Month guide · Kathmandu · Nepal
Kathmandu in August
What August is really like in Kathmandu: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
August is a good-value shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 20°C (68°F), about 22 rainy days and roughly 13.1 hours of daylight. Still wet, but festivals return to the streets of the old city.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 20°C (68°F)
- Rainy days
- About 22
- Daylight
- About 13.1 hours
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Lowest
Weather in August
August is the 5th-warmest month in Kathmandu: days average 28°C (82°F) against a yearly average high of 25°C (77°F), and nights fall to about 20°C (68°F). Rain falls on roughly 22 of its 31 days. Compared with July (28°C (82°F)), August is about as warm; by September highs stay near 28°C (82°F).
- Sunrise (15 August)
- About 05:34
- Sunset (15 August)
- About 18:42
- Daylight
- About 13.1 hours
Winter (December–February). Dry, sunny days and near-freezing nights; fewer visitors, though high passes on long treks may be snowbound.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, August rates 2 for crowds (the peak is October at 5) and 1 for hotel prices (highest in October). That makes August one of the better-value months to book.
Events in August
- Gai Jatra — procession honouring the recently deceased (August or September)
- Krishna Janmashtami at Patan's Krishna Mandir (August or September)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in August
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Museum · Durbar Marg
Narayanhiti Palace Museum
The royal palace at the top of Durbar Marg became a museum after Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
- Architecture
Historic site · Freak Street and Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Arrive early to see morning worship before tour groups; keep your ticket, which is checked at several entry points around the square.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
Religious site · Swayambhu
Swayambhunath
On a wooded hill west of the city, this ancient stupa painted with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha is surrounded by shrines, prayer wheels and resident monkeys, which give it its nickname, the Monkey Temple.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- History
- Photo spot
- Kids
Religious site · Boudha
Boudhanath
Come in the late afternoon, walk the kora clockwise with the pilgrims, then watch the stupa from a rooftop café as butter lamps are lit.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Photo spot
- Couples
- After dark
What to pack
For highs near 28°C, lows near 20°C and 22 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is August a good time to visit Kathmandu?
A good-value shoulder-season month, with 2 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, March–April and October–December are better overall. Compare every month.
Kathmandu in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is August a good time to visit Kathmandu?
It is a good-value shoulder-season month. Still wet, but festivals return to the streets of the old city.
+How warm is Kathmandu in August?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 20°C (68°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Kathmandu in August?
Expect rain on about 22 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.