Are you considering joining one of our group travel tours in Nepal? You’ve likely got a catalogue of questions that need answering before making a decision. What should I pack? How much money should I bring? Do I need a certain fitness level?
At Novoto, we want everyone booking one of our group travel tours in South Asia to feel 100% confident with their choice. Our team understands that these experiences are often once-in-a-lifetime trips, so we do everything possible to make them unforgettable!
If you have any questions about our group travel and volunteering opportunities in South Asia, please feel free to book a call with a member of our team.
In the meantime, let’s focus on one of the most common questions we receive — when is the best time to travel to Nepal?
What are the Best Months for Visiting Nepal?
Before we answer this question, it’s important to get a better understanding of Nepal’s climate over a year. Generally speaking, it’s a temperate country with four distinct seasons.
The winter months tend to be clear and stable. However, the temperatures become especially cold in some trekking areas around this time, particularly at night.
The weather warms up in spring, providing pleasant conditions for hitting the trails. Then there’s a build-up to the summer monsoon season from June to September. During this time, the heat becomes stiflingly hot and afternoon clouds bring heavy rain showers.
The resulting monsoons bring some relief, albeit with treacherous conditions. Temperatures ease and the vast amount of rainwater helps the countryside bloom.
When autumn rolls around, it brings a welcome return to clear, dry, and fresh weather.
These seasons all play their part in making Nepal one of the most beautiful countries in South Asia. Each has its unique charms that will appeal to visitors for various reasons.
However, given that most travellers come to Nepal to trek through the mountains and take in the spectacular views, the best time to travel to Nepal is usually between October and December.
Why Visit Nepal Between October and December?
Put simply, the typical weather conditions between October and December are a paradise for trekkers. Autumn in Nepal brings exceptional clarity. With clear, crisp blue skies, the mountain views are simply breathtaking.
And with steady, comfortable temperatures, you won’t have to worry about feeling too hot or too cold.
What About the Rest of the Year?
The October to December period may be the most popular time to travel to Nepal, but there’s still plenty to be said for the wonderful trekking conditions throughout the year.
First, it’s important to recognise that, as the most popular time to trek in Nepal, October to December is also the busiest season. The conditions are so tempting that people travel from all over the world to make the most of them.
With this in mind, mid-September is an excellent time to visit Nepal. It’s nestled nicely between the end of the monsoon season and the peak period starting in October. This means you can avoid the crowds while enjoying the great weather.
Mid- to late-May is another excellent time to travel to Nepal. The temperatures are well on their way to the summer highs, but not close enough to be unpleasantly hot.
The rhododendrons are in full bloom and the temperatures in Chitwan National Park average around 35°C. Of course, at higher altitudes, the temperature will be cooler than this.
Needless to say, December and January experience very cold temperatures. For example, the average temperature in Namche Bazaar is around 6°C at this time of year.
Winter brings clear skies, quiet trails, and jaw-dropping vistas, but high-altitude trekking is not recommended.
When Should I Not Travel to Nepal?
The only time of year when we don’t advise travelling to Nepal is during the summer monsoon season.
Between June and the end of August, the clouds obscure the majestic mountain views. This alone removes the highlight of any trekking adventure in the country!
In addition, the heavy rain makes travelling anywhere unpleasant, and the resulting landslides only pile on more difficulty, not to mention danger.
During the summer monsoon season, many places in Nepal shut, especially those catering to tourists.
And Don’t Forget Nepal’s Festivals!
Given the nature of trekking holidays, it makes perfect sense to focus on the weather conditions. But remember to let cultural factors influence your decision too.
Nepal has a variety of exciting events and festivals throughout the year, so consider aligning your trip with one of these amazing celebrations.
When Does Novoto Provide Group Tours in Nepal?
At Novoto, we have carefully crafted a schedule for Nepal group tours running through the year.
Of course, we don’t travel during the summer monsoon season in June and August.
Either side of this, we offer multiple dates for trekking holidays in Nepal throughout the spring and autumn. We then take a short break in December and January to avoid the year’s coldest temperatures.
View the confirmed dates for our More to Nepal: Annapurna Trek with Chitwan Tour.
Discover the Wonders of Nepal on One of Our Tours!
We hope this blog has added fuel to your fire! Nepal truly is an incredible country to visit year-round, so whatever season appeals to you most, you’ll create memories and form friendships that last a lifetime.
If you need more information about travelling to this beautiful country, head to our group tours in Nepal page.
And if you still have any questions after that, book a call with one of the Novoto team. We’re always on hand to provide the answers you’re looking for.