WEATHER & CLIMATE

Nepal is the country of extremes. Weather and climate of Nepal varies with its topography and altitude. It ranges from tropical to arctic. The low-land plains of the Terai can have tropical temperatures and the Himalayas can get to zero temperatures. The Terai region, which lies in the tropical southern part of the country, has a hot and humid climate. The hill, mid-hills and particularly the Kathmandu valleys are pleasant with warm summers and cool winters almost all the year round. The northern mountain region, around an altitude above 3300 m has an alpine climate with a considerably lower temperature in winter as can be expected but the sun can blaze you during the day, even in the mountains.

Monsoon in Nepal is not the typical monsoon of Asia. Rains usually occur during the night-time and early morning mountain views can even be had in this season. The rainy season lasts from July to August. Sub-tropical climate and alpine climate areas are dissected by deep valleys, formed by run-off from the monsoon and snow melt-water. Temperature ranges between maximum of 37 and minimum of 6 degree Celsius in the plains, 28 and 2 degree Celsius in the Kathmandu valley and 16 and 6 degree Celsius in the mountains.

SEASONS

Autumn (Sept-Nov):
This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.

Winter (Dec-Feb):
This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevations. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters.

Spring (March-May):
Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.

Summer (Jan-Aug):
Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation.

Temperature Chart

Months               Kathmandu             Pokhara           Chitwan
                   Max.       Min.       Max.    Min.     Max.     Min.
 January           19          2         20       8       24        7
 February          20          4         21       8       26         8
 March             25          8         27       11      33        12
 April             30          11        30       16      35        18
 May               30          16        30       19      35        20
 June              30          20        30       20      35        23
 July              29          21        30       21      33        24
 August            29          20        30       21      33        24
 September         27          19        29       20      32        22
 October           23          15        27       18      31        18
 November          23          4         23       11      29        12
 December          20          2         20       8       24         8

Note: All the temperature is in Degree Centigrade.

Rainfall Chart

Months       Kathmandu      Pokhara          Chitwan
January         25            15               10
February        25            15               10
March           75            30               10
April           50            50               15
May             100           300              200
June            225           575              300
July            290           630              375
August          360           700              450
September       175           575              400
October         50            220              100
November        10            20               5
December        10            5                5