Nepal in August: Weather & 5 Best Places to Visit (2025)
PLANNING A TRIP TO NEPAL IN AUGUST?
I live in Nepal and monsoon season is usually not too bad. The weather patterns can be unpredictable, but generally, it does not rain more than 1-2 hours in the afternoon.
Trekking is not recommended in August due to the monsoon rains and safety reasons, but there are still many things you can do in Nepal!
Some of the best things to do in Nepal in August is sightseeing and exploring Nepali history and culture in places such as Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Bandipur and Pokhara.
If you want to go trekking in August, the Upper Mustang Trek is a good option at this time, as it is located in the rain shadow region of Nepal.
Here is all the information you need about visiting Nepal in August, including the weather, activities and places to visit!
Nepal Weather in August
August has the second highest level of rainfall in Nepal and generally the weather is very hot and humid.
Even though there is a high level of rainfall in August, it still usually only rains for 1-2 hours per day in the afternoon or evening. So, still you can do many activities during this time.
Nepal Temperature in August
The weather is typically between 20-30 °C (68-86 °F) in Nepal in August. 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 August, 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 start earlier in May or end later, at the end of September.
August is typically the month that has the second 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.
Does it Rain All Day in Nepal in August?
No, it does not rain all day in Nepal in August.
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.
It is not recommended to go trekking, especially during July-August, so it is better to plan for alternative activities, such as exploring cities and towns.
During monsoon, the trekking trails can be impassable due to landslides and there are also lots of leeches in lower altitudes.
I also organize treks in Nepal:
✔️ Everest Base Camp
✔️ Annapurna Base Camp
✔️ Langtang Valley Trek & more!
Is August a Good Time to Visit Nepal?
Well, it depends what activities you would like to do in Nepal.
If you want to go trekking, then August is not a good time to visit Nepal. Trekking is not safe during monsoon due to landslides. Additionally, road and air travel is also affected because of the rain.
If you are happy to explore towns and cities in Nepal, and more just into the history and culture, then August is a good time to visit.
Crowds
August is low season in Nepal and not many travellers come to Nepal at this time.
As most people come to Nepal to go on treks in autumn or spring, August is one of the times with the least amount of tourists.
Prices
As August is low season, it also means that the prices are lower.
Most of the hotels have discounts at this time, so you can save some money if you visit during monsoon.
Trekking is not recommended during monsoon, but if the weather permits and you go trekking, you could also get some better prices for trekking.
Places to Visit in Nepal in August
1. Kathmandu in August
Kathmandu Weather in August
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal, and it is where most travellers arrive.
The average temperature is between 20-29 °C (68-84 °F) in Kathmandu in August. However, the humidity is very high and the temperature feels much hotter.
Does it Rain All Day in Kathmandu in August?
No, it does not rain all day in Kathmandu. It usually only rains for 1-2 hours in the late afternoon or at night.
The weather patterns can still be unpredictable and it can happen that it might rain for 1-2 days continuously, but generally, it only rains for 1-2 hours per day.
When is 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 have plenty of things to do.
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 August
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.
- Sightseeing: 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: Bhaktapur, Patan, Kirtipur, Godawari, Chandragiri, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Panauti
- Classes and Workshops: Thangka Painting Class, Cooking Class
- Singing Bowls: free sound healing sessions every day at 10 am and 5 pm at Nirvana Singing Bowl in Thamel
Check out my Travel Guide to Kathmandu + 🌧️ Best Rainy Day Activities in Kathmandu here!
2. Upper Mustang in August
Upper Mustang Weather in August
The average temperature is between 22-30 °C (72-86 °F) in Upper Mustang in August, and it tends to be very windy.
In August, Upper Mustang receives a lot of daylight, the temperature is warmer and it rarely rains so it is an ideal place for a trek.
When is the best time to visit Upper Mustang?
The best time for trekking in Upper Mustang is between 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.
💡The permit to Upper Mustang is stricter than other trekking areas in Nepal. You have to get a permit for USD 500 and go with one another trekker + a guide.
3. Tansen in August
Tansen Weather in August
The average temperature is between 21-29 °C (70-84 °F) in Tansen in August.
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.
When is the Best Time to Visit Tansen?
The best time to visit Tansen is between October-November or March-April which is when you get the best views of the Himalayas.
However, generally, anytime between October-May is considered a good time.
Visiting Tansen During Monsoon
Tansen remains still one of the less visited places in Nepal and is great to see a small Nepali town.
Tansen has some really good homestays, and what I liked the most is that the owners are really friendly and recommend many things to do 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 the mountains.
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 August
- 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!
4. Bandipur in August
Bandipur Weather in August
The average weather is between 21-30 °C (70-86 °F) in Bandipur in August. It also gets humid during the monsoon, so it feels much hotter than that.
It also rains in Bandipur during monsoon but usually just for 1-2 hours in the afternoon or evening.
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-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, the views are not clear to see the Himalayas, there are many things you can still do during monsoon.
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 August
- 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)
- Visit the Silkworm Farm
- 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).
Check out my Travel Guide to Bandipur here!
5. Pokhara in August
Pokhara Weather in August
The average temperature is between 22-30 °C (72-86 °F) in Pokhara in August. However, due to the humidity, it feels much much hotter.
Pokhara is known as the city in Nepal that receives a lot of rainfall during the monsoon season. In August, Pokhara receives about 866 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, generally anytime between October-May is a pretty good time.
Visiting Pokhara During Monsoon
Despite the high amount of rainfall Pokhara receives in August, I am including it in the list of places to visit in August, as Pokhara is one of the most popular towns in Nepal.
If August is the only time that you can visit Nepal, 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. August 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.
It is true that due to the clouds it is not possible to get a clear view of 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 August
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
- Trekking routes from Pokhara: Annapurna Base Camp (7-8 days), Poon Hill (4-5 days), Mardi Himal (5-7 days), Australian Camp (2 days), Panchase Trek (2-3 days)
Check out my Travel Guide to Pokhara + 🌧️ Best Rainy Day Activities in Pokhara here!
Trekking in Nepal in August
August is still the height of the monsoon season with a lot of rainfall. So, similarly to July, trekking is not recommended in August.
The trekking trails get slippery and can be impassable due to landslides. Due to the rain, there are also many leeches on the trail in lower altitudes which make trekking very uncomfortable.
If you do end up going on a trek in August, make sure to trek with other people, or a guide, and follow the current weather updates.
Is There Anywhere Safe to Trek in August?
If you would like to go trekking and see the Himalayas in August, 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.
While it rains less (or non) in Upper Mustang, getting there may take longer as flights are delayed due to bad weather, and road travel can take longer due to landslides.
Festivals in Nepal in August
Although Nepal is known for its many festivals and holidays, there are not that many festivals during the monsoon season.
The dates of holidays change every year as Nepal uses the lunar calendar. In practice it means that some holidays may be in August this year, but next year, they may fall on a date in September.
🎆 Check the festival and holiday calendar for Nepal here!
Nepal usually has the following festivals in August:
NAG PANCHAMI
‘Nag’ means snake in Nepali and so Nag Panchami is dedicated to snakes. On this day, devotees offer prayers to snakes in order to be protected from snake bites.
JANAI PURNIMA
‘Janai’ is a sacred thread worn by Hindu men and during Janai Purnima they change this thread. The changing of the thread is believed to purify the person and protect from negative influences.
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
The Teej festival 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, this 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.
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.
- 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 August
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 August, also make sure to bring:
- Umbrella
- Waterproof shoes/sandals
- Rain cover for backpack
Nepal Monthly Guides
Not sure about visiting Nepal in August? Check out my monthly guides for Nepal:
Nepal Seasonal Guides
August 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 August: Weather & Best Places to Visit
Is it a good time to go to Nepal in August?
August is the height of the monsoon season with the second highest amount rainfall occurring at this time. Despite the monsoon season, it usually doesn’t rain more than 1-2 hours in the afternoon or evening.
August 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 August is the only time that you can visit Nepal, it is still worth visiting and exploring the cultural attractions. As August is the off season, many hotels also have discounted rates so prices will be lower during this time.
How rainy is Nepal in August?
The temperature is typically between 20-30 °C (68-86 °F) in Nepal in August with daily rains 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 August, thus, the average temperature feels much hotter in reality.
Is August a good time to trek in Nepal?
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.
What season is it in Nepal in August?
August is during the monsoon season in Nepal. The monsoon season is from June to September, and August has the second highest level of rainfall after July.
How hot is Nepal in August?
The average temperature is between 20-30 °C (68-86 °F) in Nepal in August.
In reality, due to the high humidity levels, the temperature feels much much hotter in Kathmandu.
Which month is best for 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.
Is Nepal cold in August?
No, Nepal is not cold in August. The average high temperature in 30 °C (86 °F) and due to the humidity it feel even hotter than that.
The hottest temperature is in the Tarai region of Nepal which lies in the southern part of Nepal. Famous places in the Tarai include, Chitwan, Lumbini, Janakpur and it gets extremely hot there.
Conclusion
In conclusion, monsoon seasons are usually not too bad in Nepal. The weather patterns can be unpredictable, but generally, it does not rain that much in August.
Although trekking is not recommended in August due to the monsoon rains, there are still so many things you can do in Nepal!
Some of the best things to do in Nepal in August is sightseeing and exploring the Nepali history and culture in places such as Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Bandipur and Pokhara.
Trekking in August is not recommended due to safety reasons. However, the Upper Mustang Trek is a good option at this time, as it is located in the rainshadow region of Nepal.
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.
