Nepal in May: Weather + 10 Best Places to Visit

ARE YOU WONDERING WHAT’S IT LIKE TO VISIT NEPAL IN MAY?

Although May is getting close to the monsoon season (June-August) in Nepal, it is still high season with the weather mostly favourable for trekking.

In my experience, the weather starts to turn really hot in May in Nepal and the occasional pre-monsoon rains make the month of May very humid as well.

Although, if it rains in May, it only rains a little and the skies are still clear to see the Himalayas. All in all, May is a great time to go trekking in Nepal.

Here is all the information you need about the weather, trekking, festivals, activities and places to visit in Nepal in May!

Nepal Weather in May

The spring season in Nepal is from March to May, and by May, the weather is hot and humid. Monsoon season usually starts in mid-June, but there can be occasional rainfall in May. Even if it rains in May, it usually does not rain too much.

As May is very hot in Nepal, you can pack your light summer clothes if you are visiting Nepal in May.

☀️ Prepare for the heat and get your sunscreen here!

Nepal Temperature in May

Nepal has three geographic regions and the temperature varies depending on where you are in Nepal in May.

The Himalayan, mountainous region in the north of Nepal is the coldest place in May. The daytime is sunny but the evenings turn cold. If you go trekking in May, you should still pack thermal layers for the evenings.

Whereas, the average temperature in the Hilly region of Nepal is between 16-31 C in Nepal in May. The hilly region includes places such as Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bandipur.

The southern, Tarai region of Nepal (e.g. Chitwan, Bardia, Lumbini, Janakpur), is hot and humid in May. Due to the heat, exploring places in the Tarai is not the best option in May, but if it’s the only time you can visit, make sure to pack sunscreen, sunhat and drink plenty of water.

Is May a Good Time to Visit Nepal?

Yes, May is high trekking season and is one of the best times to visit Nepal.

Nepal has two peak tourist seasons that are the best times to visit Nepal, one in the Autumn (October-November) and one in the Spring (March-April) but May follows very closely.

The weather gets hot and humid in May but there is not much rain yet and thus, the skies are generally clear to see the Himalayas. It still provides a great time to go trekking.

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).

During these times trekking can be more challenging due to monsoon rains or winter snow, thus less people come to Nepal.

As the weather during these times are less favourable for trekking, people tend to visit Nepal in the months that are best for trekking (March-May, September-November).

Does it Rain in Nepal in May?

May is the end of spring season and the monsoon season starts from June in Nepal. In May, there can be occasional rainfall as it leads up to the monsoon in June.

Even if it rains in Nepal in May, it would just be a quick rain shower and it would not last long. The skies are generally still clear to see the Himalayas.

🌧️ Check out the best things to do in Nepal during monsoon here!

Best Places to Visit in Nepal in May

In May the weather starts to get hot and as it is pre-monsoon season, some rainfall is also expected. Nevertheless, May is still high season in Nepal, ideal for trekking, sightseeing and exploring places around Nepal.

By May, the temperature gets very hot in the southern, Tarai region of Nepal where Chitwan and Bardia are located. Although it is very hot there, I would say May is the last month before the monsoon season when it is still worth going on jungle safaris in Chitwan or Bardia.

1. Kathmandu in May

Kathmandu Weather in May

The average high temperature is 29 C, while the average low temperature is 16 C in Kathmandu in May. May is high season although it is also pre-monsoon season and it starts to get hot and humid in Kathmandu.

Does it Rain in Kathmandu in May?

The monsoon season in Nepal usually starts in the middle of June. May is technically the Spring season in Nepal but as it precedes the monsoon season, sometimes some rainfall already starts in May.

If there is any pre-monsoon rainfall in Kathmandu, it usually doesn’t rain longer than 1-2 hours in the afternoon or evenings.

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 May

The weather gets hot and humid in Kathmandu in May but it is still a good time to visit before the monsoon starts in mid-June.

May is high season so there are many travellers in Kathmandu around this time. Thamel is the tourist hub of Kathmandu and it is busy with tourists in May.

May is spring season in Nepal, with lots of trees and flowers in bloom during this time. The jacaranda trees in Kathmandu are also bloom in May and it looks very pretty.

🏠 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 May

May starts to get hot and humid but it is still a great time to explore Kathmandu.

Apart from the main tourist attractions in Kathmandu, 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 May

Pokhara Weather in May

The average temperature in Pokhara in May is between 18-30 C.

The weather in Pokhara in May is sunny and starts to get hot during the day. May is pre-monsoon time, so there could be rainfall here and there but only for a short time.

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 May

The weather starts to get hot in May but it is a still a good time to visit Pokhara. There could be some rainfall during this time but very minimal.

Pokhara is a popular holiday destination in Nepal and it is also the starting point to many trekking routes into the Annapurna Region. May is the last time when it is ideal to go trekking in Nepal before the monsoon starts in mid-June.

Some of the popular trekking routes starting from Pokhara include: Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal and Australian Camp.

🏠 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 May

• Boating on Fewa Lake + Hiking to the World Peace Pagoda
• Annapurna Cable Car to the Sarangkot Sunrise
• Paragliding
• Visiting Begnas Lake (+hiking)
• Visiting the top 3 caves in Pokhara
• 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 May

Bandipur Weather in May

The average temperature in Bandipur in May is between 19-31 C. It is sunny and starts ti get hot and humid during the day.

There could be a little bit of rainfall as May is pre-monsoon but it would be only a short rainfall.

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, I would say, 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.

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

Visiting Bandipur in May

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.

The weather in May is hot but if the weather is clear, you still get great views of the Himalayas.

Best Things to Do in Bandipur in May

• Hike up to the Thani Mai Temple and see the sunrise or sunset
• Siddha Gufa: Nepal’s largest cave
• Hike from Bandipur to Ramkot
• Visit the Silkworm Farm
• 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 May

Chitwan Weather in May

The average temperature in Chitwan in May is between 17-29 C. Chitwan is in the southern part of Nepal and it gets more hot and humid than Kathmandu in May.

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 wildlide. 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.

🐅 Not sure where to go on a jungle safari in Nepal? Check out if Chitwan or Bardia National Park is better for you!?

Visiting Chitwan in May

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

By May, it is very hot and there can be occassional rain in Chitwan.

Due to the rain, the grass inside the national park starts to grow high which makes it more difficult to spot wildlife. The rain would still be minimal in May and it is better to visit Chitwan in May than during monsoon (June-August).

The temperature can get hot and humid in May in Chitwan so make sure to pack sunscreen, sunhat and plenty of water if you go on a jungle safari.

🌊 Beat the heat and book a hotel with AC and pool in Chitwan!

Things to Do in Chitwan in May

• 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 May

Bardia National Park Weather in May

The average high temperature in Bardia is 37 C, while the average low temperature is 25 C in May. Bardia National Park is in the south of Nepal and gets much hotter than Kathmandu in May.

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 wildlide. 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 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.

💦 Beat the heat and book a hotel room with AC in Bardia!

Visiting Bardia National Park in May

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.

By May, it is very hot and there can be occasional rain in Bardia.

Due to the rain, the grass inside the national park starts to grow high which makes it more difficult to spot wildlife. The rain would still be minimal in May and it is still better to visit Bardia in May than during monsoon (June-August).

The temperature can get hot and humid in May in Bardia so make sure to pack sunscreen, sunhat and plenty of water if you go on a jungle safari.

Things to Do in Bardia National Park in May

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

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

6. Tansen in May

Tansen Weather in May

The average temperature in Tansen in May is between 18-31 C. Tansen is a great place to visit in May as the weather is sunny and you get clear views of the Himalayas.

They say that the temperature is always pleasant in Tansen, it does not get too hot during summer and does not get too cold during winter. So, while many places in Nepal start to get hot and humid in May, Tansen is a great place to visit.

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 May

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.

Tansen is a great place to visit in May as the weather is sunny and you get clear 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 May

• Hike to Shreenagar Hill and Tansen View Tower
• 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!)

Check out my Travel Guide to Tansen here!

7. Gorkha in May

Gorkha Weather in May

The average temperature in Gorkha in May is around 21 C.

Gorkha is in the hilly region in Nepal and it receives a lot of sunshine during the day. So the sunshine keeps Gorkha feel much warmer and with the nice views of the Himalayas, it is a great place to visit in May.

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 May

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.

Visiting Gorkha in May is still one of the best times. The weather starts to get hot but the skies are generally clear and you get nice views of the Himalayas.

Things to Do in Gorkha in May

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 May

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Weather in May

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is located in the southern, Tarai region of Nepal. The weather in May can get very hot in the Tarai, thus in Koshi Tappu as well.

Although the main season in Koshi Tappu is from November to March, May can still provide a good time to spot wildlife before the monsoon starts in June.

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
• All year round: Arna (wild water buffalo), Gangetic dolphin

Visiting Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in May

Koshi Tappu is the most popular place for spotting the winter migratory birds that can be spotted between December-January.

If you visit in May, you will not be able to spot the winter migratory birds but you will be able to see many other types of birds that habit Koshi Tappu.

Apart from bird watching, Koshi Tappu is famous for its arna (wild water buffalo) and gangetic dolphin habitat that you can spot all year round.

The weather gets really hot and humid from May onwards, so be prepared for the heat with sunscreen, sunhat and drinking water.

Things to Do in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in May

• Bird watching
• Wildlife: gangetic dolphins, arna (wild water buffalo), crocodiles
• Safari in tuktuk or on motorbike

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

9. Janakpur in May

Janakpur Weather in May

The average high temperature is 38 C, while the average low temperature is 27 C in Janakpur in May.

The weather gets very hot in Janakpur in May so it is not the most ideal time to visit, but May is still considered better than between June-August.

☀️ Protect yourself from the heat and get your sunscreen here!

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 May

The weather can get very hot in Janakpur in May but it is still a better time to visit than between June-August.

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 May

• 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 May

Lumbini Weather in May

The average high temperature is 40 C, while the average low temperature is 25 C in Lumbini in May.

In May, the weather gets very hot and humid in Lumbini and due to that, May is not that best time to visit Lumbini. If you are visiting Lumbini in May, make sure to have sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Lumbini?

The best time to visit Lumbini is between October to November and Mid-February to April. The weather is the most ideal during these times.

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 May

The weather is very hot and humid in Lumbini in May and due to that it is not the best time to explore Lumbini.

The celebration of Buddha’s Birthday (Buddha Jayanti) falls in May and I would say it is worth visiting Lumbini in May if you want to be in Lumbini during the celebrations of Buddha’a birthday. Otherwise, May can be too hot to enjoy exploring Lumbini.

Best Things to Do in Lumbini in May

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

Check out my Travel Guide to Lumbini here!

Trekking in Nepal in May

The weather is the most pleasant for trekking between October-November and March-April. May is still peak trekking season in Nepal however there can be some sporadic rainfall as it nears towards monsoon season in June.

The daytime temperature is warm but the nights are still cold in higher altitudes. As it is main trekking seasons in Nepal in May, you will find many trekkers on the trails.

What to pack for trekking in May:

• 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 liner
• Thermal layers
• Wool jumpers
• Wind jacket

Festivals in Nepal in May

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!

Buddha Jayanti

Buddha Jayanti is the celebration of Buddha’s birthday. It is an important Buddhist holiday and the best place to observe the celebration is in Lumbini, Nepal.

Lumbini is said to be the birthplace of Buddha and on this day many people come to celebrate and offer worship at the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini.

Packing for Nepal in May: What to Bring?

The weather in May is hot, sunny and humid. So as for clothes during this time, you can pack light, summer clothes.

If you go trekking, although the daytime will be sunny in the mountains, it will still get windy and cold at nights. For trekking in May, it is good to pack warm layers for the evenings.

If you go trekking, here are a few things to pack for Nepal in May:

• 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 liner
• Thermal layers
• Wool jumpers
• Rain jacket

Nepal: Month-by-Month

Not sure about visiting Nepal in May? 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

May falls in the spring/pre-monsoon 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 May

Is May a good time to visit Nepal?

Yes, May is peak tourist season and it is one of the best times to visit Nepal. Although the weather starts to get hot and humid in May, there is not that much rain yet.

As there is not much rain, the weather is great for trekking in May in Nepal and it makes it a popular time to visit Nepal.

Can we see snow in Nepal in May?

May is very hot in Nepal and in most places there is no chance of snow. Unless you go to summit one of the mountain peaks, there is no chance you will see snow in Nepal in May.

Is May good for trekking in Nepal?

Yes, May is a great time to go trekking in Nepal. It is warmer in May and there is still very little chance of rain. It makes it a great time to go trekking.

What are the best dates to go to Nepal?

The best time to visit Nepal is between October-November and March-April. These are the high seasons in Nepal that have the most fabourable weather for trekking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, May is peak tourist season and it is one of the best times to visit Nepal. Although the weather starts to get hot and humid in May, there is not that much rain yet.

As there is not much rain, the weather is great for trekking in May in Nepal and it makes it a popular time to visit Nepal.

If it rains in May, it only rains a little and the skies are still clear to see the Himalayas. All in all May is a perfect time to go trekking in Nepal.