Travel guide · Nepal
Visiting Nepal in September
September clears the monsoon as autumn begins — reopening trails, sharpening skies, Indra Jatra and Dashain.
Nepal in September is the great changeover from monsoon to autumn. Early in the month it can still be warm, humid and rainy, but as the monsoon withdraws the skies clear, the rain-washed landscape turns vivid green, and the prime autumn trekking season begins to open. It is also a superb time for festivals, with Kathmandu's spectacular Indra Jatra and the start of Dashain. Timing is everything: the second half of September is the sweet spot. For the year overall, see our month-by-month guide to Nepal.
Weather in September
September is a transition month. The first weeks remain warm, humid and showery as the monsoon lingers, but the rains usually retreat through the month, leaving fresher, clearer days behind. Kathmandu and Pokhara settle into pleasant autumn weather with rising visibility, the landscape washed clean and intensely green. The Terai stays warm and humid, and the high mountains begin to emerge from the cloud as the air dries.
Trekking in September
Late September marks the start of the prime autumn trekking season. As the monsoon retreats, trails dry out and the great routes reopen in earnest: the Everest region treks, the Annapurna Circuit trek and the Langtang trails all come back into their best condition. Early September can still be muddy and leech-prone, so the second half of the month is the safer bet. Plan routes with our Nepal trekking guide and prepare for altitude with our altitude sickness guide.
What else to do
September is rewarding for sightseeing as the air clears and the valley greens, and the rivers, swollen by the monsoon, make for powerful rafting as the waters begin to settle. Pokhara's lakeside freshens and mountain views return. Late in the month, the festive Dashain build-up gives towns a lively, celebratory air.
Festivals in September
September is festival-heavy. Indra Jatra, Kathmandu's grandest street festival, fills the Durbar Square with chariot processions, masked dances and the appearance of the living goddess Kumari. Teej, the women's festival of fasting, red saris and dancing, often falls early in the month. And the 15-day epic of Dashain, Nepal's biggest festival, typically begins in late September. See our deep dives via the festival calendar of Nepal.
Crowds and prices
September shifts from low to high season as the month progresses. Early September is still quiet and cheap; by late month, autumn trekkers and the Dashain rush firm up prices and fill transport. For the green, festival-rich late monsoon, look back at Nepal in August; for the single best month of clear skies and peak festivals, read ahead to Nepal in October. To compare, see our best time to visit Nepal guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is September a good time to visit Nepal?+
The second half of September is excellent, as the monsoon clears, the air turns crisp and green, and autumn trekking resumes. Early September can still be wet, so timing matters; late September brings reopening trails, sharpening views and the lead-up to Dashain.
Can you trek in Nepal in September?+
Late September is the start of the prime autumn trekking season, with the monsoon retreating and trails drying out. Early September can still be muddy and wet, so the second half of the month is the safer window for routes like Everest and Annapurna.
What is the weather like in Nepal in September?+
September is a transition month. Early on it is warm, humid and still rainy, but as the monsoon withdraws the skies clear, the landscape is vivid green and washed clean, and Kathmandu and Pokhara settle into pleasant, fresher autumn weather.
What festivals happen in September?+
Indra Jatra, Kathmandu's grandest street festival with chariots and the living goddess Kumari, falls in September, and Teej, the women's festival, is often celebrated early in the month. The 15-day festival of Dashain usually begins in late September.
