Climate & yearly weather in Kathmandu


Monsoon season in Kathmandu
Monsoon season in Kathmandu

Kathmandu generally has a humid subtropical climate with warm days followed by cooler mornings and nighttime temperatures. Like the rest of Nepal, Kathmandu has a monsoon, summer, spring, autumn, and winter season, which varies the temperature and precipitation.

It's worth noting that the Kathmandu Valley protects the region from the extremes of weather other regions may have throughout the year. This includes the harsh heat to the south and the freezing mountain temperatures to the north. Indeed, it rarely snows in Kathmandu.

Weather data for Kathmandu
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Average high °C (°F) 18.0
(64.4)
20.2
(68.4)
24.3
(75.7)
27.4
(81.3)
28.2
(82.8)
28.3
(82.9)
Average low °C (°F) 2.1
(35.8)
3.8
(38.8)
7.5
(45.5)
11.3
(52.3)
15.5
(59.9)
19.0
(66.2)
Precipitation mm (inches) 14.2
(0.559)
16.7
(0.657)
31.2
(1.228)
54.4
(2.142)
114.2
(4.496)
256.4
(10.094)
Avg. rainy days 2 3 4 6 12 17
Metrological data from World Meteorological Organization
Weather data for Kathmandu
Month Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Average high °C (°F) 27.7
(81.9)
28.0
(82.4)
27.2
(81.0)
25.8
(78.4)
22.7
(72.9)
19.4
(66.9)
Average low °C (°F) 20.0
(68.0)
19.7
(67.5)
18.2
(64.8)
13.0
(55.4) )
7.4
(45.3)
3.0
(37.4)
Precipitation mm (inches) 359.6
(14.157)
314.2
(12.37)
183.1
(7.209)
59.4
(2.339)
7.5
(0.295)
14.2
(0.559)
Avg. rainy days 23 22 15 4 1 1

From the above data you can clearly see the wettest, driest and hottest and coldest months.


When is the best weather for flights to view Everest?


Generally speaking, Everest viewing flights occur all year around and leave from Kathmandu airport. However, there are no guarantees that you will see Everest due to weather conditions. Due to its location, the weather surrounding Everest is often volatile and changes hourly.

However, the local airlines that arrange the flights will cancel a flight if the weather is obviously too cloudy that morning.

On average, Everest flights are taken first thing in the morning. The earlier (or first flights) offer the best chance at clear weather.

The best months for Everest flights are the low precipitation months shown above - Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. Do not expect good views in March or April; it's more or less a 50/50 chance.

Do read my full guide on how to take an Everest mountain flight from Kathmandu.


When is the best weather for trekking in Nepal from Kathmandu?


Treks departing from Kathmandu are no different weather-wise than any other part of Nepal, aside from localized conditions due to weather conditions.

Peak trekking weather months are October-November-December.

Please see my guide on the best times of the year to go trekking in Nepal for more precise information.


When is the best weather to visit Kathmandu?


Kathmandu has no extreme weather seasons, so it's possible to visit Kathmandu at any time of the year.

However, there is a winter season from November to March where it can get cold, especially at night. It rarely snows in Kathmandu.

During the monsoon season, streets can often get clogged with rainwater. Heavy downpours usually only last for about 1 hour.

Interestingly, Pokhara has a slightly different weather climate. So, do check out what the weather is like in Pokhara.

For more on Kathmandu and things to do, please check my full Kathmandu city guide.


Download my guidebooks to Nepal


Liked this page? You'll love my books! They are hands on guidebooks that are better than the rest. Yes, really! In them I cover all attractions with step-by-step accuracy using well researched information, photographs and travel tested walking tours.

Available in print or digital editions - the best guidebooks for visiting Nepal.


Was this page helpful to you? If so please tell others!