Here’s a detailed weather guide for 30 of Nepal’s best trekking destinations, covering seasonal variations, temperature ranges, and ideal times to visit. Nepal’s diverse geography creates a range of climatic conditions, from the lush lowlands to the icy high-altitude trails. Understanding these conditions can help you plan a safe and enjoyable trek.
Weather Overview by Season
Nepal has four main trekking seasons, each offering unique experiences. In spring (March to May), the weather is mild with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C in mid-altitude areas, though it gets colder at higher elevations. Rhododendrons bloom, and the skies remain clear, making it an ideal time for treks like the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, and Langtang Valley. Summer/monsoon (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, high humidity, and occasional landslides in some regions. However, areas in the rain-shadow, such as Upper Mustang and Dolpo, remain excellent trekking destinations. During this season, temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C in lower regions, with cooler conditions at higher altitudes. Autumn (September to November) is the most popular trekking season due to stable weather, crystal-clear views, and comfortable temperatures between 10°C and 20°C in mid-altitude areas, though high-altitude regions experience freezing temperatures. This season is ideal for almost all trekking routes, including Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu. In winter (December to February), temperatures drop significantly, with snowfall at higher altitudes, but the skies stay clear. While high-altitude treks become challenging, lower-altitude routes like Ghorepani Poon Hill and Chisapani-Nagarkot are great options. In general, Nepal’s temperatures vary widely depending on altitude, often dropping below freezing in high regions while staying between 5°C to 15°C at lower elevations.
Everest Base Camp – At 5,364m, Everest Base Camp experiences extreme weather. The best time to visit is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) with temperatures between -8°C to 15°C and clear skies. Winter (December–February) is harsh, dropping to -15°C, with heavy snowfall. Monsoon (June–August) brings occasional rain in lower regions, but the higher altitudes remain dry.
Annapurna Base Camp – Located at 4,130m, ABC has unpredictable weather. Spring (0°C to 20°C) is beautiful with blooming rhododendrons, while autumn (-5°C to 18°C) offers clear skies. Winter (-15°C) can bring heavy snow, making trails inaccessible. Monsoon (5°C to 22°C) is not ideal due to landslides and leeches.
Annapurna Circuit – This trek crosses Thorong La Pass (5,416m), where weather varies greatly. Spring and autumn (-5°C to 20°C) provide the best conditions, with warm days and cool nights. Winter (-20°C) makes high passes risky due to deep snow. Monsoon (8°C to 25°C) brings heavy rains to lower areas, but the Mustang region remains dry.
Langtang Valley – At 3,500m, Langtang Valley enjoys mild spring (2°C to 15°C) and autumn (-3°C to 12°C) weather, making them the best trekking seasons. Monsoon (5°C to 18°C) can be challenging due to landslides. Winter (-10°C to 5°C) brings snow, especially at higher elevations like Kyanjin Gompa.
Manaslu Circuit – A remote high-altitude trek reaching 5,160m at Larke Pass. Spring (-3°C to 15°C) and autumn (-5°C to 12°C) are ideal with clear skies. Winter (-15°C to 5°C) can be dangerous due to extreme cold. Monsoon (5°C to 20°C) makes trails muddy and slippery.
Ghorepani Poon Hill – A short trek to 3,210m with spectacular sunrise views. Spring (5°C to 20°C) is famous for blooming rhododendrons. Autumn (3°C to 18°C) brings crystal-clear skies. Winter (-5°C to 10°C) is cold but doable, while monsoon (8°C to 22°C) can make trails slippery.
Upper Mustang – A rain-shadow region, meaning monsoon (10°C to 25°C) has little impact, making it one of the best places to trek in summer. Spring (5°C to 20°C) and autumn (3°C to 18°C) are ideal. Winter (-5°C to 10°C) can be harsh, with many tea houses closed.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp – One of Nepal’s most remote treks, Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5,143m) experiences extreme weather. Spring (-5°C to 15°C) is ideal, with blooming flowers and moderate temperatures. Autumn (-8°C to 12°C) is also great, offering crystal-clear skies. Winter (-15°C to 5°C) is harsh, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Monsoon (5°C to 18°C) is not recommended due to excessive rain and leeches in lower regions.
Makalu Base Camp – At 4,870m, Makalu Base Camp has unpredictable weather. Spring (0°C to 18°C) and autumn (-3°C to 15°C) are the best seasons, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. Winter (-12°C to 5°C) brings extreme cold, while monsoon (5°C to 22°C) makes trails muddy and challenging.
Dhaulagiri Circuit – One of the toughest treks in Nepal, Dhaulagiri Circuit crosses high passes above 5,000m. Spring (-5°C to 18°C) and autumn (-8°C to 12°C) provide the best conditions. Winter (-18°C to 5°C) is extremely cold, with deep snow making the route dangerous. Monsoon (5°C to 22°C) increases the risk of landslides in lower regions.
Helambu Trek – A lower-altitude trek near Kathmandu, Helambu (3,600m) has mild weather. Spring (5°C to 20°C) and autumn (3°C to 18°C) are the best times, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. Winter (-5°C to 10°C) is cold but manageable, while monsoon (8°C to 22°C) brings heavy rain.
Gokyo Lakes – A stunning trek to 5,000m, Gokyo Lakes is best visited in spring (-3°C to 15°C) and autumn (-5°C to 12°C) when the weather is stable. Winter (-20°C to 5°C) sees the lakes freeze, and trails may be snow-covered. Monsoon (2°C to 18°C) is not ideal due to cloudy conditions and slippery paths.
Nar Phu Valley – A hidden gem in the Annapurna region, Nar Phu Valley (4,200m) is best visited in spring (0°C to 15°C) and autumn (-5°C to 12°C). Winter (-15°C to 5°C) brings heavy snow, and monsoon (5°C to 18°C) makes lower trails muddy and difficult.
Rolwaling Valley – Known for its remote beauty, Rolwaling Valley (4,500m) has cold temperatures year-round. Spring (-2°C to 18°C) and autumn (-5°C to 12°C) are the best seasons. Winter (-18°C to 5°C) brings heavy snow, while monsoon (5°C to 22°C) can lead to landslides.
Rara Lake – Nepal’s largest lake, Rara (2,990m) has pleasant spring (5°C to 20°C) and autumn (3°C to 18°C) weather. Monsoon (10°C to 25°C) brings lush greenery, but frequent rain. Winter (-5°C to 10°C) is cold, with occasional snowfall.
Mardi Himal – A hidden gem near Annapurna, Mardi Himal (4,500m) is best in spring (5°C to 20°C) and autumn (3°C to 18°C). Winter (-5°C to 10°C) is cold but trekable. Monsoon (10°C to 25°C) makes trails slippery and foggy.
Pikey Peak – A great alternative to Everest Base Camp, Pikey Peak (4,065m) has moderate weather in spring (5°C to 18°C) and autumn (2°C to 16°C). Winter (-8°C to 5°C) can be cold, and monsoon (8°C to 20°C) brings rain and cloud cover.
Tsho Rolpa Lake – A high-altitude glacial lake (4,580m) with best trekking conditions in spring (-2°C to 15°C) and autumn (-5°C to 12°C). Winter (-15°C to 5°C) brings extreme cold, and monsoon (5°C to 18°C) makes trails risky due to landslides.
Panch Pokhari – A sacred lake trek reaching 4,100m, Panch Pokhari is best in spring (5°C to 18°C) and autumn (2°C to 15°C). Winter (-8°C to 5°C) can be challenging due to snow, while monsoon (8°C to 20°C) makes trails slippery.
Tilicho Lake – One of the highest lakes in the world (4,919m), Tilicho Lake has unpredictable weather. Spring (-5°C to 15°C) and autumn (-8°C to 12°C) are the best times to visit. Winter (-20°C to 5°C) is extremely cold, with the lake completely frozen. Monsoon (5°C to 18°C) makes the steep trails dangerous.
Khopra Ridge – A quiet trek with panoramic views at 3,660m. Spring (5°C to 18°C) and autumn (3°C to 16°C) are perfect. Winter (-5°C to 10°C) is cold but manageable, while monsoon (8°C to 20°C) brings frequent rain.
Bardiya National Park – A low-altitude trek with best conditions in autumn (10°C to 25°C) and spring (15°C to 30°C). Monsoon (20°C to 35°C) can be hot and humid, while winter (5°C to 20°C) is cool and pleasant.
Shey Phoksundo Lake – A stunning turquoise lake at 3,611m, best visited in spring (5°C to 18°C) and autumn (2°C to 15°C). Winter (-5°C to 10°C) can be cold, while monsoon (8°C to 22°C) brings unpredictable rain.
Tamang Heritage Trail – A cultural trek at 3,000m with best conditions in spring (5°C to 18°C) and autumn (3°C to 16°C). Winter (-5°C to 10°C) is cold but possible, while monsoon (8°C to 20°C) brings slippery trails.
Ruby Valley – A remote trek at 3,500m with ideal weather in spring (5°C to 18°C) and autumn (3°C to 16°C). Winter (-5°C to 10°C) is chilly, while monsoon (8°C to 20°C) sees heavy rain.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the weather in Nepal’s top trekking regions. Choose your trekking season wisely for the best experience.