Fall in Kathmandu really feels like a breath of fresh air after the wet summer monsoon. You’ll notice warm afternoons near 82°F in early September, but by late November, things cool down to about 70°F. Nights start off in the upper 60s and end up in the mid-40s. This steady change makes autumn one of the most comfortable times to hang out in the valley.
Rainfall drops off fast as fall rolls in. September still brings a bit of leftover moisture from the monsoon, but by November, rain is rare and skies turn mostly clear.
The air feels fresher, humidity drops, and those crisp mornings really stand out against the sunny afternoons.
Daylight starts to shrink too, with over 12 hours of sun in early September falling to about 10 and a half hours by late November. These shifts in temperature, rainfall, and daylight shape your plans, whether you’re exploring city streets, hiking hills, or joining in on cultural festivals.
Overview of Kathmandu Fall Climate
During fall, you’ll feel temperatures cool off, see clearer skies, and notice that rainfall drops sharply after the monsoon ends.
You get shorter days, drier air, and more comfortable humidity, which makes this one of the best times of year for being outdoors.
General Weather Patterns
In September, daytime highs hit the low 80s °F (around 27–28 °C). By late November, they settle closer to 70 °F (21 °C).
Nights change more dramatically, dropping from the upper 60s °F (20 °C) in early fall to the mid-40s °F (7 °C) by November.
Rainfall really tapers off. At the start of September, you might see about 5 inches (130 mm) of rain, but by November, totals usually fall below 0.5 inches (10 mm).
Humidity shifts too. Early fall feels muggy, with dew points above 65 °F (18 °C). By late November, the air turns much drier and more comfortable.
Clear skies take over, with cloud cover dropping from over 70% in September to around 10% in November.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall is cooler, drier, and less humid. Monsoon rains that peak in July and August disappear quickly, leaving behind cleaner air and better views.
This makes fall a more reliable time for trekking and sightseeing.
Winter brings colder nights, sometimes near 37 °F (3 °C) in December and January. Fall evenings stay milder, especially in September and October.
Spring in Kathmandu feels a bit like fall, with moderate temperatures and less rain. Still, spring tends to be a little warmer and can get more dust and haze from pre-monsoon winds.
Fall usually offers clearer skies and steadier weather.
Köppen Climate Classification
Kathmandu sits in the Cwb classification in the Köppen system. You get a temperate highland climate with dry winters and warm summers.
Most rain falls during the summer monsoon. Fall marks a quick decline in wet days.
Winters stay dry, and spring brings moderate showers before the monsoon comes back.
Elevation plays a big part. At about 1,400 meters (4,600 feet), Kathmandu stays cooler than the lowlands.
This altitude keeps summers from getting too hot and helps fall stay mild and pleasant.
Average Fall Temperatures in Kathmandu
Fall in Kathmandu brings a steady cooling trend—warm afternoons, much cooler nights.
The season shifts quickly from humid and rainy in early September to crisp and dry by late November.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Trends
Daytime highs usually start around 82°F (28°C) in early September and drop to about 70°F (21°C) by late November.
September afternoons feel comfortable, but by November, the air is cooler and drier.
Nights change more sharply. Lows fall from about 68°F (20°C) in September to near 44°F (7°C) by late November.
You might sleep with light bedding in September, but by November, you’ll want heavier blankets.
The gap between day and night temperatures gets wider as the season goes on.
Chilly mornings can sneak up on you, even when afternoons are mild. Packing layers is a good idea.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
Fall covers September, October, and November, and each month brings its own feel:
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 82 (28) | 68 (20) | Warm, humid, frequent rain |
| October | 77 (25) | 56 (13) | Mild, drier, pleasant days |
| November | 70 (21) | 44 (7) | Cool, crisp, very dry |
September still feels like late summer, with leftover monsoon humidity.
October is often the sweet spot—clear skies and moderate warmth.
By November, you get cool mornings and evenings that hint at winter.
Hourly Temperature Variations
Kathmandu’s temperatures shift a lot during the day.
Early mornings in November can dip close to 40°F (4°C), but afternoons bounce up into the low 70s°F (21–23°C).
In September, mornings are milder, often around 65–68°F (18–20°C), and afternoons climb into the low 80s°F (27–28°C).
After sunset, temperatures drop quickly. Evenings cool off fast, especially in October and November.
Nights stay chilly until mid-morning, when the sun warms things up again.
With these swings, planning your clothing matters. A light jacket or sweater helps in the morning and evening.
Short sleeves work at midday in early fall, but by late fall, you’ll want warmer outerwear.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Kathmandu’s fall season brings a sharp change in rainfall compared to the summer monsoon.
You’ll see frequent wet days in September, but rain drops off through October and November. It’s a clear shift from heavy rains to much drier weather.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall drops fast during fall. September still gets the tail end of the monsoon, with averages near 200–230 mm over several days.
By October, totals fall to about 50–60 mm, and by November, just 5–15 mm.
It’s not just less rain—it’s fewer rainy days too.
You might see storms in September, but by November, rain is rare and usually just a brief shower.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 200–230 | 10–12 |
| October | 50–60 | 3–5 |
| November | 5–15 | 1–2 |
These numbers show how quickly Kathmandu moves from a wet climate to a dry one in just three months.
Probability of Wet Days
The chance of a wet day is highest in early September. Rain still falls about a third of the time.
As weeks pass, that chance drops fast. By late October, only about one in ten days gets measurable rain.
In November, odds fall below 5%.
If you’re traveling, you’ll notice a big difference depending on when you arrive.
A September trip might need rain gear, but by November, most days are dry and comfortable.
This pattern really sums up the climate of Nepal’s central valley, where fall marks a reliable drying trend after the summer monsoon.
Transition From Monsoon to Dry Season
The shift from monsoon to dry season is one of the biggest features of Kathmandu’s fall.
September still feels humid, with leftover afternoon showers and cloudy skies.
By October, the air clears, humidity drops, and the sky steadies with more sunshine.
By November, the dry season takes over. The city gets only a few rainy days, and precipitation is minimal.
This shift brings excellent visibility, making it a great time for outdoor activities and mountain views.
You can really see the climate move from unstable and wet to stable and dry in just a few weeks.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
During fall in Kathmandu, skies shift from heavy cloud cover to clearer days as the monsoon fades.
Sunshine hours go up, giving you more bright days to enjoy the city and hills.
Trends in Cloudiness
Early fall still shows some leftover monsoon clouds.
September often starts with mostly overcast skies, with cloud cover around 70% or more of the time.
That makes things feel damp and gray, especially in the afternoons.
But as the weeks go by, the skies open up.
By November, cloud cover drops sharply, with only about 10–15% of days staying cloudy.
That’s a clear sign the wet season is over.
Less cloudiness means better visibility.
You get clearer views of the Himalayas and nearby hills, which are often hidden earlier.
Clearer skies also mean less humidity, making outdoor time more comfortable.
Average Daily Sunshine
Sunshine hours change a lot during fall.
In September, you’ll get about 4 to 4.5 hours of direct sun per day. Clouds still block plenty of light.
By October, sunshine jumps up to about 6–7 hours daily.
That makes October a really pleasant month for sightseeing, trekking, or cultural tours.
The mix of mild temperatures and longer daylight feels just right.
November brings even more brightness. Expect 7–8 hours of sunlight a day, with long stretches of clear skies.
The extra sun makes the air feel warmer than the thermometer says, especially in the afternoons.
| Month | Avg. Daily Sunshine (hrs) | Sky Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~4.4 | Mostly cloudy |
| October | ~6–7 | Partly sunny/clear |
| November | ~7–8 | Mostly clear skies |
Clearest Days of Fall
The clearest days show up late in the season.
By November, you often wake up to crisp blue skies with almost no haze.
These days are common and pretty reliable, unlike September when clouds still linger.
Clear fall days bring long stretches of uninterrupted sunlight.
That’s great if you’re planning outdoor trips, taking photos, or catching a mountain flight.
Less cloud cover makes morning and evening light sharper—something travelers often find striking.
Air quality improves too. With fewer clouds and less humidity, the air feels fresher and drier.
This shift adds to the comfort of exploring Kathmandu’s streets and hiking trails.
Daylight Duration and Sun Position
In Kathmandu, fall brings a quick change in how long the days last.
The sun sits lower in the sky as the season moves along.
These changes affect how much daylight you’ll have for outdoor plans and the angle of the sunlight you’ll notice throughout the day.
Changes in Day Length
When fall starts, Kathmandu gets about 12 hours and 42 minutes of daylight. By the end of the season, you’re down to just 10 hours and 32 minutes. That’s over 2 hours less usable daylight, which is honestly a pretty big shift.
You lose daylight gradually, with about 1 minute and 27 seconds less each day. Every week, you’re missing nearly 10 minutes more of sun. If you’re planning early morning or late afternoon activities, you’ll definitely start to notice this steady change.
September 1 gives you the longest day of the season. By November 30, you hit the shortest. If you’re in Kathmandu for hiking or sightseeing, these shrinking daylight hours really matter, since shorter days cut down the time you can safely explore.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
As fall moves on, sunrise happens later and sunset comes earlier. In early September, the sun pops up at 5:42 am and sets at 6:24 pm. By late November, sunrise drags out to 6:36 am, and sunset wraps up as early as 5:08 pm.
Mornings feel darker and evenings sneak up on you. If you’re planning any day trips, you’ll probably need to tweak your schedule to squeeze the most out of the daylight.
Kathmandu skips daylight saving time, so these changes just follow the sun’s natural rhythm. In November, those early sunsets can make evenings feel like they last forever, while the late sunrises might throw off your morning routine.
Twilight and Sun Elevation
Twilight in Kathmandu adds a little extra usable light, but the sun sits lower in fall, so things just aren’t as bright as in summer. Civil twilight gives you some light before sunrise and after sunset, but it’s short—only about 25 to 30 minutes each way.
The sun’s angle drops as fall goes on. In September, midday sun climbs higher and feels stronger. By November, it’s lower in the sky, so you get longer shadows and cooler air, even if the sky’s totally clear.
If you’re into landscape photography, walking around, or hoping for mountain views, these changes in sunlight and twilight really matter. The low sun angle also makes mornings and evenings feel chillier, so keep that in mind.
Practical Weather Information for Travelers
Fall in Kathmandu brings cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and much less rain than the summer monsoon. Conditions change fast—from humid and wet in early September to crisp and dry by late November. Honestly, it might be the most comfortable time of year to visit.
Weather at Tribhuvan International Airport
Tribhuvan International Airport sits at about 1,300 meters above sea level, so its weather lines up closely with central Kathmandu. In fall, daily highs start around 28°C (82°F) in early September and drop to about 21°C (70°F) by late November.
Nights cool off a lot more, with lows going from 20°C (68°F) in September down to around 6°C (43°F) at the end of fall. If you’re flying in the morning, October and November usually bring clearer skies, with cloud cover dropping to just 12%.
You might still get rain in early September, but by the end of fall, the chance of a wet day falls to only about 2%. Flight delays from weather get much less likely as the season moves on, especially compared to the monsoon months.
Best Times for Outdoor Activities
October and November usually offer clear skies and low humidity, which is perfect for walking tours, cultural visits, or trekking around the valley. Daytime temperatures stay comfortable, not too hot or cold, so you can spend more time outside.
Early September can still bring afternoon showers, so it’s best to plan outdoor activities for the morning when things are more stable. Rainfall drops off quickly as you move into fall, and November is especially dry.
Daylight shrinks from about 12 hours 40 minutes in early September to 10 hours 30 minutes by late November. If you want to hike or sightsee, you’ll want to start earlier in the day to make the most of the sun.
Packing Tips for Fall Visits
Pack for all kinds of temperatures. Light clothing feels great on those warm September afternoons, but you’ll want to toss in layers like sweaters or a light jacket for chilly evenings, especially when October or November rolls around.
Don’t forget your comfortable walking shoes. Many attractions have uneven paths or steps, so your feet will thank you. If you’re visiting in early fall, bring a light rain jacket or an umbrella, just in case. Later in the season, you probably won’t need them as much.
Sun protection still matters. The air might feel cooler, but higher elevation brings stronger UV rays. Toss sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat in your bag. A small daypack makes it easy to carry your essentials and adjust your layers while you’re out exploring.