Nepal Weather - Climate Best time to visit Climate chart Temperatures in Nepal Precipitation Kathmandu - Pokhara - Jomosom Map of Nepal

Nepal's climate varies in its topography. It ranges from tropical to arctic depending upon altitude.

The Terai region, which lies in the tropical southern partof the country, for instance, has a hot and humid climate.

The Terai and the Churia hills experience a sub-tropical monsoonal climate in common with the rest of the Gangatic Plains.

Peak temperatures in summer rise to above 40°, while winter night temperatures drop to just above freezing.

The mid-land regions are pleasant almost all the year round, although winter nights are cool. The middle zone of the Mahabarat Lek and Pahar regions are temperate, with a climate simliar to that of Central Europe. Summer peak temperatures can reach below 40°C, while the winter regularly experience temperatures below the freezing point. Snow is expected in higher areas. Pokhara and Kathmandu never have snow, though the surrounding hills do. There is no problem to manage trekking in the Pokhara area or in the Kathmandu valley in winter time. A trip to the Chitwan National Park can be recommended, though fogs are often in winter time.

The northern mountain region, around an altitude above 3,353 m has an alpine climate with a considerably lower temperature in winter as can be expected. The climate of the high Himalayas is alpine. Snow is to be expected above 2000 m from October to March. In thunderstorms snow can falleven during summer time. Beyond the Himalayas into Tibet (Mustang area) the climate is arid and cold.

Nepal has four climatic seasons :

The monsoon season extends across the whole country from June to September. 75% of the annual precipitation occurs in that time. Some of the roads are blocked. Landslides are frequent.

The post monsoon period from October to November is characterized by settled weather, clear skies, little rain and moderate temperatures.

In zone above 2,000 m the rhododendrons are common. These trees flower from late March. In the middle of April the trees flower in an altitude above 2,700 m. The rhododendron trees especially can be found in the Arun and Tamur valleys, the Annapurna and Lamjung area, the Langtang and Kalinchowk regions.

more information and pictures

Weather in Nepal The Himalayas around Pokhara Nepal's Topography Nepal's Foothills Cross-section of Nepal More on Climate in Nepal Nepal Maps Nepal's Geology Kali Gandaki Graben Nepal Trekkings: Trekking Profiles Trekking Programmes

top