# Nepal in February: Late Winter Sun, Clear Views and Quiet Trails

_Published 17 October 2025_

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

AspectWhat to expectWeatherMostly dry and sunny; occasional winter storms with snow higher upViewsExcellentKathmanduAbout 19–22°C by day, 3–6°C at nightPokharaAbout 21–24°C by day, 8–10°C at nightHigh trailsVery cold nights; snow possible on passesCrowdsLowFestivalsLosar, 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.

PlaceAltitudeDayNightKathmandu1,400 m19–22°C3–6°CPokhara820 m21–24°C8–10°CGhorepani2,860 m8–13°C−3 to 0°CNamche Bazaar3,440 m5–10°C−8 to −5°CGorak Shep5,164 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](/ghorepani-poon-hill-trek) has clear sunrises and, by late February, the first rhododendrons on the lower slopes. [Mardi Himal](/mardi-himal-trek), the [Ghandruk trek](/ghandruk-trek) and [Australian Camp](/australian-camp-dhampus-trek) are all excellent and quiet.

### Everest region

The [Everest View trek](/everest-view-trek) and [Ama Dablam Base Camp trek](/ama-dablam-base-camp-trek) give big views without the coldest nights. The full [Everest Base Camp trek](/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](/blog/trekking-in-nepal-in-winter).

## 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](/blog/festivals-of-nepal).

## 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](/chitwan-jungle-safari) and [Bardia tiger safari](/bardia-national-park-tiger-safari).
- **Lumbini**: comfortable temperatures for exploring the monastic zone.
- **Kathmandu Valley**: sunny days for sightseeing and [day hikes](/blog/kathmandu-day-hikes) with mountain views.
- **Paragliding**: good flying conditions in Pokhara. See [Pokhara paragliding](/pokhara-paragliding).
- **Mountain flight**: clear skies for the [Everest mountain flight](/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

FebruaryMarchTemperaturesColderWarmingViewsVery clearClear mornings, more haze laterRhododendronsJust starting at lower altitudesBlooming from mid-MarchHigh passesOften snowboundOpening up later in the monthCrowdsLowModerateMore in our [Nepal in March guide](/blog/nepal-in-march).

## 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](/contact-us) to plan a February trip.

## Frequently asked questions
### Is February a good time to visit Nepal?
Yes, for clear views, sunny days and quiet trails, as long as you are prepared for cold nights.

### How cold is Nepal in February?
Kathmandu is about **19–22°C** by day and **3–6°C** at night; Everest Base Camp nights reach around **−15°C**.

### Can I trek to Everest Base Camp in February?
Yes, with good cold-weather gear. Some higher lodges may be closed.

### Are the high passes open in February?
They are often snowbound. Late March or April is safer.

### Which treks are best in February?
**Poon Hill**, **Mardi Himal**, **Ghandruk**, **Everest View** and **Ama Dablam Base Camp**.

### When is Losar?
Gyalpo Losar usually falls in **February or early March**.

### Is February good for Chitwan?
Yes, wildlife viewing is good as the grass is cut and temperatures are pleasant.

### Is February crowded?
No, it is one of the quietest months.

### Do rhododendrons bloom in February?
Only at the lowest altitudes late in the month; the main bloom is March–April.

### What should I pack for February?
A warm sleeping bag, heavy down jacket, thermals, gloves, hat and sun protection.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/nepal-in-february