The climate of Pokhara
Located within
Nepal,
Pokhara graces a specific climactic category known as the Cwb, Temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters, according to the Köppen climate classification. With diverse weather shifts throughout the year, the city vacillates between different temperature highs, lows, and varying rainfall.
The average high temperature throughout the year ranges from 19.7°C (67.5°F) to a peak of 30.6°C (87.1°F). Low temperatures also exhibit range, varying from a chill 7.1°C (44.8°F) and climbing up till 22°C (71.6°F). The year's temperature patterns in Pokhara clearly indicate the city's tropical nature with a hint of temperateness.
Rainfall in Pokhara trails a somewhat predictable pattern as well. Beginning the year with a modest 23mm (0.91"), the rainfall exhibits a steady rise, reaching an overwhelming peak of 940mm (37.01") in
July. The months from
June to
September endure monsoonal conditions, encountering precipitation values all above 600mm (23.62"). From this high, the city sharply cuts down on its rainfall, and by
October, it settles again at the more comfortable 140mm (5.51").
Pokhara enjoys generous daylight hours ranging from 10.4h to 13.9h and sunshine durations vacillating between 4h to 9h a day. This suggests ample opportunities to explore the city's attractions in daylight. Additionally, visitors must prep for substantial UV Index variations throughout the year, reaching a maximum of 12 during summer months.
The best time to visit Pokhara
Based on the given weather parameters,
October through
March present the optimal window to visit
Pokhara. The city witnesses the driest months, temperature ranges between 16.7°C (62.1°F) and 20.7°C (69.3°F) for lows and 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F) for highs. With rainfall significantly reduced and daily sunshine hours averaging 6, these months pave the way for great weather conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Pokhara
The least favorable time to visit
Pokhara would be the monsoon months from
June to
September. These months experience the highest rainfall from 641mm (25.24") to 940mm (37.01"), making them the wettest period. Alongside significantly high precipitation, these months experience high temperatures varying from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F) with low temperatures walking steadily from 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 22°C (71.6°F).
Spring weather in Pokhara
Embracing the shift from winter, the spring months of
March to
May witness a steady rise in temperatures. Highs start at 26.7°C (80.1°F) to reach 30.1°C (86.2°F), with lows transition from 12.8°C (55°F) to 18.4°C (65.1°F). Rainfall also sees a rise with increase in temperature, having 60mm (2.36") in March and peaking at 359mm (14.13") in May. The UV index starts at 9 and rises to 12 in May, reaching its zenith for the entire year.
Summer weather in Pokhara
The summer spans from
June to
August, characterized by a monsoon-like climate with heavy rainfall ranging from 669mm (26.34") to 940mm (37.01"). Simultaneously, the city sees high temperatures ranging from 30°C (86°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F). Lows hover anywhere from 20.9°C (69.6°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). Despite the sweltering temperatures and pouring rain, daylight is fairly consistent, sitting comfortably between 13.1h to 13.9h alongside an unwavering UV index at 12.
Autumn weather in Pokhara
September to
November marks the autumnal phase in
Pokhara. During this time, a significant decline in rainfall from 641mm (25.24") to 18mm (0.71") is witnessed, making the city more visitable. High temperatures descend from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 24.1°C (75.4°F) whereas low temperatures undertake a similar path, dropping from 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 11.9°C (53.4°F).
Winter weather in Pokhara
Concluding the year, winter in
Pokhara, from
December till
February, stands typically mild with average high temperatures varying from 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 22.2°C (72°F). The corresponding low temperatures range from 7.1°C (44.8°F) to 9.2°C (48.6°F). The rainfall remains scant during this season from 22mm (0.87") to 35mm (1.38"), providing tourists and locals alike with dry, clear days. Daylight hours during these months decline to approximately 10.6h to 11.2h. The UV index too sees a decrease, settling at 5 in December and slowly nudging to 7 by February.
Weather in January
The start of a new year in
Pokhara,
Nepal introduces cool winters with temperatures ranging from 7.1°C (44.8°F) to 19.7°C (67.5°F). The colder temperatures offer a refreshingly crisp climate coupled with moderate sunlight and short days—perfect for outdoor explorations in the city.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February sees a slight rise in temperatures in
Pokhara, marking the gradual shift from winter to early spring. The city basks in longer daylight hours compared to
January, making for elongated explorations. The rise in UV index indicates a stronger sun presence, an assurance for sundrenched days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March ushers in considerable changes in weather as
Pokhara moves deeper into spring. The city experiences warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and an increase in sunshine hours. Rainfall begins to show a notable increase, moving to 60mm (2.36") from
February’s 35mm (1.38"), indicating the onset of the rainy season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April showers truly take hold in
Pokhara with the city recording a significant rise in rainfall, jumping from 60mm (2.36") to 128mm (5.04"). These April showers do bring warmer temperatures in the daytime, suggesting a shift towards summer weather.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Pokhara in
May showcases a blend of summer heat and monsoon rain. Though free of extreme weathers, the humidity increases due to a surge in rainfall to 359mm (14.13"). This substantial jump marks the advent of the whopping monsoon season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the peak of the monsoon season in
Pokhara with rainfall nearly doubling to reach 669mm (26.34"). Consistently high temperatures, ranging from 20.9°C (69.6°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F), persist throughout the month. The long days filled with rainfall bring an enchanting allure to the city as waterfalls and rivers swell, and the city resonates with vibrant greenery.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July presents the year's maximum rainfall, hitting a record high of 940mm (37.01"). The arrival of monsoons does not alter the city's otherwise consistent high temperature, which hovers around 30°C (86°F). The local landscape turns into a sight to behold with lush vegetation and filled-up water bodies.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August weather participates in a gradual decline from
July's extreme downpour. While the heavy monsoon rains start retreating, the recorded rainfall still remains at a high 866mm (34.09"). The temperature maintains consistency, providing an ongoing feel of summer in the city even amid the carrying monsoon.
Weather in August » Weather in September
A decreased rainfall to 641mm (25.24") in
September signals the tail end of the monsoon season. Despite the drop, the rainfall remains high compared to the start of the year. Temperatures begin to cool down slightly, hinting at the approaching autumn season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks the official end of the monsoon season for
Pokhara, with rainfall plummeting drastically to 140mm (5.51"). The transition from the rainy season introduces a significant drop in humidity and a pleasant chill in the weather.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Pokhara returns to its dry climate with a further reduction in rainfall to only 18mm (0.71"). The month experiences a grand transition in weather, shifting from warm autumns to chilly beginnings of winter. As the colder nights set in, they are contrasted with the daytime's comfortable warmth—a very genuine Pokhara weather charm.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December ends the year on a dry note, registering very minimal rainfall of 22mm (0.87"). The city's climate intensifies its winter character, where cooler temperatures from 8°C (46.4°F) to 20.7°C (69.3°F) become the norm. The shorter days and lower UV Index symbolize the winter solstice.
Weather in December »