The climate of Lukla
Lukla, situated in
Nepal, experiences a predominant climate pattern classified as ET by the Köppen climate system, typically referred to as a tundra climate. This pattern is noticeable through the prevalence of cold temperatures all year round, which goes hand in hand with the high altitude of the region.
Analyzing the given climate data, it becomes unmistakably clear that Lukla sees a considerable fluctuation in its weather parameters across the year. Temperature values oscillate from chilly lows of -14.7°C (5.5°F) in
January to moderately temperate highs of 8.3°C (46.9°F) in
July. The region's rainfall also shows a varying pattern, with levels ranging from a minimum of 8mm (0.31") in
November to a peak of 312mm (12.28") in July. This pattern is well-aligned with the number of rainy days, reaching up to 31 days in
August.
The characteristics of a tundra climate include not only cold temperatures but also considerable quantities of snowfall with figures peaking at 614mm (24.17") in
May. The data shows that the humidity also presents strong seasonal changes, with a low of 41% in
December and a relative high of 92% in July.
Interestingly, Lukla experiences its most extended daylight hours, approximately 13.9 hours, during the month of
June. However, the maximum hours of sunshine are evident in
April, showcasing a total of approximately 10.9 hours. Ranked on cloud cover percentage, August stands out with the cloudiest conditions, displaying a coverage of approximately 71%.
The best time to visit Lukla
Discerning the ideal time to visit
Lukla depends on the type of activities and weather conditions tourists prefer. Notably,
May offers the optimum sunny disposition, with the maximum daylight hours of around 13.5 hours a day and the highest average temperature, hitting a mild 4.5°C (40.1°F). This month also has fewer rainy days than other months, presenting better conditions for outdoor escapades. Moreover, wind speeds are most gentle in May, with a mild average of 9.1km/h (5.7mph), reducing the possibility of challenging weather during outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Lukla
The most challenging time to visit
Lukla is evidently in
August, when the rainy season reaches its height with rainfall totals hitting 312mm (12.28"). The area also experiences its record peak in the number of rainy days, reaching up to a total of 31 days. An increase in cloud cover percentage, up to approximately 71%, contributes to reduced visibility, which might hamper travel plans. Therefore, August is likely the least preferable month to plan a visit to Lukla.
Spring weather in Lukla
From
March to
May,
Lukla experiences its spring season. During this period, daily high temperatures gradually increase from -0.4°C (31.3°F) to 4.5°C (40.1°F). However, nighttime temperatures remain chilly, dipping as low as -11.8°C (10.8°F) in March and -2.9°C (26.8°F) in May. Rainfall in spring progressively increases with each passing month, peaking at 104mm (4.09") in May, marking the onset of the rainy season.
Summer weather in Lukla
The summer period between
June and
August in
Lukla is characterized by increased temperatures and heavy rainfall. Highs reach 8.3°C (46.9°F) in
July, the warmest month of the year. At the same time, rainfall peaks at 312mm (12.28") in July, with August also recording a high rainfall of 260mm (10.24"). It worth noting that during the summer season, Lukla experiences the highest relative humidity, exceeding 80%.
Autumn weather in Lukla
Autumn period from
September to
November signals a transition phase towards colder winter months. During this season, temperatures progressively drop from a relatively warm 6.7°C (44.1°F) in September to a chilled 0.9°C (33.6°F) in November. The autumn season also sees a significant decrease in rainfall, scaling down to a low of 8mm (0.31") in November.
Winter weather in Lukla
Winter in
Lukla falls from
December through
February and is marked by cold and snowy conditions. During this time, temperatures further drop with lows sinking to -14.7°C (5.5°F) in
January. Meanwhile, rainfall is at its lowest, with just 18mm (0.71") in December and 26mm (1.02") in February. It is also during this season that Lukla observes the highest amount of snowfall, peaking at 194mm (7.64") in February.
Weather in January
January in
Lukla,
Nepal sets the benchmark for the year with its well-defined winter characteristics. Regular snowfall and cold temperatures create a frosty snowscape, ensuring the town is blanketed in white. Comparatively, this period stands out with the lowest recorded monthly average temperature, plummeting to -14.7°C (5.5°F) at night and barely reaching -3.9°C (25°F) during daylight hours.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February brings about a subtle shift in
Lukla's weather dynamics. Snowfall still plays a significant part but warmer days hint at the upcoming spring, yet the wintry atmosphere continues to prevail. Contrastingly, this month sees a leap in average humidity levels, up to 53% from the previous month’s 47%.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
Lukla,
March transitions smoothly from the biting cold of winter to the softer tones of spring. The landscape gets less snow than previous months, but periodic showers maintain the town's picturesque white charm. Worth noting is this month’s substantial increase in rainfall, up to 37mm (1.46") from
February’s 26mm (1.02"), indicative of higher precipitation.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April displays an uptick in
Lukla’s spring progression with temperatures peaking at 2.7°C (36.9°F), marking the much-awaited alleviation from winter’s sharp chill. Progression in climate blends warmer days, low pressure, and an increase in relative humidity, attaining 66% this month.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May transitions
Lukla from the mild spells of spring to the warmer climax of summer. As temperatures climb, so does the rainfall, paving the way for wetter and fresher surroundings. Unlike previous months, May boasts of the highest rainfall, amassing a significant 104mm (4.09").
Weather in May » Weather in June
Lukla in
June is a study in how dynamically weather patterns can shift. Here, the most humid month of the year unfolds, characterized by frequent rains and warm temperatures. The town adapts to these changes, and life flows uninterrupted, rain notwithstanding.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Julian calendar’s seventh month,
July positions itself distinctly in
Lukla's yearly weather schedule. Presenting the year’s highest average temperature, lukewarm days at 8.3°C (46.9°F) become the new norm, simultaneously coupled with torrential rainfall, peaking at an enormous 312mm (12.28").
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Lukla holds true to its reputation as a peak summer month. Temperature fluctuations remain minimal, while humidity levels take a slight dive compared to
July. The town begins the transition towards autumn, with the rainfall dropping to 260mm (10.24") from the year-high in July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Cruising into autumn,
Lukla in
September embraces a palpable shift in atmosphere as subtle hints of chill replace summer warmth. While rainfall decreases, the town now sees an escalation in snowfall, which impressively amounts to 465mm (18.31") at this time.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Lukla heralds the arrival of autumn's maturity. A notable pattern emerges in this period, where snowfall increases while rainfall takes a considerable dip. The town sports a characteristic autumn landscape, with the most notable weather fluctuation being the temperature drop to an average high of 3.4°C (38.1°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November signifies
Lukla's gradual transition from the colorful zest of autumn to winter's frosty charm. The town belts up to face the sharp cold, with temperatures falling and snowfall frequency rising. A stark difference is perceptible in the diminished rainfall, falling significantly to 8mm (0.31") compared to
October’s 44mm (1.73").
Weather in November » Weather in December
December concludes the annual weather cycle in
Lukla, offering a full-fledged winter experience. It's a time when chilly winds, lower temperatures, and regular snow showers become the norm, coating the town in a fresh layer of pristine white.
Weather in December »