You can visit Nepal all year round, but not for the same treks. Two seasons stand out: autumn and spring. Here is what awaits you in the mountains, month by month, so you can choose your dates without any nasty surprises.
In short: the two main trekking seasons
- Autumn (October and November): the best time. Clear skies, pleasant temperatures, views of the peaks almost guaranteed. It is also the busiest time.
- Spring (March to May): the second good time. The rhododendrons are in bloom and it is warmer, but the air is sometimes hazy at low altitude.
- Winter (December to February): very clear skies but cold at altitude. Ideal for low and mid-altitude treks, harder for the high passes.
- Monsoon (June to September): daily rain over most of the country. Only the regions “in the monsoon’s rain shadow”, such as Mustang and Dolpo, can still be trekked.
Month by month
October and November: the peak season
The monsoon has just ended. The air is washed clean and the peaks are sharp from morning to evening. During the day, it is between 15 and 25 °C in the valleys. At night, above 4,000 m, the temperature drops below zero. This is the ideal time for Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit or the Manaslu Circuit. The lodges are full on the main routes: book early, or choose a quieter trek such as Khopra Danda.
December to February: cold, but empty trails
The sky stays very clear. However, it is cold from 3,000 m and some passes above 5,000 m may be closed by snow, such as the Thorong La or the Larkya La. High-altitude lodges sometimes close. For this period, choose treks that stay below 3,500 m: the Kathmandu Valley, the Annapurna Balcony, Mohare Danda or Halesi-Badel. The upside: you will have the trails almost to yourself.
March to May: rhododendrons and mild weather
The second high season. The rhododendron forests are in bloom, especially in late March and April. Temperatures rise, which makes the high passes easier to reach. The only drawback: a heat haze sometimes veils the views below 3,000 m, especially in May. Higher up, the sky stays clear. A good time for the Annapurna Sanctuary, Langtang and Mardi Himal.
June to September: the monsoon, and its exceptions
It rains almost every day, the trails are muddy, the leeches are out and the clouds hide the mountains. Domestic flights, to Lukla for example, are often delayed. This is not the time for Everest or the Annapurnas.
But two regions escape the monsoon, because they lie behind the main Himalayan range: Mustang and Dolpo. This is actually the best time to go there. The Tiji festival in Mustang takes place in May.
Which trek for which month?
| Period | Recommended treks | Best avoided |
|---|---|---|
| October – November | All of them, especially Everest, the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Gokyo | Nothing, but book early |
| December – February | Kathmandu Valley, Annapurna Balcony, Mohare Danda, Pikey Peak, Halesi-Badel | High passes (Thorong La, Larkya La, Cho La) |
| March – May | Annapurna Sanctuary, Langtang, Mardi Himal, Everest, Mustang (Tiji in May) | Low treks in May (haze, heat) |
| June – September | Mustang, Dolpo, Shey Phoksundo | Everest, the Annapurnas, Langtang, Manaslu |
Three tips for choosing your dates
- Allow some margin. One or two spare days at the end of the trek absorb a delayed flight or a slower stage. A slightly longer trek costs less than a missed international flight.
- Check the festival calendar. Dashain (late September or October) and Tihar (October or November) are the two biggest Nepali festivals. The country slows down, but it is a lovely time to see the traditions.
- Fit the trek to the season, not the other way round. If you can only travel in January, there are some beautiful winter treks. If you can only travel in August, Mustang is waiting for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month for Everest Base Camp?
October and November, then April. In winter, the trek is still possible, but nights at Gorak Shep drop to around -15 °C.
Can you trek in Nepal in July or August?
Yes, in Mustang or Dolpo, which are sheltered from the monsoon. Elsewhere, expect rain and views hidden by cloud.
Is it very cold at night at altitude?
Yes. Above 4,000 m, expect between -5 and -15 °C at night in autumn, and colder still in winter. A good sleeping bag is essential, even in a lodge. See our gear list.
Still unsure about the timing? Write to Mohan with your possible dates, and he will tell you which trek suits them best.
