Weather in Kathmandu

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in Kathmandu. Below you will find current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts to help you plan your stay.

The climate of Kathmandu can be described as temperate, with distinct seasons offering diverse weather conditions throughout the year. Generally, the city experiences a cool, dry winter and a warm, wet summer, with transitional spring and autumn periods.

The winter months, from December to February, are characterized by clear days and cool temperatures, with averages hovering around 9-12°C and minimal rainfall. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, with the air heating up to 15-20°C, although the likelihood of rain increases towards the end of the season. Summer, lasting from June to September, coincides with the monsoon season. During this time, warm weather settles in Kathmandu with average temperatures of 21-22°C, but it also sees peak precipitation, especially in July and August when the number of rainy days reaches its maximum.

Autumn (October-November) is considered one of the best times to visit Kathmandu. The monsoon rains cease, the sky clears, and temperatures become very comfortable, averaging 15-19°C, with minimal rainfall. This period offers pleasant conditions for exploring the city and its surroundings.

The temperature pattern in Kathmandu is characterized by noticeable seasonal fluctuations throughout the year. The annual range of average temperatures spans from approximately 9.8°C in January, the coldest month, to 22.2°C in July and August, which are the warmest. Thus, visitors can expect a significant difference in temperature conditions depending on the time of year.

The summer months, from June to August, bring warm weather to Kathmandu. Average maximum temperatures during this period usually hover around 24-25°C, while average minimum nighttime temperatures stay around 18-20°C. July and August show peak average values of about 22.2°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in summer are relatively small, amounting to about 5-6°C. Given that this is also the monsoon season with high rainfall, summer weather often feels warm and humid.

Winter in Kathmandu, covering December, January, and February, is distinguished by cool conditions. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 9.8°C, a minimum of about 5.0°C, and a maximum of up to 14.7°C. In December and February, average temperatures are slightly higher, around 11.7°C. A characteristic feature of the winter period is more significant daily temperature fluctuations compared to summer: the difference between daytime highs (about 14-17°C) and nighttime lows (5-7°C) can reach 9-10°C. Days can be relatively mild and sunny, but nights are noticeably cold.

Kathmandu experiences pronounced seasonality in precipitation, with a clear division into dry and wet periods throughout the year. This is typical for a region influenced by monsoons. Understanding these cycles will help you better plan your trip and choose suitable gear.

The dry season in Kathmandu usually lasts from late autumn to mid-spring, roughly from November to April. During these months, precipitation is minimal. The driest months are November and December, when only about 1 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days is low – from 5 days in December to 8 days in November. January, February, and March are also characterized by low rainfall levels (about 2 mm per month), although the number of days with precipitation gradually increases from 8 to 12. In April, precipitation increases slightly to 3 mm with 15 rainy days, heralding the change of seasons.

The wet season, driven by the summer monsoon, arrives in Kathmandu in May and reaches its peak from June to September. In May, rainfall increases to 7 mm, and the number of rainy days reaches 25. June brings 16 mm of precipitation, and it rains almost daily (29 days). The wettest months are July and August: July sees the maximum amount of precipitation – 28 mm with 31 rainy days, and August sees 22 mm, also with 31 rainy days. In September, the intensity of monsoon rains begins to subside (14 mm, 30 rainy days), and by October, the rainy season ends, with precipitation dropping to 4 mm across 16 rainy days. During the monsoon period, rains can be intense and prolonged.

When planning a trip to Kathmandu, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, taking into account the changeable weather throughout the year. The key principle is layering, as the temperature can change noticeably even within a single day, especially during transitional seasons. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as you will be exploring a lot on foot. Sunscreen and a hat will be useful at any time of the year, as the sun in Nepal can be active even on cool days.

The period from October to April in Kathmandu covers both the cool winter and the milder autumn and spring months, requiring a thoughtful approach to clothing selection. In winter (December-February), average temperatures range from 9.8°C to 11.7°C, and nights can be cold (5-7°C). During this time, you will need warm items: sweaters, a fleece jacket, a warm jacket (preferably windproof), trousers, thermal underwear, warm socks, a hat, and gloves. In October, November, March, and April, the weather is milder: average temperatures vary from 14.9°C (November) to 18.7°C (October), with daytime highs reaching 19-24°C and cooler mornings/evenings (minimum temperatures can drop to 9.8°C - 14.7°C depending on the month). For these months, layering is especially important: a light or medium jacket and layers that can be removed during the day. Precipitation is generally low (1-4 mm per month), but a light waterproof jacket or umbrella will be useful, especially in October, March, and April, when the number of rainy days (up to 15-16 days) is higher than in mid-winter.

The summer months in Kathmandu, from May to September, coincide with the monsoon season, bringing warmth and significant rainfall. Average temperatures during this time range from 19.9°C in May to 22.2°C in July-August. Pack light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics that dry quickly. A waterproof jacket and/or a sturdy umbrella are mandatory, as July and August see the maximum amount of rainfall (up to 22-28 mm), and it rains almost daily. Sandals or other footwear that can withstand water will also come in handy. Despite the rain, the sun can be strong, so do not forget sun protection. May already marks the beginning of the rainy season with an increase in precipitation to 7 mm and 25 rainy days, so preparing for wet weather is important starting from late spring.