Best Season

All three countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet have varying levels of altitude which determine the climate in the region. However, there are four distinct zones:

• Below 1000 m zone which experience the tropical hot and humid climate almost all year such as Terai region in Nepal.
• Between 1000 to 3000 m zone which experience fairly temperate and pleasant climate for most of the year such as Kathmandu, and Paro.
• Between 3000 to 5000 m zone which experience continental climate with varied temperature throughout the day. In the morning and night it can be below zero and in the day it can be intensely hot such as Mustang and Manang, Lhasa.
• Above 5000 m zone which experience the alpine weather pattern with cold reigning almost year round such as the Himalayan region in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan.

Considering this climatic factor, the best season therefore for the visit to Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan will be during autumn time. The September, October, and November brings the deepest blue sky with radiant sun and the crystal clear mountain views.

The daytime heat do not exceed 20 to 23 degree Celsius thus offering the excellent time for trekking, sightseeing, and mountain climbing.

Another favorable time for the trip in Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet would be spring time spanning from March till May. The days are mostly sunny and the temperature also begin to increase mildly reaching up to 25 to 27 degree Celsius.

The mountain views are also attractive and the landscape specially turn radiant with blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers which is absolutely magnificent, especially in the mountain region such as Annapurna.

The summer monsoon begins to spread its wings in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan from June lasting till August. June is the hottest month with temperatures often reaching 30 to 35 degrees Celsius.

The effect of monsoon however is uneven across Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. It slowly loses its intensity as it moves from southeast to northwest.

Some regions of the countries are thus less influenced by the monsoon rain such as Manang, Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Lhasa, Shigatse, etc. Elsewhere, the paths are sometimes slippery and often infested with leeches.

December through February is the winter time in all three countries. The highest passes and mountain routes are often draped in heavy snow. However trekking is still possible up to the altitude of 4000 m.

The weather however will be magnificently clear and visibility of the mountains is excellent. In low-lying cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lhasa, Paro, the winter in fact can be quite pleasant.

The morning and night can see the temperature of up to 0 to 1-degree Celsius but when the sun is out, the day will be pretty warm and sunny. In the dry lands of Mustang, Manang, and Tibet however, will be very windy and unbearable frigid heat sometime making the hiking trip quite arduous.

Month by Month Weather

January

January is the coldest month in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet which is why it is also the low month for hiking adventure. Snow is rare in low-lying cities but it is prevalent in the high altitude zone.

But it can be the perfect month for some wildlife viewing as the villagers often cut the tall grasses for turf. However, trekking to the high passes and mountains is next to impossible due to the thick pile of snow blocking the passage.

February

The first half of February is very cold in Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet but as the month progresses, the days start to resemble spring. Still, the high mountain peaks are mostly covered in snow making trekking a bit difficult in the month.

March

Spring begins to flower with days progressively becoming long, and sun slowly becoming vibrant once again with the passing cold. However, the mountains can still be blocked by clouds and occasional rainfall can occur.

Holi is also celebrated adding a splash of color before the spring fully blooms in April.

April

Rhododendrons cover all the trails in Nepal and Bhutan. The days also start to get sunnier and hotter in low-lying areas. The Chitwan National Park will be active once more with the active animals. The trekking also starts to take its pick as the snow melts clearing the passage to the high passes and the mountains.

May

It is the last good month for hiking and outdoor activities before the monsoon approaches.  At the end of the month, dark clouds begin to gather and rain start to fall indicating the monsoon is coming next month.

Pokhara and Kathmandu can be hot and humid with afternoon showers, while Chitwan National Park can reach 35°C.

June

June means monsoon in Nepal but not much in Mustang, Manang, Dolpo, Lhasa, and Shigatse. So it is a good opportunity to explore these places in the months that are very cold outside of summer.

As fr trekking part, it is off as the roads and walking trails are often blocked by landslides and floods. The national parks are also closed for wildlife viewing as the roads are not drivable.

July

July is the peak monsoon time when the hiking trails are often cut off by the heavy rain. In fact, it is the wettest month in Nepal, and Pokhara, and Annapurna are the rainiest in the country receiving about 80 to 100 cm of precipitation.

However, you can witness the verdant green hills, the Janai Purnima Festival, and the rice planting in fields across the country.

August

It is the last rainy month with the monsoon cloud gradually disappearing from the sky. However, it still is not appropriate time for the trekking but right time for the Mustang and Upper Dolpo visit.

September

The autumn starts knocking the door as the rain slowly starts to fade revealing the gorgeous blue sky and the radiant sun. The landscape is fresh with the monsoon rain, the weather s better and calmer marking the beginning of the high hiking season.

October

It is the most favorable month among the hikers and tourists for the constant weather it provides. The landscape is alive, the rivers are still wild from the monsoon water creating a good time for rafting, and the annual festival of Dashai also starts to envelop the atmosphere of Nepal.

November

The final autumn month with the clearest Himalayan views and easy walking condition.  The temperature is still delightful to walk, bearable but slowly beginning to dip as the days progress.

The light festival of Tihar is celebrated this time of the year for five days in most parts of Nepal.

December

The cold starts to enter Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan marking the end of the high trekking and tourist season. In the Himalayas, the climate can be unbearably cold while in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, the heat can still be very pleasant with some remnants of Fall.