Nepal Weather in August: Temperature and Travel Tips

Are you planning a trip to Nepal in August? Read on to learn more about the weather in the country during this time of year, what you should pack in terms of clothing and gear, and the best places you ought to visit during the month in this Himalayan paradise.

Nepal Weather in August: Overview

• Average temperature range: 20°C (68°F) – 29°C (84°F)
• Rainfall: 600 mm (24 inches) in Kathmandu; 900 mm (35 inches) in Pokhara; 560 mm (22 inches) in Bharatpur.
• Rainy days: 14 in Kathmandu; 15 in Pokhara; 21 in Bharatpur.
• Sunny days: 7 in Kathmandu; 6 in Pokhara; 5 in Bharatpur.

August is very much a part of Nepal's summer monsoon season. Most of August is marked by heavy rainfall which eases up towards the end of the month. You can expect it to be hot and humid during this time of the year, with the rains causing landslides and flooding in many a mountainous region of the country. Temperatures range from lows of 20°C (68°F) to highs of 29°C (84°F) in the valleys and plains, and are lower in the higher elevations.

While August is not the ideal time to be out and about trekking on Nepal's world-renowned hiking trails, it is still a great time to visit the country and spend time appreciating the cultural sights on offer in some of its major cities.

Weather of Nepal's Major Cities in August

Kathmandu (also Patan/Lalitpur): Kathmandu experiences warm and humid weather conditions during August. August is one of the rainiest months in the capital, but you can expect a week or so of sunshine interspersed in between the muggy conditions. Average maximum temperatures for August hover around the 27°C (81°F) mark in Kathmandu, while the average minimum temperatures hover around the 20°C (68°F) mark in the bustling metropolis.

Pokhara: Pokhara, too, suffers from generally poor weather during the month of August. Half the month is marked by warm rainy days. You can expect the average August temperature in this popular tourist city to range from highs of 26°C (79°F) to lows of 20°C (68°F).

Bharatpur (Chitwan): While Bharatpur doesn't experience rainfall that is quite as torrential or severe as that in Pokhara or Kathmandu, the 560 mm (22 inches) it does receive during August is spread out over a staggering 21 days, resulting in an extremely uncomfortable 85% humidity level during that time. The average temperature high in the city during August is around 29°C (84°F) and the average temperature low is around 23°C (73°F).

Feeling overwhelmed planning a trip to Nepal? Check this handy guideout!

The Best Places to Visit in Nepal in August

1.Kathmandu

Don't just treat the sprawling capital that is Kathmandu as a pit stop to further your adventures in Nepal; the city has a lot to offer visitors in terms of sightseeing and great dining options. You can spend your days exploring sights and temples like Pashupatinath, the Palace Museum, and Buddha Stupa before enjoying some fine Thakali and Newari fare. The Kathmandu countryside is lush and green during August, providing guests the perfect weekend getaway from the city if needed!

2.Pokhara

It will be rainy and warm in Pokhara during August but the month affords travelers to this popular tourist city with plenty of opportunity to explore the city. There are plenty of temples and museums like Tal Barahi Temple and the International Mountain Museum that are worth exploring on rainy days, while outdoor hotspots like Devi's Waterfall and Phewa Lake that are must-not-misses for the days the sun is actually out and shining. If you make your way to the top of the World Peace Pagoda, you can get a fantastic panoramic view of the entire lake from atop!

3.Bandipur

Sitting quietly in the foothills of the Himalayas close to Pokhara, Bandipur is another great option worth visiting during August. Not only does the Newari city not experience the incessant amounts of rainfall that are mainstays of the August calendar in cities like Pokhara, but it is also home to Nepal's largest cave, the Siddha Gufa, and many a famed temple. It's conveniently located between Kathmandu and Pokhara, further strengthening an argument to be made in favor of paying it a visit.

August Crowds and Costs

August is part of the low season insofar as tourism in Nepal is concerned. The trails are either completely inaccessible or extremely challenging to reach due to the rains, and this deters most international travelers from making their way to the country. This means that if you do decide to visit Nepal during August, you'll be able to explore the country's many cities without having to worry about it being crowded at all.

Another upside of visiting Nepal during the August off-season is the fact that you'll find everything from airfare and accommodation to transportation and entertainment priced tremendously fairly. Things are far cheaper in the country during August than they are during popular tourist months like October and November.

What to Wear in Nepal in August

August is relatively warm in Nepal, especially in the plains and other low altitude areas. It'll also be rainy in the country during the month, so it's essential you prepare for wet weather conditions.

A comprehensive packing list for a trip to Nepal in August ought to include the following items: shirts made of soft, breathable, fabrics like cotton and linen, tops and shorts made of quick-drying materials, lightweight pants or capris, a light jacket since it tends to be cool during the mornings and late evenings, sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhats, sturdy waterproof shoes, sandals, a reliable raincoat or umbrella, and insect repellant.

We don't recommend you go hiking or trekking in Nepal during the month of August. It's constantly raining, and it can get dangerous on the trails. If conditions are safe and you do decide to explore some of the trekking routes, though, remember to carry a down jacket, winter gloves, trekking boots, thermals, trekking poles, polaroid sunglasses, winter hats, scarves, thick socks, and trekking pants in addition to the other items mentioned above.

Explore Nepal with Asia Highlights

There are mountains, and then there are the Himalayas. If you're reading this, you're probably planning your dream vacation to the gorgeous Himalayan abode that is Nepal! If you're interested in exploring Nepal and experiencing the country's many fascinating delights, feel free to get in touch with us. Our team of travel experts here at Asia Highlights go above and beyond in making sure you navigate Nepal's changing seasons as seamlessly as possible and assist you in picking the perfect time to visit its top attractions.

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Nepal 

Learn about the weather in Nepal for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.