Best Time to Trek in Nepal — Month by Month Guide 2026

Nepal has six seasons — not four. And each one turns the mountains into something completely different. I've been guiding treks here since I was a teenager, following in my father's and grandfather's footsteps. I've seen Everest in every month of the year.

Here's my honest, month-by-month breakdown of when to trek in Nepal in 2026. No sugarcoating.

The two peak seasons

If you want the safest bet, trek in one of these two windows:

Spring: March to May

Autumn: September to November

About 80% of trekkers come during these months, and for good reason. The weather is the most stable, the views are the clearest, and the trails are open everywhere.

But "peak season" also means more people on popular routes. If you hate crowds, keep reading — there are quieter options.

Month by month

January

Temperature: Cold. Very cold at altitude. Expect -15 to -20°C at Everest Base Camp.

Skies: Often crystal clear — some of the best mountain views of the year.

Crowds: Almost none.

Best for: Experienced trekkers who don't mind the cold. Lower-altitude treks like Poon Hill or the short Annapurna trek work well.

Honest take: It's beautiful but brutal above 4,000m. Teahouses are open but basic. Not recommended for your first Himalayan trek.

February

Temperature: Still cold, but the days start getting longer. Snow lingers at high passes.

Skies: Clear, with occasional snowfall.

Crowds: Very few.

Best for: Lower-altitude treks. The Annapurna foothills, Kathmandu Valley day hikes, and the short Langtang route.

Honest take: Late February is when it starts warming up. If you're flexible on dates, the last two weeks of February are much better than the first two.

MARCH

Temperature: Warming up nicely. Comfortable during the day, cold at night above 3,000m.

Skies: Good visibility, though haze can build in the afternoons.

Crowds: Picking up, but still manageable.

Best for: Everything. This is when the rhododendrons start blooming — the forests below 3,500m turn red, pink, and white. Annapurna and Langtang are especially beautiful.

Honest take: One of my favourite months. Warm enough to enjoy, quiet enough to breathe. Highly recommended.

APRIL

Temperature: Warm days, mild nights below 4,000m. Still cold at higher camps.

Skies: Good, with some afternoon clouds.

Crowds: Peak season begins. Popular trails get busy.

Best for: Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit. The rhododendrons are in full bloom at higher altitudes.

Honest take: April is gorgeous but popular. Book early — good teahouse rooms fill up, especially in Namche Bazaar and Annapurna.

MAY

Temperature: Warm to hot at lower altitudes. Comfortable at 3,000–5,000m.

Skies: Increasing cloud cover. Pre-monsoon haze.

Crowds: Thinning out as the monsoon approaches.

Best for: High-altitude treks if you want fewer people. Upper Mustang is excellent in May (it's in a rain shadow, so monsoon doesn't hit it as hard). Island Peak and Mera Peak climbing season.

Honest take: Early May is still great. Late May gets unpredictable. If you're trekking to EBC in May, go in the first two weeks.

JUNE

Temperature: Hot and humid in Kathmandu. Warm at altitude.

Skies: Monsoon arrives. Rain most days, usually in the afternoon and evening.

Crowds: Almost nobody.

Best for: Upper Mustang and Dolpo — these are rain-shadow regions that stay drier during monsoon. Not recommended for Everest or Annapurna.

Honest take: Unless you're heading to a rain-shadow area, June is not trekking season. The trails are slippery, leeches are out, and views are rare.

July and august

Temperature: Warm and wet everywhere.

Skies: Heavy rain, fog, low cloud.

Crowds: None.

Best for: Honestly? Visit Nepal for culture instead. Kathmandu's temples, Bhaktapur, Patan, cooking classes, rafting on lower rivers. Or go to Upper Mustang.

Honest take: These are the wettest months. Landslides can close roads. Flights get cancelled. I don't recommend trekking in July or August unless you specifically want the Upper Mustang or Dolpo experience.

September

Temperature: Rain easing off. Warm days, fresh air.

Skies: Clearing rapidly in the second half of the month. Post-monsoon freshness means incredible visibility.

Crowds: Starting to build, but still quieter than October.

Best for: Getting ahead of the autumn rush. Late September is perfect for Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang.

Honest take: Late September is a hidden gem. The mountains have been washed clean by the monsoon, the air is the freshest it'll be all year, and the crowds haven't peaked yet. Highly recommended.

October

Temperature: Perfect. Warm days, cool nights, comfortable at all altitudes.

Skies: The clearest of the year. Virtually guaranteed mountain views.

Crowds: Peak season. This is the busiest month on Nepal's trails.

Best for: Everything. If you want the absolute best conditions, October is it. But book months in advance.

Honest take: October is peak season for a reason — the weather is near-perfect. The downside is crowds. Teahouses in Namche and Annapurna can be fully booked. We recommend booking at least 3 months ahead for October.

November

Temperature: Getting colder. Cold nights above 3,500m.

Skies: Still excellent. Clear and dry.

Crowds: Fewer than October, still more than off-season.

Best for: Trekkers who want great weather without October's crowds. All major routes are still fully open.

Honest take: Early November is almost as good as October, with fewer people. Late November gets properly cold at altitude. If you're coming in November, aim for the first three weeks.

December

Temperature: Cold. Short days. Snow possible above 3,500m.

Skies: Clear, but very cold air.

Crowds: Minimal.

Best for: Lower-altitude treks. Poon Hill, Ghorepani, short Annapurna treks. The Kathmandu Valley is actually lovely in December — cool, crisp mornings and clear Himalayan views from the city.

Honest take: December works for experienced trekkers who've got proper cold-weather gear. For first-timers, I'd suggest sticking below 4,000m or waiting for spring.

So when should you come?

Here's my quick recommendation:

• First-time trekker: October or late September
• Want fewer crowds: March, early November, or late September
• On a budget: March or November (slightly lower prices than October)
• Want wildflowers: Late March to mid-April
• Hate cold weather: April or October
• Upper Mustang: June or July (it's actually the best time)
• Short on time: Any month except July–August for lower-altitude treks

What about climate change?

I'll be straight with you — weather patterns have shifted in the past decade. Monsoons are arriving later and ending later. October 2023 and 2024 both had unexpected late-monsoon rain that caught people off guard. We monitor conditions daily and adjust plans when needed. Flexibility matters more than it used to.

One more thing

Whatever month you choose, talk to a local before you book. Not a booking platform — a person who's actually on the ground in Nepal. Weather forecasts are one thing. Knowing what trail conditions look like right now is another.

That's what we do. We're here year-round.

Ready to experience Nepal for yourself?

The Everest Holiday has guided trekkers through the Himalayas for over a decade with a near-perfect five-star TripAdvisor rating.

Browse our Nepal treks: www.theeverestholiday.com

Chat with Shreejan on WhatsApp: +977 9810351300