Seasons, Weather and Best Time for Travelling to Nepal

Weather, Seasons, and Best Time to Visit Nepal

The long Himalayan belt acts as a barrier for creating the unique climate system in Nepal, as snowy mountainous terrain on the north, chill green cover in the middle, and subtropical warm on the southern belt. The weather pattern varies from place to place according to the altitude, however, the days are sunny and the skies are clear blue most of the time during the year. A significant change in the weather pattern has been felt in recent years confirming Climate Change.

Seasons in Nepal

Generally, seasons in Nepal are categorized into six types, Spring(Basanta), Monsoon (Barkhaa), Summer(Grishma), Autumn(Hemanta and Sharad), and Winter(Sishir). The main reason for the distinctive categorization is that there is a huge difference in climatic conditions due to the diverse geography.

Spring (Basanta) Season: Generally falling in the month of Mid-March to Mid-May, it is the time when the New Year begins according to the Hindu Lunar calendar. This is by far the most favorable time to visit Nepal for all sorts of travel and trekking trips. The days are clear and sunny, whereas the nights are calm and pleasant. The temperature range varies from 25 degrees to – 15 degrees depending on the elevation. The weather is pleasant along with wildflowers like Magnolia and Rhododendron blooming, enhancing the travel experience with mesmerizing views of snow-covered mountains. This time is the best time for the activities like peak climbing and mountaineering expeditions are popular. 

Summer (Grishma) Season: From Mid-May to Mid-July is summer, the hottest time of the year making it a little bit harsher. During this time, the temperatures can reach up to 35-40 degrees centigrade in the lower regions however the higher regions are much cooler. This time is also favorable for visiting Nepal, taking a tour, or a trekking trip. Northern regions like Humla, Mustang, and Dolpa are quite popular destinations during this time of the year.

Monsoon (Barkhaa) Season: After the warm summer months ends from Mid-July to Mid-September, the precipitation from the Indian Ocean creates the weather for downpour causing skies to be covered constantly in the thick dark clouds. Most parts of the country receive a significant amount of rainfall, while Pokhara and Illam are the rainiest places. During this time, the rain shadow area of Upper Mustang and Nar-Phu valley are favorable travel destinations and are quite popular.

Early Autumn(Sharad) Season: The season of early Autumn(Mid-September to Mid-November) is also called the season of harvest and festivals. Most of the major festivals like Dashain and Tihar fall during this time, with pleasant and clear days and nights. It can also be called the second spring season, as various species of flowers bloom during this time and is identical to the Spring season. It is probably the second-best time to visit Nepal; however, the nights are much colder. Almost every trekking and travel trips are popular during this time.

Late Autumn (Hemanta) Season: The latter part of the Autumn (Mid-November to Mid-January), is the time for the pre-winter when there is a gradual decrease in temperature. It is the windiest time of the year, with a chance of scattered hailstorms around the country. However, traveling to Nepal during this time is also a wonderful experience as the majority of the days are sunny and nights are clearer offering the best view of mountains and night skies. Ghorepani Poonhill and Langtang Valley treks are among the most popular trekking destination during this time.

Winter (Sishir) Season: During the time of Mid-January to Mid-March, is the coldest time of the year with heavy snowfall above 2500 meters of elevation. The lower regions however are humid and chill, with the chances of cold waves in the Terai region. Although cold, visiting Nepal is not obstructed by this type of weather for trekking and tours. Places like Annapurna Base Camp and Mustang region are evolving as Skiing and Snowboarding activities destinations, whereas Gokyo lakes for ice skating.

Effects of Climate Change in the Weather:

Nepal is not an industrial country and has been determined to preserve the green cover percentage, in order to cut out the carbon footprint. However, the effects of climate change can be clearly noticed in the recent decade. The quality of the air has also been altered, as the level of pollution is at the maximum in the major cities. Below listed are the major significant effects of climate change.

• ·         The snow and glaciers are melting rapidly, degrading the beauty of the Snowy Mountains.
• ·         Higher chances of glacial outbursts, flash floods, and landslides.
• ·         Severe Heat waves during summer and cold waves during winter.
• ·         Unpredictable rainfall during the Monsoon.
• ·         General shift in the times where each season sued to fall.
• ·         Migration of native species of wildlife and chances of some of the endangered species to go extinct.

Even with all these climatic alterations and instability in the weather patterns, Nepal is favorable for traveling throughout the year around. Each season offers a unique face of this culturally and naturally diverse travel destination. In general, categorizing the best time to visit Nepal is not necessary while one can visit Nepal during any time of the year and still return home satisfied with the holiday vacation in the Himalayan country.

If you would like to know more about Nepal and traveling opportunities in Nepal, feel free to contact Vertex Holiday. We are determined to provide an amazing travel experience in Nepal. For recommended reading list, please check Equipment Checklist for trekking in Nepal.