Winter in Kathmandu feels pretty calm and comfortable compared to the intense summer rains. Days stay mild, but nights bring a crisp chill, so the season’s easy to enjoy if you’re ready for cooler evenings.
Daytime temperatures usually range from the low to upper 60s °F, while nights often drop into the low 40s °F.
Rain barely shows up during these months, and skies mostly stay clear. You’ll get plenty of sunshine to explore the city and the valley.
The air feels drier, and humidity stays low, which adds a sharpness to the winter days. Since daylight hours are shorter, you’ll probably want to plan activities for earlier in the day.
This season gives you some of the best visibility all year. Clear skies reveal the Himalayan peaks in detail, a view that usually hides during the monsoon.
If you like crisp mornings, bright afternoons, and fewer crowds, winter offers a nice balance of comfort and opportunity.
Overview of Winter Weather in Kathmandu
Winter in Kathmandu brings cool nights, mild afternoons, and mostly dry skies.
You’ll notice clear visibility on many days, making it a good time for outdoor activities, though you’ll still want warm clothing for mornings and evenings.
Typical Winter Climate Patterns
From December to February, temperatures in Kathmandu usually sit between 0°C at night and 20°C during the day. January brings the coldest weather, with average lows around 3–4°C.
Even with the chill, the city gets plenty of sunshine, often 10–11 hours each day.
Rainfall stays minimal, averaging 13–14 mm per month, so you won’t see many wet days. The air feels dry, and fog sometimes forms in the mornings, especially in low-lying parts of the valley.
Snow almost never falls in the city, but it sometimes dusts the surrounding hills.
The season feels crisp but not too harsh. You’ll probably need a jacket or sweater in the morning, but afternoons are comfortable with lighter clothing.
This mix sets Kathmandu’s winter apart from harsher climates at similar altitudes.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter in Kathmandu feels totally different from the summer monsoon. From June to September, heavy rain dominates, with July alone averaging over 360 mm of rainfall.
In winter, rain is almost non-existent.
Temperatures also stay more stable in winter. Spring and autumn can bring quick changes, but winter days usually follow a steady pattern of cool mornings and mild afternoons.
This consistency makes it easier to plan outdoor activities.
Unlike the muggy heat before the monsoon, winter air feels dry and fresh. You won’t get the same humidity that often blocks views in summer.
Skies are usually clearer, and you’ll get better views of the Himalayas.
Many travelers notice that winter brings fewer tourists. While autumn and spring draw big crowds, winter offers a quieter experience with less weather drama.
Geographical Influences on Weather
Kathmandu sits in a valley about 1,337 meters (4,386 feet) above sea level. This elevation keeps things cooler than in Nepal’s southern plains, where winter days can feel warmer but nights aren’t as chilly.
The surrounding hills trap cold air in the valley at night. That’s why mornings often feel colder than afternoons, even when the sun’s out.
The Himalayas also shape winter conditions here. Cold air from the north can drop nighttime temperatures, while the high mountains block most of the moisture that causes winter storms.
That’s why the valley stays mostly dry compared to other spots in the region.
So, Kathmandu’s winter climate is best described as mild, dry, and sunny, shaped by its altitude and its spot in Nepal’s central hills.
Average Winter Temperatures
Winter in Kathmandu brings mild afternoons and chilly nights. You can expect comfortable daytime highs, but things cool down a lot after sunset, with January usually being the coldest.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During winter, daytime highs in Kathmandu average around 64–68°F (18–20°C). Afternoon temperatures rarely climb above 77°F (25°C), so you don’t have to worry about extreme heat.
At night, conditions cool off quickly. Nighttime lows often hover near 37–41°F (3–5°C), and on the coldest nights, they can get close to freezing.
These colder temps tend to show up most in early January.
The contrast between day and night is pretty noticeable. A light jacket works for sunny afternoons, but evenings and early mornings call for warmer layers.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
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December: Highs average about 66°F (19°C), with lows near 41°F (5°C). Early December feels a bit warmer, but nights are cool.
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January: The coldest month, with highs around 64°F (18°C) and lows near 37°F (3°C). Frost can show up in the outskirts.
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February: Temperatures start climbing again, with highs near 68°F (20°C) and lows around 41°F (5°C).
You can count on mild afternoons through the season, but chilly mornings are the norm.
Here’s a quick look at the averages:
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 66 (19) | 41 (5) |
| January | 64 (18) | 37 (3) |
| February | 68 (20) | 41 (5) |
Temperature Variability
Winter weather in Kathmandu stays pretty steady compared to the wild swings of the summer monsoon. Highs rarely drop below 59°F (15°C) or go above 77°F (25°C).
Lows usually stay above freezing, though you might catch a brief dip near 33°F (1°C).
Daily changes are modest, but the clear skies and dry air can make mornings feel colder than the numbers suggest.
By afternoon, sunshine usually warms things up fast.
This predictable pattern makes packing easier. You’ll want layers for the cool mornings and comfy afternoons, but you probably won’t need heavy winter gear in the city itself.
Precipitation and Humidity in Winter
During winter in Kathmandu, you can expect little rainfall, dry air, and cooler temperatures than the rest of the year.
Moisture levels stay low, and rainy days are few, making this one of the driest stretches in the valley.
Rainfall and Snowfall Patterns
Rainfall in Kathmandu during winter is minimal. On average, December and January each get about 10–15 mm of precipitation, while February picks up a bit more, around 14 mm.
That’s a huge contrast to the monsoon, when totals jump past 300 mm.
Snow hardly ever falls in the city itself because of its elevation, about 1,400 meters. Instead, precipitation almost always shows up as light rain.
If you want to see snow, you’d need to head up to higher elevations north of the valley, where the Himalayas get regular winter snow.
Rain events usually don’t last long and are pretty scattered, so most days stay dry.
The limited rainfall means you can plan outdoor activities with barely any worry about weather disruptions.
Humidity Levels During Winter
Humidity levels in winter go up a bit compared to the drier autumn months, but they stay pretty moderate. In January, the average relative humidity sits around 75–80%, while December and February hover near 70–75%.
Even with these numbers, the cool air makes the humidity feel way less oppressive than in the summer monsoon.
Mornings in the valley can feel damp and chilly, but afternoons are clearer and more comfortable.
Thanks to the dry air and cooler temps, you’ll notice less haze than in warmer months, which really helps visibility.
Winter’s a great time for sightseeing, since mountain views tend to be sharper and more reliable.
Frequency of Wet Days
Wet days in Kathmandu barely show up in winter. On average:
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December: about 4–5 wet days
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January: about 5–6 wet days
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February: about 5–7 wet days
You’ll probably get long stretches of dry weather with just an occasional light shower.
Rain usually falls in quick bursts rather than long storms. Outdoor plans rarely get interrupted.
The small number of wet days adds to the overall comfort of winter travel in the city.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Winter in Kathmandu brings shorter days, less direct sunlight, and more cloud cover. These things shape how bright the city feels and affect what you can do outdoors.
Average Daily Sunshine
During winter, you’ll get limited sunshine in Kathmandu. In December and January, the city averages about 4 to 4.5 hours of direct sunlight per day, making these the least sunny months.
By February, things brighten up a bit, but sunlight still lags behind spring. The lower sun exposure can make afternoons feel cooler, even if the temperatures are mild.
If you want to spend time outside, mornings and early afternoons are your best bet for clearer skies. Winter haze and low clouds can cut down visibility, so the day might seem dimmer than you’d expect.
Day Length Changes
Day length in Kathmandu changes quite a bit during winter. Around the winter solstice in late December, daylight lasts just over 10 hours, which is as short as it gets.
By late January, days start getting longer, and by February you’ll have almost an extra hour of daylight.
This gradual change makes late winter feel a little more open compared to the darker days of December.
Here’s a quick look at average daylight hours:
| Month | Approx. Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| December | 10 hrs 20 min |
| January | 10 hrs 40 min |
| February | 11 hrs 20 min |
These changes might seem small, but they do affect how much time you have for outdoor plans.
Cloud Cover Trends
Cloud cover in Kathmandu during winter isn’t as thick as it is during monsoon, but skies aren’t always clear. December and January often bring partly cloudy conditions, and haze from pollution can add to the dimness.
By February, skies usually open up a bit more, giving you brighter afternoons.
Heavy rain stays rare in winter, but the haze can make the sunshine feel weaker than the daylight hours suggest.
Travelers often find mornings clearer, while late afternoons grow hazier. If you’re hoping for mountain views, your best chance is earlier in the day.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
Winter in Kathmandu brings calmer winds and more stable air than the summer monsoon. You’ll notice light breezes and steady pressure patterns that make the season feel predictable.
Average Wind Speeds
Winds in Kathmandu during winter usually stay light, often between 4 to 7 km/h (2 to 4 mph). These aren’t strong enough to disrupt travel or outdoor activities, though you might feel a slight chill in the mornings.
Most of the wind comes from the west and northwest, shaped by the hills around the valley. Kathmandu’s bowl-like geography blocks stronger gusts, so high wind events almost never happen this time of year.
Evenings often feel still, with barely any noticeable air movement. This calmness helps make nights cooler, since warmer air doesn’t mix in much.
If you’re staying in higher parts of the valley, you might feel slightly stronger breezes than down in the city center.
Air Pressure Trends
Air pressure in Kathmandu during winter usually stays pretty stable and moderate. Most days, you’ll see average values between 1015 and 1025 hPa, which fits what you’d expect for highland valleys at this elevation.
You won’t notice sharp drops in pressure here since big storms rarely show up in winter. That steady pressure keeps the skies mostly clear, and you’ll see fewer clouds than you would in the wet season.
Sometimes, haze or fog settles in during the mornings, especially when cool air gets stuck in the valley.
Small changes in pressure mean you’re less likely to get those weather-related aches—like headaches or joint pain—that show up with bigger swings. Most travelers and residents find winter’s consistent pressure makes this season pretty comfortable in Kathmandu.
What to Expect: Local Experiences and Practical Tips
Winter mornings in Kathmandu feel cool, while afternoons warm up a bit, and evenings turn crisp again. You can catch cultural festivals, head outdoors for walks, or go hiking, but you’ll want to be ready for temperature swings and dry air.
A bit of practical planning goes a long way if you want your time in Nepal’s capital to feel comfortable and worthwhile.
Clothing and Packing Recommendations
Daytime temperatures often reach 15–20°C, but nights can dip close to 0°C. Pack layered clothing so you can swap layers as the day changes.
A light jacket handles the afternoons, while a heavier coat or fleece feels necessary after sunset.
If you’re staying in guesthouses without much heating, bring thermal wear. Gloves, scarves, and hats come in handy for those chilly, foggy mornings in the valley.
Sturdy walking shoes help a lot since the streets are often dusty and a bit uneven.
Planning to trek in hills like Shivapuri or Chandragiri? Take warm socks and a windproof layer.
Most hotels and homes don’t have central heating, so carrying a warm sweater or a woolen shawl makes indoor time cozier.
With the dry air, a reusable water bottle and some lip balm make life easier.
Outdoor Activities and Events
Winter’s clear skies turn it into one of the best times for mountain views. Short hikes around the valley—like Nagarkot or Champadevi—offer great Himalayan panoramas.
Day hikes feel comfortable since rain hardly ever interrupts and sunshine sticks around for more than 10 hours.
Cultural life doesn’t slow down. You might spot wedding processions with music and bright clothes winding through the city.
Major festivals such as Lhosar and Maha Shivratri light up this season, drawing big crowds at temples like Pashupatinath.
In the city, check out Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Patan, or Bhaktapur during the quieter mornings.
Street food stalls serve up hot momos and Newari snacks, a favorite treat for locals on chilly days.
Afternoons work well for exploring markets, as the air feels a bit more pleasant.
Health and Comfort Considerations
Kathmandu’s winter air gets pretty dry, and smog often hangs around the valley. If you’re sensitive to dust or pollution, it’s a good idea to bring a mask.
Drinking plenty of water actually helps with the dryness, even if you don’t always feel thirsty.
A lot of guesthouses don’t offer heating, so check if they have extra blankets or maybe an electric heater.
Power cuts don’t happen as much these days, but they still pop up sometimes, so tossing a small flashlight in your bag isn’t a bad idea.
If you’re heading outdoors, slap on some sunscreen—the sun feels deceptively strong at higher elevations.
UV exposure stays high, even when the air’s cool.
Warm tea houses and cafes scattered around the city give you somewhere cozy to recharge between your adventures.