Nepal in September: Weather & 4 Best Places to Visit (2025)
Monsoon season used to come to an end in the beginning of September, but in recent years, monsoon has lasted until the beginning of October.
September has been a popular time to start the trekking season in Nepal, but with the weather patterns changing, September is not that good anymore for trekking in Nepal.
It is usually still possible to go trekking in September, but it can rain in the afternoons. If your main goal is to go on a trek in Nepal, it is best to come between October to mid-December.
Apart from trekking, some of the best things to do in Nepal in September is to explore Nepali culture and history. If it still rains in September, the best activities include sightseeing of heritage sites, day trips, and museums.
Here is all the information you need to know about Nepal in September, including the weather, trekking, outfits, and places to visit!
Nepal Weather in September
In recent years, it has been difficult to predict the weather for September in Nepal.
For a long time, monsoon used to come to an end in September, or have some rainfall until mid-September. However, in recent years, it has rained all the way until October.
If you are planning to visit Nepal in September, it is hard to say exactly what the weather is going to be like. It is best to check the current weather before your trip.
In case it still rains in September, usually, it should not rain more than 1-2 hours in the afternoon. Nevertheless, it can be unpredictable, and there can be times it might rain for 1-2 days straight (but that is very unusual).
Nepal Temperature in September
The average temperature is between 19-29 °C (66-84 °F) in Nepal in September. It usually only rains in the afternoon or evening, and it is very rare for it to rain all day long.
It still gets humid in the beginning of September but the temperature gets more pleasant towards the end of September.
Is September a Good Time to Visit Nepal?
In recent years, it has rained a lot in September in Nepal and the weather has not been as good as it used to be.
September used to mark the beginning of trekking season in Nepal, but recently as the monsoon rains lasted until the beginning of October, trekking is not that much recommended in September.
So, if you plan to go trekking in Nepal, September is not a good time to visit. Rather, for trekking it is best to plan for October-November.
If you are happy to go sightseeing and explore the culture and history of Nepal, then September is a good time to visit.
I also organize treks in Nepal:
✔️ Everest Base Camp
✔️ Annapurna Base Camp
✔️ Langtang Valley Trek & more!
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 start earlier in May, or end later, at the end of September.
July and August typically has the highest level of rainfall in Nepal. During this time, road and air travel can be delayed, so it is best to plan the trips with buffer days.
By September, the rainfall starts to decrease but there can be rainfall until the end of September.
Thus, if you are planning to visit Nepal in September, it is better to plan it towards the end of September or even from October onwards.
Does it Rain in Nepal in September?
Yes, it rains in Nepal in September.
Monsoon season used to come to an end in September, but in recent years, it has rained until October.
Each year, it can be difficult to predict how much rain to expect in September, so if you want to go trekking in Nepal, it is better to plan from October onwards.
Places to Visit in Nepal in September
1. Kathmandu in September
Kathmandu Weather in September
The average temperature is between 19-28 °C (66-82 °F) in Kathmandu in September. However, the humidity is very high and the temperature feels much hotter.
Does it Rain in Kathmandu in September?
Yes, it usually rains in Kathmandu in September. The monsoon season comes to an end in September, but it is unpredictable.
One year the monsoon could end in mid-September, and another year, it might rain until October.
Even if there is rainfall in September, it is very rare to rain all day in Kathmandu. It usually only rains for 1-2 hours in the afternoon or at night.
When is the Best Time to Visit Kathmandu
The best time to visit Kathmandu is from October to May but Kathmandu can be visited all year round and still have a good time.
Visiting Kathmandu in September
In September it rains less and less in Kathmandu and is the beginning of the main tourist season in Nepal. Thamel starts to come back to life, and more and more tourists arrive.
During monsoon, most of the hotels have discounts as it is low season. If you visit in the beginning of September, you may still be able to find some discounts.
Towards the end of September, the prices of hotels go back to the usual full rate.
🏠 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 September
The monsoon starts to come to an end in September, but there can be rainfall even until October.
It is very rare for it to rain all day long and usually it only rains for 1-2 hours in the afternoon.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Boudhanath Stupa, Swoyambhu Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Changunarayan Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Museums
- Day Trips from Kathmandu: Godawari, Chandragiri, Bhaktapur, Patan, Kirtipur, Changunarayan, Manakamana
- 2-3 day trips from Kathmandu: Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Kakani, Chitlang-Kulekhani, Panauti
- Sound Healing sessions
- Thangka Painting Class
- Cooking Class
- Trekking routes near Kathmandu: Langtang Valley Trek (6-8 days), Gosaikunda Trek (4-5 days), Tamang Heritage Trail Trek (5-6 days), Panch Pokhari Trek (4-5 days)
Check out my Travel Guide to Kathmandu + 🌧️ Best Rainy Day Activities in Kathmandu here!
2. Pokhara in September
Pokhara Weather in September
The average temperature in Pokhara in September is between 21-29 °C (70-84 °F). However, due to the humidity, it feels much hotter.
Pokhara is known as the city in Nepal that receives a lot of rainfall during the monsoon season. September is the end of the monsoon season, but Pokhara still receives about 641 mm rainfall.
When is the Best Time to Visit Pokhara?
The very best time to visit Pokhara is between October to mid-December and mid-February to May, however, visiting anytime between October-May is generally a pretty good time.
Visiting Pokhara During Monsoon
Although technically September is the end of the monsoon season, Nepal still receives rainfall mostly in the first half of September.
Despite the high amount of rainfall Pokhara still receives in September, I am including it in this list of places to visit in September as Pokhara is one of the most popular towns in Nepal.
It might rain in September, but if that’s the only time you can visit Pokhara, you should not miss out on Pokhara even if it rains.
I have visited Pokhara during monsoon before and it is not that bad. Everything is still open and operational, including all the restaurants, bars, hotels, attractions and museums.
The beginning of September is still low season, so you may be able to get some discounts for hotels.
In the beginning of September it is usually still cloudy in Pokhara and there is no clear view of the mountains. Nevertheless, there are many activities that you can do in 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 September
If it ends up still raining in September in Pokhara, here are a list of activities you can do whether it rains or shines:
- 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
- Trekking routes from Pokhara: Annapurna Base Camp (7 days), Poon Hill (3 days), Mardi Himal (5 days), Australian Camp (2 days), Panchase Trek (2-3 days)
Check out my Travel Guide to Pokhara + 🌧️ Best Rainy Day Activities in Pokhara here!
3. Bandipur in September
Bandipur Weather in September
The average temperature is between 19-25 °C (66-77 °F) in Bandipur in September. With the monsoon rains and temperature being high, it is hot and humid during the day.
There could still be some rainfall in Bandipur, especially in the beginning of September but the weather starts to clear from the middle of September.
When is the Best Time to Visit Bandipur?
It is a good time to visit Bandipur from late September until the end of May.
The very best time to visit Bandipur is between October to Mid-December and mid-February to April. During this time, the temperature is pleasant and the views are generally clear to see the Himalayas.
Visiting Bandipur in September
By the middle of September, the monsoon season usually comes to an end. Sometimes it can rain until the end of September, and that means that it is not possible to get clear views of the Himalayas.
Bandipur is a beautiful little town on the way between Kathmandu and Pokhara and is a popular stop to enjoy Himalayan views, go hiking or just chill at one of the cafes and restaurants.
Bandipur is famous for its well-preserved Newari architecture (wooden carved windows and red bricks). It is so charming with its architecture and restaurants on the main street that it is often compared to places like 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 September
- Hike up to the Thani Mai Temple and see the sunrise or sunset
- Hike to the Siddha Gufa cave (💡Note: in case it rains when you are Bandipur, be careful as the hike from Bandipur to Siddha Gufa goes through a steep and slippery forest. During the rainy season, it is better to go to Siddha Gufa from Bimalnagar, which has stairs leading to the cave)
- Hike from Bandipur to Ramkot
- Visit the Silkworm Farm
- Check out the Newari architecture of Bandipur
- Eat and drink in one of the cafes and restaurants in Bandipur
- Try Newari food
Check out my Travel Guide to Bandipur here!
4. Tansen in September
Tansen Weather in September
The average temperature is between 20-28 °C (68-82 °F) in Tansen in September.
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.
September is the end of the monsoon season, however, Tansen still receives rainfall of about 281 mm. The rainfall will start to gradually decrease towards the middle of September, making visiting Tansen more ideal in the second half of September.
What is 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.
Visiting Tansen in September
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, and the owners can recommend a lot of activities in Tansen.
On a clear day, Tansen has great views of the Himalayan range, but if you visit it in the beginning of September, you will most likely not have clear views of the Himalayas.
Nevertheless, Tansen is a beautiful place and there are other activities you can do apart from seeing the Himalayas.
🏠 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 September
- Hike to Shreenagar Hill and Tansen View Tower (if the weather is clear!)
- Visit Rani Mahal (the “Taj Mahal” of Nepal)
- Tansen Durbar and Museum
- Temples
- Eat Newari food
- Shop items made from Dhaka fabric (perfect souvenir to take home!)
- Silkworm Farm
Check out my Travel Guide to Tansen here!
Trekking in Nepal in September
The weather in September can be unpredictable. Monsoon used to end in September which made trekking possible in September.
However, in recent years, it sometimes even rains until October. So, it is difficult to say what the weather is going to be. If you want to be sure about your trek in Nepal, it is better to plan from October onwards.
Trekking in the Beginning of September
Trekking in the beginning of September can still be tricky as the monsoon season usually prolonged at least until the middle of September.
Due to the monsoon rains, the trekking trails get slippery and can be impassable due to landslides. Due to the rain, there are also many leeches on the trail which make trekking and hiking very uncomfortable.
Recommended Trekking Routes During Monsoon
If you are looking for trekking routes in the beginning of September, Lower and Upper Mustang are good options.
Mustang lies in the rain shadow region in Nepal, thus it provides an ideal place for trekking.
While the weather may be sunny in Mustang, there can be delays in getting to Mustang due to cancelled flights, and roads blocked by landslides. So make sure to plan buffer days in case your travel is delayed.
Trekking at the End of September
The monsoon should clear by the middle of September but sometimes it can rain until the beginning of October.
The main trekking season is between October-November, so if your main goal in Nepal to go on a trek, it is better to come in October.
Once the monsoon is over, there are many trekking routes to choose from. The most popular trekking routes are in the Annapurna, Everest and Langtang region of Nepal.
If you are looking for a less touristic, short treks, check out the Pikey Peak or Panchase Trek in Nepal.
Festivals in Nepal in September
Nepal is known for its many festivals and holidays, and the festival period in Nepal usually starts from the end of September.
The dates of holidays change every year as Nepal uses the lunar calendar. In practice it means that some holidays may be in September this year, but next year, they may fall on a date in August or October.
🎆 Check the festival and holiday calendar for Nepal here!
Nepal usually has the following festivals in September:
Gai Jatra
Gai Jatra is celebrated by a procession of people wearing masks and costumes. People who have lost family members in the past year join the procession. Depending on the lunar calendar, this festival can be in August or September.
Teej
Teej is celebrated by women to pray for their husbands’ wellbeing. In Nepal, once the woman is married, they traditionally move in with their husbands. During Teej, women also return to their parents’ home to celebrate with their mom and sisters.
Depending on the lunar calendar, the Teej festival can be in August or September.
Shree Krishna Janmashtami
Shree Krishna Janmashtami is dedicated to celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna. Depending on the lunar calendar, this festival can be in August or September.
Dashain
Dashain is the biggest festival in Nepal. It’s importance is best described as the “Nepali Christmas”, when people travel home to be with their families.
Dashain is 15-days long and usually falls on the end of September or mid-October.
Indra Jatra
The Indra Jatra festival is celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley and is dedicated to Lord Indra and Kumari. Kumari is the living goddess in Kathmandu and during the festival, the Kumari is taken around Kathmandu in a chariot.
The Kathmandu Durbar Square is a good place to experience Indra Jatra.
Is Nepal Safe During Monsoon Season?
Although September is the end of the monsoon season, there can be rainfall sometimes even until the beginning of October.
Nepal is safe during monsoon however, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Trekking: If there is heavy rain in September, 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 or a guide as it is not safe to be trekking solo during monsoon.
- Road travel: Due to the heavy rains, the roads can be obstructed by landslides. If you travel by bus during the monsoon, there may be delays and the road trips could take longer than usual.
- 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 September
September is the end of the monsoon season, but it can still be very hot and humid. So it is best to bring light clothes. In addition, when packing for Nepal in September, also make sure to bring:
- Light jacket
- Umbrella
- Waterproof shoes/sandals
- Rain cover for backpack
Nepal Monthly Guides
Not sure about visiting Nepal in September? Check out my monthly guides for Nepal:
Nepal Seasonal Guides
September mostly falls in the monsoon season in Nepal. If you prefer to visit during another season, check out my seasonal guides for Nepal:
FAQs: Nepal in September: Weather & Best Places to Visit
Is September a good time to go to Nepal?
September marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the main tourist season in Nepal.
Although the beginning of September is still characterized by monsoon rains, it gradually decreases and by the end of September the weather clears.
Sometimes the monsoon season gets prolonged, thus, if you are planning to go trekking in Nepal, it is better to visit Nepal from October onwards. That will ensure that the monsoon is over and that you can get clear views of the Himalayas.
Is September rainy in Nepal?
Yes, there is usually still rainfall in September in Nepal. The monsoon patterns can change every year, and thus, sometimes the monsoon can be prolonged even until the end of September.
If you want to be sure to avoid the monsoon season in Nepal, it is better to plan the trip between October-November.
Which month is best for a Nepal trip?
The best time to visit Nepal is between October to mid-December and mid-February to April.
These times are the peak trekking seasons as the weather and views are the best at these times to go trekking in Nepal.
What season is it in Nepal in September?
September marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the autumn season in Nepal.
Towards the end of September, the monsoon stops and the temperature becomes pleasant. September is the start of the main tourist season in Nepal.
Is September a good time to visit Kathmandu?
Visiting Kathmandu in September is definitely better than July or August. By the middle of September, the monsoon rains usually stop and the weather becomes pleasant to go trekking in Nepal.
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and it has lots of attractions and things to do all throughout the year. So it does not matter when you visit, you will be able to do plenty of activities in Kathmandu.
Conclusion
In conclusion, and the weather in September can be very unpredictable.
Monsoon season used to come to an end in the beginning of September, but in recent years, monsoon has lasted until the beginning of October.
September has been a popular time to start the trekking season in Nepal, but with the weather patterns changing, September is not that good to go for treks anymore.
It is usually still possible to go trekking in September, but it can rain in the afternoons. If your main goal is to go on a trek in Nepal, it is best to come between October-November.
Apart from trekking, some of the best things to do in Nepal in September is to explore Nepali culture and history. If it still rains in September, the best activities include sightseeing of heritage sites, day trips, and museums.
Nepal Trip Planning
✈️ Book Flights to Nepal:
Find the best flight deals on Skyscanner! (+You can also set price alerts to save even more!)
🏠 Book Hotels for Nepal:
Booking.com: best budget, mid-range and luxury hotels.
🏔️ Book Activities for Nepal:
Book activities on GetYourGuide for the best food tours, walking tours, day trips, cooking classes and sightseeing tours (World Heritage Sites) in Nepal!
🎒 Get Travel Insurance for Nepal:
SafetyWing Travel Insurance: best affordable, general international travel insurance.
IATI Insurance: best for trekking in Nepal. Covers trekking up to 5,400 meters (17,700 feet), e.g. Everest Base Camp.
💳 Get a Travel Card: Get the Wise travel card that you can top up with multiple currencies (including Nepali Rupees). It has great exchange rates and in most hotels and restaurants you can also pay by bank card in big cities in Nepal (Kathmandu, Pokhara).
✅ Check out my complete list of travel resources to plan your trip!
Nepal Quick Guide
Can I get a Visa on Arrival for Nepal?
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.