The Best Time to Visit Kathmandu

Kathmandu's seasons month by month: clear skies, rain and festivals, and what each one means for your sightseeing and day hikes.

The good news is that you can visit Kathmandu all year round, and the sites are open every day. The weather does change what you'll see from the hills, though, so it's worth knowing a little about the seasons before you book.

Autumn: October and November

The best time for most visitors. The monsoon has washed the air clean, the days are warm (around 20 to 25°C) and the nights are cool. The Himalaya is usually visible from Nagarkot and Chandragiri, and it's festival season too, with Dashain and Tihar.

Winter: December to February

Dry, sunny days of around 15 to 20°C, with cold mornings and nights close to freezing. The mountain views are often excellent. Just bring warm layers for those early starts!

Spring: March to May

Warm and getting hotter, with more haze over the valley. On the plus side, the rhododendrons flower on the hills and the mornings are often clear. Holi falls in March, and Bisket Jatra in Bhaktapur in April.

Monsoon: June to September

Warm and humid, with rain most afternoons. The valley is wonderfully green and the sites are quiet. The mountains usually hide behind the clouds, though, so choose heritage tours over viewpoint trips, and allow a little extra time on the roads. Indra Jatra takes place in September.