When to visit - Nepal

November – February: The best time to visit Chitwan National Park is between the months of November and February, with pleasant temperatures and virtually non-existent rainfall. The start of November signifies the beginning of the cooler months in the southern plains of Nepal, with daytime temperatures of roughly 25°C. Newly created watering holes provide an excellent opportunity to see a high concentration of wildlife including migrating birds in the month of November. Temperatures steadily from November until the coolest month of January, when daytime temperatures average at around 18°C. These cooler temperatures are ideal for walking in the park, and they also encourage animals to wander in the daytime rather than shading from the summer sun. The optimum time for spotting wildlife in Chitwan is from late-January, when the locals cut the tall elephant grass and it becomes much easier to spot animals from distance.

March-May: Temperatures rise rapidly in Southern Nepal throughout these months with averages soaring to 35°C in May. The months of March and April in Chitwan usually remain dry, but southern Nepal’s rainy season arrives in May when the land gets the first proper rainfall after the dry winter months. The number of rainy days jumps from 7 in April to 19 days in May. Much like in the rest of Nepal, the approaching monsoon causes humidity levels to rise resulting in a 65% Humidity level in May. Although this period is not the perfect time to visit Chitwan National Park, it is not without its benefits. The numbers of tourists fall dramatically as the heat increases, which results in less noise and perhaps a better chance of seeing wildlife.

June-August: Much like in the rest of Nepal the summer months bring with them a huge amount of rain as the monsoon arrives in Nepal with rainfall peaking in July at an average of 650mm. Although Chitwan National Park remains open throughout the monsoon, certain activities may be limited due to heavy rain. Throughout July and August rainfall is expected on a daily basis, and heat and humidity in Southern Nepal are high. We would advise against travelling to Chitwan National Park during the monsoon.

September & October: The start of September sees a large amount of rainfall in southern Nepal especially if there is a late Monsoon on that particular year. More often than not the second half of the month sees clearer skies which can provide excellent conditions for visiting Chitwan. Throughout these two months average temperatures remain in the high twenties although there is a chance of a few cooler days in October with night time temperatures dropping as low as 10°C on occasion. If you are looking for warm weather, and dont mind an occassional shower, these months are great times to visit Chitwan. The monsoon rains bring with them an abundance of life in the park and these two months allow you to make the most of this without the crowds that arrive during peak season.

October & November: Visitors flock to the Annapurna region in October and November to make the most of what is certainly the best trekking season in the region. Temperatures are pleasant but not hot with an average of 14°C in October dropping to roughly 10°C in November. It is worth bearing in mind that, although the days are pleasant, night time temperatures can still drop to around freezing. There is a small amount of rain in Ghandruk and at the start of October, but by November you can expect the optimum conditions in the Annapurna region with clear skies giving incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

December- February: This is the coldest time of year in the Annapura region, with average daytime temperatures sitting around 8°C, with the coldest month of January having an average of just 6°C. Night time temperatures can be extremely cold and snow in Ghandruk is not uncommon. Whilst snow in the lower foothills poses little problems for trekkers some of the higher levels, such as the Thorung la pass (5416m) on the Annapurna circuit, receive enough to close passes and prevent people from completing their treks. Skies throughout this period do however remain clear with next to no precipitation, so the vistas can be very impressive, if you can brave the cold!

March-May: This period is traditionally the second best time to visit Ghandruk and the Annapurna region, as temperatures begin to rise and snow starts to melt away. Average temperatures in March sit around 12°C and steadily increase with an average of 17°C in May. This period does see a slight increase in rainfall as the monsoon approaches, although this relatively small amount will have little impact on a visit to the Annapurna Conservation area at this time. The world-renowned rhododendrons and other Himalayan flowers burst into life with the start of the rains in May, making this the best time to visit the Annapurna region for botany.

June-September: The start of June and the end of September tend to avoid the worst of the monsoon, but the rest of this period is guaranteed to provide a large amount of rain which peaks in July with around 700mm. This heavy rainfall brings landslides which can make visiting Ghandruk and the Annapurna area both difficult and dangerous.

Jan-March: January is Kathmandu’s coldest month with average day time temperatures of 8°C, however temperatures at night can drop below zero. The average rainfall in Kathmandu over this period is negligible, with an average of one rainy day per month. If you are prepared to brave the cold January is definitely a good time to visit Nepal with near perfect visibility meaning this is one of the best times to see the Langtang mountain range from the city. Temperatures begin to rise throughout February and march with an average of around 10°C in February and 18°C degrees in March. Visibility remains extremely good throughout this period and slightly warmer temperatures mean that March is an ideal time to enjoy everything that the Kathmandu Valley has to offer.

April-May: April sees the start of the warmer season in Nepal, with average temperatures in the capital reaching 20°C with temperatures often exceeding 25°C in the heat of the day. Cloud and rain are still very rare occurrences meaning that Kathmandu’s weather in April is near perfect. Temperatures continue to rise in May with day time temperatures regularly reaching the high 20’s. Whilst the months building up to May are almost completely dry, there tends to be more rainfall in the Kathmandu Valley as you reach the end of the month. This increase is however still fairly minimal and should not impact on a trip around this time.

June-August: The summer months in Nepal are dominated by the annual monsoon with rainfall to be expected on a daily basis. At the peak of monsoon, which occurs in July, there is generally around 350mm of rain. Throughout these months landslides are common place and getting around the country becomes particularly challenging. This is certainly not a time of the year to be visiting Nepal.

September- December: Although the worst of the rainfall comes to an end by September, rain is still a fairly common in the first half of the month with an average rainfall of around 150mm. From October onwards rain ceases to be an issue with a sharp decrease to 37 mm in October and just 2mm in December. Throughout this period temperatures in Kathmandu drop steadily from an average of 23°C in September to around 10°C in December. This period is Nepal’s peak season due to the manageable temperatures and clear skies which are the optimum conditions for exploring Kathmandu.