Best Time to Trek in Nepal
Nepal has a diverse geography, and it affects weather, climate, and season intensity in different parts of the country. For instance, the Terai belt, which is the plains in Nepal, sees scorching hot during summer and short winter.
Whereas the mid-hills like Kathmandu see a moderate climate in every season. And the mountains, the Himalayan belt, experience freezing cold and high exposure to the sun throughout the year.
All the treks in Nepal happen in the Himalayas, which have unpredictable weather. If you are planning to trek in Nepal, then you must understand the seasons. All the seasons offer a very different trekking experience.
There are four seasons- spring (March, April, May), summer/monsoon (June, July, August), autumn (September, October, November), and winter (December, January, February).
The best time to trek in Nepal is spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, November). Below, we have explained all the seasons in detail and what it is like trekking during each season:
Spring (March, April, May):
Spring is one of the popular times for trekking in Nepal. It is a pre-monsoon season, and includes festivals such as Holi and Buddha Jayanti. The lower parts of the trekking routes are covered with thriving vegetation and flowers like rhododendrons.
As the spring begins, the weather starts to stabilize in the Himalayas, and the climate gets warmer compared to winter. The temperature ranges from 0°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) in the lower regions, making it comfortable for trekking.
There could be occasional rain in the later days of May, but overall chance of precipitation is very low. We recommend carrying some waterproof gear and clothes with you in all seasons. The snow gradully begins to melt, clearing the trails.
The trekking routes are accessible, and the accommodations are open to welcome trekkers. As spring is one of the best times for trek, well-known routes like the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, and Langtang Valley see hundreds and thousands of trekkers.
The visibility is great during spring, so trekkers get to enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks against clear blue skies. The combination of clear weather and blooming landscapes makes for stunning photo opportunities.
Summer/monsoon (June, July, August):
Summer and monsoon seasons coincide with each other and carry unfavorable weather and climate conditions. It is not an ideal time to trek because the weather-related challenges are high. So, overall, the trails are empty in this season.
The rain and the humidity make trekking more difficult. If you love tranquility and bio-diversity and do not mind muddy trails and bugs, you may do a trek in Nepal during the summer/monsoon season as well. However, you have to be well-prepared with suitable gear.
There are frequent rain showers, especially in the afternoons and evenings. The rainfall can be intense and prolonged, leading to slippery and muddy trails. Likewise, because of the high humidity level. Trekking becomes uncomfortable, particularly at lower elevations.
The average daily temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) at lower elevations. The mid-hills see a rise in landslides, which makes some areas hazardous. The trails can be washed out as well. Similarly, cloudy skies and reduced visibility limit mountain views.
Apart from all the challenges of trekking in this season, the trails are less crowded, so you will get to experience serene trekking. Forests, hillsides, valleys, rivers, and waterfalls are thriving. Similarly, because of empty trails, the price of accommodations is low.
Autumn (September, October, November):
Autumn is another great time of the year to enjoy a trek in the Himalayas. This season carries a magical experience with fantastic weather, stunning mountain views, and vibrant Nepalese festivals. The trails are bustling with trekkers, creating a lovely atmosphere.
The weather is stable in autumn, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and low humidity. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in the lower elevation. Likewise, the crisp air and lack of clouds enhance the mountain vistas.
Trails are well-defined and free from mud, snow, or ice at lower elevations. High mountain passes and routes are open, allowing for adventurous trekking in the alpine regions. Likewise, any kind of weather-related risks like landslides, washouts, and other hazards are low.
Popular trekking routes are quite crowded. Likewise, the biggest Nepali festivals (Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath) are celebrated in autumn. So, you may get a chance to witness it closely.
Winter (December, January, February):
Winter is an off-season for trekking in the Himalayas. The colder temperatures and snowy trails add more challenges. However, the peaceful and enchanting experience amidst the snow-clad beauty of the Himalayas welcomes a handful of trekkers every year.
Daytime temperatures at lower altitudes range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). The temperature can drop significantly during the night and morning. The upper part of every trekking route gets completely frozen, and most accommodations are closed.
A dry climate with snowfall is common. However, the sky remains mostly clear, offering excellent views of the snow-capped peaks. Trails may be icy and slippery, requiring appropriate footwear. Likewise, some high mountain passes and routes get closed, too.
There is also the risk of avalanches. All these factors result in almost empty trails. Trekking in the winter season can be very magical if you are well prepared. You can pick lower trekking routes, which are accessible in winter.