When you plan a trip to Pokhara in the fall, you’ll find mild days, cooler nights, and a sharp drop in rainfall compared to the summer monsoon. Fall in Pokhara brings some of the most comfortable and stable weather of the year, making it one of the best seasons to enjoy the city and its natural surroundings.
Temperatures cool down steadily—from warm September afternoons to those crisp November evenings. You get a refreshing change without having to brace yourself for winter’s extremes.
You’ll see skies clear up soon after the rainy season ends. Those bright views of the Annapurna range and calm days for exploring feel like a reward.
Rainfall drops each month, so by late autumn, you can expect mostly dry weather with only a few showers here and there. This change makes hiking, boating, or just sightseeing much easier—no more dodging heavy rain.
With pleasant temperatures, clearer skies, and less humidity, fall stands out as a reliable time to experience Pokhara. Whether you’re trekking in the hills or relaxing by Phewa Lake, the season offers comfort and scenic beauty that’s hard to beat.
Overview of Pokhara’s Climate
Pokhara’s weather patterns combine its tropical latitude with its mountain setting. You’ll go through warm, wet summers and mild, drier winters.
Fall acts as a transition period, when rainfall drops quickly and skies clear up.
Temperate Highland Tropical Climate Explained
Pokhara sits in a temperate highland tropical climate (Cwb) under the Köppen-Geiger system. That means you’ll get warm, wet summers shaped by the South Asian monsoon, and cooler, drier winters thanks to the altitude.
Average yearly temperatures hover around 15–18°C (59–65°F), but the seasons do shift. Summer highs can reach 30°C (86°F), while winter days stay mild at 19–22°C (66–72°F).
Nights in January can dip to about 7–10°C (45–50°F).
Rainfall stands out. Pokhara gets about 4,800–5,000 mm (190 in) of rain a year, making it one of Nepal’s wettest cities. Most of that falls between June and September. November through February stays pretty dry.
This climate keeps the area green year-round. Crops and forests thrive in all that moisture. For you, that means lush scenery during the wet season and clearer mountain views after the rains.
Geographic and Environmental Influences
Pokhara sits at about 845 meters (2,770 feet) above sea level in central Nepal’s Gandaki Province. Its valley location at the base of the Annapurna range shapes local weather patterns.
The Himalayan peaks nearby, some over 8,000 meters, block cold northern winds and trap moisture from the south. That’s why Pokhara gets more rain than Kathmandu, even though they’re only about 200 km apart.
Within just a few miles, elevation rises thousands of feet. This creates sharp microclimates. Hillsides can be cool and misty, while the valley floor feels warmer and more humid.
Around Pokhara, you’ll see a patchwork of cropland, forest, and shrubland. These surfaces influence temperature, humidity, and wind, adding to the area’s local weather quirks.
Typical Fall Weather Conditions
In Pokhara, fall brings cooler temperatures, much less rain, and drier air compared to the summer monsoon. You’ll notice a clear shift from humid, wet conditions in early September to crisp, dry days by late November.
Temperature Range in Fall
During fall, daily high temperatures drop from about 83°F (28°C) in early September to around 71°F (22°C) by late November. Nights cool off more sharply, with lows falling from near 72°F (22°C) to about 53°F (12°C).
Early autumn feels warm and comfortable. Late autumn gets noticeably cooler, especially after sunset.
You won’t see big extremes. Highs rarely go over 86°F (30°C) or dip below 68°F (20°C).
By November, mornings and evenings can feel chilly. Packing layers is a smart move.
Midday temperatures usually stay pleasant for outdoor activities.
Rainfall Patterns During Autumn
Rainfall in Pokhara drops fast after the summer monsoon. At the start of September, the average 31-day rainfall is about 6 inches (150 mm). By late November, it’s down to around 0.1 inches (3 mm).
The probability of a wet day falls from nearly 50% in early September to just 1% by late November. So, as the season goes on, you’re far more likely to get clear skies and dry days.
Heavy downpours can still pop up in early September, but by October, those become rare. By November, rain is almost gone, giving you some of the clearest, most reliable weather for travel.
Relative Humidity Levels in Autumn
Humidity in Pokhara also drops fast during fall. In early September, you might still get some muggy days, with a 17% chance of humid or sticky conditions.
By October, that drops to almost nothing. The air turns much drier and more comfortable.
This change comes as the monsoon retreats. Rainfall ends, dew points fall, and the air loses its heavy moisture. By late autumn, you hardly ever feel sticky or overheated.
For travelers, October and November are excellent months for trekking or sightseeing. You get clear skies, cooler temperatures, and very low humidity.
Rainy Days and Precipitation Trends
Autumn in Pokhara brings a steady drop in rainfall after the intense summer monsoon. You’ll see fewer rainy days as fall goes on, but September can still bring significant precipitation before things dry out in November.
Average Number of Rainy Days in Fall
During autumn, rainy days drop month by month. September usually brings the highest count, with 10–12 rainy days.
By October, you’ll see about 5–6 days of rain. In November, it’s down to just 1–2 rainy days for the whole month.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, this matters. September can still mess with your plans thanks to frequent showers. October gives you a more reliable mix of dry and wet days.
By November, rain is rare, and you’ll enjoy mostly clear skies.
The monsoon’s retreat causes this pattern. Early autumn still carries leftover humidity, but things stabilize quickly.
October and November get popular for trekking, as trails dry out and visibility gets better.
Monthly Rainfall Totals for Autumn
Rainfall amounts also drop fast during fall. In September, Pokhara averages around 350–400 mm of rain. That’s still a lot compared to many places.
By October, rainfall drops to about 100–150 mm. November averages only 15–25 mm.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | 350–400 | 10–12 |
| October | 100–150 | 5–6 |
| November | 15–25 | 1–2 |
This shows how quickly things shift from wet to dry. September stays damp and humid. October brings a balance of light showers and clearer skies. By November, rain is minimal and the landscape stays mostly dry.
If you’re planning long hikes or sightseeing, these trends matter. Heavy rain in September can make trails slippery, but by October and November, conditions are much more stable and pleasant.
Wind Speed and Atmospheric Conditions
During fall in Pokhara, wind patterns shift while other atmospheric factors like humidity, cloud cover, and daylight hours also change. These conditions affect comfort, visibility, and outdoor plans, so it’s good to know what to expect.
Average Wind Speed in Fall
Wind speeds in Pokhara during fall decrease slightly as the months pass. In early September, the average wind speed sits at about 4.6 mph. By late November, it drops closer to 3.9 mph.
Fall is actually one of the calmer times of year. Spring tends to be windier.
The direction of the wind changes too. In September and much of October, winds usually blow from the south. By late October and November, the flow shifts north, bringing in cooler, drier air.
Most travelers find these wind speeds mild. If you’re trekking or boating on Phewa Lake, you might notice the breeze more in the afternoons, but it’s not strong or hazardous.
| Month | Avg Wind Speed | Prevailing Direction |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~4.6 mph | South |
| October | ~4.2 mph | South → shifting North |
| November | ~3.9 mph | North |
Other Atmospheric Factors
Humidity drops quickly in fall. Early September can still feel muggy, but by late October, the air is much drier. This makes outdoor activity a lot more comfortable.
Cloud cover also falls fast. In early September, skies are often overcast. By November, you’ll see mostly clear days.
This change makes mountain visibility much better, which is a huge plus for sightseeing and trekking.
Rainfall also tapers off. September may still bring some wet days, but by late November, rain is almost nonexistent. Average monthly precipitation drops from several inches in September to barely any by the end of fall.
Daylight hours get shorter. You lose about two hours of daylight from early September to late November. Sunrise comes later and sunset is earlier, so plan your hikes or outings accordingly.
With all these changes, fall becomes progressively calmer, drier, and clearer. That’s why so many people say it’s the best weather of the year for enjoying Pokhara’s natural surroundings.
Best Time to Visit Pokhara in the Fall
Autumn in Pokhara gives you clear skies, mild temperatures, and excellent Himalayan views. You’ll get stable weather that makes outdoor activities and cultural experiences more enjoyable than any other time.
Weather Highlights for Tourists
During fall—from September to November—Pokhara’s climate is dry and comfortable. Average daytime temperatures run between 15°C and 25°C. Nights are cooler, often dropping closer to 10°C.
Rainfall is minimal once the monsoon ends, so you’re less likely to have your travel plans disrupted. The air feels crisp and visibility is excellent, making it one of the best times to see peaks like Machapuchare and the Annapurna range.
This season lines up with Nepal’s major festivals, like Dashain and Tihar. You’ll get to enjoy cultural traditions right alongside the great weather.
Fall is the peak tourist season, so you’ll see more visitors and accommodation rates might be a bit higher.
| Month | Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Rainfall Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 25°C | 18°C | Moderate |
| October | 23°C | 14°C | Low |
| November | 20°C | 10°C | Very Low |
Recommended Activities During Autumn
Stable weather makes fall the best time for trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit or shorter hikes around the Pokhara Valley. Trails are dry and mountain views are sharp.
You can try paragliding from Sarangkot, since clear skies and gentle winds create great flying conditions. Boating on Phewa Lake is also popular, with mountain reflections shining on the calm water.
Cultural activities are just as rewarding. Visiting temples, joining festival events, or exploring local markets lets you see how the city comes alive during this season.
Evenings get cooler, so pack a light jacket for comfort after sunset.
Comparing Fall With Other Seasons
Fall in Pokhara brings cooler temperatures, much less rain, and clearer skies than the heavy monsoon months. It feels milder and drier than winter. Spring starts to warm up again, but with more clouds and humidity than autumn.
Differences Between Fall and Monsoon
During fall, daily highs start off around 83°F (28°C) in early September. By late November, they drop to about 71°F (22°C). Lows go from the low 70s down to the low 50s.
Monsoon months, though, usually hit highs near 85–90°F (29–32°C). Nights stay warm and, honestly, pretty humid.
Rainfall really stands out as the main difference. In September, you might still see about 6 inches of rain. By November, though, that drops to almost 0.1 inches.
Monsoon months like July and August can bring 12–20 inches in just one month. Those frequent downpours? They often keep people indoors.
Humidity takes a wild turn too. Monsoon brings high humidity, so the days feel muggy.
In fall, humidity drops off fast, and by late October, there’s almost 0% chance of muggy conditions. That shift makes autumn a lot better for outdoor sightseeing or trekking, if you ask me.
Winter and Spring Versus Autumn
Winter in Pokhara feels mild if you compare it to harsher mountain climates, but it’s definitely cooler than fall. Highs usually reach around 67–72°F (19–22°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to the mid 40s°F (7–9°C).
You won’t see much rain, though mornings sometimes soak up a bit of fog. Humidity hangs around at a moderate level, so the air isn’t too dry or too sticky.
Spring comes in and warms things up faster than winter does. Still, you probably won’t get the same crisp, clear days that autumn brings.
Daytime temperatures rise into the 70s and low 80s°F (23–27°C), and nights feel comfortable in the 50s–60s°F (10–16°C) range. By April and May, rain starts showing up more often, nudging the weather toward monsoon season.
When you stack these up against autumn, fall really stands out with the clearest skies, lowest rainfall, and humidity that just keeps dropping. So, if you ask most people, mild temperatures and those dry, pleasant days make autumn a top pick for outdoor adventures in this region.