Best time to visit · Pokhara · Nepal
The best time to visit Pokhara
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Kamalbeloved, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Pokhara is October to December, when the monsoon has cleared the air and the Annapurnas are visible almost every morning. March and April are also popular for trekking, with rhododendrons in bloom but hazier views. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain, hidden mountains and disrupted travel.
Key facts
- Best months
- March–April and October–December
- Shoulder season
- January–February and September
- Warmest month
- May (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 20°C (68°F))
- Rainiest month
- July (~28 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- July–August
Seasons
Pokhara has a warm, subtropical climate and is one of Nepal's wettest places, with most of its rain falling in the June–September monsoon, when cloud usually hides the mountains. October to December brings clear skies and the best views, while spring is warm with afternoon haze and rhododendrons in bloom on nearby trails.
September–November
Autumn
Peak season after the monsoon, with clear views, Dashain and Tihar festivals and the busiest trekking trails.
December–February
Winter
Dry, clear and cool, with cold nights; good for lower treks and quieter than autumn.
March–May
Spring
Warm, with rhododendrons on the hills and a second trekking season; afternoon haze and storms increase by May.
June–August
Monsoon
Heavy rain, cloud-covered mountains, leeches on trails and landslides on roads, but green scenery and the lowest prices.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C | 7°C | 2 | 10.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| February | 22°C | 8°C | 4 | 11.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 26°C | 11°C | 6 | 11.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 29°C | 15°C | 9 | 12.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 30°C | 18°C | 15 | 13.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 30°C | 20°C | 22 | 13.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 29°C | 21°C | 28 | 13.8 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| August | 29°C | 21°C | 27 | 13.1 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| September | 28°C | 20°C | 20 | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 27°C | 15°C | 6 | 11.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| November | 24°C | 10°C | 1 | 10.7 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| December | 21°C | 7°C | 1 | 10.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| March | Holi — festival of colours (usually March) |
| April | Nepali New Year (Navavarsha) — public holiday and celebrations (usually mid-April) |
| May | Buddha Jayanti — Buddha's birthday at monasteries and stupas (April or May) |
| August | Teej — women's festival with fasting and dancing (August or September) |
| September | Dashain — Nepal's biggest festival, many businesses close for several days (September or October) |
| October | Dashain (September or October); Tihar — festival of lights with oil lamps and garlands (October or November) |
| November | Tihar (October or November) |
| December | Pokhara Street Festival — food, music and stalls along Lakeside (usually late December to 1 January) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in July–August, and the sights are quietest in July–August. Many visitors avoid July–August.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Spring | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Monsoon | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Pokhara?
The best time to visit Pokhara is October to December, when the monsoon has cleared the air and the Annapurnas are visible almost every morning. March and April are also popular for trekking, with rhododendrons in bloom but hazier views. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain, hidden mountains and disrupted travel.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Pokhara?
Usually in July–August. The wettest month, with torrential rain, landslides on mountain roads and frequent flight disruption.
+What is the rainiest month in Pokhara?
July, with about 28 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Pokhara get?
The warmest month, May, averages highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F).