Trekking in Nepal during May

May is a transition month in Nepal and the start of Summer.

Yak grazing on a trek during Spring in Nepal
Yak grazing on a trek during Spring in Nepal

Spring can hang on a little longer but most likely heavy monsoon weather will be moving in though not with very heavy showers. It does however start to get humid at this time of year with plenty of thunderstorms.

If your trek runs from April into May then you'll need to bring rain gear and be prepared for heavy down pours..

For the most part at 2,000m expect day time temperatures of 25+ degrees and temperatures at night around 9 degrees.

May trekking tips

  • Bring a light rain jacket and backpack rain cover
  • Try to leave earlier in May rather than later
  • Dress in Layers

May is a transition month in Nepal and the start of Summer. Spring can hang on a little longer but most likely heavy monsoon weather will be moving in though not with very heavy showers. It does however start to get humid at this time of year with plenty of thunderstorms. If your trek runs from April into May then you'll need to bring rain gear and be prepared for heavy down pours.


What is the weather like in May for trekking in Nepal?


Warmer weather continues to build and along with it humidity. Expect 25+ degree* weather in the mountains during the day. During the night temperatures are often around the 8-12 degree range*. More frequent hail showers, thunderstorms or rain can occur.

* 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 May


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
EBC
May 2019

 Clear views

May 2020
May 2021
 Good views
May 2022

Clear skies and sunshine

May 2023

Cood weather throughout


Trek / Date
ABC
May 2019

 Good clear views

May 2020
May 2021

No snow until MBC

May 2022

Good views

May 2023

Snow at ABC but no issues



Trek / Date
APC
May 2019

 Clear views with light rain on the first day.

May 2020
May 2021
 Clear views
May 2022

Good clear skies with a some patchy cloud

May 2023

Good weather and views


 

This historical climate/weather data may be useful to some but do remember that that the weather can change on an hourly basis in Nepal.


What trekking clothing is needed during May in Nepal?


Breathable rain gear is essential. Good strong trekking boots would be advisable due to any rain or mud you might come across. Trekking shirts, shorts, pants and a fleece (for the evenings). Keep in mind that humidity can build up in May with sunny, wet and hot days. Dressing in loose clothing can help with the warmer days. A light sleeping bag is a great addition or a sleeping bag liner.


Is trekking accommodation on the trails open during May in Nepal?


All accommodation along the trekking routes will be open in May. Accommodation gets less busy along popular trails in May.


Are trekking restaurants on the trails open during May in Nepal?


Just like accommodation all restaurants will be open in May.

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 May in Nepal?


Yes, trekking permits are available year round in Nepal including May. Permits are available in both Kathmandu and Pokhara.


Do you need travel insurance for trekking in May?


Yes you'll need travel insurance when trekking in May. Wet, slippery paths often lead to many ankle strains and slips which are made worse by tiredness due to humidity.

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 May.

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:

Trekking in Nepal

My guide on trekking in Nepal

  Trekking Equipment Check out my guide on equipment & gear needed for trekking in Nepal
 
List of treks to hike in Nepal Check out my list of treks to do in Nepal complete with maps   Nepal Mountain range Check out my guide on how to travel overland into Tibet for a lot more!
Trekking in Nepal How to choose a trekking guide in Nepal   Record of Mount Everst Base Camp Trek in the Winter My Day by day account of trekking to Everest Base Camp in the off season (winter)
 
Traveling overland into Nepal Check out my How to travel overland into Nepal guide   Guide to traveling Nepal Check out my country Guide to Nepal

Are you ready to trek in Nepal? If so, then you'll love my trekking books!

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!

Trekking in Nepal guidebook Trekking in Nepal guidebook

First Time Trekking in Nepal Guidebook
Perfect for your first trek

 

Trekking in Nepal Guidebook
Dedicated guidebook with 29+ treks for in-depth trekking

 

Nepal Guidebook
Full Nepal Guidebook
Complete country guide that also includes First Time Trekking in Nepal

Discover more guidebooks to Nepal!

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