Nepal in February: Weather + 10 Best Places to Visit

ARE YOU PLANNING A TRIP TO NEPAL IN FEBRUARY?

I have good news! The winter season starts to come to an end in February, thus it is a good time to visit Nepal. I live in Kathmandu and by the second half of February, the weather starts to get better.

The weather starts to get warmer in February but there are still not that many tourists, so it is a great time to go trekking if you prefer quieter trails.

February-March is also one of the best times to visit Chitwan or Bardia National Park to spot wildlife in Nepal. The grass during this time is at its lowest level, thus making it easier to spot wildlife.

So, here is all the information you need about the weather, trekking, festivals, activities and places to visit in Nepal in February!

Nepal Weather in February

The winter season in Nepal runs from December to February, but the weather starts to get warm by the second half of February.

Thus the beginning of February is still very cold, while the second half of February starts to get warmer.

During the day, the weather is sunny but it still gets cold at nights in February. If you stay in a big city in Nepal, you will be able to book hotels that have AC and use that as a heater.

🔥 Get your Nalgene water bottle here! If you get it filled with hot water and put it inside your sleeping bag, it will work like a heater!

Nepal Temperature in February

The temperature varies depending on where you are in Nepal in February. The Himalayan, mountainous region in the north of Nepal is the coldest place in February. If you go trekking, there will be snow and very cold temperatures.

Whereas, the average temperature in the Hilly region of Nepal is between 4.5-23 C in Nepal in February. The hilly region includes places such as Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bandipur and it is the most pleasant place to be in Nepal in February.

The good news is that by the second half of February, the temperature starts to get warmer in Nepal.

Temperature in Himalayan Region in Nepal (e.g. Annapurna, Everest Region):

The mountainous region of Nepal is in the northern part of the country. It includes the areas of the Himalayas, so you would experience winter in this region most likely if you go trekking.

The first half of February is still proper winter season in Nepal, so it is cold and snowy in the Himalayas. During winter, you will find permanent snow in the Himalayas above 3,000 metres. The Himalayas are the coldest during the winter, so make sure you have thermal layers and prepared for trekking in snow.

Temperature in Hilly Region in Nepal (e.g. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Tansen):

The Hilly region of Nepal tends to get a lot of sunshine during the day and it only gets cold at night. Winters in the hilly region is moderate and usually it is rare for it to snow.

Temperature in Tarai Region in Nepal (Chitwan, Janakpur, Bardia, Koshi Tappu):

The southern, Tarai region of Nepal tends to get colder in the winter in Nepal.

It is due to that the Tarai becomes very cloudy and hazy and there is very little sunshine. Sometimes, there is no sunshine at all for days and it makes it very cold both day and night time.

The weather starts to get warmer in the second half of February, thus, from then onwards, the Tarai becomes a good place to visit.

Is February a Good Time to Visit Nepal?

The beginning of February is still the cold, winter season in Nepal. However, from the second half of February, the weather starts to get warmer.

In February, there are still less tourists in Nepal, however, the second half of February is an ideal time to go trekking in Nepal.

You might still encounter snowy, icy trails, but the temperature starts to get warmer. As there are still fewer tourists during this time, it is a great time to go trekking if you are looking for some quieter trails.

When is the Off Season in Nepal?

The off season happens two times a year in Nepal: one is from December-February (winter) and June-August (monsoon).

The weather during these times are less favourable for trekking, thus people opt to visit in the seasons when it is best for trekking (March-May, September-November).

Does it Snow in Nepal in February?

It mostly snows in high altitudes above 3,000 metres, so you’d find snow if you are trekking in Nepal in February.

Apart from the high altitudes, sometimes it snows in the hills nearby Kathmandu (Chandragiri, Kalinchowk) between around February-March. To catch the snow, make sure to follow the weather forecast and updates.

Even if it snows at nearby hills of Kathmandu, it is generally not permanent snow and melts away quickly.

❄️ Know where and when to see snow and check out the best snowfall places in Nepal here!

Best Places to Visit in Nepal in February

The winter season runs from December-February in Nepal. The best place to be during this time is in places that are in the hilly region of Nepal (e.g. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Tansen, Gorkha) which remain sunny during the day.

From the second half of February the weather starts to get warmer and it is a good time to go trekking. During this time, the weather is still cold in higher altitudes but there are less trekkers.

February-March is also the best time to visit Chitwan or Bardia National Park. The locals usually cut the grass in January for animal feed inside the park, thus, in February-March, the level of grass is lower. It provides the best chance of spotting wildlife.

1. Kathmandu in February

Kathmandu Weather in February

The average high temperature is 21.5 C, while the average low temperature is 4.5 C in Kathmandu in February. The temperature is still warm and sunny during the day but the nights get very cold in Kathmandu in February.

Does it Snow in Kathmandu in February?

No, it generally does not snow in Kathmandu. It is very rare for it to snow in Kathmandu and the last proper snowfall in Kathmandu was in 1945.

Since then, it has only snowed two more times (2007 and 2019) but it was very light snow and didn’t last long.

On a rare occasion it snows in Chandragiri (in the Kathmandu Valley) or in Kalinchowk between February-March.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Kathmandu

A good time to visit Kathmandu is from mid-September to May. However, the weather is the most pleasant between October-November and March-April.

However, Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and there are plenty of activities to do all year around.

Visiting Kathmandu in February

February is the end of winter season in Nepal. Winter is the off season in Nepal, with less tourists in Kathmandu.

The first half of February still constitutes as the off season in Nepal and you will be able to find hotels with discounted rates.

As the weather starts to get better by the second half of February, the number of visitors also start to increase.

The night time temperatures in Kathmandu are still cold and if you want to stay in a warm place, it is best to book a hotel with AC so you can use it as a heater.

🏠 Stay warm and book a hotel room with AC during the winter in Kathmandu here!

Best Things to Do in Kathmandu in February

The days are sunny and there is very little chance of rain, so exploring Kathmandu in February is a great time.

Apart from the main tourist attractions, there are also many hiking and day trip options in the Kathmandu Valley. Hiking and day trips from Kathmandu provide beautiful views of the Himalayas and time in the nature with fresh air.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Boudha Stupa, Swoyambhu Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Changu Narayan Temple
• Museums
• Day Trips from Kathmandu: Bhaktapur, Patan, Chandragiri, Kirtipur, Godawari, Changunarayan, Manakamana
• 2-3 day trips from Kathmandu: Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Kakani, Chitlang-Kulekhani, Panauti
• Hiking near Kathmandu: Phulchowki Hill, Jamacho Gumba, Tarebhir, Chandragiri to Chitlang, Sundarijal to Chisapani
• Classes and Workshops: Sound Healing sessions, Thangka Painting Class, Cooking Class

Check out my Travel Guide to Kathmandu here!

2. Pokhara in February

Pokhara Weather in February

The average temperature in Pokhara in February is between 9-22 C.

The weather in Pokhara in February starts to get warmer and it only gets cold at night. The daytime is sunny and towards the second half of February, the weather starts to get spring-like.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Pokhara?

The best time to visit Pokhara is between October-November and March-April, however, visiting anytime between October-May is generally a good time.

Visiting Pokhara in February

The beginning of February is still the off season in Nepal so there are less tourists in Pokhara. At this time, most of the hotels still have discounts as there are not that many visitors.

Towards the second half of February, the weather starts to get better and it becomes an ideal time to go trekking from Pokhara. The weather starts to get better but there are still not that many tourists, so the trekking trails are not that busy.

In February, it still snows above 3,000 metres and the snow makes it difficult to navigate the trails. If you trek in Nepal in February, it is good to pack crampons for the snowy, icy trails.

🏠 Stay warm and book a hotel room with AC in the winter in Pokhara here!

Best Things to Do in Pokhara in February

The nights are cold but days remain sunny during the day in Pokhara in January, so it is an ideal time to explore the town and nearby hiking routes.

• Boating on Fewa Lake + Hiking to the World Peace Pagoda
• Annapurna Cable Car for the Sarangkot Sunrise
• Paragliding
• Visiting Begnas Lake (+hiking)
• Visiting the Caves
• Movie Garden
• Cooking classes
• Trekking routes from Pokhara: Annapurna Base Camp (7-8 days), Poon Hill (4-5 days), Mardi Himal (5-7 days), Australian Camp (2 days)

Check out my Travel Guide to Pokhara here!

3. Bandipur in February

Bandipur Weather in February

The average temperature in Bandipur in February is between 10-23 C. It is sunny warm during the day but the nights still get cold in Bandipur.

As the temperature starts to get warmer in February, it is a good time to visit Bandipur.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Bandipur?

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

Generally, it is a good time to visit Bandipur anytime from late September until the end of May.

Visiting Bandipur during the monsoon season is also an option, however, during the monsoon season you will not get clear views of the mountains.

Visiting Bandipur in February

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 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 February

• Hike up to the Thani Mai Temple and see the sunrise or sunset
• Siddha Gufa: Nepal’s largest cave
• Hike from Bandipur to Ramkot
• Check out the Newari architecture of Bandipur
• Eat and drink in one of the cute cafes and restaurants in Bandipur
• Try Newari food

Check out my Travel Guide to Bandipur here!

4. Chitwan National Park in February

Chitwan Weather in February

The average high temperature in Chitwan in February is around 20 C. Chitwan is the southern part of Nepal and tends to get much warmer than Kathmandu.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Chitwan?

The best time to visit Chitwan is in February-March. Between February-March, the grass inside the Chitwan National Park is lower and thus, the visibility is better to spot wildlife.

Generally, Chitwan can be visited anytime from mid-September to May and have a chance of spotting wildlife. However, during the monsoon season (June-August), the grass grows very high due to the rain. So if you are visiting Chitwan straight after the monsoon season, it will be more difficult to spot wildlife due to the grass.

If you really want to spot wildlife, it is best to go for 1-3 whole day safari inside the Chitwan National Park, as the deeper into the park you go, the more chance you have of spotting tigers.

🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Chitwan? Check out Chitwan Village Resort here! (Rated 9.2/10 ⭐ on 327 reviews)

Visiting Chitwan in February

It is the best time to visit Chitwan between February-March as the grass is low and you will have the most chance of spotting wildlife at this time.

The temperatures start to get warm in February but at this time, the weather is pleasant. It is starting to get warm but it is not too hot yet.

Things to Do in Chitwan in February

• Jungle safari (walking or jeep)
• Canoe on the Rapti River
• Cycle to Bis Hazaari Lake (20,000 Lake)
• Chill by the Riverside Sunset View Point
• Support the welfare of elephants: Stand Up 4 Elephants

🦏 Check out my Travel Guide to Chitwan here!

5. Bardia National Park in February

Bardia National Park Weather in February

The average high temperature in Bardia is 25 C, while the average low temperature is 11.5 C. Bardia National Park is in the south of Nepal and is generally hotter than the hilly region of Nepal.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Bardia National Park?

The best time to visit the Bardia National Park is in February-March. Between February-March, the grass inside the park is lower and thus, the visibility is better to spot wildlife.

Generally, Bardia can be visited anytime from mid-September to May and have a chance of spotting wildlife.

However, during the monsoon season (June-August), the grass grows very high due to the rain. So if you are visiting Bardia straight after the monsoon season, it will be more difficult to spot wildlife due to the grass.

If you really want to spot wildlife, it is best to go for 1-3 whole day safaris inside the Bardia National Park, as the deeper into the park you go, the more chance you have of spotting tigers, elephants or rhinos.

🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Bardia? Check out the Bardia Eco Friendly Homestay here! (Rated 9.9/10 ⭐ on 183 reviews)

Visiting Bardia National Park in February

It is the best time to visit Bardia between February-March as the grass is low and you will have the most chance of spotting wildlife at this time.

The temperatures start to get warm in February but at this time, the weather is pleasant. It is starting to get warm but it is not too hot yet.

Things to Do in Bardia National Park in February

• Jungle safari (walking or jeep)
• Rafting
• Bird Watching
• Sunset Point

🐅 Check out my Travel Guide to Bardia National Park here!

6. Tansen in February

Tansen Weather in February

The average temperature in Tansen in February is between 6-21 C.

Tansen is a great place to visit in February as it is one of the less touristy places that has pleasant daytime temperatures.

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.

The least favourable time to visit Tansen is during the monsoon season (June-August), however, there are plenty of things to do in Tansen if you happen to be there when it rains.

Visiting Tansen in February

Tansen remains 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.

The temperature is starts to get warmer during the day in Tansen in February. On a clear day, Tansen has great views of 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 February

• Hike to Shreenagar Hill and Tansen View Tower
• Visit Rani Mahal (the “Taj Mahal” of Nepal)
• Visit a coffee farm and learn about coffee farming in Nepal
• Tansen Durbar and Museum
• Temples
• Eat Newari food
• Shop items made from Dhaka fabric (perfect souvenir to take home!)

Check out my Travel Guide to Tansen here!

7. Gorkha in February

Gorkha Weather in February

The average temperature in Gorkha in February is around 10 C.

Gorkha is in the hilly region in Nepal and it receives a lot of sunshine during the day. The sunshine keeps Gorkha feel much warmer and it is an ideal place to visit even in the winter in Nepal.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Gorkha?

The best time to visit Gorkha is between October to Mid-December and Mid-February to May. During this time, the temperature is pleasant and the views are usually clear to see the Himalayas.

Generally, it is a good time to visit Gorkha anytime from late September until the end of May.

Visiting Gorkha in February

Gorkha is a small town on the way between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and is a historically significant place in Nepali history.

Nepal used to be made of many smaller kingdoms and Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king of the Gorkha Kingdom, started the unification process of Nepal. Gorkha is also known as the place where the Gurkha soldiers originate from.

Things to Do in Gorkha in February

When visiting Gorkha, make sure to see the sunrise from the Gorkha Durbar. It’s really beautiful and you can get up there in about 30-45 minutes from the town centre.

• Sunrise at the Gorkha Durbar
• Gorkha Museum
• Bhimsen Thapa Park
• Hiking

Check out my Travel Guide to Gorkha here!

8. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in February

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Weather in February

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is located in the southern, Tarai region of Nepal. The Tarai region usually gets very cold, cloudy and hazy during the winter in Nepal with very little sunshine during the day.

By the middle of February, the weather starts to get warmer (but not too hot), thus visiting Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a good time in February.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve?

There are different reasons to visit the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve depending on the seasons. Each season is characterized by the best chances of spotting specific animals.

Depending on the season, you are likely to see the following animals:

• October – November: summer migratory birds
• December – January: winter migratory birds
• Mid-February – March: wild elephants

Visiting Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in February

Koshi Tappu is the most popular place for spotting the winter migratory birds that can be spotted between December-January. If you visit in the beginning of February, you might still be able to see some winter migratory birds.

From the second half of February, you’ll have the biggest chance of spotting wild elephants. I was told by my guide in Koshi Tappu that if you visit between Mid-February to March, wild elephants even wonder around the town near the wildlife reserve.

Best Things to Do in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in February

• Bird watching
• Safari in tuktuk or on motorbike

🐬 Check out my Travel Guide to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve here!

9. Janakpur in February

Janakpur Weather in February

The average high temperature is 27 C, while the average low temperature is 14 C in Janakpur in February.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Janakpur?

The best time to visit Janakpur is between October-November and March-April.

Jankpur is in the south of Nepal and it gets very hot and humid during the monsoon (June-August). While in the winter (December-February), it gets very little sunshine, thus, it can even get colder than Kathmandu.

Visiting Janakpur in February

The weather is still cold in the beginning of February in Janakpur. During the winter months, Janakpur generally receives little sunshine and it makes it a cold place to be.

However, during the second half of February the weather starts to turn warmer, thus visiting Janakpur towards the end of February is an ideal time. At the end of February, the weather is not too cold or hot.

Janakpur is mostly famous for its Hindu temples and those coming here to perform praying ceremonies.

Apart from the temples, Janakpur also has Nepal’s only railway station, so it can be fun to check it out. But to be honest, the railway station is very small, so can be a bit disappointing.

Janakpur is also known for Mithila paintings which you will see painted on walls all around the city. The town is also close to India, so there are a lot of Indian snacks and sweets available in Janakpur.

Best Things to Do in Janakpur in February

• Janaki Mandir (Janaki Temple)
• Shree Ram Janaki Biwah Mandir
• Mithila paintings
• Indian street food and sweets
• Janakpurdham Railway Station (Nepal’s Only Railway Station)

Check out my Travel Guide to Janakpur here!

10. Lumbini in February

Lumbini Weather in February

The average high temperature is 27 C, while the average low temperature is 13 C in Lumbini in February.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Lumbini?

The best time to visit Lumbini is between October to November and Mid-February to April.

Lumbini is in the south of Nepal and it gets very hot and humid between May-August.

While in the winter months (December-February), it gets very little sunshine, thus, it can even get colder than Kathmandu.

Visiting Lumbini in February

The beginning of February is still the winter season in Nepal. During the winter it gets very cold and cloudy in the southern part of Nepal where Lumbini is located.

From the second half of February, the weather starts to get warmer and it becomes an ideal time to visit Lumbini.

Things to Do in Lumbini in February

• Maya Devi Temple
• Lumbini Monastic Zone
• Eternal Peace Flame
• World Peace Pagoda

Check out my Travel Guide to Lumbini here!

Trekking in Nepal in February

The first half of February is still winter season in Nepal and the weather starts to get warmer from the second half of February.

As the weather starts to get better in February, a lot of people like trekking in February in Nepal as the temperature is better and there are still not that many trekkers. Thus, if you prefer to trek at a time when there are less trekkers, February is a good time to consider.

In February, there can still be snow above 3,000 metres. If you go trekking in February, it is good if you prepare with trekking gear for snow and ice just in case.

As it can still snow in Nepal in February above 3,000 metres, make sure to pack:

• Crampons: for trekking safely on snowy and icy trails
• Nalgene water bottle: you can fill the bottle with hot water, put it inside your sleeping at night and it will work like a heater
• Thermal layers
• Down jacket
• Sleeping bag

⚡ Grab your power bank now so you don’t have to worry about charging your phone while trekking in Nepal!

Festivals in Nepal in February

Nepal is known for its many festivals and holidays and October-November is usually the main holiday season in Nepal.

The dates of Nepali holidays change every year as Nepal uses the lunar calendar.

🎆 Check the festival and holiday calendar for Nepal here!

Sonam Lhosar

Sonam Lhosar is the Tamang New Year, celebrated by the Tamang community it Nepal. Although, it is only celebrated by the Tamang community, it is a nation-wide holiday in Nepal. It usually falls on a date in February.

Saraswati Puja

Saraswati is the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge. On this day, devotees celebrate by worshipping and offering fruits and flowers to Saraswati. On this day, students seek blessings for success in studies.

Packing for Nepal in February: What to Bring?

February is still winter season in Nepal but from the second half of February, the weather starts to get warmer.

During the day, it is sunny in Nepal but it still gets cold at nights. There is no central heating in Nepal, so unless you are in a big city and can book a hotel with AC to use it as a heater, you will feel cold at night.

For this reason, it is good to pack clothes that you can wear in layers.

Here are a few things to pack for Nepal in February:

• Crampons: for trekking safely on snowy and icy trails
• Nalgene water bottle: you can fill the bottle with hot water, put it inside your sleeping at night and it will work like a heater
• Sleeping bag: if you plan to go trekking
• Thermal layers
• Down jacket

Nepal: Month-by-Month

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

• Nepal in January
• Nepal in February
• Nepal in March
• Nepal in April
• Nepal in May
• Nepal in June
• Nepal in July
• Nepal in August
• Nepal in September
• Nepal in October
• Nepal in November
• Nepal in December

Nepal: Seasons

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

• Spring Season in Nepal
• Monsoon Season in Nepal
• Autumn Season in Nepal
• Winter Season in Nepal

FAQs: Nepal in February

Is February a good time to visit Nepal?

Yes, February is a great time to visit Nepal. The beginning of February is still cold, however, it starts to get warmer from the middle of February.

If you prefer to trek in Nepal when there are less tourists, the second half of February is an ideal time to do so.

Apart from trekking, many places are a great time to visit in February. You have the best chance of spotting wildlife on jungle safaris in Nepal between February-March, so Chitwan and Bardia a good place to visit.

Exploring places in the hilly region such as Pokhara, Kathmandu, Bandipur or Tansen is also a great time in February. The day time is sunny and you get clear views of the Himalayas.

What is the best month to go to Nepal?

The best time to visit Nepal is between October-November and March-April, when the weather is the most favourable for trekking.

What season it is in Nepal in February?

February is winter season in Nepal, however, the weather starts to get warmer from the middle of February.

Which month is the coldest month in Nepal?

January is the coldest month in Nepal. The winter season in Nepal runs from December to February, and January tend to be the coldest.

Conclusion

The winter season starts to come to an end in February, thus it is a good time to visit Nepal. By the second half of February, the weather starts to get warmer and while there are still less tourists, it is a great time to go trekking.

February-March is also one of the best times to visit Chitwan or Bardia National Park to spot wildlife in Nepal. The grass during this time is at its lowest level, thus making it easier to spot wildlife.

Exploring places in the hilly region such as Pokhara, Kathmandu, Bandipur or Tansen is also a great time in February. The day time is sunny and you get clear views of the Himalayas.