Nepal in March: Weather, Trekking & Best Places to Visit (2026)
I love being in Nepal in March! It is one of the best times to visit Nepal: it is the beginning of spring season, and the weather is warm and sunny!
As the weather turns warm in March, it is one of the best times to go trekking and hiking in Nepal. If the views are clear, you get good views of the mountains. In recent years, air pollution has been high in spring, so the views are now not always guaranteed in March, especially in the Annapurna Region.
Apart from trekking, it is also a good time to explore places like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur and Tansen.
March is also one of the best times to spot wildlife in Nepal. The grass during this time is at its lowest level, so it makes it easier to spot wildlife. It’s perfect to go on a jungle safari in Chitwan or Bardia National Park.
Here is everything you need to know about Nepal in March, including the weather, trekking, festivals and best places to visit!
NEPAL TRIP ESSENTIALS
✈️ Travel Insurance: World Nomads
🏠 Book Accommodation: Booking.com
📞 eSIM for Nepal: HolaFly
💳 Travel Card: Wise Card (best exchange rates for card payments)
Nepal Weather in March
The spring season in Nepal is from mid-February to April, so by March, the weather turns warm and sunny.
Even though it is sunny during the day, in the beginning of March, I still always feel cold in the evenings and have to wear warm layers. So, you can wear light clothes during the day, but in the evening, you need a jumper or light jacket.
Nepal Temperature in March
Nepal has three geographic regions, and the temperature varies depending on where you are in Nepal in March.
The Himalayan, mountainous region in the north of Nepal is the coldest place in March. If you go trekking in March, there is still a chance of snow above 3,000 m (9,843 ft).
In the hilly region of Nepal, the temperature is between 8-28 °C (46-82 °F) in March. The hilly region includes places such as Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bandipur.
The southern, Tarai region of Nepal starts to get hot in March. It is an ideal time to visit places in the south of Nepal as the weather starts to get warm but it is not as hot and humid as it is from May onwards.
Is March a Good Time to Visit Nepal?
Yes, March is one of the best times to visit Nepal!
Nepal has two high seasons that are the best times to visit, one in the Autumn (October-November) and one in the Spring (March-April).
In March the weather starts to get warm, and the skies are generally clear to see the Himalayas which provide a great time to go trekking.
In recent years, the weather patterns have become more unpredictable, and the views are often not that great anymore around Pokhara in spring. There are wildfires and controlled burning in the spring, which ultimately create smoke and haze, and you cannot see the mountains.
If you are planning to trek in Nepal in the spring, I would go for a trek in the Everest Region or Langtang. Trekking routes in the Annapurna Region have worse visibility of mountains in the spring.
I also organize treks in Nepal:
✔️ Everest Base Camp
✔️ Annapurna Base Camp
✔️ Langtang Valley Trek & more!
Best Places to Visit in Nepal in March
1. Kathmandu in March
Kathmandu Weather in March
The average temperature is between 8-25 °C (46-77 °F) in Kathmandu in March. The temperature is warm and sunny during the day, and the nights are not that cold anymore. Still, you need a jumper or light jacket for the evenings.
Does it Snow in Kathmandu in March?
No, it does not snow in Kathmandu in March. 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 (in 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 around February-March.
When is the Best Time to Visit Kathmandu
The best time to visit Kathmandu is between October-November and March-April.
In recent years, the monsoon season lasted until the end of September, with lots of rain in Kathmandu and across the country. So, for the best weather, it is better to arrive in late Autumn or early Spring.
Even if the weather is not perfect, Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and there are many activities in the city all around the year.
🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Kathmandu? Check out Aloft Hotel, right in the center of Thamel with a pool on the top floor! (Rated 9.1/10)
Visiting Kathmandu in March
March is officially spring season in Nepal, the weather turns warm and it is a great time to explore Kathmandu.
March is one of the peak tourists seasons so there are many travellers in Kathmandu around this time. Thamel is the tourist hub of Kathmandu and it starts to get busy with travellers in March.
As the weather starts to get warm in March (but not too hot!), it is an ideal time to explore the main attractions in Kathmandu.
During spring season, you can see lots of flowers in bloom in Nepal. Especially if you go trekking, you can see a lot of flowers in bloom, including rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower.
The best place to see flowers in bloom during spring near Kathmandu is at the Godawari Botanical Garden. It is the largest botanical garden in Nepal and is a nice getaway from Kathmandu.
Best Things to Do in Kathmandu in March
The days are sunny and there is very little chance of rain, so exploring Kathmandu in March is great.
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, Swayambhu 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
- 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 here!
2. Pokhara in March
Pokhara Weather in March
The average temperature is between 13-27 °C (55-81 °F) in Pokhara in March.
The weather is sunny, but in recent years, the air quality has become really bad in Pokhara in spring. Due to lack of rain in the winter and spring, wildfires can start in the nearby hills around Pokhara and that can cause smoky, hazy skies in Pokhara.
Local farmers also start to burn grass on their fields around March which adds to the smoke and haze.
When the skies are filled with smoke, it makes it difficult to see the mountains. So, in recent years, the clear mountain views cannot be guaranteed in and around Pokhara anymore.
If you are travelling to Pokhara in March-April, it is good to follow the local news to find out about the current air quality.
When the Best Time to Visit Pokhara?
The best time to visit Pokhara is between October to mid-December and mid-February to April, however, visiting anytime between October-May is generally a good time.
In recent years, I visited Pokhara in the winter (December) a few times and the views were better than in Spring. The views were so much better that I would now prefer to visit Pokhara in December than in March.
Visiting Pokhara in March
Pokhara is a popular holiday destination in Nepal, and it is also the starting point to many trekking routes into the Annapurna Region, such as the Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Australian Camp, Panchase Trek, and Poon Hill.
🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Pokhara? Check out Hotel Middle Path and Spa (Rated 9.4/10) Comfy beds & awesome pool!
Best Things to Do in Pokhara in March
- Boating on Fewa Lake + Hiking to the World Peace Pagoda
- Annapurna Cable Car for the Sarangkot Sunrise
- Paragliding
- Day trip to 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), Panchase Trek (2-3 days)
Check out my Travel Guide to Pokhara here!
3. Bandipur
Bandipur Weather in March
The average temperature is between 11-28 °C (52-82 °F) in Bandipur in March. It is sunny warm during the day but can still get a little bit of cold at nights in the beginning of March.
As the skies are clear, with no rain, Bandipur offers great views of the Himalayas.
What is 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 9.1/10)
Visiting Bandipur in March
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 March is great, with clear skies and great views of the mountains. It makes it one of the best times to visit Bandipur.
Best Things to Do in Bandipur in March
- 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
Chitwan Weather in March
The average temperature is between 11-24 °C (52-75 °F) in Chitwan in March. Chitwan is in the southern part of Nepal and it tends to get much warmer than Kathmandu.
What is the Best Time to Visit Chitwan?
The best time to visit Chitwan is between 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 is 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 March
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 temperature starts to get hot in March in Chitwan so make sure to pack sunscreen, sunhat and plenty of water if you go on a jungle safari.
Prepare for the heat and book Chitwan Village Resort: centrally located + there is AC (Rated 9.4/10)
Best Things to Do in Chitwan in March
- 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
Bardia National Park Weather in March
The average temperature is between 16-31 °C (61-88 °F) in Bardia in March. Bardia National Park is in the south of Nepal and generally gets hotter than Kathmandu.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Bardia National Park?
The best time to visit the Bardia National Park is between February-March. In February-March, the grass inside the park is lower, so, 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 after the monsoon season, it is 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.
⭐ Book the perfect stay in Bardia: Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge: cozy rooms, swimming pool & AC (Rated 9.8/10)
Visiting Bardia National Park in March
It is the best time to visit Bardia between February-March as the grass is low and you have the most chance of spotting wildlife at this time.
The temperature starts to get hot in March 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 March
- Jungle safari (walking or jeep)
- Rafting
- Bird Watching
- Sunset Point
🐅 Check out my Travel Guide to Bardia National Park here!
6. Tansen
Tansen Weather in March
The average temperature is between 11-26 °C (52-79 °F) in Tansen in March.
Tansen is a great place to visit in March as the weather is sunny and you get clear views of the Himalayas.
When isthe 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 even if you happen to be there when it rains.
Visiting Tansen in March
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 warm and pleasant during the day in Tansen in March. On a clear day, Tansen also has great views of the Himalayas, which makes it great to visit.
🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Tansen? I stayed at Natures Treat Homestay: Friendly owner, affordable prices & good food (Rated 9.5/10)
Best Things to Do in Tansen in March
- Hike to Shreenagar Hill and Tansen View Tower
- Visit Rani Mahal (the “Taj Mahal” of Nepal)
- Tansen Durbar and Museum
- Temples
- Try Newari food
- Shop items made from Dhaka fabric (perfect souvenir to take home!)
Check out my Travel Guide to Tansen here!
7. Gorkha
Gorkha Weather in March
The average temperature is around 15 °C (59 °F) in Gorkha in March.
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 March.
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 March
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 March is one of the best times. The weather is warm, the skies are clear and you get nice views of the Himalayas.
Things to Do in Gorkha in March
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
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Weather in March
The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is located in the southern, Tarai region of Nepal. The Tarai region can feel cold during the winter in Nepal as it receives little sunshine.
However, March is Spring season and the weather gets much better and warmer. As the weather gets hotter, it is a good time to spot crocodiles and dolphins.
March is also a time when wild elephants come as close as the local villages, so you will have the best chance of spotting elephants in March in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.
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 March
Koshi Tappu is the most popular place for spotting the winter migratory birds that can be spotted between December-January.
If you visit in March, it is known as one of the best times to spot wild elephants. When I was in Koshi Tappu, I was told by my guide that if you visit between Mid-February to March, wild elephants even wonder around the town near the wildlife reserve.
Things to Do in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in March
- Bird watching
- Safari in tuktuk or on motorbike
🐘 Check out my Travel Guide to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve here!
9. Janakpur
Janakpur Weather in March
The average temperature is between 19-33 °C (66-91 °F) in Janakpur in March.
The weather starts to get hot in March in Janakpur but it is still a good time to visit, as it is not too hot yet!
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 March
The weather starts to get hot in March in Janakpur but it is still a good time to visit, as it is not too hot yet.
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 March
- 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
Lumbini Weather in March
The average temperature is between 22-33 °C (72-91 °F) in Lumbini in March.
In March, the weather starts to get hot in Lumbini so 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 March
In March, the weather starts to get warm in Lumbini but it is still not as hot as it will be in May or June.
Make sure to take sunscreen and drink plenty of water while out and about in Lumbini.
Best Things to Do in Lumbini in March
- Maya Devi Temple
- Lumbini Monastic Zone
- Eternal Peace Flame
- World Peace Pagoda
Check out my Travel Guide to Lumbini here!
Trekking in Nepal in March
The weather is the most pleasant for trekking in October-November and March-April. So, March is one of the best times to go trekking in Nepal.
By March, the spring season has started and the temperature starts to get warmer for trekking. March is one of the main trekking seasons in Nepal and during this time there are many trekkers on the most popular trekking routes, like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.
In March, there is a chance for snow above 3,000 m (9,843 ft), so it is good if you take crampons with you just in case there is ice on the trail. One time I went on a trek in April, and there was still snow in high altitude.
As it can still snow in Nepal in March in high altitudes, 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
- Sleeping bag liner
- Thermal layers
- Wool jumpers
- Wind jacket
🔥 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!
Festivals in Nepal in March
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!
Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is a major Hindu festival in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It usually falls in February or March and it celebrates the marriage between Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Maha Shivaratra is celebrated at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. The temple is usually crowded with devotees on this day. I once tried to check out the celebrations there but it was so busy with long queues that I decided to turn back.
Holi Festival
In the Hindu mythology, Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is a fun festival and in the morning people celebrate it by throwing coloured powder on each others.
The best places to play Holi is by the Durbar Square in Kathmandu (although it can get very crowded) or by Lakeside in Pokhara.
Packing for Nepal in March
The weather in March starts to get warm. While the beginning of March can still feel cold at night, the daytimes are sunny and warm.
In most places you will be fine wearing light, summer clothes, but for the evenings it is good to have some warmer clothes (jumper, wind jacket).
If you go trekking, here are a few things to pack for Nepal in March:
- 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 liner
- Thermal layers (top and bottom)
- Wool jumpers
- Wind jacket
FAQs: Nepal in March
Is March cold in Nepal?
The beginning of March can still feel cold at nights in Nepal but the daytime temperature is warm and sunny.
What is the weather like for trekking in March in Nepal?
By March, the spring season starts and the temperature gets warmer for trekking. In March, it is sunny on the trekking trails but it does get cold at nights, so it is good to pack layer.
In March, there can still be snow above 3,000 m (9,843 ft). If you go trekking in March, it is good if you prepare with trekking gear for snow and ice just in case.
Does it Snow in Nepal in March?
Although March is the Spring season in Nepal, it sometimes still snows a little in hill towns near Kathmandu and in altitudes above 3,000 m (9,843 ft).
If you go trekking in Nepal in March, it is good to prepare for the chance of snow. Make sure to pack crampons to help you pass icy trails.
Sometimes it snows near Kathmandu (Chandragiri, Kalinchowk) around February-March but it usually does not last long and melts quickly. To see snow, make sure to follow the weather forecast and updates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, March is one of the best times to visit Nepal. March is Spring season in Nepal with nice and pleasant weather.
March offers one of the best times to go trekking in Nepal with clear views of the Himalayas. In March, there can still be snow above 3,000 m (9,843 ft). If you go trekking in March, it is good if you prepare with trekking gear for snow and ice just in case.
March is still 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.
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