October through November is probably the
best time to visit Nepal. The weather is balmy, the air is clean, and
the visibility is at its best. There are two main times of the season in
this country, the rainy, and the dry season. October through November is
the dry season, just after the monsoons. Our group went in December and
the weather was a bit colder, but the big advantage that we had was that
it was off season and there were very few tourists, both in Katmandu and
especially on the trail. During the height of tourism season the trail
and the lodges can become very crowded.
The second best season for traveling is from February to April. This is
the end of the dry season, but the air isn't quite as clear. The weather
however, is much warmer and the wildflowers are in bloom. In December
and January, besides the cold weather, the visibility is good. The plus
side to traveling during these two months is cheaper lodging and few
tourists. December is the driest month of the year. It did not rain once
during our 2.5 week stay.
[Photo to left taken by Dr. David Keeling]
The rest of the year is not good for traveling. For example, May and
early June are quite hot and dusty. From mid June through September the
monsoons hit and cover the mountains in clouds, and the roads turn to
mud.
