The global climate is ever changing, so we’re reluctant to predict the weather and temperature at any given time of year!
Yet for the purpose of trekking Nepal, we still work in two main seasons – Spring and Autumn/Fall. The best time of year to trek Nepal depends on your own preference, as well as your availability. The only really bad time of year is during the Monsoon from June through to early September. It’s still possible to trek at this time of year, but it’s not nearly as much fun when it rains every day! In Winter, some high passes are often closed due to snow, so it’s only possible to trek at lower altitudes.
When is the Best Time of Year to Trek Nepal?
The following information is intended as a guide only, based on our experience over the last few years.
Autumn/Fall
The very best time of year to trek Nepal is Autumn (early October to mid December) after the monsoon has well and truly cleared the air! Visibility is at its best and the mountain views are spectacular! It’s also the busiest trekking season, but for good reason. This doesn’t mean you’ll bump into other trekkers every few minutes, but you’ll definitely meet them in the teahouses in the evening. It can still be very cold at high altitudes, so make sure you’re well prepared.
Spring
The second best time of year to trek Nepal is Spring (early March to mid May). It can be hazy, but you’ll enjoy warmer weather. If you trek in late March or early April, you’re in for a real treat! See forests of bright rhododendrons native to Nepal in full bloom. It’s amazing! Spring tends to be a bit quieter than Autumn, although April is always a very busy month on the popular trails.
Winter
We’re new fans of trekking in Winter! In December, we’ve experienced the most incredible sunrises at Annapurna Base Camp, and sunsets at Poon Hill and Kala Patthar on the Everest Base Camp Trek. It’s much colder, but we think it’s worth it for the vivid colours and of course less people on the trails!
When Team Nepalorama trekked in Langtang late in January, we experienced the perfect climate for trekking!
Year-Round Trekking
It’s possible to trek some trails including Ghorepani Poon Hill all year round. However, it can be very cloudy and often wet, which makes trekking more challenging.
It goes without saying that the weather, especially these days, is unpredictable. So it’s always best to be prepared for extreme cold, regardless of when you’re trekking.