Weather in Pokhara

Planning your day in the city of Pokhara? Check out the latest weather data, forecasts, and useful charts right here to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

The climate in Pokhara, a picturesque city in Nepal, can be described as subtropical monsoon. This means the weather here is subject to noticeable seasonal changes, particularly regarding rainfall, while temperature fluctuations throughout the year are also palpable. Guests of the city can expect an alternation of dry and wet periods, as well as a shift from cool winter months to a warm and rainy summer.

Four main seasons can be distinguished in Pokhara throughout the year, each with its own weather characteristics. Winter (December-February) brings cool and predominantly dry weather with average temperatures around 7-10°C; nights can be quite cold. Spring (March-May) is a period of gradual warming, when average temperatures rise to 15-18°C, and the number of rainy days begins to increase closer to May. The Summer season (June-September) coincides with the active phase of the monsoon, bringing warmth (average temperatures around 20-21°C) and heavy rainfall. July and August are the wettest months, when rain can fall almost daily. Autumn (October-November) is often considered the most favourable time to visit Pokhara: monsoon rains subside, and clear weather sets in with comfortable temperatures in the range of 13-17°C.

In Pokhara, the temperature pattern throughout the year demonstrates noticeable seasonal changes, providing travellers with diverse climatic conditions. The warmest months are July and August, when the average temperature holds steady at 21.3-21.4°C, and daytime highs consistently reach 23.7°C. On the other hand, the coldest month is traditionally considered January: the average temperature is about 7.5°C, night-time lows can drop to 2.3°C, and daytime highs rarely rise above 12.7°C.

The summer period in Pokhara, which covers the months from May to September, is characterised by consistently high temperatures and increased humidity due to frequent rainfall. During the day, the air warms up on average to 22.5°C - 23.7°C, while nights remain quite warm, with minimum temperatures varying from 13.0°C in May to about 19.1°C in July. Daily temperature fluctuations in summer are less pronounced compared to other seasons. The winter months, from December to February, bring coolness to Pokhara. Daytime temperatures at this time are usually comfortable, fluctuating in the range of 12.7°C - 14.8°C, however, nights become significantly colder, and the thermometer can drop to 2.3°C - 4.6°C. It is in winter that the most significant daily temperature variations are observed, often exceeding 10°C.

The city of Pokhara experiences distinct seasonality in precipitation, characterised by a clear division into a wet monsoon period and a relatively dry season. This is typical for the climate of the region, which is subject to the influence of the Himalayan monsoons.

The Rainy Season in Pokhara usually lasts from June to September. During this time, the city receives the bulk of its annual rainfall. The most intense rains occur in July, when an average of 29 mm of precipitation falls, and August with a figure of about 25 mm. In these two months, it can rain almost daily – statistics show up to 31 rainy days. June (19 mm) and September (18 mm) are also quite wet, with approximately 28 rainy days in each, indicating frequent and sometimes heavy downpours.

The Dry Season sets in from November and lasts through April. During this period, the amount of precipitation decreases significantly. The driest months are January, November, and December, when the average monthly rainfall is only about 2 mm. December also stands out with the lowest number of rainy days – just 9. Despite the generally low amount of precipitation from January to April (2-3 mm per month), the number of days with precipitation ranges from 14 to 17, suggesting the presence of light, possibly short-lived rains or drizzle. May (8 mm of precipitation, 27 rainy days) and October (4 mm of precipitation, 17 rainy days) can be considered transition months between the wet and dry seasons.

When planning a trip to Pokhara, it is important to consider the changeable weather throughout the year to make your holiday as comfortable as possible. Regardless of the season, definitely bring comfortable walking shoes, as you will likely be walking a lot while exploring the surroundings. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses will also come in handy all year round, even on cool days, as the sun in the mountains can be intense. The principle of layering clothing is your best friend in Nepal. It will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day and depending on the altitude.

If your trip falls during the cooler and drier months, roughly from October to April, pay attention to warm clothes, especially for the period from December to February. At this time, average temperatures range from 7.5°C to 12.7°C, and night-time temperatures can drop to 2-4°C. You will need warm sweaters or fleece tops, a jacket (preferably windproof and slightly water-resistant, as even with low rainfall, there are "wet days"), a hat, gloves, and warm socks. In transition months, such as March, April, October, and November, it will be warmer during the day (up to 18-22°C), but evenings remain cool, so layered clothing, including t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and a light jacket, will be very useful.

From May to September, a warm and wet season arrives in Pokhara, coinciding with the monsoons, which are particularly active from June to August. Average temperatures during this period are 20-21°C, but the main feature is frequent and heavy rains (up to 29 mm of precipitation and almost daily rainy days in July-August). Therefore, the key items in your luggage should be a high-quality waterproof jacket and possibly trousers, a sturdy umbrella, as well as clothes made of quick-drying materials. Footwear should also be ready for wet conditions – waterproof boots or sandals that are not afraid of water. Don't forget insect repellent, as insects are more active during this humid period.