Temperatures in Nepal

The Himalayas act as the "Third Pole" of planet Earth, holding the world's third-largest concentration of snow and ice. However, high-altitude regions in Nepal are warming faster than the global average, leading to noticeable changes in local weather cycles:

  • Extended Monsoon Patterns: The summer monsoon now frequently lingers into late September or early October, shifting the traditional start of the autumn trekking window.
  • Unpredictable Weather Shifts: Steady seasonal rainfall is increasingly replaced by short, intense downpours and sudden micro-climatic shifts in mountain passes.
  • Receding Snowlines: Glaciers and seasonal snowpacks are melting rapidly, making thermal layering essential gear for high-altitude journeys.

Average Temperature by Elevation (°C / °F)

Elevation / Location Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May
Kathmandu (1,400 m)

16/28

 

(61/82)

14/26

 

(57/79)

7/22

 

(45/72)

1/20

 

(34/68)

1/18

 

(34/64)

4/20

 

(39/68)

7/25

 

(45/77)

12/28

 

(54/82)

16/30

 

(61/86)
1,000 m (e.g., Pokhara)

20/28

 

(68/82)

16/25

 

(61/77)

11/22

 

(52/72)

6/20

 

(43/68)

5/19

 

(41/66)

8/20

 

(46/68)

11/25

 

(52/77)

15/29

 

(59/84)

17/30

 

(63/86)
2,000 m (e.g., Ghorepani)

13/22

 

(55/72)

10/21

 

(50/70)

4/17

 

(39/63)

1/14

 

(34/57)

0/13

 

(32/55)

1/14

 

(34/57)

4/18

 

(39/64)

8/22

 

(46/72)

12/23

 

(54/73)
3,000 m (e.g., Namche)

11/19

 

(52/66)

6/18

 

(43/64)

1/15

 

(34/59)

-2/13

 

(28/55)

-3/12

 

(27/54)

-1/13

 

(30/55)

2/16

 

(36/61)

5/19

 

(41/66)

8/20

 

(46/68)
4,000 m (e.g., Dingboche)

1/13

 

(34/55)

-3/12

 

(27/54)

-8/8

 

(18/46)

-10/6

 

(14/43)

-12/4

 

(10/39)

-10/5

 

(14/41)

-6/9

 

(21/48)

-3/12

 

(27/54)

-1/13

 

(34/55)
5,000 m (e.g., EBC, Gorakshep)

-1/10

 

(30/50)

-6/8

 

(21/46)

-11/6

 

(12/43)

-13/4

 

(9/39)

-18/3

 

(0/37)

-14/5

 

(7/41)

Packing Tip for Travelers

High-altitude mountain weather changes quickly. Daytime walking temperatures are often comfortable in light layers, but night temperatures drop below freezing once the sun sets above 3,000 meters. Always bring a quality down jacket and a 4-season sleeping bag.