February is Nepal's quiet secret. Winter is loosening its grip, the days are sunny and getting longer, and the mountain views are still as sharp as in December. The big spring crowds haven't arrived yet, so you can often have viewpoints like Poon Hill or Kala Patthar almost to yourself. It's cold at altitude, and some high passes are still snowbound, but for lower and mid-altitude treks, city sightseeing and wildlife, February is excellent.
Quick answer: February is dry, sunny and cold, with excellent mountain views and few trekkers. Kathmandu is about 19–22°C by day and 3–6°C at night; Everest Base Camp nights drop to around −15°C. Best for Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Everest View and well-prepared EBC treks; Chitwan is great as the grass is cut. Festivals include Losar and often Maha Shivaratri.
February at a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Weather | Mostly dry and sunny; occasional winter storms with snow higher up |
| Views | Excellent |
| Kathmandu | About 19–22°C by day, 3–6°C at night |
| Pokhara | About 21–24°C by day, 8–10°C at night |
| High trails | Very cold nights; snow possible on passes |
| Crowds | Low |
| Festivals | Losar, Maha Shivaratri (Feb or March), Basanta Panchami |
The weather in February
February is generally dry, with long spells of clear, sunny weather. Mornings are frosty in the hills and Kathmandu can be chilly before the sun warms the valley, but days are pleasant. Occasional western disturbances bring cloud, rain in the valleys and fresh snow on the mountains, usually followed by beautifully clear days. Morning fog is less persistent in the Terai than in December and January, and it becomes warmer through the month.
| Place | Altitude | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | 1,400 m | 19–22°C | 3–6°C |
| Pokhara | 820 m | 21–24°C | 8–10°C |
| Ghorepani | 2,860 m | 8–13°C | −3 to 0°C |
| Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m | 5–10°C | −8 to −5°C |
| Gorak Shep | 5,164 m | −5 to 0°C | −18 to −12°C |
Best treks in February
Short and mid-altitude treks
February is ideal for treks that stay below about 3,500 m. The Poon Hill trek has clear sunrises and, by late February, the first rhododendrons on the lower slopes. Mardi Himal, the Ghandruk trek and Australian Camp are all excellent and quiet.
Everest region
The Everest View trek and Ama Dablam Base Camp trek give big views without the coldest nights. The full Everest Base Camp trek is very rewarding for well-equipped trekkers, with empty trails, though some higher lodges may be closed until March.
High passes
Thorong La, Larkya La and the Three Passes are often snowbound in February. Wait until late March or April unless you are experienced, flexible and trekking with a guide who knows current conditions. See our winter trekking guide.
Festivals in February
- Losar: the Tibetan and Sherpa New Year (Gyalpo Losar) usually falls in February or early March. Boudhanath is the place to see it in Kathmandu, and Sherpa villages celebrate too. The Tamang New Year, Sonam Losar, comes a few weeks earlier.
- Maha Shivaratri: the great night of Shiva, in February or March, draws huge crowds and sadhus to Pashupatinath.
- Basanta Panchami: honouring Saraswati, goddess of learning, usually in late January or February. Students visit Saraswati shrines, including at Swayambhunath.
- Democracy Day (Prajatantra Diwas) is a public holiday in mid-February.
Dates follow the lunar calendar and change each year. See our festivals guide.
Other things to do in February
- Chitwan and Bardia: the grass is cut and burned in late winter, making wildlife easier to spot, and temperatures are pleasant. See Chitwan jungle safari and Bardia tiger safari.
- Lumbini: comfortable temperatures for exploring the monastic zone.
- Kathmandu Valley: sunny days for sightseeing and day hikes with mountain views.
- Paragliding: good flying conditions in Pokhara. See Pokhara paragliding.
- Mountain flight: clear skies for the Everest mountain flight.
What to pack for February
- A warm sleeping bag (−10°C for mid-altitude treks, −15°C for EBC).
- A heavy down jacket, thermal layers, warm hat and gloves.
- Microspikes if your guide recommends them for icy sections.
- Sun protection: winter sun at altitude is strong.
- Warm clothes for chilly evenings in Kathmandu, where heating is limited.
February vs March
| February | March | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperatures | Colder | Warming |
| Views | Very clear | Clear mornings, more haze later |
| Rhododendrons | Just starting at lower altitudes | Blooming from mid-March |
| High passes | Often snowbound | Opening up later in the month |
| Crowds | Low | Moderate |
More in our Nepal in March guide.
Should you visit Nepal in February?
Yes, if you want clear views, quiet trails and good wildlife, and you don't mind cold nights. Choose a lower or mid-altitude trek, or prepare well for Everest, and leave the high passes for spring. Contact us to plan a February trip.