Trekking in Nepal can be carried out all year round. The best time to Trek in Nepal is the query that comes from almost all travelers. Nepal comprises four major seasons, and each season has its distinct attractions to offer.
Trekking
Autumn (September-November)
The ideal season for trekking is autumn season which offers pleasant weather conditions, moderate temperatures with clear skies, and enticing mountain vistas. In addition, trekkers would get opportunities to explore local people’s festivals and culture because these months are festive seasons when most Hindu festivals in Nepal celebrate grand festivals like Dashain and Tihar.
Winter (December-February)
Winter is the best season for trekking at lower elevations below 3,500 meters. There is occasional snowfall only at higher altitudes, with the risk of winds and colder temperatures. In December and January, the weather is often good, but the mornings can be clammy and cold. Hence, it is ideal for trekking in the lower elevation, where one can enjoy cool weather with spectacular views. Treks in winter are suitable for those who are keen on discovering the area of the lowland.
Spring (March-May)
Spring in Nepal is another best season for trekking and climbing. This season offers a diverse range of wildflowers blossoming particularly, rhododendrons above 3,000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. The weather is mildly warm at lower altitudes and quite moderate temperatures at higher elevations over 4000 meters which provide breathtaking mountain vistas. Spring is suitable for average trekkers, it is not hard to view the high Himalayan valleys.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is mainly the rainy season in Nepal and involves monsoons with heavy downpours, which is not suitable for trekking. In the off-season between June and mid-September, the monsoon brings rain, humidity, and an increase in temperatures across most of Nepal. While activities are limited during that time, trekkers can trek in the rain shadow of desert parts of Nepal like Mustang, Nar-Phu valley, and Dolpo regions. These times are blessed for the keen botanist and forest researchers, as the higher valleys and meadows bloom with flowers and lush vegetation. The main advantages of trekking in the summer months are the trails without mass and less cold in the high mountains.
Jungle Safari
Summer Season: Summer is not ideal to go on a jungle safari in the jungles of Chitwan and Bardia. The Southern Terai in summer sees constant rainfall. The forests will surely be greener because of the rain, but the animals will also be sheltering from the rain in their bills and dens. The humidity also kills any visibility chance of spotting the Bengal Tigers and Bengal Floricans. Thus, summer is not the best time to visit Nepal for Jungle safaris.
Autumn Season: Autumn is the best season to spot all the endangered animals and plants in the jungles of Nepal. The climate is dry, and there is less humidity in the air. The visibility is clear, and there is a greater chance of spotting the elusive Bengal Tiger. Additionally, you can witness other animals like elephants, rhinoceros, and various species of birds. Autumn is the best choice tourists choose for jungle safari and animal watching in Nepal.
Winter and Spring season: Winter season is also good for jungle safaris, but not as good as autumn. The jungles in winter are cold, and animals hibernate underground or in their homes. Spring is also suitable for safaris, but downpours can cause difficulty in safaris.
Except for summer, all other season is rather good for jungle safari and forest travel, but autumn is undoubtedly the best time to visit Nepal for animal watching and jungle safari.
Mountain Biking
Depending on the altitude, mountain biking is possible all year round. The best seasons for higher altitudes are the trekking seasons from the end of September to November and February to March. The most comfortable temperatures to discover the lowlands by bike are in December and January.
Rafting
Rafting can be done all year round. The right time depends on the river, the expectations, and the experience level of the traveler. During monsoons, the rivers are only for professionals. October and November are the perfect time for a wide range of rafting tours. While March and April’s months are recommended for calmer, multiple-day trips on the river.
It’s important to note that Nepal’s weather can be unpredictable, and conditions can vary from year to year. We recommend checking the weather forecast and consulting with Nepal Sanctuary Treks to plan your trip accordingly.
