Travel guide · Nepal
Nepal Weather and Climate by Region
From the hot Terai to the alpine Himalaya — Nepal's climate zones, monsoon and seasonal temperatures explained.
Nepal packs a remarkable range of climates into a small country, driven more by altitude than latitude. In a single trip you can move from the subtropical Terai through the temperate hills to the alpine Himalaya — and the summer monsoon reshapes all of them between June and September.
The short answer
Nepal has three climate zones: hot, humid Terai in the south; mild hill country around Kathmandu and Pokhara; and cold, alpine mountains in the north. The monsoon (mid-June to late September) brings heavy rain, while autumn and spring deliver the clearest skies.
Climate zones and temperatures
| Zone | Elevation | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terai (subtropical) | below 1,000m | hot, humid, 30–40C | mild, 10–25C |
| Hills (temperate) | 1,000–3,000m | warm, 20–30C | cool, 2–15C |
| Mountains (alpine) | above 3,000m | cool days, cold nights | freezing, sub-zero |
Seasons through the year
- Spring (Mar–May): Warm, rhododendrons in bloom, occasional haze.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Heavy rain, lush landscapes, leeches and clouded peaks.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): Clear, stable and crisp — the prime travel season.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Dry and sunny by day, cold nights, snow on high passes.
To turn this into trip dates, read the best time to visit Nepal. If you are heading uphill, the Nepal trekking guide explains how seasons affect the trails, and getting around Nepal covers how weather can delay mountain flights and roads.
Frequently asked questions
What are Nepal's climate zones?+
Nepal has three broad bands: the subtropical Terai lowlands in the south, the temperate middle hills around Kathmandu and Pokhara, and the alpine high Himalaya. Altitude matters more than latitude, so temperatures drop sharply as you climb.
When is the monsoon in Nepal?+
The summer monsoon runs from roughly mid-June to late September, bringing heavy afternoon rain, leeches on trails and clouded mountain views. Trekking is harder then, though the Terai and rain-shadow areas like Mustang stay drier.
How cold does Nepal get?+
The Terai stays warm year-round, while Kathmandu drops to around 2–5C on winter nights. High trekking passes and base camps fall well below freezing in winter, so warm layers are essential above 3,000m even in other seasons.
What is the weather like in autumn?+
Autumn (October–November) brings clear skies, stable weather and crisp mountain views, making it the most popular season for trekking and sightseeing across most of the country.
