Nepal in March: Weather + 10 Best Places to Visit

ARE YOU WONDERING WHAT’S IT LIKE IN NEPAL IN MARCH?

You’ve come to the right place! I live in Nepal and March is one of the best times to visit Nepal.

March is one of the peak tourist times in Nepal as the weather is great for trekking.

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.

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

Nepal Weather in March

The spring season in Nepal is from mid-February to April, thus by March, the weather turns warm and sunny.

It still gets cold at nights in the beginning of March but by the end of March, you will not feel cold at nights.

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 chance of snowfall above 3,000 metres.

Whereas, the average temperature in the Hilly region of Nepal is between 8-28 C in Nepal in March. The hilly region includes places such as Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bandipur.

The southern, Tarai region of Nepal starts to get warm and 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 in May or June.

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 Nepal, one in the Autumn (October-November) and one in the Spring (March-April).

In March the weather starts to get warmer and the skies are generally clear to see the Himalayas which provide 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 during winter (December-February) and the other during the monsoon (June-August).

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 is less favourable for trekking, people opt to visit during the seasons when it is better for trekking (March-May, September-November).

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 metres.

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 in the hills nearby Kathmandu (Chandragiri, Kalinchowk) around February-March but it usually does not last long and melts quickly. To catch the snow, make sure to follow the weather forecast and updates.

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

Best Places to Visit in Nepal in March

March has great weather, clear skies so it is an ideal time to go trekking, sightseeing and exploring places around Nepal.

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 March

Kathmandu Weather in March

The average high temperature is 25 C, while the average low temperature is 8 C in Kathmandu in March. The temperature is warm and sunny during the day and the nights also become less and less cold.

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 (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.

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.

🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Kathmandu? Check out the Bodhi Boutique Hotel here! (Rated 9.6/10 ⭐ on 893 reviews)

Visiting Kathmandu in March

March is officially Spring Season in Nepal, the weather starts to turn 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 is busy with tourists 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.

As March is the spring season, you will see lots of trees and flowers start to bloom in March.

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, 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 March

Pokhara Weather in March

The average temperature in Pokhara in March is between 13-27 C.

The weather in Pokhara in March is generally sunny and clear, thus it is a great time to visit the town.

Due to the lack of rain in March, wildfires can start in the nearby hills around Pokhara and that can cause smoky, hazy skies in Pokhara. Sometimes, also local farmers start to burn grass on their fields which adds to the wildfires.

Sometimes, the lack of rain, wildfires and controlled fires can create a hazy, smoke-filled air in Pokhara around March-April. When the skies are filled with smoke, it makes it difficult to see the mountains.

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.

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 March

Generally, March is considered one of the best times to visit Pokhara. If the weather is clear, you get one of the best views of the Himalayas between March-April.

Pokhara is a popular holiday destination in Nepal and it is also the starting point to many trekking routes into the Annapurna Region.

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 March

• 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 March

Bandipur Weather in March

The average temperature in Bandipur in March is between 11-28 C. 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 Himalayan views in March.

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 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 in March

Chitwan Weather in March

The average temperature in Chitwan in March is between 11-24 C. Chitwan is the southern part of Nepal and it tends to get much warmer than Kathmandu in March.

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 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 a hotel with AC and pool in Chitwan!

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 in March

Bardia National Park Weather in March

The average high temperature in Bardia is 31 C, while the average low temperature is 16 C in March. Bardia National Park is in the south of Nepal and generally gets hotter than Kathmandu in March.

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 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.

💦 Preparing for heat in Bardia? Book a hotel room with AC here!

Visiting Bardia National Park in March

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 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 in March

Tansen Weather in March

The average temperature in Tansen in March is between 11-26 C.

Tansen is a great place to visit in March as the weather is sunny and you get clear views of the Himalayas.

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 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? Check out Horizon Homestay here! (Rated 9.5/10 ⭐ on 122 reviews)

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
• 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 March

Gorkha Weather in March

The average temperature in Gorkha in March is around 15 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 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 in March

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 in March

Janakpur Weather in March

The average high temperature is 33 C, while the average low temperature is 19 C in Janakpur in March.

The weather starts to get hot in March in Janakpur but it is still a good time to visit, 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 in March

Lumbini Weather in March

The average high temperature is 33 C, while the average low temperature is 22 C 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 between October-November and March-April. Thus, March offers 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 generally many trekkers.

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

As it can still snow in Nepal in March 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
• 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: What to Bring?

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
• Wool jumpers
• Wind jacket

Nepal: Month-by-Month

Not sure about visiting Nepal in March? 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

March falls in the Spring 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 March

Is March a good time to visit Nepal?

Yes, March is one of the best times to visit Nepal. March is Spring season in Nepal with nice and pleasant weather.

The weather is great for trekking in March in Nepal and it makes it one of the most popular times to visit Nepal.

What is the best month to go to Nepal?

The peak tourist season in Nepal is between October-November and March-April, when the weather is the most favourable for trekking.

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 metres. If you go trekking in March, it is good if you prepare with trekking gear for snow and ice just in case.

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 metres. 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.