climate

Nepal 's climate varies according to elevation. The Terai of southern Nepal has a tropical monsoon climate characterized by rainy summers and the southwest winds of the monsoon, and almost dry winters. The effect of the southern monsoon climate extends northward into mountain valleys. In the Middle Himalayan valleys the amount of precipitation varies with the extent of exposure to the rain-bearing monsoon winds. Several high valleys located in the rain shadow (area where precipitation is partially blocked by mountains) are dry. In the Kathmandu Valley the average rainfall is about 2,300 mm (about 90 in), most of which occurs from June to September. Between elevations of about 500 and 2,700 m (about 1,640 and 8,860 ft) there is a warm temperate climate; between about 2,700 and 3,000 m (about 8,860 and 9,840 ft) a cool temperate climate prevails. Between about 3,500 and 4,100 m (about 11,480 and 13,450 ft) summers are cool and winters are very cold. Above 4,100 m (about 13,450 ft) a severely cold, alpine climate prevail.

 

Here’s a brief view of the average temperatures and rainfall during peak summer and winter in three most popular tourist areas:

Place	Summer (May, June, July)			Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb)
	Max (°C)	Min (°C)	Rain (mm)	Max (°C)	Min (°C)	Rain (mm)
Kathmandu	28.1	19.5	312	19.3	3.0	15.4
Pokhara	29.7	21.3	829.7	20.3	7.7	26.3
Chitwan	33.0	25.3	404.0	24.1	8.3	13.8