Weather & climate

Weather & climate

Autumn (mid-September to end-November)
Autumn is the most popular time to trek. During this time, the weather is clear with mild to warm days and cold nights. However, at higher altitudes, the nights drop into freezing temperatures. In this season, the mountain views are clear.

Approach to winter and the midwinter (end-November through March)
It is also possible to trek during winter, from December until the end of February. Daytime temperatures will be cooler; however, the nights will often be very cold. The days are generally clear, but occasional winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500 m. Early October through late November is also the busiest period for trekking. But in mid-winter (January through March), trekking is more challenging in the high altitudes with semi-regular snowfall followed by more winter storms, which break the long fine periods. Mid-December to mid-February is the coldest time.

Spring and early summer (mid-March through May)
During this period, the mornings are usually clear, but afternoon cloud build-up brings occasional showers. The days are mixed up with warm and rainy, which displays wildflowers like rhododendrons. The whole country is lush and abundant green at this season. This period instigates the second most popular and pleasant trekking season, as this is rice-planting time. Late March into April is especially beautiful. It is also a good time for climbing, as the high passes are usually snow-free and the mountain views are still clear in April. Up to May, the weather becomes hazy and disturbed with clouds.

The monsoon (June to mid-September)
From June to early September is the monsoon season. Generally, the morning is cloudy, and cloud wisps form on random ridges and peaks. Trekking at this time of year is generally difficult and uncomfortable, as the weather is hot and it rains almost every day. The trails become muddy and are often leech-infested, and the mountains are usually obscured by cloud. During April and May, there is an expectation of thunderstorms, hail shower and strong winds among the fine periods. There are, however, possibilities for summer trekking in the trans-Himalayan regions of Mustang, Dolpo, and Tibet. These regions lie in a rain shadow and therefore receive significantly less precipitation than the more southerly areas.