Climate Insights for Kathmandu
Bagamati Province, Nepal
Climate Overview
The climate in Kathmandu is temperate. The average annual temperature is 18°C and approximately 3,097 mm of precipitation falls per year. July is the wettest month, receiving around 826 mm of rainfall. Kathmandu is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: August, June, July. The coldest months are January, December, February, when temperatures can drop to 5°C.The climate in Kathmandu is temperate. The average annual temperature is 64°F and approximately 121.9 in of precipitation falls per year. July is the wettest month, receiving around 32.5 in of rainfall. Kathmandu is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: August, June, July. The coldest months are January, December, February, when temperatures can drop to 41°F.
Temperature
Temperatures in Kathmandu vary considerably across the year, with a 21°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. The warmest month is August, when average highs reach 26°C and the mean temperature sits around 23°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 5°C and an average of 9°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 9°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 4°C shift in average temperatures.Temperatures in Kathmandu vary considerably across the year, with a 38°F difference between the coldest and warmest months. The warmest month is August, when average highs reach 79°F and the mean temperature sits around 73°F. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 41°F and an average of 49°F. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 16°F between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 8°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Kathmandu is a very wet location, receiving approximately 3,097 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 258 mm per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 826 mm of rainfall. August and June also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is December, with just 20 mm. That's 806 mm less than July, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.Kathmandu is a very wet location, receiving approximately 121.9 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 10.2 in per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 32.5 in of rainfall. August and June also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is December, with just 0.8 in. That's 31.7 in less than July, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Kathmandu is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 4km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is April, averaging 5km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in September, with average winds dropping to 3km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 2km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.Kathmandu is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 2mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is April, averaging 3mph, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in September, with average winds dropping to 2mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 1mph gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kathmandu is during March and April, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 18°C with modest rainfall averaging 77 mm per month. By contrast, August can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 26°C, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to 5°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.The best time to visit Kathmandu is during March and April, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 64°F with modest rainfall averaging 3 in per month. By contrast, August can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 79°F, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to 41°F. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Kathmandu based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Kathmandu based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.