Winter in Nepal: Weather, Trekking and Places to Visit (2024)

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WONDERING WHAT WINTER IN NEPAL IS LIKE?

You’ve come to the right place! I live in Nepal and winters in Nepal are not too cold. It is sunny during the daytime but it does get cold in the evenings.

Winter in Nepal runs from December to February. The beginning of December is not too cold yet and it is still ideal for trekking.

January is the coldest month of the year, and by the second half of February the weather starts to turn warmer.

It generally does not snow on Nepal but if you go trekking higher than 3,000 metres than you should prepare with trekking gear for snow and icy trails.

Here is all the information you need on weather, trekking and best places to visit in winter in Nepal.

Winter in Nepal

When is Winter in Nepal

Winter in Nepal typically runs from December to February.

It starts to get really cold from the second half of December and January is the coldest month in Nepal.

By the second half of February, the weather starts to turn warmer, and it also marks the beginning of Spring in Nepal.

Nepal Weather in Winter

In the majority of Nepal (except for the Himalayan mountain region), the winters are moderate. It is sunny during the day and only gets cold at night.

Unless you go trekking in altitudes above 3,000 metres, you will likely not experience snow in Nepal during winter.

Nepal Temperature in Winter

The temperature varies depending on where you are during winter in Nepal. The Himalayan, mountainous region in the north of Nepal is the coldest place in winter. If you go trekking, expect to find snow and very cold temperatures.

Whereas, the average temperature in the Hilly region of Nepal is between 2.5-20 C in Nepal in winter. The hilly region includes places such as Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bandipur and it is the most pleasant place to be in Nepal in winter.

Himalayan Region (e.g. Annapurna, Everest Region):

The mountainous region of Nepal is in the northern part of the country. It includes the areas of the Himalayas, so you would experience winter in this region most likely if you go trekking.

During winter, you will find permanent snow in the Himalayas above 3,000 metres. The Himalayas are the coldest during the winter, so make sure you have thermal layers and prepared for trekking in snow.

Hilly Region (e.g. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Tansen):

The hilly region of Nepal tend to get a lot of sunshine during the day and it only gets cold at night. Winters in the hilly region is moderate and usually it is rare for it to snow.

Tarai Region (Chitwan, Janakpur, Bardia, Koshi Tappu):

While the southern, Tarai region of Nepal tends to get colder in the winter in Nepal.

It is due to that the Tarai becomes very cloudy and hazy and there is very little sunshine. Sometimes, there is no sunshine at all for days and it makes it very cold both day and night time.

How Cold is Winter in Nepal

As the weather is sunny during the day, the winters in Nepal are moderate and not so cold. It is only at nights that it becomes cold. There is no central heating in Nepal, so you will feel the cold at nights.

Most people in Nepal use an electric heater at home to keep warm. If you get cold at nights, some of the better hotels have rooms with AC so you can use that a heater in the evenings.

🔥 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!

Visiting During Winter in Nepal

Crowds

Winter in Nepal is the low season with less tourists visiting.

It is due to that winter is cold and snowy for trekking and most people visit during October-November or March-April when the weather is more pleasant for trekking in Nepal.

Prices

As winter is the low season with fewer tourists visiting Nepal, many hotels offer discounted rates.

As the hotels will run at low capacity, booking too far ahead is not so crucial during this time.

Check out booking.com for prices, or you can also just show up at the hotel and inquire about the prices.

When is the Best Time to Visit Nepal?

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

The weather is the most pleasant and clear during these times, which makes it the most favourable time for trekking.

Winter in Nepal: Month-by-Month

For specific month-by-month weather, temperature, activities and places to visit, check out:

• Nepal in December
• Nepal in January
• Nepal in February

Does it Snow in Winter in Nepal?

Yes, it does snow in Nepal but to see permanent snow, you have to be higher than 3,000 metres. This means, that you are most likely to experience snowfall if you are trekking in Nepal in the winter.

You also have a chance to catch snowfall in hill stations around Kathmandu although for this the chance is very slim.

Some places near Kathmandu (like Chandragiri, Kakani or Phulchowki Hill) might receive some snowfall around February but usually it only snows a little and the snow melts away quickly.

Check out the best snowfall places in Nepal here!

Best Places to Visit in Winter in Nepal

1. Kathmandu in Winter

Kathmandu Weather in Winter

The average temperature is between 2.5 – 21.5 C in Kathmandu during winter.

The temperature is still warm and sunny during the day but the nights get very cold in Kathmandu in winter.

Does it Snow in Kathmandu in Winter?

No, it is rare for it to snow in Kathmandu in winter.

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.

Visiting Kathmandu in Winter

Winter is the off season in Nepal and thus there are less tourists in Kathmandu.

Being the off season, it means that you can get better deals for hotels or trekking gear. Usually, hotels and trekking shops have discounts during the off-season.

Even during winter in Kathmandu, the days are usually sunny and warm, and it only gets cold at night.

🏠 Stay warm and book a hotel room with AC during the winter in Kathmandu here!

Best Things to Do in Kathmandu in Winter

• 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 Winter

Pokhara Weather in Winter

The average temperature in Pokhara in winter is between 7-22 C.

During the day it is still sunny and pleasant, but it gets cold at nights in Pokhara in winter.

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 Winter

Winter is the off season in Nepal so there are less tourists in Pokhara.

If you prefer a time with less tourists and some off-season discounts in hotels, winter could be the right time for you.

Pokhara is a popular starting point to many trekking routes, just be careful about trekking in Nepal during the winter. It snows above 3,000 metres and the snow makes it difficult to navigate the trails.

If you trek in Nepal in winter, it is good to have proper winter trekking gear, trek with a group or with a guide.

🏠 Stay warm and book a hotel room with AC in the winter in Pokhara here!

Best Things to Do in Pokhara in Winter

• 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 Winter

Bandipur Weather in Winter

The average temperature in Bandipur in winter is between 8-23 C. It is sunny warm during the day, while the nights get cold in Bandipur.

As the temperature is still pleasant during the daytime, Bandipur can be a good place to visit even during winter.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Bandipur?

The best time to visit Bandipur is between October to Mid-December and February-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 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.

Visiting Bandipur in Winter

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.

Although, the nights will be cold in Bandipur in winter, the daytime is still sunny, thus it is one the best places to visit during winter in Nepal.

Best Things to Do in Bandipur in Winter

• 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. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in Winter

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Weather in Winter

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is located in the southern, Tarai region of Nepal. The Tarai region usually gets very cold, cloudy and hazy during the winter in Nepal with very little sunshine during the day.

Thus, the weather is cold and gloomy in Koshi Tappu in winter. If you visit during this time, dress in layers as it will be cold.

I visited Koshi Tappu in the month of January and it was very cold at night. In the morning, it was so hazy, we had to wait until the haze cleared up before starting the wildlife tour.

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 Winter

Koshi Tappu is the most popular place for spotting the winter migratory birds and if you visit in December-January, then you are in luck!

It might be cold during that time, but you will be able to see many different types of winter migratory birds.

Best Things to Do in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in Winter

• Bird watching
• Safari in tuktuk or on motorbike

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

5. Tansen in Winter

Tansen Weather in Winter

The average temperature in Tansen in winter is between 5-21 C.

Tansen is a great place to visit in winter as it is one of the less touristy places that has pleasant daytime temperatures.

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 Winter

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 where the owners are really friendly and can recommend a lot of activities in Tansen.

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

Best Things to Do in Tansen in Winter

• Hike to Shreenagar Hill and Tansen View Tower
• Visit Rani Mahal (the “Taj Mahal” of Nepal)
• Visit a coffee farm and learn about coffee farming in 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. Lumbini in Winter

Lumbini Weather in Winter

The average temperature is between 11 – 27 C in Lumbini in winter.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Lumbini?

The best time to visit Lumbini is between October to November and Mid-February to 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 Winter

During December and January it can get very cold and cloudy in the southern part of Nepal where Lumbini is located.

From the second half of February, the weather starts to get warmer and it becomes an ideal time to visit Lumbini.

Lumbini is said to be the birthplace of Buddha. It is most famous for the Maya Devi Temple and the Marker Stone which marks the birthplace of Buddha.

Visiting Lumbini in February (towards the end of winter) is one of the best times. The weather is warm but not as hot as it is during the monsoon season (June-August).

Best Things to Do in Lumbini in Winter

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

Check out my Travel Guide to Lumbini here!

7. Gorkha in Winter

Gorkha Weather in Winter

The average temperature between 7-10 C in Gorkha in winter.

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

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 Winter

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.

As the daytime weather is still sunny in Gorkha in winter, it is a good place to visit even during the winter in Nepal.

Best Things to Do in Gorkha in Winter

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

Check out my Travel Guide to Gorkha here!

8. Chitwan National Park in Winter

Chitwan Weather in Winter

The average temperature in Chitwan in winter is between 4.5 – 20 C. Chitwan is the southern part of Nepal and tends to be cold during December and January.

The temperatures start to get warm in February but at this time, the weather is pleasant. It is starting to get warm but it is not too hot yet.

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 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 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.

Visiting Chitwan in Winter

December and January is cold in the southern, Tarai region of Nepal where Chitwan is located. However, February is one of the best times to visit Chitwan.

Around January-February, the villagers cut some of the grass inside the national park. With the lower level of grass, it makes it easier to spot wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Chitwan in Winter

• 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!

9. Bardia National Park in Winter

Bardia National Park Weather in Winter

The average temperature is between 9-25 C in Bardia in winter. Bardia is the southern part of Nepal and tends to be colder during December and January.

In February the weather starts to turn warm, but it is still not hot yet. Thus, February provides a great time to visit Bardia.

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.

Visiting Bardia National Park in Winter

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 temperatures start to get warm in February but at this time, the weather is still pleasant. It is starting to get warm but it is not too hot yet.

Best Things to Do in Bardia National Park in Winter

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

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

10. Janakpur in Winter

Janakpur Weather in Winter

The average temperature is between 11-27 C in Janakpur in winter. December and January tends to be the coldest months in Janakpur, with the weather starting to get better in February.

Janakpur lies in the southern part of Nepal and many times, it receives very little sunshine during the winter in Nepal. While the hilly region receives sunshine in the daytime, the southern part of Nepal is usually cloudy and gloomy.

As the weather starts to get better in February, late winter is a good time to visit Janakpur.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Janakpur?

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

Janakpur is in the south of Nepal and it gets very hot and humid during the monsoon (June-August). While in the winter months (December-February), it gets very little sunshine, thus, it can even get colder than Kathmandu.

Visiting Janakpur in Winter

During the winter months, Janakpur generally receives little sunshine and it makes it a cold place to be.

However, during the second half of February the weather starts to turn warmer, thus visiting Janakpur towards the end of February is an ideal time. At the end of February, the weather is not too cold or hot.

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 Winter

• 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!

Trekking in Winter in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal in December

December is the beginning of the off season and the trekking trails start to get quieter with less trekkers.

For this reason, many people prefer to trek in the beginning of December when the trails are more peaceful.

The weather is still ideal for a trek in the beginning of December but you may start to see snow in higher altitudes towards the end of September.

Trekking in Nepal in January

January can be cold and snowy for trekking, but nevertheless, people still go trekking in January.

Usually, it snows in altitudes above 3,000 metres in January and the trails become snowy and icy. Due to the snow, it is good to be careful when trekking in January as the trails can be difficult to navigate.

If you go trekking in January, for safety reasons, it is good trek in groups or with a guide.

🔥 Get your Nalgene water bottle here! When trekking in winter, get it filled with hot water and put it inside your sleeping bag, it will work like a heater!

Trekking in Nepal in February

The first half of February is still winter season in Nepal and the weather starts to get warmer from the second half of February.

As the weather starts to get better in February, a lot of people like trekking in February in Nepal as the temperature is better and there are still not that many trekkers. Thus, if you prefer to trek at a time when there are less trekkers, February is a good time to consider.

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

What to Pack for Trekking in Winter in Nepal

• 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
• Thermal layers
• Down jacket
• Sleeping bag

Festivals in Winter in Nepal

Nepal is known for its many festivals and holidays, with the main holiday season falling in October-November.

The dates of Nepali holidays change every year as Nepal uses the lunar calendar but here is the list of holidays that usually fall during winter in Nepal.

🎆 Check the holiday calendar for Nepal 2024 here!

Yomari Punhi Festival

• when: December

The Yomari Punhi Festival is usually celebrated in Nepal in December. Yomari is a Newari dessert made out of rice flour and filled with either molasses or milky yogurt.

The Yomari Punhi festival celebrates the rice harvest season and is a day spent with eating a lot of yomari.

Christmas

• when: 25 December

Although Christmas is not a Nepali holiday, it is still celebrated in Nepal. Usually, 25 December is declared as a national holiday and there are many Christmas markets in Kathmandu around that time.

Nepal does not follow the Gregorian calendar and the Nepali New Year usually falls in the middle of April.

New Year’s Day

• when: 1 January

Nepal follows the lunar calendar and celebrates the Nepali New Year in April every year. However, Nepal also celebrates Christmas and New Year’s in December.

31 December is a big celebration in Nepal and a lot of Nepali go out to celebrate New Year’s Eve. If you are staying in Thamel, Patan or Lazimpat, you will find many parties in the bars and restaurants.

Prithvi Jayanti

• when: January

The Prithvi Jayanti festival celebrates the birthday of Prithvi Narayan Shah who unified Nepal. He was the king of the Gorkha Kingdom.

The background history is that Nepal used to be made of many smaller kingdoms and Prithvi Narayan Shah was the king who started the unification process of Nepal. Thus, this day celebrates his birthday.

Sonam Lhosar

• when: February

Sonam Lhosar is the Tamang New Year, celebrated by the Tamang community it Nepal. Although, it is only celebrated by the Tamang community, it is a nation-wide holiday in Nepal. It usually falls on a date in February.

Saraswati Puja

• when: February

Saraswati is the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge. On this day, devotees celebrate by worshipping and offering fruits and flowers to Saraswati. On this day, students seek blessings for success in studies.

What to Wear in Nepal in Winter

Winter in Nepal is generally characterized by sunny day time weather and cold nights. Thus, during the daytime you will not feel too cold.

As the evenings get cold, it is good to pack a down jacket and bring clothes that you can wear as layers.

It usually does not snow in Nepal in lower altitudes, so you don’t need gear or outfit for snow. You only have to prepare for snow if you go trekking in altitudes above 3,000 metres.

What to Pack for Nepal Winter Treks

• Trekking boots (and break them in before going on the trek)
• 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
• Thermal layers
• Down jacket

Where To Stay In Kathmandu

📍Best Budget Option: Rest Up Hostel

📍Best Mid-Range Option: Bodhi Boutique Hotel

📍Best High-End Option: The Dwarika’s Hotel

FAQ: Winter in Nepal

How cold is Nepal in winter?

Nepal has three geographic regions and how cold winter is depends on where in Nepal you are.

The Himalayan mountain region is the coldest, with frequent snow between December and March. You are only likely to experience it if you go trekking in winter. If you do, pack proper trekking gear for snow and ice such as crampons.

In the Hilly region (such as Kathmandu, Pokhara or Bandipur), the weather is sunny during the day and only the nights get cold.

While the southern, Tarai region of Nepal tends to get colder in the winter in Nepal. The Tarai becomes very cloudy and hazy and there is very little sunshine. Sometimes, there is no sunshine at all for days and it makes it very cold both day and nighttime.

Which is the coldest month in Nepal?

January is the coldest month in Nepal. The winter season in Nepal runs from December to February, and January tends to be the coldest.

What is the best month to visit Nepal?

The best time to visit Nepal is between October-November and March-April. The weather is the most pleasant and clear during these times, which makes it the most favourable time for trekking.

Does it snow in Nepal?

Yes, it snows in Nepal but mainly only in altitudes higher than 3,000 metres between December-March.

The winter season in Nepal is from December to February, however, on trekking routes above 3,000 metres, there is a chance of snowfall even in March or April.

You won’t be able to experience snowfall in Kathmandu as historically, it has been very rare for it to snow in Kathmandu. There are some places near Kathmandu, such as Chandragiri and Kakani where you might be able to see snow around January-February.

Has it ever snowed in Kathmandu?

Yes, it has snowed in Kathmandu before but it is a rare occurance. The last snowfall that lasted for a few days in Kathmandu was in 1945. Since then, there was light snowfall only two times: once in 2007 and once in 2019.

Conclusion

Winter in Nepal runs from December to February. The beginning of December is not too cold yet and it is still ideal for trekking.

January is the coldest month of the year, and by the second half of February the weather starts to turn warmer.

It generally does not snow on Nepal but if you go trekking higher than 3,000 metres than you should prepare with trekking gear for snow and icy trails.

Nepal: Seasons

• Spring in Nepal
• Monsoon Season in Nepal
• Autumn Season in Nepal

Nepal: Month-by-Month

• 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 November
• Nepal in December

Nepal Quick Guide