When to Go?

Nepal can be visited year round, but spring and autumn are generally considered the best seasons for trekking. Spring brings warmer temperatures and blooming rhododendrons, while autumn is known for some of the clearest mountain views of the year.

Nepal Trekking Seasons at a Glance

Weather in Nepal varies significantly with elevation and region, so conditions on any individual trek can differ. As a general guide, the main trekking seasons look like this:

Season	Months	Conditions	Crowds
Winter	December–February	Cold and generally dry, with clear days but very cold conditions at higher elevations	Low
Spring	March–May	Moderate to warm temperatures, blooming vegetation and generally favorable trekking conditions	High
Monsoon	June–September	Warm, wet and cloudy in many regions, with heavy rainfall and reduced mountain visibility	Low
Autumn	October–November	Dry, stable weather with some of the clearest mountain views of the year	High

Spring: March to May

Spring is one of the most popular times to trek in Nepal. Temperatures become warmer, the landscape becomes greener, and rhododendrons and other wildflowers bloom across many mountain regions.

March generally begins cooler and becomes progressively warmer through April and May. Conditions are usually favorable for trekking, although haze and afternoon clouds can become more common later in the season, particularly at lower elevations.

Spring is also a major mountaineering season, so popular trails in the Everest and Annapurna regions can be busy.

Monsoon: June to September

The summer monsoon brings the majority of Nepal’s annual rainfall. Many trekking regions experience frequent rain, humid conditions, cloud cover, muddy trails and reduced mountain visibility.

Trekking is still possible during the monsoon, but route choice becomes especially important. Areas lying in the Himalayan rain shadow receive significantly less rainfall than much of the rest of Nepal. These include parts of Mustang and Manang, as well as other regions north of the main Himalayan barrier.

The advantage of trekking during this period is that trails are generally much quieter and the landscape is exceptionally green. However, travelers should expect more variable conditions and possible transportation disruptions caused by weather.

Autumn: October to November

Autumn is widely regarded as the premier trekking season in Nepal. After the summer monsoon, the atmosphere is often clearer and mountain visibility can be exceptional.

Days are generally mild and dry, while nights become increasingly cold with altitude. October and November are consequently among the busiest months on popular routes such as Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna trails.

For trekkers who prioritize stable weather and clear mountain views, autumn is difficult to beat.

Winter: December to February

Winter trekking offers quieter trails and can bring remarkably clear mountain views. Nepal’s winter is generally dry, but temperatures at higher elevations can become extremely cold, particularly overnight.

Snowfall can temporarily make high passes and some trekking routes more difficult or inaccessible. Trekkers should be prepared for freezing temperatures, shorter daylight hours and changing trail conditions.

Lower-elevation treks can be very rewarding during winter, while high-altitude itineraries require greater preparation and flexibility.