# Pokhara Weather by Month

_Published 26 June 2026_

Pokhara (about 820 m) is warmer than Kathmandu and sits right beneath the Annapurnas, so the weather decides whether you see the mountains.

**Quick answer:** **October–December** brings the clearest mountain views and pleasant days. **January–February** is clear and cool. **March–May** is warm with more haze. From **June to September**, Pokhara has one of the wettest monsoons in Nepal, with heavy rain and clouds hiding the peaks.

## Month by month

MonthsWeatherJanuary–FebruaryClear mornings, cool nights, good viewsMarch–AprilWarm, some haze, rhododendrons in the hillsMayHot and humid, pre-monsoon stormsJune–SeptemberHeavy monsoon rain; lush and greenOctober–DecemberClear, sunny and comfortable: the best season## For views and activities

- Sunrise at Sarangkot is best October–February.
- Paragliding conditions are best October–May.
- Boating and lakeside walks are pleasant most of the year.

See [things to do in Pokhara](/blog/things-to-do-in-pokhara) and our [Pokhara guide](/blog/pokhara-travel-guide).

## Temperature and rainfall by month

MonthDay (°C)Night (°C)RainNotesJanuary207–8Very lowClear mornings, cool nightsFebruary228–9LowClear, warmingMarch2712LowWarm; haze increasingApril3016ModerateHot afternoons; stormsMay3019Moderate to highHot, humidJune3021Very highMonsoon beginsJuly3022Extremely highWettest monthAugust3022Extremely highHeavy rainSeptember2920HighMonsoon endingOctober2716LowClear, the best viewsNovember2411Very lowClear and pleasantDecember218Very lowClear, coolFigures are approximate averages; actual conditions vary from year to year.

## Why Pokhara is so wet

Pokhara is one of the rainiest places in Nepal, receiving well over three metres of rain a year, most of it between June and September. The reason is geography: the Annapurna range rises abruptly just north of the city, so moist monsoon winds from the south are forced upward, cool and release their rain over the Pokhara valley. The same mountains create a rain shadow behind them, which is why Mustang, just across the range, is dry. See [Upper Mustang](/blog/upper-mustang-trek-guide).

## The seasons in Pokhara

### Autumn (October–November)

The best time: clear skies, warm days and the Annapurnas reflected in Phewa Lake on calm mornings. Ideal for paragliding, trekking and boating. It is also peak season.

### Winter (December–February)

Clear, sunny days that are pleasantly warm, and cool nights. Mountain views are often excellent in the mornings. Pokhara is noticeably warmer than Kathmandu, making it a pleasant winter base. Higher treks nearby can be snowy.

### Spring (March–May)

Warm and increasingly hot, with haze reducing mountain views as the season goes on, though early mornings can still be clear. Rhododendrons bloom on nearby treks in March and April. Thunderstorms become more frequent in May.

### Monsoon (June–September)

Very wet, with heavy rain on most days and clouds hiding the mountains. The landscape is lush and green, waterfalls such as Davis Falls are at their most powerful, and hotels are quiet and discounted. Paragliding and trekking are limited, and leeches are common on nearby trails.

## Mountain views by month

MonthsChance of clear viewsOctober–DecemberExcellentJanuary–FebruaryVery good, mostly morningsMarch–AprilGood early, hazy laterMayFairJune–SeptemberPoor; occasional clear mornings after rain## Activities by season

- **Paragliding:** best October–May; limited in the monsoon. See [paragliding](/blog/paragliding-in-pokhara-guide).
- **Sarangkot sunrise:** best October–February.
- **Trekking:** October–November and March–April for most routes. See [treks near Pokhara](/blog/best-treks-near-pokhara).
- **Boating:** pleasant most of the year; calm mornings are best.
- **Caves and waterfalls:** Davis Falls is most impressive in the monsoon.

## Pokhara vs Kathmandu weather

Pokhara, at about 820 m, is around 600 m lower than Kathmandu, so it is a few degrees warmer year-round, with milder winter nights. It is also much wetter in the monsoon. Air quality is generally better in Pokhara, though spring haze affects both. See [Kathmandu vs Pokhara](/blog/kathmandu-vs-pokhara).

## Month by month in more detail

- **January:** sunny, mild days around 20 °C and cool nights; clear mountain views most mornings. Quiet season.
- **February:** warming, still clear; a great month for Sarangkot sunrises and short treks.
- **March:** warm days, increasing haze; rhododendrons bloom on nearby treks.
- **April:** hot afternoons, more haze and occasional thunderstorms; good paragliding.
- **May:** hot and humid, with storms and fewer views; the end of the season.
- **June:** the monsoon arrives with heavy rain; the valley turns green.
- **July:** the wettest month, with very heavy rain on most days.
- **August:** continued heavy rain; Davis Falls at its most powerful.
- **September:** rain decreasing; by late month, clearer skies return.
- **October:** clear, warm and the best time for views and activities; busy.
- **November:** crisp, clear and slightly cooler; excellent views.
- **December:** clear and cool, with quiet trails and lakeside.

## Packing for Pokhara

SeasonPackAutumn and springLight clothes, sun hat, sunscreen, a fleece for eveningsWinterLight layers by day, warm jacket for mornings and eveningsMonsoonRain jacket, umbrella, quick-dry clothes, sandals, insect repellentBring warmer gear if you plan to trek higher; see [packing list](/blog/nepal-trekking-packing-list).

## Flights to Jomsom and the weather

Flights from Pokhara to Jomsom fly through the Kali Gandaki gorge and operate only in the early morning, as strong winds pick up later in the day. In the monsoon, cloud often cancels flights. Keep spare days if your plans include Jomsom or Upper Mustang. See [Jomsom](/blog/jomsom-travel-guide).

## Best time for different travellers

TravellerBest monthsMountain views and photographyOctober–FebruaryParaglidingOctober–MayTrekking nearbyOctober–November, March–AprilQuiet, budget travelJune–AugustFamiliesOctober–April## Monsoon in Pokhara

Pokhara in the monsoon is a different place: the lake is full, the valley intensely green, and clouds drift over the hills. Rain falls heavily, often for hours, especially at night, with occasional sunny breaks. The mountains are usually hidden, but a clear morning after heavy rain can bring a startling view of Machhapuchhre. Many visitors enjoy the quiet lakeside cafés, yoga retreats and discounted hotels. Trekking nearby is wet and leechy, so choose Upper Mustang via Jomsom if you want dry trails. See [things to do in the monsoon](/blog/things-to-do-in-nepal-in-monsoon).

## Storms and safety

Thunderstorms in late spring and the monsoon can be intense, with lightning and strong winds over the lake. Boating and paragliding stop in bad weather. Follow operators' instructions, avoid the lake during storms, and stay indoors during lightning. Landslides can affect roads around Pokhara in the monsoon; check conditions before travelling.

## Sunrise and sunset in Pokhara

Sunrise ranges from about 5.15 am in June to about 7 am in January, and sunset from about 5.30 pm in winter to around 7 pm in summer. For the best mountain views at Sarangkot, arrive 30 minutes before sunrise. Sunset over Phewa Lake, seen from the World Peace Pagoda or a lakeside café, is a Pokhara highlight in clear seasons.

## Our advice

Visit Pokhara between October and April for the best chance of seeing the Annapurnas reflected in Phewa Lake, with October, November and December the clearest months. Spring brings warm weather and flowers on nearby treks, but more haze. If you come in the monsoon, enjoy the green landscapes and quiet cafés, and plan a trip to Mustang for drier trekking. [Contact us](/contact-us) to plan your visit.

## Weather on treks from Pokhara

Treks starting near Pokhara climb quickly into cooler air. On Poon Hill (3,210 m), winter nights drop below freezing and snow is possible; at Mardi Himal High Camp (about 3,580 m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), nights are well below freezing from November to March. In spring, afternoon cloud and showers are common; in autumn, skies are generally clear and stable. Always pack warm layers even when Pokhara feels warm. See [ABC in winter](/blog/annapurna-base-camp-in-winter).

## Frequently asked questions
### When is the best time to visit Pokhara?
**October–December**.

### Is Pokhara rainy?
Very rainy in the monsoon, June–September.

### Can I see the mountains in summer?
Rarely; clouds usually hide them.

### Is Pokhara warmer than Kathmandu?
Yes, it is lower.

### How much rain does Pokhara get?
Well over three metres a year, mostly June to September.

### Why is Pokhara wetter than Kathmandu?
The Annapurnas rise just to the north, forcing monsoon clouds to drop their rain.

### Is Pokhara good in winter?
Yes. Days are sunny and pleasant, with good morning views.

### When is paragliding best?
October to May.

### What is the wettest month in Pokhara?
July.

### Do Jomsom flights get cancelled?
Often in the monsoon, and afternoons are too windy; flights run early in the morning.

### Is it safe to boat on Phewa Lake in storms?
No. Boating stops in bad weather; avoid the lake during storms.

### Is Pokhara good for budget travel in the monsoon?
Yes, hotels are quiet and discounted, though it is very wet.

### What time is sunrise in Pokhara?
About 7 am in January and 5.15 am in June.

### Where is the best sunset spot in Pokhara?
The World Peace Pagoda or a lakeside café.

### Is it humid in Pokhara?
Yes, from May to September; winter is dry and comfortable.

### Is October the best month for Pokhara?
Yes, along with November and December, for clear views and pleasant weather.

### Does it snow in Pokhara?
No, snow falls only on the mountains and higher hills.

### How cold is Poon Hill in winter?
Below freezing at night, with snow possible.

### Is March a good month for Pokhara?
Yes, warm and pleasant with rhododendrons on nearby treks, though hazier than autumn.

### Can I trek from Pokhara in December?
Yes, lower treks like Poon Hill are clear and quiet, with cold nights.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/pokhara-weather-by-month