The best time to trek in Nepal is October to mid-November, followed by March and April. These months usually bring stable weather and clear views on most routes. June to August is the monsoon, when only rain-shadow treks such as Upper Mustang work well. December to February is clear and dry but cold, so stay low. If you can, book a trip from mid-October with at least one spare day.
What is each month like for trekking in Nepal?
Use this table to compare months at a glance. Conditions vary from year to year, and higher trails stay colder and snowier than the valleys.
| Month | Rating | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | Low routes only | The coldest month. High passes are often blocked by snow. |
| February | Low and middle routes | Slowly warming, with possible storms and snow. |
| March | Very good | Warmer days. High passes can still hold snow early in the month. |
| April | Excellent | Mild nights and rhododendrons in bloom. Haze can grow later in the day. |
| May | Good | Warm and hazier, with more afternoon cloud as the monsoon nears. |
| June | Poor for most routes | The monsoon usually begins. Upper Mustang starts to shine. |
| July | Poor for most routes | Heavy rain, landslides, leeches and flight delays. |
| August | Poor for most routes | Similar to July, with green valleys and few mountain views. |
| September | Mixed | Improves late in the month, but storms and floods can still hit. |
| October | Excellent | Clear and popular. Storms are less common, though they do happen. |
| November | Excellent | Colder and quieter than October, with stable weather. |
| December | Good on lower routes | Dry and clear, with cold nights and more snow risk on passes. |
Is autumn or spring better?
Autumn is usually better for clear mountain views, and spring is better for flowers and milder nights. Both work well on most routes, so choose by what you want to see and how cold you want to be.
| Point | Autumn (October to November) | Spring (March to April) |
|---|---|---|
| Views | Often the clearest of the year | Good in the morning, with more haze later |
| Temperature | Colder from mid-November | Warming each week |
| Nature | Harvest colours in lower villages | Rhododendron forests in flower |
| Crowds | Busiest in October | Busy in April |
| Main risk | Late monsoon storms, especially early in the season | Snow on high passes in early March |
Which season suits each trek?
The right month depends on your route's altitude and how much rain it receives. Our route guides give more detail.
| Trek | Best months | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Base Camp | March, April, October, November | The narrow valley makes monsoon and heavy snow risky. |
| Annapurna Circuit | Late March to April, October to November | Thorong La decides your dates. |
| Everest Base Camp | March to May, October to November | Spring and autumn flights often leave from Manthali. |
| Manaslu Circuit | March to April, October to November | Larkya La is usually closed in deep winter. |
| Upper Mustang | March to May, June to August, September to November | It sits in a rain shadow, so it works in the monsoon. |
| Langtang Valley | April, October | Check road access, which was damaged in the August 2026 flood. |
| Poon Hill | Most of the year except deep monsoon | Low enough for winter, and superb in rhododendron season. |
Why does the monsoon change so much?
Most of Nepal's yearly rain arrives in one season. About 80% falls from June to September. Pokhara, on the south side of the Annapurna range, receives about 3,870 mm a year. Jomsom, less than 70 km away behind the mountains, receives about 250 mm. That is why Upper Mustang can be a good choice when the Annapurna Base Camp trail is at its worst.
Monsoon trekking elsewhere is possible, but you will meet leeches, mud, cloud and landslide-damaged roads. Allow plenty of spare time.
What did 2026 teach us about late September?
Do not treat 1 September as the start of safe autumn weather. In 2026 a debris flood hit Rasuwa on 26 August, a flood damaged Namrung on the Manaslu Circuit on 6 September, and late rain and snow turned back trekkers at Thorong La in late September. Then, on 11 October, a flood on the Budhi Gandaki left more than 100 foreign trekkers stranded. Read our flood update for the latest status.
So, for a safer autumn plan, aim for mid-October onward, build in spare days and buy insurance that suits your route. Our trekking insurance guide shows what to check.
Which 2027 festivals could affect your plans?
Festivals can add a lot to a trip, but they also fill transport and close some offices. These dates follow the lunar calendar and can shift by a day or more. Confirm them once Nepal's official calendar is out, and avoid non-refundable bookings based on a provisional date.
| Festival | Expected 2027 date | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Holi | 21 March in the hills, 22 March in the Terai | A colourful day in Kathmandu and Pokhara |
| Buddha Jayanti | 20 May | A good time to visit Boudha or Lumbini |
| Dashain | About 30 September to 14 October, main tika around 9 October | Buses fill, and offices close around the main days |
| Tihar | Late October to early November | Beautiful lights, with a second holiday peak |
Our Nepal festivals guide explains what to expect from each one.
When should you book for 2027?
Book early if you want October or April, a private group, or a route with a limited number of lodges. Three to six months ahead is a sensible plan for those dates, and you can usually be more flexible in the quieter months. Before you pay, ask how your agency handles flood or snow closures, and read our guide on choosing a trekking agency. You can also send us your dates and we will suggest the route that fits them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to trek in Nepal?
October is usually the best single month, with clear views and stable weather on most routes. November and April are close behind, and both are good choices if you want a less crowded trail or warmer nights.
What is the cheapest time to trek in Nepal?
Quiet months such as winter and monsoon can bring lower prices on some services. Main costs such as permits, guides and food change little. Pick a month for its safety first, then compare prices.
Can you trek in Nepal during the monsoon?
Yes, but the best choice is a rain-shadow route such as Upper Mustang. Elsewhere, expect rain, leeches, poor views and landslide delays. Add spare days and check road conditions often.
Is September a good month to trek in Nepal?
It can be, especially late in the month, but it is a gamble. The 2026 season showed that floods and storms can happen into October. Choose a flexible route and allow spare days.
How far ahead should I book a Nepal trek?
Three to six months is sensible for October or April, and earlier for private groups. Quieter months need less notice. International flights around Dashain and Tihar can also fill early.
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Founder & Lead Guide, Annapurna Trekking
AJ founded Annapurna Trekking in 2016 and has personally guided treks across Nepal ever since. More about our team →
