about the country's weather during a particular season are sometimes unreliable because regional variables may cause temperatures and weather to fluctuate drastically between various places. In order to assist you choose when to travel, where to go, we'll go into depth about Nepal's four distinct seasons.

 

Spring in Nepal

From March onwards spring makes its appearance, the temperatures climb and the flowers on the hillsides burst into bloom. Spring is a popular time to go trekking in Nepal and it's also a popular time of year to visit Nepal.

 

Places to go: In spring, It is a great time to cross high passes and trek to the high viewpoints of Nepal such as Kala Pattar and Gokyo Ri in the Everest Region. The capital Kathmandu is getting warmer and its tourist center, Thamel, is a good place to visit. Bardia National Park gets very hot, and offers the best chance for tiger sightings.

 

Phewa-lake, Nepal

 

Summer in Nepal
Summer is the monsoon season which means the weather is hot and humid, and it tends to rain on most days. Monsoon usually starts in early June and continues into early September. It is understandable that summer is not the best season to visit Nepal. However, you can simple travel to Mustang, Dolpo and Kathmandu to escape the heat and the busy modern life while still experiencing a part of the ecosystem that has been well preserved so far.

 

Places to go: It is understandable that summer is not the best season to visit Nepal. However, you can simple travel to Mustang,Dolpo and Kathmandu to escape the heat and the busy modern life while still experiencing a part of the ecosystem that has been well preserved so far.

 

 

Autumn in Nepal
By mid-September the rains have abated and autumn is well on the way. Visibility at this time of year is exceptional as the smog and haze have been washed away by the monsoon.

 

Places to go: It's the most popular time of year to visit Nepal with conditions ideal for trekking, wildlife viewing and cultural exploration alike. October and November are particularly good months if you want to see Nepalese culture at its most vibrant as two of the most important festivals - Dasain and Tihar - are celebrated at this time.

 

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nepal

 

Winter in Nepal
Winter in Nepal brings cold, dry weather and occasional snow in the mountains. The skies are usually crystal clear, making winter one of the best seasons for unobstructed, crisp views of the Himalayan giants. The foothills of Nepal, below 4,000 meters / 13,000ft, are great in winter. It gets cold at night, but during the day the temperatures tend to get quite comfortable. 


Places to go: Because the high mountains are often very cold in the winter, many short treks in Nepal are ideal for the season, such as treks in the lower Solu area south of Everest and short treks near Pokhara. Besides, you can also choose to visit Nagarkot, a small village in central Nepal. It is known for its clear views of the Himalayas and is home to many species of butterflies. Eight of the 13 ranges of the Himalayas can be seen from here. The best viewing times are from October to December and from March to April.

 

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