Are you planning a trekking holiday in Nepal? Then, you should consider the four main seasons- spring (March to May), summer/monsoon (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February).
The weather and climate hugely differ from the plains (Terai region) to the Himalayas. During trekking in Nepal, you will travel at a high altitude. Usually, from the starting point of the trail to the final destination, climate and temperature tremendously vary.
Every season has its pros and cons. Nevertheless, once you go above 3,000 meters, you will feel cold at night and in the morning and warm during the daytime throughout the year. So, warm clothing is important whenever you trek.
Below, we have talked in detail about the best time to trek in Nepal and also shared the pros and cons of each season:
Spring season: March, April, and May
Spring is considered one of the best trekking seasons. The main highlight of spring is rhododendrons, and other wildflowers blossom all over the trail at lower elevations. It makes the trekking route very pretty and soothing. So, many trekkers love trekking in the spring season.
Spring is the post-winter period, so you may experience light snowfall and rainfall. Likewise, there can be snow on the trail, especially in March. The daytime is most clear, so the mountain views are breathtaking.
Likewise, the climate gradually begins to warm up, so you will not feel extreme cold. The trails are comparatively less crowded than in the autumn season. The temperature ranges between -5C to 20C.
Pros of trekking during Spring
- Beautiful trails because of rhododendrons and other wildflower blossoms.
- Warm climate and clear sky.
- Stunning landscapes and mountain vistas.
- The pleasant climate and stable weather.
- Safe to cross high mountain passes like Thorong La, Cho La, Larkya La, etc.
Cons of trekking during Spring
- Popular trekking routes like EBC, ABC, Ghorepani Poon Hill, and others get busy.
- High accommodation and food prices because of high demand.
- Occasional rainfall and snowfall chance.
- Advance lodge reservations are important on famous trails.
Summer/monsoon: June, July, and August
Summer and monsoon seasons go consecutively. On most days, it is either too hot or there is heavy rainfall. In general, the climate remains hot and humid. The lower parts of the trekking routes are highly affected by rainfall in these months.
The trails are slippery and muddy. There is a high risk of landslides all over the hilly region. Likewise, the mountain views remain obstructed on cloudy days. We also see the problem of leeches and other bugs on the trail.
Due to unstable weather, Lukla flights are delayed and some highways also get affected by landslides. Trekking in summer/monsoon is possible, but only for travelers who are fine with rainfall and all its nuances.
Pros of summer/monsoon trekking
- Trails are empty, so you will enjoy a peaceful journey.
- Less to no dust because of rainfall.
- Low accommodation, meals, and transportation costs.
- Lush greenery and beautiful rivers and waterfalls.
Cons of summer/monsoon trekking
- Unstable weather and frequent rainfalls.
- High risks of landslides in many parts of the trail.
- Trail trails are slippery, muddy, and infested with leeches and bugs.
- Very hot and humid climate.
- Unclear mountain views.
Autumn (fall) season: September, October, and November
Autumn is the second best time of the year to trek in Nepal. In fact, it is the peak trekking season because of stable weather, long daylight hours, and mild climate. The mountain views are excellent in this season because of high visibility.
The climate begins to cool down as autumn starts, and plants and trees start to change color. It makes the scenery very captivating. Gradually, trekkers begin to return, so the popular trails are quite bustling.
Pros of trekking in Nepal during autumn
- Less pollution and fresh air.
- Mesmerizing mountain views and stunning landscapes.
- Stable weather, long daylight hours, and mild climate.
- Festival season in Nepal, so you may get to see the biggest Nepalese festivals closely.
- Gushing rivers and waterfalls.
Cons of trekking during autumn
- Busy trails.
- High price for everything.
- The climate gets cold at night at higher altitudes.
Winter season: December, January, and February
Winter is the coldest time of the year in Nepal. The Himalayas are in its best condition, but very few trekkers trek in the winter season because of extreme cold and unstable weather.
The mountain views are heavenly because of the snowfall. Likewise, the landscapes are also breathtaking. You will love the Himalayas in winter if you love snow and white scenery.
The temperature plummets to -10C and even lower than this in winter. So, trekkers have to wear proper clothes. We encourage winter trekking, and there are many fantastic options.
You do not necessarily have to do high-pass trekking in the winter season. Even the comparatively low-altitude treks are adventurous and mesmerizing in winter because of snowfall.
Pros of trekking in Nepal during Winter
- Incredible scenery and mountain vistas.
- No crowd, so you will enjoy a peaceful journey.
- Low accommodation, meals, and transportation costs.
- Exciting low-elevation trekking options.
- Warm daylight hours.
Cons of winter trekking in Nepal
- Extreme cold and snow-covered trails.
- Chance of getting lost so must trek with a guide.
- Limited trekking destinations.
- Risks of avalanches, snow storms, and icy tracks.
So, when to go trekking in Nepal? The answer is mentioned below...
The best trekking season in Nepal
Among all the trekking seasons in Nepal, spring and autumn are definitely the best. These two seasons have the ideal weather, trail, and climate conditions for the trek and even peak climbing.
Please pick the trekking time depending on what you are looking for during the trek. For instance, trekking in spring if you want to see rhododendron blossoms. Likewise, to see Nepali festivals, trek in autumn, and to enjoy lush vegetation, trek in summer/monsoon.
We Base Camp Trip organize treks in Nepal in all seasons!
