Kathmandu Weather

October is the best month to visit Kathmandu — the post-monsoon air is crisp and clean, skies are clear, rain is low (about 50mm), and the Himalaya are at their most visible. Afternoons are a comfortable 26°C and nights cool to a pleasant 14°C. This is the peak trekking season, when Everest Base Camp and Annapurna trails are at their busiest and mountain flights have their best odds of clear views. It's also the year's busiest, priciest time for the city, so book accommodation and any specific hotel well ahead. Two of Nepal's biggest festivals fall around now. Dashain (the largest festival, often spanning late September into October) brings family reunions, but many shops close and transport gets crowded as the city empties — plan around it. Tihar, the festival of lights (October into November), decorates the city with lamps and marigolds and is beautiful to witness. The weather is ideal for everything — Durbar Squares, stupas, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot sunrises, mountain flights, and treks. Pack light day clothes with a warm layer for the cool, clear evenings.

November is one of the very best months in Kathmandu — exceptionally clear, dry weather (only about 10mm of rain), crisp clean air, and the year's finest Himalayan visibility. Afternoons are mild around 23°C, but nights turn cool near 8°C as winter approaches. Alongside October, it's the prime time for trekking, mountain flights, and Nagarkot or Sarangkot sunrises, with the highest chance of cloud-free peaks. The city stays busy and prices remain high through this peak window, so book ahead. Early November often catches the tail of Tihar, the festival of lights, with homes and streets glowing with lamps and decorated with marigolds and rangoli — a lovely atmosphere. The clear, dry conditions are ideal for sightseeing across the valley and for the best mountain views of the year. The main thing to prepare for is the increasing chill after dark, so pack a warm jacket and layers for cool mornings and evenings even though the days are pleasant.

March is one of the best months in Kathmandu — warm, comfortable spring weather with afternoons around 25°C, mild nights near 8°C, clear skies, and good mountain visibility. Rainfall is still low (about 35mm). This is the start of the spring peak season, paired with the autumn (October-November) window as the prime times to visit. The air is cleaner than the deep-winter months and the days are bright and pleasant for sightseeing and the start of the trekking season. The headline event is Holi, the exuberant Hindu festival of colours (around March), when streets fill with people throwing coloured powder and water — chaotic, joyful, and best embraced in old clothes. At altitude, the rhododendron forests come into bloom, a draw on spring treks. Crowds and prices rise with peak season — book accommodation a few weeks ahead, especially anything specific. Pack light clothes with a layer for cooler evenings, plus sunscreen as the UV strengthens.