Nepal in October: Weather & 9 Best Places to Visit (2025)

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WONDERING WHAT’S IT LIKE TO VISIT NEPAL IN OCTOBER?

You’ve come to the right place. I live in Nepal and I have good news, October is one of the best times to visit Nepal!

The monsoon season is over by the end of September, and Nepal has one of the most pleasant weather in October.

The weather is perfect for trekking and hiking, so if you plan to trek in Nepal, October or November are one of the best times to do so.

Some of the best things to do in Nepal in October is to go trekking, hiking, day trips, and explore places such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Tansen, Chitwan and Bardia.

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

Nepal Weather in October

The weather in Nepal in October is one of the most pleasant all throughout the year.

By October, the monsoon season is over, there is no rainfall, and it is sunny during the day.

It makes it one of the best times to visit Nepal, go trekking, sightseeing and have clear views to see the Himalayas.

Nepal Temperature in October

The temperature is between 14-31 °C (57-88 °F) in Nepal in October depending on where in Nepal you are.

The southern part of Nepal (Chitwan, Janakpur, Bardia) tends to be slightly hotter than the hilly region (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur).

Does it Rain in Nepal in October?

The monsoon rains end by September and the weather turns very pleasant in October.

It is rare for it to rain in Nepal in October but if there is any rain it will be just a quick rain shower.

Is October a Good Time to Visit Nepal?

Sunrise from Panchase Peak, Nepal.
Sunrise View from Panchase Peak, Nepal

Yes, October is one of the best times to visit Nepal!

October is the start of the main trekking season in Nepal and a lot of travellers visit Nepal during this time to go trekking.

In October, the weather is clear and it is an ideal time to go trekking. During this time, you get good views to see the Himalayas.

If you prefer to go trekking during a less busy period, you can consider trekking around the end of November or February.

A girl standing at the Mardi Himal Viewpoint with the Annapurna Mountain range behind her.
PLANNING TO GO TREKKING IN NEPAL?

I also organize treks in Nepal:

✔️ Everest Base Camp

✔️ Annapurna Base Camp

✔️ Langtang Valley Trek & more!

When is the High Season in Nepal?

The high season in Nepal runs from October-November and March-April.

The weather is the most pleasant and ideal for trekking during these times, thus most people plan their treks around these times.

Best Places to Visit in Nepal in October

1. Kathmandu in October

The Chandragiri Cable Car with a view over Kathmandu Valley in Nepal.
Chandragiri Cable Car, Nepal

Kathmandu Weather in October

The average temperature is between 14-26 °C (57-79 °F) in Kathmandu in October. The weather turns pleasant in October, following the humidity and monsoon rains.

The weather in Nepal in October is perfect for trekking and hiking, thus it is one of the most popular times to visit Nepal.

Kathmandu monthly temperature chart.
Kathmandu Temperature Chart (Source: Weather Atlas)

Does it Rain in Kathmandu in October?

No, it does not rain in Kathmandu in October.

October is the beginning of the dry season in Nepal and it is very rare for it to rain in October. The weather patterns can be different every year, but generally, there is no rain in October.

What is the Best Time to Visit Kathmandu

A good time to visit Kathmandu is from October 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 October

October is the main tourist season in Nepal and Thamel (where most tourists stay in Kathmandu) comes to life with lots of travellers.

The hotels and restaurants that have been running at low capacity during the monsoon season, are full of travellers by October.

Nepal’s big festival season also falls in October with the Dashain and Tihar festivals usually falling on a date in October or November.

Although a lot of Nepalis travel home for the festivals, most of the shops and restaurants remain open even on the main holiday dates.

🏠 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 October

October is one of the best times to be in Nepal and there are so many things to do in Kathmandu at this time.

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

Check out my Travel Guide to Kathmandu here!

2. Pokhara in October

Australian Camp in Nepal.
Australian Camp, Nepal

Pokhara Weather in October

The average temperature is between 17-27 °C (63-81 °F) in Pokhara in October.

By October, the rainy season has come to a full end and the weather in Pokhara is really good.

Pokhara (Nepal) monthly temperature chart.
Pokhara Temperature Chart (Source: Weather Atlas)

What is the Best Time to Visit Pokhara?

The very 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 pretty good time.

Visiting Pokhara in October

October is the main tourist season in Nepal and Pokhara is one of the main tourist destinations in Nepal.

Pokhara is full of life and travellers in October as there are many trekking routes starting from there. Many trekkers come to Pokhara to spend time here before and after going on a trek.

Some of the most popular trekking routes starting from Pokhara include, Mardi Himal, Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill 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 October

October is one of the best times to visit Pokhara! The weather is pleasant, there is no rain and best of all, the views are clear to see the Himalayas.

Check out my Travel Guide to Pokhara here!

3. Chitwan in October

Chitwan National Park in Nepal.
Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan Weather in October

The average temperature is around 24 °C (75 °F) in Chitwan in October. Chitwan is the southern part of Nepal and tends to get much warmer than Kathmandu.

What is 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.

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

Visiting Chitwan in October

If you are visiting Chitwan in October the good thing is that the weather is more pleasant during this time.

On the negative side, the grass inside the park is very high after the monsoon rains, and it makes it more difficult to spot wildlife.

If you are visiting Chitwan in October, it is best to plan to go on a safari for at least 1-3 whole days. Then, the deeper inside the park you go, the more chance you have of spotting wildlife.

Things to Do in Chitwan in October

  • 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!

4. Bandipur in October

Sunset view from Thani Mai Temple in Bandipur, Nepal.
Sunset view from Thani Mai Temple, Bandipur

Bandipur Weather in October

The average temperature is between 16-24 °C (61-75 °F) in Bandipur in October.

October is one of the best times to visit Bandipur with a pleasant day time temperature and clear views of mountains.

What is the Best Time to Visit Bandipur?

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

Generally, it is a good time to visit Bandipur anytime from October 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 October

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 has many restaurants and cafes on its main street and it is often compared to places like Belgium or France.

Visiting Bandipur in October is one of the best times to visit as the weather is pleasant and you also get clear view of the Himalayas.

Things to Do in Bandipur in October

Check out my Travel Guide to Bandipur here!

5. Tansen in October

Tansen View Tower in Tansen, Nepal.
Tansen View Tower

Tansen Weather in October

The average temperature is between 16-27 °C (61-81 °F) in Tansen in October.

October is one of the best times to visit Tansen as the weather is pleasant and there views are clear to see the Himalayas.

Monthly temperature chart for Tansen (Palpa) in Nepal.
Tansen (Palpa) Temperature Chart (Source: Weather Atlas)

What is the Best Time to Visit Tansen?

The best time to visit Tansen is between October-November or March-April which is when you 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.

🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Tansen? Check out Horizon Homestay here! (Rated 9.5/10 ⭐ on 122 reviews)

Visiting Tansen in October

Tansen remains still 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 and the owners can recommend a lot of activities to do in Tansen.

On a clear day, Tansen has great views of the Himalayan range and if you visit in October, you will get really good views of the mountains.

Best Things to Do in Tansen in October

  • 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!

6. Bardia National Park in October

Sunset Point in Thakurdwara (Bardia), Nepal.
Sunset Point, Thakurdwara

Bardia National Park Weather in October

The average temperature is between 21-31 °C (70-88 °F) in Bardia in October.

Bardia National Park is in the south of Nepal and is generally hotter than the hilly region of Nepal.

Monthly temperature chart for Nepalgunj, the closest big town to Bardia National Park.
Source: Weather Atlas (Nepalgunj is the closest big town to Bardia)

What is the Best Time to Visit Bardia National Park?

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

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

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

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

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

Visiting Bardia National Park in October

If you are visiting Bardia in October, the good thing is that the weather is more pleasant during this time.

On the negative side, the grass inside the park is very high after the monsoon rains, and it makes it more difficult to spot wildlife.

If you are visiting Bardia in October, it is best to go on a safari for at least 1-3 whole days. Then, the deeper inside the park you go, the more chance you have of spotting wildlife.

Things to Do in Bardia National Park in October

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

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

7. Lumbini in October

Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, Nepal.
Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini

Lumbini Weather in October

The average temperature is between 21-31 °C (70-88 °F) in Lumbini in October.

What is the Best Time to Visit Lumbini?

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

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

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

Visiting Lumbini in October

Visiting Lumbini in October is one of the best times. The weather is still warm but it starts to cool down and not as hot as it is during the monsoon season (June-August).

As Lumbini can still get quite hot during the day, make sure to always have plenty of water and sunscreen with you.

Things to Do in Lumbini in October

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

Check out my Travel Guide to Lumbini here!

8. Janakpur in October

Mithila Painting in Janakpur, Nepal.
Mithila Painting, Janakpur

Janakpur Weather in October

The average temperature is between 21-30 °C (70-86 °F) in Janakpur in October.

The temperature in Janakpur is warmer than in Kathmandu, but October is one of the best times for Janakpur.

Janakpur monthly temperature chart.
Janakpur Temperature Chart (Source: Weather Atlas)

What is 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 between May-August.

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

Visiting Janakpur in October

Visiting Janakpur in October is one of the best times. It is still warmer than Kathmandu but it is an ideal time for Janakpur.

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 ccan be fun to check it out. But to be honest, the railway station is very small, so can be a bit disppointing.

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.

Things to Do in Janakpur in October

  • 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!

9. Gorkha in October

Sunrise from the Gorkha Durbar in Nepal.
Sunrise from the Gorkha Durbar, Nepal

Gorkha Weather in October

The average temperature is around 14 °C (57 °F) in Gorkha in October.

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

What is 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 generally 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 October

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.

If you visit Gorkha, the sunrise is really beautiful from the Gorkha Durbar. You can get up there in about 30-45 minutes from the town centre.

Things to Do in Gorkha in October

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

Check out my Travel Guide to Gorkha here!

Trekking in Nepal in October

Poon Hill Trek in Nepal.
Poon Hill Trek, Nepal

October is officially the start of the main trekking season in Nepal!

The weather is the most pleasant for trekking between October-November and March-April. Thus, once the monsoon is over, the trekking routes offer beautiful views of the Himalayas.

Some of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal include the Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal, Poon Hill, Langtang Valley, and Australian Camp.

If you are looking for a less touristy trekking route, check out the Khopra Danda, Panchase or Pikey Peak Trek.

Staying at the Teahouses

Teahouse in Nepal.
Teahouse in Nepal
Typical Room in a Teahouse, Nepal.
Typical Room in a Teahouse, Nepal

If you are trekking solo during this time, it might be worth to book ahead the teahouses on the trail.

As the trails are full of trekkers, some of the better teahouses might get full. It is fine to book 1 day ahead or the morning when you set out to the next village. You can ask in your teahouse if they recommend any teahouses in the village you will stop next.

Many groups are trekking with guides and usually the guides also book the rooms ahead. So if you trek slowly and most of the people arrive to the next village before you, you only have limited options left to choose from.

On the other hand, if you want to browse and check the guesthouse before confirming a booking, then you can just show up in the village and see the options you have.

Have Extra Days

Although, there is generally no or very little rain in Nepal in October, the skies can still get cloudy. The planes don’t fly in Nepal in case there is poor visibility.

It happens very often even in October that the flights are delayed due to bad visibility for days. So, if you are flying to Ramechhap for the Everest Base Camp Trek, make sure to have 2-3 extra days in case your flight is delayed.

Festivals in Nepal in October

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

The dates of holidays change every year as Nepal uses the lunar calendar. In practice it means that some holidays may be in October one year, but it will be in November the next year.

🎆 Check the festival and holiday calendar for Nepal here!

Usually the following festivals take place in Nepal in October:

Dashain Festival

Dashain Festival in Nepal
Swing during Dashain

Dashain is the biggest festival in Nepal. It’s importance is best described as the “Nepali Christmas” when people travel home to be with their families.

Dashain is 15-days long and usually falls on the end of September or mid-October.

Tihar Festival

Celebrating Tihar Festival in Nepal.
Tihar Festival, Nepal
Rangoli during the Tihar Festival in Nepal.
Rangoli

Tihar is the festival of lights and is the second biggest festival in Nepal. It is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi.

It is celebrated by decorating the houses by fairy lights, making rangoli and celebrating the relationships between brothers and sisters.

Chhat Festival

Chhat is mainly celebrated in the Tarai region of Nepal (southern part), dedicated to the God of Sun, Surya.

The Chhat festival is celebrated by worship ceremonies at sunrise and sunset, and by taking holy dips in rivers.

A good place to celebrate Chhat is in Janakpur, Nepal.

Packing for Nepal in October

The weather in Nepal in October is very pleasant during the day time but gets cold in the evenings or if you are in high altitudes while trekking.

Although you can buy all kinds of trekking items in Thamel, they are not the original brand/quality. If you want trekking items that last you long, it is better to buy them before coming to Nepal.

If you don’t plan to do much trekking after Nepal, you can buy trekking items in Thamel and then sell the items after your trek.

A few trekking items that are generally good to buy at home before coming to Nepal:

  • Trekking shoes (and break them in before going on the trek)
  • Wind jacket
  • Sleeping bag
  • Backpack

Nepal Seasonal Guides

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

FAQs: Nepal in October

Is October a good time to go to Nepal?

Yes, October is one of the best times to visit Nepal. The monsoon ends in September and by October the weather turns very pleasant.

The skies are also clear and you have some of the best views of the Himalayas during this time. As the weather is pleasant and the kies are clear, it is one of the most popular time to go trekking in Nepal.

If you are planning to go trekking in Nepal, October-November and March-April are the best times to do so.

Which month is best for a Nepal trip?

The best time to visit Nepal is between October-November and March-April. During this time, the weather is the most pleasant and the skies are clear to get the best views of Himalayas.

What’s the weather like in Nepal in October?

The temperature is generally between 14-31 °C (57-88 °F) in Nepal in October depending on where in Nepal you are.

The southern part of Nepal (Chitwan, Janakpur, Bardia) tends to be slightly hotter than the hilly region (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur).

Is Kathmandu cold in October?

It is warm during the day, but it gets a little bit cold in Kathmandu in October. The average temperature is between 14-26 °C (57-79 °F).

The weather is pleasant in Kathmandu in October. It may get a little bit cold in the evenings but you can get by just wearing a thin jacket or jumper.

Is October rainy in Nepal?

No, it does not rain in Nepal in October. The monsoon stops in September and usually by October the dry season begins.

It is very rare for it to rain in October but if it does, it would just be a short rain shower.

Conclusion

In conclusion, October is the high season in Nepal and is one of the best times to visit Nepal.

The monsoon season ends by September, and October has a pleasant weather for trekking, hiking and sightseeing in Nepal.

Apart from trekking, it is also one of the best times to visit other towns in Nepal. Some great options for towns in the hilly region include Pokhara, Bandipur, Tansen or Gorkha.

Places to check out in the southern part of Nepal are Janakpur or Lumbini.

As for wildlife safaris in Chitwan and Bardia, October might not be the most ideal time as the grass inside the parks grow very high during the monsoon.

Thus, in October, the grass is still high and it is difficult to spot wildlife. If you go on a safari, it is best to go for 1-3 full day safaris that take you deeper into the park. The deeper you go, the more chance you have of spotting tigers, elephants or rhinos.


Nepal Quick Guide

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.

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