The best trekking months in Nepal are usually October and November, and March to May. December to February is cold but clear and quiet, while June to September is monsoon, with rain, cloud and leeches in most regions. Each month suits different regions, so match your dates to the trek. Temperatures below are general and vary by altitude and year.
December, January and February
These are the cold months. Days are often clear and dry, nights at high villages are well below freezing, and trails are quiet. Heavy snow can close high passes, so lower treks work best.
- December: crisp, stable skies; good for Poon Hill, Mardi Himal and the lower Everest route.
- January: coldest month; pick lower treks and carry a warm sleeping bag.
- February: slowly warming, with more variable weather late in the month.
Expect some lodges at higher villages to run reduced services in deep winter, and carry a sleeping bag rated for freezing nights.
March, April and May
Spring brings warmer days and rhododendron blooms at mid altitude, especially on Annapurna routes. April and May are also the main expedition season on Everest, so base camp areas are busy with climbers.
- March: cold at height, improving visibility, early blooms low down.
- April: popular and mostly stable, with the best flower displays.
- May: warmer, hazier views, afternoon cloud and pre-monsoon showers.
Haze often reduces long mountain views by late spring, so start walking early each day. Trails are busier than in winter but calmer than in October, and flowers depend on altitude and the year.
June, July and August
This is the monsoon. Rain falls most days across much of Nepal, trails get slippery, leeches appear in lower forest, and landslides can block roads. Flights to mountain airstrips are often delayed or cancelled because of cloud.
- June: pre-monsoon heat early, rain building through the month.
- July: wettest period; most trekking is uncomfortable.
- August: still wet, with cloud hiding many views.
Rain-shadow areas such as Upper Mustang, Dolpo and Nar-Phu receive far less rain and can work in these months, with the right permits and a licensed guide.
September, October and November
Late September sees the monsoon ending, with washed air and green hills but occasional showers. October is usually the most popular month, with clear skies and big crowds. November stays mostly stable but gets colder at altitude, and the trails thin out later in the month.
- September: variable early on, clearing by the end.
- October: peak season, book early, expect busy lodges.
- November: crisp mornings, cold nights above 4,000 m, calmer trails.
Dashain and Tihar fall in this window, and their dates follow the lunar calendar, so check each year.
Choosing a region for your month
If your dates are fixed, use the calendar to pick the region. Winter favours lower routes near Pokhara and Kathmandu. Spring suits Annapurna for flowers and Everest for a climbing atmosphere. Summer favours the dry, high north such as Upper Mustang. Autumn works almost anywhere.
No month is risk free. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, and flights can be delayed in any season, so build in a spare day. We can add one to any itinerary. Conditions vary from year to year, so treat this guide as general information and confirm the latest situation before you book.
Common questions
Which month is best for trekking in Nepal?
October and November are usually the best, with clear skies and stable weather. March to May is also popular for warmer days and flowers. The best month depends on your trek, your tolerance for cold and crowds.
Can you trek in Nepal in winter?
Yes, on lower and mid altitude routes. Days are often clear, but nights are very cold and snow can close high passes. Pack a warm sleeping bag and layers, and choose treks that avoid passes.
Is it safe to trek during the monsoon?
It is possible but harder. Expect rain, leeches, slippery trails, landslides and flight delays. Rain-shadow areas are drier. Rules and conditions change, so confirm with us before you travel.
When do rhododendrons bloom in Nepal?
Usually March to April at mid altitudes, sometimes extending into May at higher elevations. Timing shifts with the year's weather, so treat it as a rough guide, not a promise.
