Plan · Best season
When to trek in Nepal
Short answer: October–November or March–April. Long answer below.
Nepal has two main trekking seasons — autumn (Sept–Nov) and spring (Mar–May). Each has trade-offs. Here's every month, ranked.
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
January | Cold, clear | Low | Great for lower-altitude treks; high passes risky. |
February | Cold, very clear | Low | Crystal mountain views; book a warm sleeping bag. |
MarchRecommended | Mild, clear | Medium | Peak spring — rhododendron forests in bloom. |
AprilRecommended | Warm, clear | High | Best month overall. Long days, vivid colour. |
MayRecommended | Warm, hazy | Medium | Good high-altitude weather; lowlands get hot. |
June | Hot, wet | Very low | Monsoon begins. Trans-Himalayan treks (Mustang, Dolpo) shine. |
July | Hot, wet | Very low | Off-season for most treks. Wildlife sightings excellent in Chitwan. |
August | Warm, wet | Very low | Rain eases late in the month. Lush forest, leeches. |
SeptemberRecommended | Mild, clearing | Medium | Post-monsoon clarity returns. Trails reopen. |
OctoberRecommended | Mild, very clear | Very high | The classic month. Book 4 – 6 months out. |
NovemberRecommended | Cool, very clear | High | Our favourite. Clear skies, fewer trekkers than October. |
December | Cold, clear | Low | Quiet, beautiful, cold. High passes mostly closed. |
For first-timers
Aim for late October or early November. Dry, clear, and stable.
For photographers
Mid-March to early April — spring colour with high visibility.