Best Time to Visit Kathmandu
Month-by-month guide for Kathmandu, Nepal — when to go for best weather, when to save money, and which months to skip. Updated 2026.
Kathmandu by month
Best Good Quiet Avoid
Which season should you pick?
Nov–Feb is the sweet spot: cooler, dry, low humidity. Mar–May gets punishingly hot. Jun–Sep is monsoon season with heavy rain and disrupted transport.
Peak season
Nov–Feb
Best weather. Highest prices — book flights + hotels 3+ months out.
Shoulder — best value
Mar, Oct
Weather still good, prices drop 20–40%. Sweet spot for budget travellers.
Avoid
Jun–Sep (monsoon)
Only worth it if you have specific reason — deep discounts, but weather works against you.
Search flights for your dates
Once you've picked a month, compare flight prices across airlines. Prices for Kathmandu (KTM) shift 20–40% between peak and shoulder months.
Book a hotel in Kathmandu
Nov–Feb rooms sell out first at the best hotels. If you're travelling peak, book 60+ days out. Shoulder-season rooms rarely need more than 30 days lead.
Local tip
KTM is 5km from Thamel — Pathao (Nepal's Uber) is the cheap fast option (NPR 300-600 / €2-4). Hotel transfers are slightly more expensive but stress-free. Kathmandu valley sits at 1,400m — drink water + avoid alcohol on arrival day. For Everest trekkers: arrive 2-3 days before flight to Lukla for permits + acclimatisation.