Knowing the ideal time to visit Nepal is fundamental to making your trip and incredible experience. This country is known for having some of the best trekkings in the world and in the different seasons the experience changes a lot.
Whether you are going to Nepal wanting to trek, go sightseeing, spotting wildlife like rhinos or even wanting to take part in the various festivities it offers, this article is for you. Here we will share the best months for your visit, and the festivals you can’t miss.
The best months to visit Nepal
Nepal is best visited between autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Here you will find the best weather for most of the activities like trekking, sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Autumn (September to November)
Most trekkers consider that autumn is the ideal time to visit Nepal. At this time, the monsoon season has ended leaving vibrant greenery and beautiful landscapes. The skies are clearer so you will encounter incredible views of the Himalayas mountain range. This of course includes Mount Everest and the Annapurna.
Another great thing about this time is that the temperature is warm but not too hot and the days are dry so you will be comfortable during your trekkings and it is also a wonderful time to explore cities. It is also a nice time for festivals. The biggest and most popular festivals, Dashain and Tihar, are in Autumn so it is a great opportunity to take part in Nepali culture.
Spring (March to May)
Another wonderful time to visit is Spring. Like in autumn, the days are longer and the weather is warm and dry so the conditions are perfect for trekking. Just beware at night, because it can get cold.
Winter (December to February)
It can get really cold in winter, especially at higher altitudes and at night. The average temperature is 6º Celsius. But most people agree that it is still a great time for your visit if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices and are prepared for the cold. The skies are very clear so you will get stunning views.
The late winter, January and February, is a great time for wildlife spottingThe only thing that is not recommended is doing higher altitude treks.
Monsoon season (June to August)
Monsoon season is the worst time for trekking in Nepal. The heavy rains, landslides and muddy trails make it really difficult for this activity and many places close down. Also, the clouds obscure the beautiful views of the mountains and the weather is warm, wet and high in humidity, with temperatures of 30º Celsius. Because of all of this, it is best to avoid traveling at this time.
However, we must say that it could be a good time to explore some cultural attractions and you can do sightseeing in cities where you will find less tourists than at other times, this is especially true for areas like Upper Mustang and Dopo where the monsoon doesn’t have much impact.
When are the most important festivals?
One of the things that makes Nepal a great destination is that you will find incredible and diverse festivals all year round. In these events, the communities come together in a joyful atmosphere. You can expect colorful streets, traditional music and dances and rituals that have been passed down through generations. Here are the top ones.
Holi (Spring)
In March, Nepal celebrates the beginning of spring. You can join the locals as they cover each other in color powders while they dance to lively music and enjoy sweets and delicacies. This is one of the most energetic and festive events of the year and definitely one you shouldn’t miss.
Buddha Jayanti (Spring)
This is a peaceful festival in May that honors Lord Buddha. Contrary to Holi Festival, this a very peaceful experience that is celebrated with prayers, rituals and gatherings at sacred sites like Boudhanath and Swayambhunath.
It is one of the most significant festivals in Nepal and is celebrated by Hindus and Buddhists. It honors the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Budha. You can join the devotees as they chant and offer prayers to Lord Buddha.
Teej (Monsoon season)
Teej is a festival dedicated to women. This three-day event in August is one of the reasons that makes Nepal a good option in the Monsoon season. At this time, Nepali women come together to seek blessings from Lord Shiva for a good partner and prosperity and longevity for them. They dress in vibrant red sarees adorned with vermillion powder and bangles.
In the festival, there is a grand feast called Dar that is followed by a 24-hour fast during which women sing and dance to traditional folk music. Finally, they pay homage to seven saints, bathe with red mud and cleanse their bodies and souls by brushing their teeth with Datiwan branches.
Indra Jatra (Autumn)
The end of the Monsoon season at the beginning of September is celebrated in a festival filled with colorful processions and cultural performances. It pays homage to Indra, the rain god and in the days that it lasts you will be able to witness masked dances of deities and demons.
Dashain (Autumn)
Autumn is the ideal time to visit Nepal, especially because you will be able to see the biggest and longest festival in the country. Dashain celebrates the triumph of good over evil and it is a time for family gatherings, receiving blessings, flying kites and enjoying incredible feasts.
The festival lasts fifteen days when people of all ages get together to celebrate with vibrant energy. It is really wonderful to see everyone enjoying flying kites, playing traditional games or receiving the blessings from their elders.
Tihar (Autumn)
Tihar is known as the festival of lights. In a five day celebration dedicated to the goddess Laximi, homes and streets get beautifully illuminated with oil lamps. It is something amazing to see if you are visiting Nepal in November. The ambiance of the different towns is really magical and you will also be able to see how people honor different animals like cows and dogs.
