Yearly & Monthly weather - Kathmandu, Nepal

Beautiful ancient monuments in the Durbar square in Kathmandu, Nepal

The climate of Kathmandu

Situated in the heart of Nepal, Kathmandu takes its climate cues from the subtropics. The city experiences a Cwa Köppen climate classification, which signals a humid subtropical climate where wintry months are noticeably drier. Seen as a symphony of temperatures, humidity, rainfall, and daylight that harmonize across the calendar year, the weather in Kathmandu is both predictable and pleasant, offering a unique blend of climatic conditions.

The climatic data of Kathmandu bears witness to a pattern where temperature and humidity appear to sway in opposition. When the average high temperature peaks at approximately 29.1°C (84.4°F) in June, humidity levels bottom out to about 53%. Conversely, when temperatures drop to a low of about 2.4°C (36.3°F) in January, humidity can climb up to about 80%. Clearly, this rhythmic dance of temperature and humidity offers an intriguing insight into the weather of Kathmandu.

Rainfall in Kathmandu shows a distinct propensity towards the summery months, from May to September, marking the monsoon season. An impressive downpour of about 363mm (14.29") in July, moderates to a meager 14mm (0.55") in January, indicating a pronounced wet-dry cycle. Sunshine hours oscillate between 4.4 hours in July and 9.1 hours in February mirroring the rainfall pattern.

The best time to visit Kathmandu

The allure of Kathmandu is accentuated during the months of October and November. With temperatures floating comfortably between 20.2°C (68.4°F) and 23.6°C (74.5°F), coupled with minimal rainfall of merely 8mm (0.31") to 13mm (0.51"), the city offers a pleasant weather perfect for exploration. These months usher in ample daylight sourced from an average of 10.8 hours to 11.5 hours of sunshine, providing a charming ambience for tourists.

The worst time to visit Kathmandu

The months of July and August are viewed as the least favorable for visiting Kathmandu. The glorious sightseeing and adventurous exploration become challenging owing to the monsoon season characterized by heavy rain levels, soaring up to 363mm (14.29") in July and 331mm (13.03") in August. Moreover, the humidity levels during these months are at an annual high necessitating the need for additional precautions.

Spring weather in Kathmandu

Spring in Kathmandu, lasting from March to May, is a delight to behold. It commences with an average high of 25.3°C (77.5°F) in March and sembles its zenith with 28.7°C (83.7°F) in May. Rainfall hovers from 34mm (1.34") in March to 124mm (4.88") in May as the season progresses towards summer. Daylight stretches from 12 hours in March to more than 13 hours by the end of May, allowing for plenty of time to enjoy the city's blooming vistas.

Summer weather in Kathmandu

Summer in Kathmandu, spanning from June to August, entails a rich monsoon experience. Highs average 28.4°C (83.1°F) in June and maintain their stance around 28.7°C (83.7°F) in August. Rainfall drastically escalates to around 236mm (9.29") in June and peaks at 363mm (14.29") in July, a testament to the monsoon season. Despite the heavy rains, daylight remains pleasantly long, offering around 13.7 hours in June and decreasing to about 13.1 hours in August.

Autumn weather in Kathmandu

Kathmandu's Autumn, from September to November, marks the retreating monsoon season. Temperatures range from 28.1°C (82.6°F) in September to about 20.2°C (68.4°F) in November, presenting a gradual cooling effect. Rainfall decreases noticeably, from 200mm (7.87") in September to a negligible 8mm (0.31") in November, while daylight hours dwindle from 12.3 in September to about 10.8 in November.

Winter weather in Kathmandu

Enduring from December through February, winter in Kathmandu reveals a considerable drop in temperature compared to other seasons. Average highs move down from 20.2°C (68.4°F) in December to approximately 19.1°C (66.4°F) in February. Rainfall during these months is minimal, with December seeing about 13mm (0.51"), tapering further down to 14mm (0.55") in February. Daylight hovers near the 10.6 hours mark in December and slightly increases to 11.2 hours in February, ensuring that the city remains illuminating, though the days are shorter.

Weather in January

The new year ushers in the coldest period in Kathmandu, with temperatures dropping to as low as 2.4°C (36.3°F). A noticeable feature of January is the winter chill, with locals often bundling up to stay warm. Compared to December, January experiences an increment in the average daylight hours; however, cloudier skies and less sunshine are common. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Entering February, the weather remains cool, but a gradual rise in temperature signals the approaching spring season. Compared to January, rainfall increases, but this is not enough to deter outdoor activities. February is also characterized by a decrease in relative humidity, giving a sense of dryness. Weather in February »

Weather in March

In March, the city of Kathmandu transitions fully into spring, with indications of an upcoming increase in temperatures. Compared to February, it becomes warmer and the daylight hours extend. Despite an increase in rainfall, this month has a lot to offer for visitors, from stunning flower blossoms to clear mountain views. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings warmer weather to Kathmandu, with temperatures peaking towards the latter half, at 28.2°C (82.8°F). The days become longer, with increased daylight hours enhancing sightseeing and travelling experiences. The relative humidity remains moderate and the UV index hikes, cautioning travellers to take necessary precautions. Weather in April »

Weather in May

With the onset of May, Kathmandu heads towards the peak of its summer and its annual monsoon season. Notably, the temperature hardly falls below 15.7°C (60.3°F), even during the nights, sustaining a warm atmosphere. Rainfall spikes vastly as compared to April, signifying the arrival of the monsoon. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June ushers in the height of Kathmandu's monsoon season, noted by a prominent rise in rainfall to 236mm (9.29"). The persistent summer heat continues, but the frequent downpours effectively cool down the atmosphere. Diminished sunshine hours and overcast skies are commonplace during this month. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July signifies the heaviest monsoon month in Kathmandu, with rainfall peaking at 363mm (14.29"). The temperature continues to hover around the same range as in June, maintaining a warm, tropical feel. Skies are typically cloudy, but on the brighter side, the rainfall enhances the city's lush landscapes. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August ushers in a slight reprieve from the persistent monsoons, as rainfall begins to fade away gradually. The month remains warm, with no drastic changes in temperature from July. Longer daylight hours and decreased rainfall encourage more outdoor exploration. Weather in August »

Weather in September

In September, Kathmandu witnesses a significant retreat of the monsoons, with rainfall dropping to 200mm (7.87"). The city's aesthetic transforms, presenting a greener and fresher aura, courtesy of the preceding rainfall. While the days continue to be warm, the nights start to cool off, signifying the arrival of autumn. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Kathmandu is characterized by a marked decrease in rainfall and a transition to cooler, drier weather. It's a period of pleasant weather, with mild warmth during the day and chillier nights. The period from October to November is filled with sunny, vibrant days and crisp, cool nights. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November signals the onset of winter in Kathmandu, with temperatures dipping to as low as 7.8°C (46°F). Despite the receding warmth, the weather remains appealing, with bright, sunlit days and cool nights. Moving from November to December, one begins to notice shorter days and colder nights. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Kathmandu is characterized by the full onset of winter, with temperatures dropping further, culminating in colder days and even colder nights. Despite the frigid weather, the city still holds a charm with its clear, sunny days and chilly breezy nights. Weather in December »

Updated: Jan 27, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What are the coldest months in Kathmandu?

January is Kathmandu's coldest month, registering average high temperatures of 19.1°C (66.4°F) and lows of 2.4°C (36.3°F).

How many days does it rain in Kathmandu?

Throughout the year, there are 110 rainfall days, and 1455mm (57.28") of precipitation is accumulated.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Kathmandu?

The months with the lowest UV index in Kathmandu are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

What month has the most sunshine in Kathmandu?

The month with the most sunshine in Kathmandu is February, with an average of 9.1h of sunshine.

What is the least humid month in Kathmandu?

With an average relative humidity of 53%, April is the least humid month in Kathmandu, Nepal.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Kathmandu?

The months with the highest UV index in Kathmandu are April through August, with an average maximum UV index of 12.

What is the warmest month in Kathmandu?

June is the month when Kathmandu's temperatures reach their peak, with averages of 29.1°C (84.4°F) and lows of 19.1°C (66.4°F).

When are the longest days in Kathmandu?

The month with the longest days in Kathmandu is June, with an average of 13h and 54min of daylight.

What is the wettest month in Kathmandu?

The month with the most rainfall in Kathmandu is July, when the rain falls for 23 days and typically aggregates up to 363mm (14.29") of precipitation.

What are the months with the least sunshine in Kathmandu?

July and September, with an average of 4.4h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.

What is the most humid month in Kathmandu?

The most humid month in Kathmandu is November, with an average relative humidity of 85%.

What is the driest month in Kathmandu?

November is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 1 days and accumulates 8mm (0.31") of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days in Kathmandu?

December has the shortest days of the year in Kathmandu, with an average of 10h and 24min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu, Nepal, does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). +0545 timezone is used over the entire year.

Today

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Long-term

Year J F M A M J J A S O N D

Average temperature
Kathmandu, Nepal

Average high temperature in January:
19.1°C
Average high temperature in February:
21.4°C
Average high temperature in March:
25.3°C
Average high temperature in April:
28.2°C
Average high temperature in May:
28.7°C
Average high temperature in June:
29.1°C

Average high temperature in July:
28.4°C
Average high temperature in August:
28.7°C
Average high temperature in September:
28.1°C
Average high temperature in October:
26.8°C
Average high temperature in November:
23.6°C
Average high temperature in December:
20.2°C

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is June (29.1°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (19.1°C).

Average low temperature in January:
2.4°C
Average low temperature in February:
4.5°C
Average low temperature in March:
8.2°C
Average low temperature in April:
11.7°C
Average low temperature in May:
15.7°C
Average low temperature in June:
19.1°C

Average low temperature in July:
20.2°C
Average low temperature in August:
20°C
Average low temperature in September:
18.5°C
Average low temperature in October:
13.4°C
Average low temperature in November:
7.8°C
Average low temperature in December:
3.7°C

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (20.2°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (2.4°C).

Average humidity
Kathmandu, Nepal

The month with the highest relative humidity is November (85%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (53%).

Average rainfall
Kathmandu, Nepal

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (363.4mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is November (8.3mm).

Average rainfall days
Kathmandu, Nepal

Average rainfall days in January:
2 days
Average rainfall days in February:
3 days
Average rainfall days in March:
4 days
Average rainfall days in April:
6 days
Average rainfall days in May:
12 days
Average rainfall days in June:
17 days

Average rainfall days in July:
23 days
Average rainfall days in August:
22 days
Average rainfall days in September:
15 days
Average rainfall days in October:
4 days
Average rainfall days in November:
1 days
Average rainfall days in December:
1 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (23 days).
The months with the least rainy days are November and December (1 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Kathmandu, Nepal

Average daylight in January:
10h and 4min
Average daylight in February:
11h and 1min
Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min
Average daylight in April:
12h and 5min
Average daylight in May:
13h and 3min
Average daylight in June:
13h and 5min

Average daylight in July:
13h and 4min
Average daylight in August:
13h and 1min
Average daylight in September:
12h and 2min
Average daylight in October:
11h and 3min
Average daylight in November:
10h and 5min
Average daylight in December:
10h and 2min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 13h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 10h and 24min).

Average sunshine in January:
7h and 1min
Average sunshine in February:
9h and 1min
Average sunshine in March:
8h and 2min
Average sunshine in April:
7h and 4min
Average sunshine in May:
7h and 2min
Average sunshine in June:
6h and 1min

Average sunshine in July:
4h and 2min
Average sunshine in August:
5h and 1min
Average sunshine in September:
4h and 2min
Average sunshine in October:
8h and 1min
Average sunshine in November:
8h and 1min
Average sunshine in December:
8h and 1min

The month with the most sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 9h and 6min).
The months with the least sunshine are July and September (Average sunshine: 4h and 24min).

Average UV index
Kathmandu, Nepal

The months with the highest UV index are April, May, June, July and August (UV index 12).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 5).

Climate and monthly weather forecastKathmandu, Nepal

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