Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Kathmandu
🇳🇵 Kathmandu, Nepal · Asia
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
16°
7°
Great
Feb
18°
8°
Great
Mar
22°
11°
Good
Apr
25°
14°
Good
May
26°
17°
Good
Jun
26°
19°
Good
Jul
25°
20°
Good
Aug
25°
20°
Good
Sep
25°
19°
Good
Oct
23°
15°
Good
Nov
20°
12°
Great
Dec
17°
8°
Great
Month-by-Month Weather in Kathmandu
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryRecommended | 16°C | 7°C | 6 | 10h | 70% | 2 | Great | View |
| FebruaryRecommended | 18°C | 8°C | 8 | 10h | 70% | 2 | Great | View |
| March | 22°C | 11°C | 10 | 11h | 70% | 6 | Good | View |
| April | 25°C | 14°C | 13 | 12h | 70% | 6 | Good | View |
| May | 26°C | 17°C | 22 | 12h | 70% | 9 | Good | View |
| June | 26°C | 19°C | 27 | 9h | 70% | 9 | Good | View |
| July | 25°C | 20°C | 31 | 6h | 70% | 9 | Good | View |
| August | 25°C | 20°C | 31 | 7h | 70% | 9 | Good | View |
| September | 25°C | 19°C | 28 | 8h | 70% | 6 | Good | View |
| October | 23°C | 15°C | 15 | 10h | 70% | 6 | Good | View |
| NovemberRecommended | 20°C | 12°C | 6 | 10h | 70% | 2 | Great | View |
| DecemberRecommended | 17°C | 8°C | 3 | 10h | 70% | 2 | Great | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Kathmandu
Spring (March to May)
Avg: 24°C high, 14°C low
Spring in Kathmandu brings gradually warm temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 24°C (75°F) while nights cool to 14°C (57°F). This is one of the wetter periods, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Summer (June to August)
Avg: 25°C high, 20°C low
Summer is the warmest season in Kathmandu, with temperatures reaching 25°C (77°F). Comfortable warmth makes this a popular time for tourists, though accommodation prices tend to peak. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (September to November)
Avg: 23°C high, 15°C low
Fall in Kathmandu is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures settle around 23°C (73°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night. Rainfall picks up during this period, so waterproof clothing is advisable.
Winter (December to February)
Avg: 17°C high, 8°C low
Winter in Kathmandu brings the mildest cool season. While not as warm as peak travel months, the pleasant temperatures make for comfortable sightseeing without the summer crowds.
When to Avoid Kathmandu
The least favorable time to visit Kathmandu is July and August. During this period, you can expect heavy rainfall.
July
Challenges: heavy rainfall
August
Challenges: heavy rainfall
April
Challenges: frequent rain
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Kathmandu
Packing recommendations for visiting Kathmandu during the best travel months (December, January, February), when temperatures range from 8°C to 17°C:
- +Medium-weight layers and a warm jacket
- +Long pants and closed-toe shoes
- +A compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Kathmandu Year-Round Climate Overview
Kathmandu has a subtropical climate (Koppen classification: Cwa). The warmest month is June with highs of 26°C, while the coldest month is January at just 16°C. Annual rainfall averages 2814mm across approximately 200 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 16 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 17 |
| Low °C | 7 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain Days | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 22 | 27 | 31 | 31 | 28 | 15 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 40 | 47 | 54 | 78 | 203 | 469 | 786 | 661 | 349 | 87 | 21 | 19 |
| Sun h/day | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Humidity % | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| UV Index | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to Kathmandu? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Kathmandu?+
The best time to visit Kathmandu is December, January, February. During these months, temperatures average 17°C (63°F) with 10 hours of daily sunshine and only 6 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Kathmandu?+
The least ideal time to visit Kathmandu is July and August. During this period, you can expect heavy rainfall. While Kathmandu can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Kathmandu good to visit in summer?+
Summer in Kathmandu (June to August) brings temperatures of 25°C (77°F) highs and 20°C (68°F) lows, with about 7 hours of sunshine and 30 rain days per month. Consider visiting during the recommended months instead for better weather.
What is the rainy season in Kathmandu?+
The rainy season in Kathmandu runs from May to September, when average rain days increase to 28 days per month. Total monthly precipitation during this period averages 494mm.
What should I pack for Kathmandu?+
When visiting Kathmandu during the best travel months (December, January, February), pack medium-weight layers, a warm jacket, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Bring a compact umbrella just in case. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
Is December a good time to visit Kathmandu?+
Yes, December is one of the best months to visit Kathmandu. Expect average highs of 17°C (63°F), 10 hours of daily sunshine, and only 3 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Kathmandu
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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