When you’re planning a summer trip to Pokhara, expect warm days, frequent rain, and skies that seem to change their mind a lot. Average summer temperatures usually sit in the low 80s to around 90°F during the day, and nights hang out comfortably in the 70s.
This mix of heat and humidity creates a season that’s both inviting and a bit unpredictable.
You’ll quickly notice how the skies shift. Early summer mornings often start out clear, but by the middle of the season, heavy clouds and afternoon showers roll in almost daily.
Rainfall ramps up fast, and July stands out as the wettest month, with downpours that freshen the air and make the hills around the valley pop with green.
Even with all that rain, daylight sticks around for more than 12 hours, so you’ve got plenty of time to squeeze in outdoor fun between showers.
Winds tend to stay light, mostly drifting in from the south, and humidity climbs as summer goes on.
Altogether, these patterns give Pokhara a climate that feels tropical and mountainous at the same time, making summer here a bit different from anywhere else.
Overview of Pokhara’s Summer Climate
Pokhara’s summer climate really comes down to where it sits in central Nepal, its spot in the Himalayan foothills, and the big influence of the South Asian monsoon.
You’ll get warm temperatures, high humidity, and lots of rain—totally different from the drier, cooler months.
Geographic Influences on Weather
Pokhara sits at about 827 meters (2,713 feet) above sea level, tucked between green hills and the Annapurna range.
This elevation keeps the air cooler than the lowland plains but still warmer than what you’d find up in the higher valleys.
The city’s location in a valley shapes how clouds and rain form. Moist air from the Bay of Bengal pushes north, and the surrounding mountains force it upward.
That process, called orographic lift, creates those frequent, heavy summer rains.
Because of this geography, you’ll see a big contrast: sunny mornings, then cloudy, rainy afternoons.
Nearby Phewa Lake and the local rivers bump up the humidity, making the heat feel stronger—even when the thermometer doesn’t look too scary compared to the lowlands.
Climate Classification
According to the Köppen-Geiger system, Pokhara lands in the Cwa category—a humid subtropical climate with dry winters and wet summers.
You’ll see a clear split between monsoon season and the rest of the year.
On average, the annual temperature is about 18.3 °C (65 °F), but summer months definitely get warmer.
From June to September, average highs hit 23–26 °C (73–79 °F), and nights stay mild, usually around 20–21 °C (68–70 °F).
Rain really defines the season. Pokhara gets about 4,800 mm (190 inches) of rain each year, and most of it pours down in summer.
July alone brings in more than 1,100 mm (44 inches), making it the wettest month by far.
All that rain keeps Pokhara green but also means lots of cloudy days and less sunshine.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Summer in Pokhara kicks off in late June and runs through September.
During this stretch, you’ll get warm days, thick humidity, and rain almost every day.
- June: Temperatures hit their peak near 25.7 °C (78 °F) and rain starts ramping up.
- July–August: Rainfall is at its heaviest, humidity often goes above 85–90%, and sunshine drops to about 5–6 hours per day.
- September: Rain starts to let up, but it stays humid and cloudy.
Rain and warmth keep the air feeling fresh, but outdoor plans depend on the weather.
Mornings usually show clearer skies, but afternoons often bring showers or storms.
If you’re heading out, be ready for wet conditions, slippery trails, and maybe not the best mountain views—but the scenery is at its greenest.
Temperature Trends During Summer
In Pokhara, summer temperatures stay warm, though they shift a bit as the months go by.
Days often feel hot, nights stay mild, and this pattern makes it easier for both visitors and locals to plan their days.
Humidity and rain both rise, changing how the heat feels through June, July, and August.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime highs usually land between 28°C and 32°C (82°F–90°F).
Early summer tends to be the hottest, while later weeks cool off a bit thanks to more clouds and rain.
Even at the hottest, you rarely see temperatures going above 35°C (95°F).
Nights stay steady, averaging 22°C (72°F).
Lows almost never dip below 19°C (66°F), so evenings feel pretty warm and comfortable.
With such a small difference between day and night temps, you don’t get those sharp chills after sunset.
This steady warmth is classic for Pokhara’s subtropical monsoon climate, and it’s pretty different from the bigger swings you’d get in drier places.
Monthly Temperature Variation
June stands out as the hottest month, with average highs around 31–32°C and lows near 22°C.
July cools off a bit, averaging 30°C, and August continues that trend with highs closer to 28°C.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 31–32°C | 22°C | Hottest period |
| July | 30°C | 22–23°C | More clouds, frequent rain |
| August | 28°C | 22°C | Cooler, wetter |
This gradual cooling comes from the monsoon—by August, thicker clouds block more sun, so daytime highs drop.
Nights, though, stay pretty much the same all summer.
If you aren’t a fan of heat, late July and August might feel a bit more comfortable than June.
But, higher rainfall during those months can make it trickier to get outdoors.
Heat and Humidity Levels
The numbers might look manageable, but humidity really changes the game.
Dew points climb as summer goes on, so by late July, it can feel downright muggy.
Some days, the air feels sticky even if the temperature isn’t at its highest.
The chance of muggy conditions jumps from almost 0% in early June to about 18% by late August.
Late July sees the highest odds, with about a third of days feeling noticeably humid.
This combo of heat and moisture can make afternoons feel a lot warmer than your weather app suggests.
You’ll probably feel better in the shade or wherever there’s a breeze, while standing in the sun might get uncomfortable fast.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Pokhara gets some of Nepal’s highest rainfall totals, and most of it arrives during the summer monsoon.
The climate flips sharply between wet and dry months, which shapes daily life and travel plans.
Monsoon Season Overview
The summer monsoon really takes over Pokhara’s weather from June through September.
Moist air from the Bay of Bengal rises up against the Himalayan foothills, triggering heavy rainfall.
You’ll see frequent showers, often intense but not always lasting long, and sometimes thunderstorms.
These rains bring cooler air but also cut down visibility, especially if you’re hoping for mountain views.
Pokhara’s monsoon doesn’t mess around—it’s steady and reliable.
July and August are the wettest stretch, when rainfall peaks.
Farmers depend on this season, but it can disrupt outdoor activities and travel plans.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain doesn’t spread out evenly through the year.
Pokhara averages about 3,800–4,800 mm annually, and nearly 80% of that comes between June and September.
- June: ~600–700 mm
- July: ~900–1,100 mm
- August: ~800–1,000 mm
- September: ~500–600 mm
Compare that to December and January, which each see less than 20 mm on average.
With such a big difference, you’ll want to think carefully about timing if you hope to avoid the heaviest rains.
All that summer rain also fills up the lakes and rivers, keeping water levels high into autumn.
This pattern really defines Pokhara’s climate.
Number of Rainy Days
Rain in Pokhara isn’t just about big totals—it comes often.
During peak monsoon months, you might see 15–25 rainy days per month.
July usually brings around 16–20 wet days, and August is similar.
Winter, on the other hand, averages only 1–2 rainy days.
That makes the dry season much easier for planning outdoor stuff.
Even in summer, showers rarely last all day.
You’ll often find dry spells in the morning or late evening.
Still, you should carry rain gear, since sudden downpours are just part of the deal.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Index
In summer, Pokhara gives you long days, strong sunshine, and some of the year’s highest UV index readings.
The mix of extra daylight and intense sun means you’ll want to think about when and how long you’re outside.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Pokhara’s summer brings a blend of bright sun and heavy clouds, thanks to the monsoon.
On average, expect about 4 to 6 hours of sunshine per day.
June usually gets a bit more, around 6 hours daily, while July and August drop to about 4 hours because of all the rain.
Even when it’s cloudy, the sun often peeks through for a while.
So, you shouldn’t count on clear skies all day.
You’ll probably see quick swings between sun and showers.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, mornings tend to be more reliable and offer better visibility.
Length of Daylight
Daylight in Pokhara during summer stretches out, giving you lots of time to explore.
In June, sunrise comes around 5:15 am and sunset is close to 7:10 pm, so you get nearly 14 hours of daylight.
By July, sunrise shifts later to about 5:30 am, with sunset near 7:00 pm.
Daylight sticks around 13.5 to 14 hours all season.
Even with heavy rain, the long daylight means you’ll still find chances to sightsee, trek, or take a boat out on Phewa Lake.
That extra evening light makes it easier to fit more into your day without feeling rushed.
UV Index Levels
Pokhara’s summer UV index ranks among the highest in Nepal.
From April through August, the maximum UV index often hits 11 to 12, which is extreme.
At those levels, unprotected skin can burn in less than 20 minutes.
You should use high-SPF sunscreen, cover up with clothing, and avoid direct sun during midday, usually from 10 am to 3 pm.
Even on cloudy or rainy days, UV rays stay strong because water droplets and thin clouds scatter sunlight.
If you’re outdoors—especially at higher elevations around Pokhara Valley—it’s smart to take precautions every day.
Cloud Cover and Visibility
During summer, Pokhara’s skies change fast from clear to cloudy as the season moves along.
You’ll notice more and more overcast days, and that affects how far you can see across the valley and to the mountains.
Seasonal Cloudiness
Cloud cover in Pokhara climbs quickly as summer goes on.
Early June brings mostly clear or partly clear skies, but by late July and August, overcast days take over.
The chance of mostly cloudy or overcast skies goes from about 13% in early June to nearly 70% by late August.
The monsoon drives this shift, bringing more humidity and frequent rain.
The cloudiest stretch usually lands in early August, when thick cloud cover peaks at over 80%.
If you’re traveling, early summer usually gives you better odds for mountain views.
By mid to late summer, you’ll often find hazy or blocked horizons.
If your plans depend on clear skies, timing really does matter.
Clear and Overcast Days
As the season moves forward, clear days in Pokhara become harder to find. In early June, you might catch skies that are clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy almost 9 out of 10 days.
By August, that chance drops off pretty fast.
The mix of clear and overcast days shapes sightseeing and how much daylight you get. Pokhara’s famous mountain backdrop, including the Annapurna range, usually pops into view on early summer mornings before clouds start piling up.
When late summer rolls around, you’ll probably notice limited visibility most afternoons because of steady cloud cover and mist. If you want those mountain views, plan your activities early in the day.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
Summer in Pokhara brings light to moderate winds and high humidity, thanks to the monsoon. The air pressure usually stays steady but dips a bit lower than in winter because of all the rain and heat.
Average Wind Speed
Winds in Pokhara during summer stay pretty calm compared to other places in Nepal. The valley, surrounded by mountains, blocks out strong gusts.
You’ll usually see average wind speeds between 3–6 km/h. Sometimes, winds pick up during afternoon storms.
Most of the time, the wind blows in from the west and southwest. The South Asian monsoon pushes those breezes, bringing lots of moisture from the Bay of Bengal. That’s why June through August gets so much rain.
Pokhara doesn’t really get damaging winds in summer. The breeze tends to be gentle, just enough to give a bit of relief from the sticky heat. For travelers, flight delays at the local airport happen more because of poor visibility in the rain, not strong winds.
Humidity and Air Pressure
Humidity gets pretty high in summer, often hitting 80–90% most days. Warm temps and frequent rain combine to make the air feel heavy and damp, especially in July.
Average atmospheric pressure in Pokhara during summer sits between 1002 to 1008 hPa. That’s a bit lower than in the dry season, which shows how much the monsoon affects the weather. The lower pressure can bring sudden showers or even a thunderstorm out of nowhere.
High humidity makes the heat feel worse. Even when the temperature is around 28–30°C (82–86°F), it feels hotter since sweat just won’t evaporate well. If you’re visiting, pack light, breathable clothes for those sticky days.
Travel Tips for Visiting Pokhara in Summer
Pokhara’s summer means warm weather, lots of rain, and long daylight hours. When the skies clear, you can get outside, but you’ll want to be ready for sudden showers and muggy air. A bit of planning and some smart packing will help you enjoy your trip.
Best Time for Outdoor Activities
Daytime temps usually climb to about 28–30°C, and nights cool off to 20–22°C. Rain falls often, especially in July and August, which can make views cloudy and trails slippery.
The sweet spot for outdoor activities is the early morning or late afternoon. Mornings usually start off clear before clouds and rain show up. That’s when you’ll catch the best views of the Annapurna range and nicer weather for walking or cycling.
Heavy rain sometimes interrupts paragliding, boating, or trekking. Always check the local forecast before you head out. If you want to avoid getting stuck in a downpour, stick to shorter hikes near Phewa Lake or check out caves and waterfalls when it looks like rain.
Trails up higher might get muddy, so give yourself extra time for treks. Landslides can hit roads during heavy rain, which could slow down travel between Pokhara and nearby villages.
Weather-Related Packing Advice
You’ll probably want to pack clothing that’s both lightweight and quick-drying because the weather swings between heat and rain. Cotton or other breathable fabrics usually work best for daytime.
Bring a light rain jacket or poncho. Heavy downpours happen often, and sometimes they just don’t let up for hours.
Footwear really matters. Waterproof shoes or sandals with decent grip make it way easier to walk safely when the paths get wet.
Skip the heavy boots unless you’re planning a longer trek.
Don’t forget to pack:
- Umbrella for those quick walks around town
- Sunscreen and sunglasses for the sunny breaks you’ll get between the showers
- Insect repellent—mosquitoes seem to love humid weather
A small waterproof bag or cover can save your electronics and documents from a sudden soak. Even if the sky looks clear, Pokhara’s summer rain can surprise you, so keeping your essentials dry is just smart.