Trekking in Nepal during February
February is usually one of the coldest months in Nepal.

Nepal has five seasons and February falls in right at the end of winter. Most people do not trek during February in Nepal. If your trek runs from December into February then you probably won't be able to complete it. Snow falls and freezing temperatures can often block passes.
If you are already in Nepal then keep an eye on the temperatures towards the end of February as sometimes winter ends early and the first trekking season can start early.
For the most part snow falls and freezing temperatures can often block passes. Expect temperatures to drop well below freezing (often hitting -25) not including windchill factors.
February trekking tips
- Stick to short day hikes and not treks
- Don't go on extended treks or treks with high passes/base camps
- Dress in Layers
- Wait to be sure winter has truly ended before heading out
- Take a guide and be sure to check in at every stop
Very few people consider trekking during February in Nepal. Short hikes around Nagarkot or Dhulikhel should be possible. Dhampus near Pokhara should also be possible. Longer treks to Everest or the Annapurna Circuit are not recommended at this time of year.
What is the weather like in February for trekking in Nepal?
Freezing early on in the month and very cold later. Temperatures can fall to -20 degrees* with ease at altitude. Windchill can bring it down even further. Passes and base camps can get cut off by snow and ice. Avalanches can occur as warmer weather moves in.
* weather temperatures and conditions change as you go up in altitude or descend. Likewise there are variations depending on the trek. Always expect passes and base camps to have more extreme conditions. The temperatures listed here are only used as rough indications.
Historical weather data for trekking in February
Since publishing my guidebooks we've been keeping an accurate record of both GPS data for trails and the weather to try and help trekkers make decisions.
The following information is correlated based on real trekking guides and trekkers who were in the following areas. The weather data is broken down into the year of the trek, weeks in the month and a note on what a guide or person experienced in terms of weather. We've used EBC, ABC and the APC for weather examples as they cover the widest range of areas.
EBC = Everest Base Camp. ABC = Annapurna Base Camp. APC = Annapurna Circuit.
* Blank years or months just means the guide or data is/was not available. It may also mean we've not had the time to update the data here (we have a lot of data on all treks). We are trying to keep this information as accurate as possible. If you are looking for specific data you may contact us, however you can best support this site by purchasing a guidebook first.
Trek / Date
EBCFebruary 2019
Light snow
February 2020
Clear views but snowing from Namche to EBC
February 2021
February 2022
Snow at Gorak Shep
February 2023
Trek / Date
ABCFebruary 2019
Snow still on the ground and cold
February 2020
Snowing from Derulai to ABC
February 2021
February 2022
Snow still covering large areas
February 2023
Trek / Date
APCFebruary 2019
Cold but clear.
February 2020
Light snow.
February 2021
February 2022
Snow still present in large areas around Throng La Pass
February 2023
What trekking clothing is needed during February in Nepal?
Most trekkers will dress in layers, especially during the cold winter in Nepal. Good strong trekking boots with insulation would be advisable due to snow and ice. Thick socks. Thermal undergarments will also help. A windproof jacket and or a thick winter trekking jacket will be needed. Trekking shirts, pants and a fleece at the minium.
Keep in mind that it can get sunny and hot in February when out trekking during the day. So dressing in layers helps as you can peel them off before adding them back on when it gets cold.
You will also most likely benefit from having a very warm sleeping bag when trekking during winter. Blankets are usually available in guest houses along trekking routes but a sleeping back is a great addition.
Is trekking accommodation on the trails open during February in Nepal?
Accommodation in all of Nepal's big cities will be open. However, not all accommodation along the trekking routes stay open in February. Many teahouses (guest houses) along the trails close up for the winter as the people move down to the valleys where it's a little warmer.
There will be some guest houses open on the main routes but there will be no guarantees.
Are trekking restaurants on the trails open during February in Nepal?
Just like accommodation many places will close up and move down to the valleys and larger cities during the winter months. This includes February. Do read my guidebook trekking in Nepal to understand about restaurants when trekking you may not be allowed to stay in your accommodation if you eat elsewhere when trekking!
Are trekking permits available in February in Nepal?
Yes, trekking permits are available year round in Nepal including February. Permits are available in both Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Do you need travel insurance for trekking in February?
Yes most definitely you'd be crazy not to have proper travel insurance when trekking in February. Do read about getting proper travel insurance for trekking in Nepal.
Find out when is the best time of year for trekking in Nepal
Do read my full article on when is the best time of year to go trekking in Nepal for a full overview which it makes it easy to pick the best season to go trekking. Meanwhile here's a monthly breakdown.
» What's it like to trek in Nepal in January?
» What's it like to trek in Nepal in February?
» What's it like to trek in Nepal in March?
» What's it like to trek in Nepal in April?
» What's it like to trek in Nepal in May?
» What's it like to trek in Nepal in June?
» What's it like to trek in Nepal in July?
» What's it like to trek in Nepal in August?
» What's it like to trek in Nepal in September?
» What's it like to trek in Nepal in October?
» What's it like to trek in Nepal in November?
» What's it like to trek in Nepal in December?
Again, if you are trying to make plans it'll be easier to read when is the best time of year to go trekking in Nepal first, then the monthly breakdown.
More information on Trekking in Nepal
The above information should give you a brief outline and understanding about trekking in Nepal in February.
I've compiled more detailed articles on the specifics of trekking in Nepal below.
You will find them to be a great place to thoroughly research your trip to Nepal, be sure to bookmark them so you don't forget!
You might find my following free guides helpful: | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
My guide on trekking in Nepal |
![]() |
Check out my guide on equipment & gear needed for trekking in Nepal | |
![]() |
Check out my list of treks to do in Nepal complete with maps | ![]() |
Check out my guide on how to travel overland into Tibet for a lot more! | |
![]() |
How to choose a trekking guide in Nepal | ![]() |
My Day by day account of trekking to Everest Base Camp in the off season (winter) | |
![]() |
Check out my How to travel overland into Nepal guide | ![]() |
Check out my country Guide to Nepal |
These guidebooks are a hands on trekking guidebooks that are better than the rest. Yes, really!
The books contain day-by-day guides with accuracy using scalable maps, photographs and travel-tested up-to-date trekking information. Just like my other guidebooks these have been proven to be the best interactive, or paperback guidebooks to Nepal available anywhere today.
So what are you waiting for? Get your hands on these guidebooks and start trekking in Nepal today!
![]() |
![]() |
First Time Trekking in Nepal Guidebook
|
Trekking in Nepal Guidebook
|
![]() |
|
Full Nepal Guidebook Complete country guide that also includes First Time Trekking in Nepal Discover more guidebooks to Nepal! |
Was this page helpful to you? If so please tell others!