Spring in Pokhara, Nepal really brings some of the most comfortable and balanced weather you’ll get all year. You can expect warm days, mild nights, and just a bit of light rainfall, making it one of the best times to get out and enjoy the city and the scenery. The season runs from March through May. During this time, the climate shifts from pleasantly cool to warmer as summer gets closer.
Daytime temperatures usually climb into the upper 70s or low 80s °F, and nights stay cool enough for decent sleep. Early spring doesn’t see much rain, just a few wet days, but by May, showers pop up more often.
Sunshine is pretty generous, so you get long, bright days to wander the lakeside, hit nearby trails, or just soak in those mountain views.
What really sets spring apart in Pokhara is the balance. It skips the winter chill and the heavy monsoon rains. The mix of clear skies, cozy warmth, and manageable rainfall creates a season that just feels vibrant and practical for outdoor plans.
Overview of Spring in Pokhara
Spring in Pokhara means steady warming, longer daylight, and a gradual bump in rainfall. Early on, you get clear skies, but as summer nears, showers become more frequent.
Spring Months and Calendar
Pokhara’s spring runs from March through May. These months bridge the mild winter and the wetter summer monsoon.
March starts with cool mornings, lows near 50°F (10°C), and afternoons that usually reach 74°F (23°C). By May, daily highs hit around 90°F (32°C), and nights stay mild at about 69°F (21°C).
Daylight changes fast. You gain over two extra hours of sunlight from early March to late May. Sunrise moves from about 6:30 a.m. in March to just after 5:00 a.m. by the end of May.
Rainfall jumps up as the season goes. March stays pretty dry, but by May, expect more wet days, with rainfall averaging 2–3 inches over 31 days.
March and April usually work best for outdoor activities, while late May starts to feel more humid and brings heavier showers.
General Climate Characteristics
Pokhara’s spring weather is warm, comfortable, and often clear. Early in the season, skies are mostly sunny and cloud cover stays below 20%. By late May, clouds show up more often, but you’ll still get plenty of bright days.
Humidity stays low, so muggy days are rare. Even as temperatures rise, the air feels pleasant compared to the sticky monsoon months.
Winds are light, averaging 5–6 mph. In March, breezes blow from the north, then switch to the south in April and May.
You’ll notice the sun feels stronger too, with daily solar energy reaching nearly 7.6 kWh by late May.
This mix of warmth, clear skies, and longer days creates some of the best conditions for trekking, paragliding, and sightseeing before summer’s rainier weather moves in.
Average Temperatures During Spring
Spring in Pokhara warms up steadily. By late May, daytime highs reach the upper 80s. Nights also get milder, shifting from cool in early March to much warmer by the end of the season.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During spring, daytime highs in Pokhara go from about 74°F (23°C) in early March to around 90°F (32°C) by late May. These don’t often drop below 67°F (19°C) or pass 95°F (35°C).
At night, lows rise from roughly 50°F (10°C) in March to about 69°F (21°C) by May. Nights stay comfortable, and it’s rare for temperatures to fall below 45°F (7°C) or climb above 72°F (22°C).
You’ll definitely notice mornings feel cool in early spring, but by late May, evenings are warm. If you’re after mild weather, March and April give you the most balanced conditions.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 74°F / 23°C | 50°F / 10°C |
| April | 82°F / 28°C | 60°F / 16°C |
| May | 90°F / 32°C | 69°F / 21°C |
Temperature Trends from March to May
From March through May, temperatures just keep rising. Each month brings warmer afternoons, longer daylight, and milder nights.
By May, it almost feels like summer, with warm days and evenings that don’t really cool down. The increase isn’t sudden, but you’ll notice it. Daily highs climb about 16°F (9°C), and lows rise by nearly 20°F (11°C) over the season.
Pack layers if you’re visiting in March—mornings and evenings can still be chilly. By May, lighter clothes are usually enough. The pattern repeats year after year, so spring is one of the most predictable times for weather in Pokhara.
Rainfall Patterns in Spring
Spring in Pokhara acts as a bridge between the dry winter and the heavy summer monsoon. Rainfall increases steadily, and you’ll notice more showers as you move from March into May.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Pokhara during spring rises clearly. March is mostly dry, with about 30–40 mm of rain. April brings 60–100 mm, and by May, rainfall often tops 200 mm.
That steady increase signals the monsoon isn’t far off. Higher totals in May mean you might get short but heavy downpours, especially late afternoon or evening. These showers don’t usually last long, but they can shake up your outdoor plans.
Here’s a quick look at the monthly rainfall:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | 30–40 mm |
| April | 60–100 mm |
| May | 200+ mm |
If you’re planning treks or outdoor adventures, expect wetter conditions by late spring.
Number of Rainy Days
The number of rainy days goes up as spring rolls on. March typically brings 2–3 rainy days. April sees 4–6 days, and May often has 10 or more days with measurable rain.
March and April showers are usually light, but May brings stronger storms. These can block views in the valleys and hide the peaks behind clouds.
Even with more rainy days, sunshine still dominates. Showers usually come in bursts, not all day. So you’ll often get clear mornings, with rain more likely later on.
If you plan your outings around this pattern, you can dodge the wettest hours and still make the most of your trip.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Index
Spring in Pokhara brings longer days, stronger sunlight, and higher UV levels. You get more sunshine than in winter, but the sun’s intensity climbs fast, so planning ahead for outdoor activities is smart.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Pokhara’s spring sees sunshine hours climb steadily. In March, you usually get about 8 hours of sunshine per day. April often hits 11 hours or more. By May, you’re still averaging 10–11 hours daily before the monsoon clouds roll in.
Spring is one of the brightest times of year here. The clear skies and long sunshine hours make it perfect for trekking, sightseeing, or boating on Phewa Lake.
Just remember, rainfall does increase in April and May. Even so, total sunshine hours stay high, especially in April when sunny weather chances can reach 70%.
Day Length Changes
Daylight grows fast in spring. In March, the average day is about 12 hours, compared to just 10 in January.
By April, you get 12 hours and 30 minutes, and in May, nearly 13 hours of daylight.
This gives you more time outdoors without worrying about losing daylight. Hikers and travelers definitely benefit from the longer days.
Photographers and nature lovers get more chances too. Longer mornings and evenings mean more time to catch those Himalayan views before the clouds show up.
UV Index Fluctuations
The UV Index takes a sharp jump in spring. In March, it often hits 11–12, which is very high to extreme. By April, you might see 13, and in May, it can reach 14—some of the highest readings all year.
At these levels, unprotected skin can burn in less than 15 minutes. You’ll want SPF 30+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe a hat or light cover-up if you’re outside at midday.
Even on cooler or partly cloudy days, UV exposure stays strong in Pokhara thanks to its altitude and clear mountain air. Taking a few precautions lets you enjoy the bright weather without the health risks.
Spring Weather Compared to Other Seasons
Spring in Pokhara brings steady warming, longer daylight hours, and a clear rise in rainfall as the season moves forward. Compared to summer, it feels more comfortable and less humid. It’s also warmer and a bit wetter than autumn and winter.
Spring vs Summer Weather
Spring in Pokhara starts with daytime highs near 74°F (23°C) in early March and climbs to about 90°F (32°C) by late May. Nights stay mild, moving from about 50°F (10°C) to almost 69°F (21°C).
Summer, though, is hotter and wetter. June through August brings highs in the mid-80s to low 90s°F (29–34°C) with heavy monsoon rains. The chance of a rainy day peaks near 60% in July, compared to about 28% by the end of spring.
Humidity spikes in summer, making it feel sticky. Unlike spring, when you often get clear or partly cloudy skies, summer is dominated by thick clouds. Visibility drops, and outdoor plans get interrupted by frequent downpours.
If you like warm but manageable weather with lots of sunshine, spring just makes life easier. Summer does offer lush green scenery, but you’ll need to be flexible with rain and less mountain visibility.
Spring vs Autumn and Winter
Autumn in Pokhara is drier and cooler than spring. From September to November, highs usually range from 77–84°F (25–29°C) with clear skies and barely any rain. It’s often the most stable time for trekking, especially compared to late spring.
Winter, from December to February, is mild but definitely cooler. Daily highs average 67–72°F (19–22°C), and lows can dip to 45–50°F (7–10°C). Rain is rare, and skies are clearer than in spring.
Spring brings longer daylight, reaching nearly 14 hours by late May. That’s a big jump from about 11 hours in January and gives you more time for outdoor fun.
While winter feels crisp and autumn feels balanced, spring stands out for its warming trend and rising rainfall, hinting at the coming summer monsoon.
Travel Tips for Visiting Pokhara in Spring
Spring in Pokhara gives you mild temperatures, clear skies, and colorful landscapes. You can enjoy easy city walks or longer treks in the Annapurna region, all with fewer weather hassles than in other seasons.
What to Pack
During spring, daytime temperatures usually sit between 15°C and 25°C. That’s comfortable for most outdoor plans, but you’ll notice mornings and evenings feel a bit chilly. So, don’t forget a light jacket or fleece.
When you head out for a hike, grab breathable clothing. You’ll want a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen too, since the sun can get surprisingly strong.
Make sure you pack good walking shoes or trekking boots. If you’re thinking about wandering outside the city, your feet will thank you later.
Spring doesn’t bring much rain, definitely less than the monsoon, but you might still get caught in a quick shower. Toss in a compact rain jacket or poncho—they hardly take up any space.
If trekking up to higher elevations is on your list, bring layered clothing. Temperatures drop fast as you climb. A scarf or buff isn’t a bad idea either, especially if you hit a dusty trail.
Best Outdoor Activities
Spring feels like one of the best times for trekking near Pokhara. You’ll find popular routes like Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna Base Camp trek showing off clear mountain views and blooming rhododendron forests.
If you’re up for it, try paragliding from Sarangkot. Stable weather and those endless blue skies make flying conditions pretty great.
Or maybe you’d rather just chill? Boating on Phewa Lake gives you calm waters and gentle breezes, so it’s a super relaxing option.
Shorter hikes around the valley work well in spring too. Heading to the World Peace Pagoda or Begnas Lake feels comfortable with the mild temperatures.
Spring also brings out local festivals and lively street scenes. You’ll get a real taste of Nepali culture while you’re out exploring.