Are you planning a trip to Nepal in October? 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 October: Overview
- Average temperature range: 13°C (55°F) – 24°C (75°F)
- Rainfall: 80 mm (3 inches) in Kathmandu; 160 mm (6 inches) in Pokhara; 60 mm (2 inches) in Bharatpur.
- Rainy days: 3 in Kathmandu; 3 in Pokhara; 8 in Bharatpur.
- Sunny days: 16 in Kathmandu; 14 in Pokhara; 13 in Bharatpur.
Gone are the summer days of rainy, muggy, weather. They've been replaced with the crisp, cool, conditions of October instead. While it may rain every now and again during October in Nepal, these days are usually concentrated towards the beginning of the month.
You can expect plenty a sunny day no matter where you are in the country, without having to worry about it being overly hot. Average temperatures for October in Nepal range from minimum nighttime temperatures of 13°C (55°F) to maximum daytime temperatures of 24°C (75°F).
If you're looking to hike or trek or just spend some time in the great outdoors, October is a phenomenal time of year to be visiting Nepal during. The weather is simply fantastic during the month and the huge numbers of travelers to the country during this time is a clear reflection of this.
Weather of Nepal's Major Cities in October
| City | Min. Temp | Max. Temp | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | 15°C (59°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3 inches) |
| Pokhara | 13°C (55°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 160 mm (6 inches) |
| Bharatpur (Chitwan) |
19°C (66°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 60 mm (2 inches) |
Kathmandu (also Patan/Lalitpur): Weather conditions in the capital city of Kathmandu are perfect for the month of October. There are very few rainy days and most of the month is characterized by clear, dry, days with plenty of sunshine. You can expect the average temperatures to range from maximums that touch 24°C (75°F) to minimums around the 15°C (59°F) mark.
Pokhara: The lakeside city of Pokhara is marked by weather conditions that are best described as pleasant. Rainfall here is more torrential than it is in other Nepalese cities, but precipitation is concentrated over a span of 3 or so days. Most of the month is clear, dry, and in perfect accompaniment of the sun. Average temperatures in Pokhara for the month of October range from lows of 13°C (55°F) to highs of 23°C (73°F).
Bharatpur (Chitwan): Light rain showers spread out over a period of a week can be expected in Bharatpur in October. While it will be sunny, humidity remains at an uncomfortable high of 76% in the city. The average temperatures during this period hover close to 19°C (66°F) on the low end and 24°C (75°F) on the higher side.
Feeling overwhelmed planning a trip to Nepal? Check this handy guide out!
The Best Places to Visit in Nepal in October
1.Mardi Himal (Trek)
The Mardi Himal Trek is great for beginners who want to get a taste of what the classic Nepali trek in the Himalayas is like. The trek takes you to a maximum elevation of 4500 meters/14,764 feet at which point you reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp and from where you can view the giant peaks that are Manaslu, Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, and Dhaulagiri. The trails on this trek, given its difficulty level and accessibility, tend to get a little crowded but let that not take away from the panoramic beauty it affords its hikers.
2.Annapurna Base Camp (Trek)
A timeless classic, the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, takes you to the very lap of the world's 10th highest peak, Annapurna. The trek takes you through charming Gurung villages and green valleys in the Annapurna Conservation Area before you hit higher elevations from which you get panoramic views of some of the tallest mountains known to humankind, including Annapurna, Annapurna III, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain). We recommend adding an extra day to your itinerary to spend the night at Machhapuchhare Base Camp. While your trek up to Annapurna Base Camp will be short the next day, you'll get to fully appreciate the unique and mystic mountain that is Machhapuchhare to it's fullest. The ABC trek is perfect for entry to early-intermediate level trekkers and while the trails on this trek get a little crowded in October, it's not crowded to the point of being unenjoyable. You'll still have the time of your life! If you had to choose one trek to complete in Nepal and are in the country in October, this should be the one.
3.Pokhara
Pokhara is the starting point for many a trek in the Annapurna region of the Himalayas. As a result, it welcomes many guests during the month of October. The weather is great in Pokhara during this time, making it ideal to explore the many sites on offer before you leave the comforts of city life and head out into the mountains. We recommend paragliding outside the city to take in views of Phewa Lake, Pokhara, and the Annapurna range in the distance. Devi's Waterfall and the World Peace Pagoda are also worthy mentions that ought to be visited if you have additional time in the city.
October Crowds and Costs
October, given the near-perfect weather during the month, is very much part of Nepal's high season. Many travelers and hikers make their way to the country during this month in anticipation of completing some of the world's most awe-inspiring trekking circuits, meaning you're going to find it busy no matter where you go, whether that be outside on the trails or in popular centers around the cities. Don't worry, though, as it's not crowded to a disastrous extent as to spoil the experience of being in the Himalayas in any way.
As you'd expect, October is as expensive as it ever is in Nepal. The presence of huge groups of tourists results in businesses making the most of this peak season by hiking up prices. You can expect to pay premium prices for everything from airfare and accommodation to transportation and shopping during the month of October. While paying over the odds may be unavoidable for some things, you can save a lot on airfare and transportation by booking as far out in advance as possible.
What to Wear in Nepal in October
October in Nepal is marked by crisp, cool, and sunny weather. While the odd overcast day or rain shower is not out of the question, the weather is generally gorgeous, and packing for largely cool and dry weather conditions is the way to go.
The basics to pack for an October trip to Nepal include tops and shorts made of quick-drying materials, sweatpants, capris, a raincoat, a light jacket, sweatshirt, hoodie, a couple of sweaters, tennis shoes, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and mosquito repellant.
If your itinerary includes a trek at higher altitudes, you should also pack the following items in addition to the ones mentioned above: a reliably sturdy backpack (the size of this depends on how long you'll be on the trails for), a daypack for necessities you'll want to access easily, thick socks, quick-drying shirts, thermals, sturdy waterproof trekking boots, fleece, windbreaker, down jacket, a neck warmer or scarf, balaclava, thick winter hat, headlamp, trekking poles, and toiletries.
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.
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