Climate, geography, and weather patterns in Nepal
The different seasons in Nepal indeed offer different trekking experiences. Nepal has four different seasons and each season lasts for three months. Nepal is a small country 800 km/500 miles from east to west and 150 km/100 miles from north to south. Nepal has the highest peaks in the north 8848m to subtropical forests in the south (Terai region). General weather reports of Nepal during a given season are often inaccurate as regional variations in temperature and weather vary greatly from region to region. For example, on a given day the temperature in southern Nepal can exceed 30C/90F and on the same day, the temperature at Everest Base Camp and the surrounding passes will be below freezing.
Best Trekking Season in Nepal
The best season for trekking in Nepal is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is clear and mild, and the views of the Himalayas are at their best. During these seasons, the trails are also less crowded, and the rhododendron flowers are in bloom. However, trekking in Nepal is possible throughout the year, but the monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, making the trails muddy and the visibility poor. Similarly, Winter (December to February) is extremely cold in higher altitudes, and trekking is limited to lower elevation areas.
Four Seasons in Nepal
- Winter Season brings colder temperatures and clear skies at higher elevations, making it a great time for treks in the Himalayas. Southern Nepal is ideal for winter treks, as are the lower Himalayan foothills. Destinations like Mardi Himal Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Solu Pikey Peak Trek, Phoksundo Lake Trek, and Jungle safari tours of Chitwan, Koshi Tappu, and Bardiya National Park are at their best during the winter seasons.
- Spring Seasons is the second most popular season for trekking since the weather is generally more predictable and temperatures are rising slowly. The skies can occasionally be a little cloudy, and the trails are more congested. Great events take place in the spring, such as Holi in March and the Nepalese New Year in April. Trekking all around Nepal is recommended including 6000m Climbing, 7000m Climbing, and 8000m climbing. Highly recommended and worthy treks during the spring season are Everest Three High Pass Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Base Camp Trek, Tsum Valley Cultural Trek, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek, and Dhaulagiri Circuit Camping Adventure Trek.
- Summer Season is the monsoon season and offers hot, muggy weather with gloomy skies and rain in most trekking areas. At this time, pick a hike in the Himalayas' "rain shadow." Trekking routes like Manang, Mustang, Nar Phu Valley, Limi Valley (Remote Tibetans Cultural Camping Trek), and Dolpo offer great wildflowers, lush jungles, and the possibility to encounter snow leopards. Please note that transportation may be unreliable except for the recommended treks due to flight cancellations and road maintenance due to weather and landslides we recommend an extra day in case of bad weather and road maintenance.
- Fall (Autumn Season) The most popular trekking season is fall because of the generally consistent weather, moderate temperatures, and frequently clear skies. The crowds are at their greatest right now because the weather is perfect! The major holidays in the autumn include the Main Hindu festival Dashain (October) and Tihar (November) and Mani Rimdu in the Everest region. Each season also has its festivals and cultural events that can be enjoyed during a visit to Nepal.