Most people pack for Kathmandu as if it's either the Himalaya or the tropics. It's neither. Winter days are a pleasant 18°C (64°F) to 20°C (68°F) but nights drop to 5°C (41°F), and from June to September the monsoon brings rain on almost every day, with 31 rain days in July and August. Pack for the month, and bring layers you can add after dark.
Kathmandu weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 18°C64°F | 20°C68°F | 23°C73°F | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 28°C82°F | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 24°C75°F | 21°C70°F | 19°C66°F |
| Low | 5°C41°F | 7°C45°F | 11°C52°F | 15°C59°F | 16°C61°F | 19°C66°F | 20°C68°F | 20°C68°F | 19°C66°F | 15°C59°F | 10°C50°F | 6°C43°F |
| Rain days | 1 | 3 | 11 | 7 | 21 | 24 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 15 | 5 | 1 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryDry and clear, with just 1 to 3 rain days a month. Days are 18°C (64°F) to 20°C (68°F), but lows of 5°C (41°F) to 7°C (45°F) feel colder because many guesthouses have little heating. Pack a warm fleece or a down jacket for evenings and early starts.
Spring
March–MayWarm days of 23°C (73°F) to 27°C (81°F) and the second trekking season. March gets 11 rain days, April 7, and May jumps to 21 as the pre-monsoon storms arrive. Dust and haze build up in the valley, so a face mask helps.
Monsoon
June–SeptemberRain on 24 to 31 days a month, highs of 27°C (81°F) to 28°C (82°F) and warm nights of 19°C (66°F) to 20°C (68°F). Streets can flood and landslides can close mountain roads. Bring a rain shell, quick drying clothes, sandals you can get wet and insect repellent.
Autumn
October–NovemberPeak season. October still has 15 rain days as the monsoon clears, then November dries out to 5 with highs of 21°C (70°F). Expect clear mountain views, mild days and cool nights, so pack layers and a warm jacket for the evening.
What to bring to Kathmandu
0 of 23 packedFrom June to September it rains on 24 to 31 days a month. This shell packs into its own pocket, so it lives in your day bag. Get it before you fly.
May's pre-monsoon storms and the monsoon after them can hit any afternoon. It's a light, packable women's rain shell that's easy to keep in a day bag.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
The monsoon brings mosquitoes. This lasts up to 12 hours and won't damage synthetic trekking clothes or camera gear. Decant it if you're flying carry-on only.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
Bandages, tape and blister care for temple steps, trekking days and the odd scrape on broken pavement. Add your own meds, the included ones are generic.
- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
Don't drink the tap water in Kathmandu. This tough quart bottle pairs with many water filters, so you refill instead of buying plastic.
- Anker Nano Power Bank (45W, 10,000mAh)Tech & Power
Short power cuts can still happen, and a steady power bank keeps your phone going for maps and photos when the lights go out.
- Mack's Blackout Soft Foam Earplugs, 7-pairSleep & Comfort
Dogs, horns and temple bells start early, and Thamel stays loud late. A handful of these in a zip bag gets you some sleep.
Clothing
- Warm fleece or down jacket · 1Winter nights drop to 5°C
- Thermal base layer · 1 setDec–Feb nights
- Breathable long pants · 2Temples ask you to cover knees
- Shoulder-covering shirts · 4
- Light scarf · 1Dust and temple visits
Footwear
- Waterproof walking shoes · 1 pairMonsoon streets, Jun–Sep
- Slip-on sandals · 1 pairShoes off at many temples
Gear
- Water filter or purifier bottleDon't drink tap water
- HeadlampPower cuts can still happen
- Compact umbrellaRain almost daily in July–August
Health and toiletries
- Dust maskBusy, dusty streets
- Stomach medicine and rehydration salts
- Hand sanitizer
Documents and money
- Passport and visa
- Travel insurance
Tech
- Plug adapter for C, D and M · 1230V, no US outlets
What shoes should you pack for Kathmandu?
Kathmandu's streets are broken pavement, dust and mud, and Swayambhunath has hundreds of steep steps up to the stupa. Wear closed sneakers or light trail shoes with grip, and add sandals for the monsoon. You'll take your shoes off at many temples, so ones that slip on and off save time.
What do people wear in Kathmandu?
Dress modestly. Covering shoulders and knees is normal, especially at Pashupatinath and other temples, and loose cotton trousers and long sleeves are comfortable and respectful. Trekking clothes are everywhere in Thamel, so nobody will look twice at fleece and hiking pants.
What plugs does Kathmandu use?
Nepal uses Type C, D and M plugs at 230V. US, UK, EU and AU travel adapters won't fit the round three pin D and M sockets, though slim two pin Type C plugs often go in. Short power cuts can still happen, so keep a power bank charged.
Tours and things to do in Kathmandu
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Kathmandu.
What should you leave at home for Kathmandu?
Leave short shorts and revealing tops, they'll get stares at temples and outside Thamel. You don't need a full trekking kit for the city either, gear is easy to rent or buy in Thamel if you decide to trek.
Packing for Kathmandu: questions people ask
What should I wear in Kathmandu in October?
Light layers for days around 24°C (75°F) and a warm jacket for nights near 15°C (59°F). October still gets 15 rain days, so pack a rain shell too.
Is Kathmandu cold in winter?
The days aren't, at 18°C (64°F) to 20°C (68°F). Nights drop to 5°C (41°F) to 7°C (45°F) and many buildings have little heating, so bring a warm fleece or a down jacket.
Can you visit Kathmandu during the monsoon?
Yes, but expect rain on nearly every day from June to September, with 31 rain days in July and August. Flights and mountain roads can be delayed, so build in spare days.
What should I wear to temples in Kathmandu?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and wear shoes that slip off easily. The main temple at Pashupatinath is open only to Hindus, though you can walk the grounds around it.
Do I need a plug adapter in Nepal?
Yes. Nepal uses Type C, D and M sockets at 230V, and standard US, UK, EU and AU adapters won't fit the D and M sockets. Buy a local adapter.
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