Travel guide · Nepal
Visiting Nepal in February
February is dry, clear and quiet as winter eases — fine low treks, Losar celebrations and the run-up to spring.
Nepal in February is dry, clear and still quiet, with winter gradually loosening its grip. Days warm up noticeably toward month's end while skies stay sharp, making February a sweet spot for low-altitude trekking, crowd-free sightseeing and the Tibetan and Sherpa new year, Losar. Nights remain cold in the hills and frigid in the mountains, so it is still very much a winter trip. For the full year at a glance, see our month-by-month guide to Nepal.
Weather in February
February continues the dry winter pattern but with a gentle upward trend. Kathmandu and Pokhara see bright days around 15 to 20°C with chilly mornings and cold nights. Valley fog eases compared with January. The Terai is mild and very pleasant. In the high mountains, it stays cold with lingering winter snow, though stable high-pressure days deliver excellent visibility.
Trekking in February
This is a strong month for lower and mid-altitude trekking. The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek shines, with clear sunrise views over the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri, and the lower Annapurna and Everest-view trails are rewarding for those who pack warm. High passes such as Thorong La can still hold late-winter snow, so confirm conditions and lodge openings before committing to anything above 4,000 metres. As ever when going high, review our altitude sickness guide.
What else to do
February is ideal for sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley — Bhaktapur, Patan and Swayambhunath are crisp and uncrowded. Pokhara lakeside is calm with reliable mountain reflections on Phewa Lake, and Chitwan and Bardia national parks still offer excellent dry-season wildlife viewing before the spring heat builds. Sunrise spots like Sarangkot and Nagarkot are dependable.
Festivals in February
The highlight is Losar, the Tibetan and Sherpa new year, usually celebrated in February with monastery masked dances (cham), prayer flags, butter-lamp offerings and family feasting in Buddhist communities of the high valleys and Kathmandu's Boudhanath area. Depending on the lunar calendar, Maha Shivaratri at Pashupatinath and even early Holi can fall late in the month. Check exact dates in our festival calendar of Nepal.
Crowds and prices
February remains low to shoulder season. Trails and temples are quiet and prices stay soft, though the second half of the month begins to draw early spring trekkers. If you want the colour of Holi and the reopening high trails, look ahead to Nepal in March; if you would rather catch the coldest, clearest depths of winter, Nepal in January is the colder sibling. To weigh the seasons overall, our best time to visit Nepal guide helps you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is February a good time to visit Nepal?+
Yes. February keeps winter's dry, clear skies and low crowds while days slowly warm, making it good for low-altitude trekking, sightseeing and Terai safaris. Nights are still cold in the hills and mountains, so warm layers remain essential.
Can you trek in Nepal in February?+
Lower and mid-altitude treks work well, such as Ghorepani Poon Hill and the Annapurna foothills, with crisp views and quiet trails. High passes can still hold snow late in winter, so check conditions before attempting routes above 4,000 metres.
What is the weather like in Nepal in February?+
It is dry and clear, with Kathmandu and Pokhara seeing days around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius and cold nights. The Terai is mild and comfortable, while the high mountains stay cold and may carry winter snow on the upper trails and passes.
What festivals are in February?+
Losar, the Tibetan and Sherpa new year, usually falls in February with monastery dances, prayers and feasting in Buddhist communities. Holi and Maha Shivaratri also sometimes land late in the month depending on the lunar calendar.
