Nepal in July: Weather + 4 Best Places to Visit


PLANNING A TRIP TO NEPAL IN JULY?

I have been visiting and periodically living in Nepal since 2015 and spent monsoon in Nepal a couple of times before.

By July, the monsoon season in Nepal is in full swing, with the highest rainfall usually taking place in the month of July.

Still, even with that in mind, it usually only rains for 1-2 hours in the afternoon or evening so you can still do so many things in Nepal during this time.

Here is all the information you need about the weather in Nepal in July and activities and places to visit!

Nepal Weather in July

July has the highest level of rainfall in Nepal and generally the weather in Nepal in July is very hot and humid.

Even though July has the highest level of rainfall, it still usually only rains for 1-2 hours per day in the afternoon or evening. So, still many activities can be done during this time.

Nepal Temperature in July

The weather is typically between 20-30 C in Nepal in July. It usually rains in the afternoon or the evening, and it is very rare for it to rain all day long.

It also gets very humid in July, thus, the average temperature feels much hotter in reality.

When is the Monsoon Season in Nepal?

The monsoon season in Nepal typically runs from June to mid-September.

However, the weather patterns can be unpredictable, so the monsoon can be delayed and start in late June and thus, also end later, at the end of September.

July is typically the month that has the highest level of rainfall. During this time, road and air travel can be delayed, so it is best to plan the trips with buffer days.

Does it Rain All Day in Nepal in July?

No, it does not. In contrary to the assumption, it does not rain all day in Nepal during the monsoon season.

Generally, it only rains for 1-2 hours in the afternoon or the evening. So Nepal is still worth visiting during the monsoon if it is the only time that you can come to Nepal.

Although it is not advised to go trekking, especially during July-August, so you will have to plan for alternative activities. During monsoon, the trekking trails can be impassable due to landslides and there are also lots of leeches.

Places to Visit in Nepal in July

1. Kathmandu in July

Bhaktapur Durbar Square in Nepal.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Kathmandu Weather in July

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal, and this is where most travellers arrive.

The average temperature is between 20-28 C in Kathmandu in July. However, the humidity is very high and the temperature feels much hotter.

Does it Rain All Day in Kathmandu in July?

No, it does not rain all day in Kathmandu. It usually only rains a little for 1-2 hours in the late afternoon or at night. It is really not as bad as people assume.

Source: Weather Atlas

What’s the Best Time to Visit Kathmandu

The best time to visit Kathmandu is between October-May but Kathmandu can be visited all year round and still have a good time.

Visiting Kathmandu During Monsoon

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and even if it is the monsoon season, everything is still open as usual.

The good thing about the monsoon season is that it is the low season in Nepal so the hotels have discounts and cheaper rates.

🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Kathmandu? Check out the Bodhi Boutique Hotel here! (Rated 9.6/10 ⭐ on 893 reviews)

Best Things to Do in Kathmandu in July

It is very rare for it to rain all day long in Kathmandu, so usually you can enjoy the day like any other day even during monsoon.

Check out my Travel Guide to Kathmandu + 🌧️ Best Rainy Day Activities in Kathmandu here!

2. Upper Mustang in July

Upper Mustang Weather in July

The average temperature in Upper Mustang is between 10-25 C and it tends to be very windy.

In July, Upper Mustang receives a lot of daylight, the temperature is warmer and it rarely rains so it is an ideal place for a trek.

What’s the best time to visit Upper Mustang?

The best time for trekking in Upper Mustang is between March to November.

They say the best time to visit Upper Mustang is from March to November. In addition, the summer monsoon months (June-August) are recommended as during that time, the temperature is warmer.

Trekking in Upper Mustang During Monsoon

Trekking in Nepal during the monsoon season is generally not recommended as there can be landslides, trekking routes may be impassable, and at lower elevation, the trails are full of leeches.

Upper Mustang is in the rain shadow region of Nepal, so it is an ideal place to trek and escape the rain. Upper Mustang has remote villages that are beautiful and offer a glimpse into Tibetan culture.

💡Note: The permit to Upper Mustang is stricter than other trekking areas in Nepal. You have to get a permit (Restricted Area Permit) for USD 500 and go with one another trekker + a guide.

3. Tansen in July

Amar Narayan Temple in Tansen (Palpa), Nepal.
Amar Narayan Temple, Tansen

Tansen Weather in July

The average temperature in Tansen in July is between 21-29 C.

They say that the weather in Tansen is always pleasant. It does not get too cold in the winter, and does not get too hot during the summer.

However, Tansen still receives rainfall during the monsoon. It typically rains for 1-2 hours in the afternoon or the evening. It does not rain all day long.

Source: Weather Atlas

What’s the Best Time to Visit Tansen?

The best time to visit Tansen is between October-November or March-April which is when you will have the best views of the Himalayas.

However, generally, anytime between October-May is considered a good time.

Tansen is a charming town, so even if you come to visit it in July, you’ll have a good time and activities to choose from.

Visiting Tansen During Monsoon

Tansen remains still one of the less visited places in Nepal and is the perfect getaway to experience a small Nepali town.

Tansen has some really good homestays where the owners are really friendly and can recommend a lot of activities in Tansen.

On a clear day, Tansen has great views of the Himalayan range, but if you visit during monsoon season, you will not be able to see it. Nevertheless, Tansen is a beautiful place and there are other activities you can do apart from seeing the Himalayan views.

🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Tansen? Check out Horizon Homestay here! (Rated 9.5/10 ⭐ on 122 reviews)

Best Things to Do in Tansen in July

  • Tansen Durbar and Museum
  • Temples
  • Eat Newari food
  • Shop items made from Dhaka fabric (perfect souvenir to take home!)
  • Rani Mahal

Check out my Travel Guide to Tansen here!

3. Bandipur in July

Bandipur Bazaar in Nepal.
Bandipur Bazaar

Bandipur Weather in July

The average weather in Bandipur in July is between 22-30 C. It also gets humid during the monsoon, so expect it to feel even hotter than that.

Bandipur receives rainfall during monsoon but usually just for 1-2 hours in the afternoon or evening.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Bandipur?

It is a good time to visit Bandipur is from late September until the end of May.

The very best time to visit Bandipur is between October to Mid-December and February-April. During this time, the temperature is pleasant and the views are generally clear to see the Himalayas.

Is it Worth Visiting Bandipur During Monsoon?

Yes, it is worth visiting Bandipur even during the monsoon. Even though, you will likely not get clear views of the Himalayas, you can still discover this charming little town.

Bandipur is famous for its well-preserved Newari architecture and cafes that remind you of being in Belgium or France.

🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Bandipur? Check out Bandipur Chhen here! (Rated 9.3/10 ⭐ on 146 reviews)

Things to Do in Bandipur in July

  • Check out the Newari architecture of Bandipur
  • Eat and drink in one of the cute cafes and restaurants in Bandipur
  • Hike up to the Thani Mai Temple (watch out for leeches after rain)
  • Try Newari food
  • Visit the Siddha Gufa cave from Bimalnagar (during monsoon, I don’t recommend the hike from Bandipur to Siddha Gufa as the trail is steep and slippery. If you want to visit Siddha Gufa, go from Bimalnagar as there are stairs leading up to the cave from that side).
  • Visit the Silkworm Farm

Check out my Travel Guide to Bandipur here!

4. Pokhara in July

Davis Falls in Pokhara, Nepal.
Davis Falls, Pokhara

Pokhara Weather in July

The average temperature in Pokhara in July is between 22-30 C. However, due to the humidity, it will feel much much hotter.

Pokhara is known as the city in Nepal that receives a lot of rainfall in Nepal during the monsoon season. In July, Pokhara receives about 940 mm rainfall.

Source: Weather Atlas

What’s the Best Time to Visit Pokhara?

The very best time to visit Pokhara is between October to Mid-December and March to May, however, visiting anytime between October-May is generally a pretty good time.

Visiting Pokhara During Monsoon

Despite the high amount of rainfall Pokhara receives in July, Pokhara is one of the most popular holiday towns in Nepal. If July is the only time that you can visit Nepal, you should not miss out on Pokhara even if it rains.

I have visited Pokhara in July before and it is not that bad. Everything is still open and operational, including all the restaurants, bars, hotels, attractions and museums. In fact, as July is low season, you may also be able to get some good discounts for hotels.

It may rain for a few hours per day in Pokhara but otherwise, you can still do lots of activities in town.

It is true that it will be cloudy and you will not be able to see the mountains but if it is the only time that you can visit Nepal, you should still visit Pokhara.

🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Pokhara? Check out Hotel Middle Path and Spa here! (Rated 9.2/10 ⭐ on 2,246 reviews)

Best Things to Do in Pokhara in July

Despite the rain, there are still many activities you can do in Pokhara during the monsoon season, including:

  • Visiting the caves, gorges and waterfalls
  • Museums
  • Movie Garden
  • Chill by Fewa Lake
  • Visit the World Peace Pagoda
  • Yoga and sound healing workshops
  • Cooking classes

Check out my Travel Guide to Pokhara + 🌧️ Best Rainy Day Activities in Pokhara here!

Trekking in Nepal in July

July is the height of the monsoon season with the most rainfall occuring during this time. Thus, trekking is really not recommended in July.

The trekking trails get slippery and can be impassable due to landslides. The rains can cause landslides not just on the trekking routes but also on the highways. It can cause delays for bus travel to even reach the starting point of the trekking route.

Apart from landslides, there are also many leeches on the trails during monsoon which make trekking and hiking very uncomfortable.

If you do end up going on a trek in Nepal in July, make sure to trek with other people and follow the current weather conditions.

Is There Anywhere Safe to Trek in July?

If you would like to go trekking and see the Himalayas in Nepal in July, the Upper Mustang Trek is considered as a good option. Mustang lies in the rain shadow region of Nepal, thus it receives non or very little rainfall.

However, you should still consider that it may take a long time to get to Upper Mustang as flights can be delayed due to bad weather and road travel can take longer due to landslides on the highway.

Festivals in Nepal in July

Although Nepal is known for its many festivals and holidays, there are not that many festivals during the monsoon season.

The dates of holidays changes every year as Nepal uses the lunar calendar. Nevertheless, usually none of the holdays fall on a date in July.

🎆 Check the festival and holiday calendar for Nepal here!

Is Nepal Safe During Monsoon Season?

Nepal is safe during monsoon however, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Trekking: It is not safe to go trekking as the trails can be impassable due to landslides. If you still go trekking, definitely go in a group as it is not safe to be trekking solo during monsoon. There are also many leeches on the trails due to the rain.
  • Road travel: Due to the heavy rains, the roads can be obstructed by landslides. If you travel by bus during the monsoon, expect that there may be delays and the road trips could take even longer.
  • Air travel: Flights are often delayed when there is poor visibility in Nepal. If you plan to fly during the monsoon, add a couple of extra days as a buffer in case your flight is delayed.

Packing for Nepal in July: What to Bring?

It is very hot and humid during the monsoon season so it is best to bring light clothes. In addition, when packing for Nepal in July, also make sure to bring:

  • Light, waterproof jacket
  • Umbrella
  • Waterproof shoes/sandals
  • Rain cover for backpack

Nepal: Month-by-Month

Not sure about visiting Nepal in July? Check out my month-by-month guide for Nepal:

Nepal: Seasons

July falls in the monsoon season in Nepal. If you prefer to visit during another season, check out my seasonal guides to Nepal:

FAQs: Nepal in July

Is it good to visit Nepal in July?

July is the height of the monsoon season with the most rainfall occuring during this time. Despite the monsoon season, it usually doesn’t rain more than 1-2 hours in the afternoon or evening.

July is the off season in Nepal when trekking is not recommended due to the rain and landslides. Apart from trekking, there are still many activities and places you can visit in Nepal.

If July is the only time that you can visit Nepal, it is still worth visiting and exploring the cultural attractions. As July is the off season, many hotels also have discounted rates so prices will be lower during this time.

What is the best month to go to Nepal?

The best time to visit Nepal is between October-November and March-April. During this time the weather is pleasant, there are clear skies and you get the best views of the Himalayas.

Can I trek in Nepal in July?

Trekking is not recommended during the monsoon as the there are landslides and the trails become slippery and impassable.

If you plan to go on a trek, the Upper Mustang Trek is recommended as it lies in the rain shadow region of Nepal that receives little or no rain during the monsoon.

Can I visit Pokhara in July?

Yes, Pokhara is still a good place to visit in July. Pokhara is one of the places in Nepal that receives some of the most rainfall but don’t let the rain hold you back.

Pokhara is a great place, so if you can only visit Nepal in July, Pokhara still should be on your travel list. The skies will not be clear to see the mountains but there are many other attractions and activities one can do in Pokhara during the monsoon season.

What is the weather forecast for Nepal in July?

The weather is typically between 20-30 C in Nepal in July with daily rain for 1-2 hours. It usually rains in the afternoon or the evening, and it is very rare for it to rain all day long.

It also gets very humid in July, thus, the average temperature feels much hotter in reality.

How hot is Kathmandu in July?

The average high temperature in Kathmandu in July is 30 C, while the average low temperature is 20 C. In reality, due to the high humidity levels, the temperature feels much much hotter in Kathmandu.

What is off season in Nepal?

The off season in Nepal is during the monsoon season between June – September. There are less tourists visiting during the monsoon season as trekking is not advised during that time.

The positive side of the off season is that there are many discounts in hotels, so you can get much better deals than during the high season.

What is the cheapest month to visit Nepal?

The cheapest time to visit Nepal is during the off season from June – September. This is when the monsoon season is and as trekking is not advised during this time, much less visitors come to Nepal.

You will find that many hotels have discounts during the monsoon season and you are able to get much better deals than during the high season (October-November, March-April).

Conclusion

Although July is the month during monsoon when it rains the most, there are still many activities you can do in Nepal in July if this is the only time that you can visit Nepal.

Trekking is not recommended during this time but there are a lot of other activities and places you can visit.

The temperature in Nepal in July is very hot and humid, but luckily it never rains all day. Usually, it only rains for 1-2 hours of rain in the afternoons or evenings.


Nepal Quick Guide

Yes! Almost all nationalities can get a ‘Visa on Arrival’ once landing at the Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu (check eligibility here). Getting a Visa-on-Arrival for Nepal is quick and easy. Read here my full guide on getting a Visa on Arrival for Nepal.

Should I get a Nepali SIM card?

Yes! Once you arrive in Nepal, it is recommended to get a Nepali SIM card.

SIM cards in Nepal are cheap and easy to get. There are daily, weekly or monthly data plans – all at an affordable cost. For more information, check how to get a SIM card in Nepal here.

Are there any useful mobile apps I can use in Nepal?

Yes! There are a couple of mobile apps that come handy when travelling in Nepal, including taxi apps, offline maps for trekking, booking accommodation and travel cards.

Check out my list of the most useful mobile apps to have in Nepal.

Can I exchange money in Nepal? What about ATMs?

Yes! Thamel (where most tourists stay) has many money exchange shops as well as ATMs.

There is also a currency exchange shop at the airport but the rates are better in Thamel. Read here all about currency exchange and ATMs in Nepal.

Is it safe to travel by bus in Nepal?

The roads are dangerous but generally yes (best to travel by a tourist bus)!

I would say road travel in Nepal is generally dangerous due to the road conditions. The roads are narrow and go through mountainous areas. The tourist buses in Nepal have the best safety, so if possible, make sure to book tourist buses when travelling in Nepal.

Overall, the roads might look dangerous but the drivers are used to the road conditions in Nepal so the tourist buses are a safe choice. Here is everything you need to know about bus travel in Nepal.

Can I drink the tap water in Nepal?

No, you cannot drink the tap water in Nepal.

The tap water is unsafe for drinking in Nepal. It is not only foreign tourists that should not drink the tap water in Nepal, even Nepali people who were born and raised in Nepal do not drink the tap water.

Can I book bus tickets online in Nepal?

Yes! It is possible to book bus tickets online in Nepal however, I recommend it for those staying in Nepal for 3+ months.

It is not possible to book bus tickets online using an international bank card but only through registering on a Nepali digital payment app eSewa. If you are staying long-term in Nepal, read here my step-by-step guide on how to book bus tickets online using eSewa.

Do they speak English in Nepal?

You might wonder “Do they speak English in Nepal?” It depends on where in Nepal you are. In big cities (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Sauraha/Chitwan) or trekking routes (Annapurna, Everest) that have many tourists, you will easily get by speaking English.

If you are in remote Nepal where not many tourists go, people usually will have little or no English. Here is a quick list of useful Nepali phrases to know while travelling in Nepal.

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