Nepal’s latitude ranges from 26° to 31°N, and the climate of Nepal differs from sub-tropical in the southern plains to alpine in the northern Himalayas.

 

The weather in Nepal varies according to the season. The winter season falls from November to February, in which the weather is stable, and the skies are mostly clear during the afternoon.

 

During winter, the haze often sits in valleys and extends up to the Himalayas, which makes the sky unclear, mainly in the morning.

 

It is possible to trek at lower altitudes, but the snow falls heavily in the higher regions, making it hard to trek or get clear views of the mountains. However, it does not snow in Kathmandu, and you can travel to the southern Terai region, but still, the mornings and evenings get really cold, and you need to prepare accordingly.

 

Spring starts from March to May and is one of the most popular trekking seasons. The weather is warm, and the day is long. The rhododendron flowers bloom in the trek regions, making the trail look beautiful. This season is especially suited for trekking at high altitudes, including peak climbing and expedition. The lower altitude area is warm and even somehow hot.

 

The summer season starts from June to August. During this season, it rains heavily due to monsoon. Therefore, most people avoid trekking in Nepal during summer. However, there are numerous rain shadow areas in Nepal, like Mustang and Dolpo. Most mountain tops are covered with fog, and it rains almost daily.

 

The trails are slippery, the leeches get active, and the clouds block the views. Summer has its own advantages. The monsoon rain induces new shoot growth, adding a green cover to the entire valleys and forests. The flowers bloom, and butterflies play near their habitats.

 

The autumn starts in September and lasts till November. It is another favorable trek season. Due to the retreating rain, the green shoots turn to golden amber. The clear skies enable you to enjoy the perfect views. Due to the favorable weather, thousands of trekkers/tourists flock to classic trek regions such as Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang.

 

Here are the conditions at high-altitude trek regions.

 

Winter Season (November to February):

 

Nepal experiences stable weather and mostly clear skies during the winter season. While lower trek regions enjoy favorable conditions, higher elevations face heavy snowfall, making trekking challenging. Kathmandu remains snow-free, but the southern Terai region experiences cold mornings and evenings.

 

Spring Season (March to May):

 

Spring is one of the most popular trekking seasons, characterized by warm temperatures and long days. Rhododendron flowers bloom, enhancing the beauty of trekking trails. This season is particularly suited for high-altitude trekking, peak climbing, and expeditions.

 

Summer Season (June to August):

 

The arrival of summer brings heavy monsoon rains, discouraging most trekkers. Clouds obstruct views, and trails become slippery. However, rain shadow areas like Mustang and Dolpo provide alternatives, showcasing lush greenery and blooming flowers.

 

Autumn Season (September to November):

 

Autumn marks another favorable trekking season with warm days, clear skies, and golden amber landscapes. Classic trekking regions such as Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang attract thousands of trekkers due to the ideal weather conditions.

 

High-Altitude Trek Regions:

 

In high-altitude trek regions during autumn, clear skies and warm days prevail, with night temperatures potentially dropping below zero. Winter offers stable weather in lower trek regions, while higher elevations experience heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. This season is ideal for areas without snowfall, such as the Terai and Kathmandu Valley.

 

Spring in High-Altitude Areas:

 

During spring, clear skies, moderate temperatures, and the allure of fresh snow on mountain peaks characterize high-altitude trek regions. Blooming rhododendrons, jasmine, and pine add to the visual splendor.

 

Summer in Rain Shadow Areas (June to August):

 

Summer, coinciding with the monsoon, brings obstructed views, hot days, daily rain, muddy trails, and active leeches. Nonetheless, it is suitable for exploring rain shadow areas like Mustang and Dolpo, showcasing unique greenery.