Winter in Pokhara feels like a calm and comfortable escape, especially when you compare it to the extremes of other seasons.
You’ll usually see mild daytime temperatures between 20°C and 22°C, and cooler nights that drop to around 7°C to 9°C.
Rainfall stays low, so this is easily one of the driest times of the year.
Skies are often clear enough to catch those stunning views of the Annapurna range.
You’ll notice the days are shorter and the sun feels softer, but there’s still plenty of time to be outside.
The air is crisp, not harsh, and humidity stays low, making it pretty pleasant to walk around the lakeside or hit some of the nearby trails.
Pokhara gets a quieter vibe this season, so you can really soak in its natural beauty without the crowds or the chaos of heavy rain and heat.
If you’re thinking about visiting in winter, you’ll find a nice balance of comfort and clear visibility, which is great for sightseeing or any outdoor plans.
Overview of Pokhara’s Winter Climate
Pokhara’s winter feels mild, especially if you compare it to other spots at similar elevations.
You’ll get cool nights, comfortable daytime highs, and barely any rain, so outdoor activities are totally doable even during the coldest months.
Geographical Setting and Elevation
Pokhara sits at about 827–845 meters (2,713–2,772 feet) above sea level, right in central Nepal.
The city sits in a valley, surrounded by hills and the Annapurna range, and that really shapes the local climate.
Mountains block those harsh northern winds, and the lower elevation (compared to Himalayan towns) keeps winters from getting too severe.
Because of this, you’ll usually see daytime highs around 19–22°C (66–72°F) during winter.
At night, the lows dip to 7–9°C (45–48°F).
Fewa Lake helps keep temperature swings in check, so you don’t get wild extremes.
This mix of elevation and geography makes Pokhara’s winter a lot milder and more stable than places like Jomsom or Manang, where freezing weather is just the norm.
Köppen Climate Classification
Pokhara falls into the Cwb classification, which basically means it’s got a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters.
You’ll see warm summers, heavy monsoon rains, and a pretty clear dry season in winter.
From December to February, rainfall drops a lot, hitting just 20–35 mm (0.8–1.4 in) per month.
You get mostly clear skies and lower humidity, with 10–11 hours of daylight on average.
The UV index also drops, from about 5 in December to 7 in February, so the sun isn’t as intense as in summer.
This climate makes winter feel really comfortable for walking, sightseeing, or light trekking, without having to deal with heavy rain or brutal heat.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter in Pokhara is just a lot drier and cooler than summer.
The monsoon, from June to September, brings 600–900 mm (24–37 in) of rain every month, which can make outdoor travel kind of a mess.
Winter, in contrast, gives you dry conditions and open skies.
Spring (March–May) gets warmer, with highs over 26°C (79°F), and rain starts to pick up.
Autumn (September–November) is another dry season, but it’s warmer than winter.
Winter stands out for its mild temperatures, clear air, and low rainfall, giving you a calmer climate than the wetter or hotter months.
That’s why it’s one of the most reliable times to visit Pokhara.
Average Winter Temperatures in Pokhara
Pokhara’s winter is pretty mild, especially if you compare it to other mountain regions in Nepal.
You’ll get warm days, cooler nights, and steady temperatures that make it easy to travel and enjoy the outdoors.
Typical Highs and Lows
In winter, average daytime highs in Pokhara sit between 19°C and 22°C (66°F to 72°F).
You can walk around, sightsee, or hang by the lake without bundling up in heavy clothes.
At night, the average lows fall to 7°C and 9°C (45°F to 48°F).
It’s not freezing, but there’s definitely a chill after sunset.
A light jacket or sweater usually does the trick, though mornings can feel colder because of the valley’s humidity.
This mix of mild days and cool nights is classic temperate highland tropical climate.
Pokhara’s lower altitude and the lake help keep things moderate, unlike Kathmandu’s sometimes harsher winters.
Temperature Variation by Month
December starts off with highs around 20°C (68°F) and lows near 8°C (46°F).
There’s barely any rain, so clear skies are the norm.
January is the coldest month, with highs averaging 19°C (67°F) and lows dipping to about 7°C (45°F).
The days are shorter and the sun is weaker, so evenings feel cooler, but afternoons stay comfortable.
By February, things start warming up again.
Highs reach about 22°C (72°F) and lows stick around 9°C (48°F).
Longer days and more sun make this month feel almost like early spring.
You’ll notice the change from month to month is pretty gradual.
No sudden cold snaps, just a steady, predictable pattern that makes planning easy.
Record Extremes
Pokhara winters are mild, but sometimes temperatures drop a bit lower than usual.
On rare nights, lows have hit 5°C (41°F), especially when it’s clear and dry.
Extreme highs in winter don’t really happen.
Daytime peaks might touch 24°C (75°F), but that’s rare.
The valley and mountains keep temperature swings in check.
You won’t see snow in Pokhara itself during winter.
But if you head to higher spots like Sarangkot or the Annapurna foothills, you might catch some snowfall.
That’s part of the charm—mild weather in the city, but snow just a short trip away.
Winter Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
Pokhara’s winter brings mild temperatures, barely any rain, and lower humidity compared to the rest of the year.
Most days are dry, with just an occasional light shower, so it’s a lot more comfortable than the monsoon months.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
Rainfall in winter is low—really low compared to other times.
December usually gets about 22 mm (0.87″), January brings around 23 mm (0.91″), and February bumps up a bit to 35 mm (1.38″).
These numbers are tiny when you compare them to the 600–900 mm you might see in July and August.
Rivers and waterfalls run lower, but the dry weather means clearer skies.
That’s great for sightseeing and outdoor stuff.
You might still get a light shower here or there, but they don’t last long.
A light rain jacket is usually enough.
Rainy Days and Dry Spells
Winter is easily Pokhara’s driest season, so most days are rain-free.
You’ll probably only see 2–4 rainy days per month from December to February.
Showers are quick and scattered, not heavy.
Long stretches of dry weather are common, so the season feels really pleasant compared to the monsoon.
Because rain is so rare, your outdoor plans almost never get interrupted.
Go trekking, boating on Phewa Lake, or touring the city without worrying about getting soaked.
Humidity Trends
Humidity drops in winter, which makes things feel a lot more comfortable.
Monsoon humidity can hit 80–90%, but in winter it’s more like 60–70%.
The air feels crisp, especially in the mornings and evenings when it’s cooler.
Lower humidity also means clearer mountain views, which are often hidden in wetter months.
During the day, you might notice the air feels a bit dry, especially in January.
It’s honestly a nice break if you’re sensitive to damp weather.
Just remember to stay hydrated and maybe bring some moisturizer for the drier air.
Winter Sunshine, Daylight, and Cloud Cover
Winter in Pokhara means mild temperatures, shorter days, and more sunshine than you’d expect for the season.
You get reduced rainfall, which helps keep the weather stable and the valley views sharp.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
In January, you usually get about 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day.
It’s the lowest for the year, but still enough to enjoy being outside.
By February, the days get a bit longer and you see 6 to 7 hours of sunlight on average.
Compare that to the monsoon, where clouds block out most of the sun, and winter feels a lot brighter.
Dry air and fewer clouds mean the sun feels stronger and more direct when it’s out.
Mornings and evenings are still cool, but midday can actually feel warm if the skies are clear.
Daylight Duration
Winter days are shorter.
December gets about 10.5 to 11 hours of daylight, and by February you’re up to nearly 11.5 hours.
It’s a gradual change, but you’ll notice it as the season goes on.
Shorter days mean you’ll want to start activities earlier.
Sunsets come in the late afternoon, so if you’re hiking or sightseeing, mornings are your friend.
The limited daylight doesn’t take away from the clear, stable atmosphere.
That’s why winter is such a good time for Annapurna views—the haze is gone and the mountains look crisp.
Cloudiness and Sky Conditions
Cloud cover is pretty low in winter.
December and January bring mostly clear to partly cloudy skies, with the odd overcast day.
Rain is rare, and snow in the valley basically never happens.
Monsoon’s long gone, humidity is lower, and that keeps the sky open and visibility high.
Travelers love winter for the consistent weather and low risk of rain.
You might see some morning fog in low areas, especially near lakes and rivers.
Usually, it burns off by mid-morning, leaving you with bright skies and great conditions for getting outside.
Winter Weather Month-by-Month: December to February
Winter in Pokhara stays mild, but you’ll notice cooler nights, shorter days, and not much rain.
Daytime temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities, and evenings just call for a light jacket or sweater.
December Weather Snapshot
December kicks off the cool season in Pokhara.
Average daytime highs reach about 69°F (20°C), and nights drop to around 50°F (10°C).
You’ll see clear skies almost all month, with barely any rain—just 0.2 inches on average.
Humidity is low, so the air feels crisp and comfy.
Sunshine is reliable, with about 10.7 hours of daylight and an average of 6 hours of direct sun.
Winds stay calm, and the air quality gets better now that the monsoon dust has settled.
If you’re into sightseeing or hiking, December gives you some of the best visibility all year, especially for mountain views.
January Weather Snapshot
January really brings the coldest weather to Pokhara. Most days, highs sit close to 67°F (19°C), while nights can drop down to about 47°F (8°C). You’ll probably notice cool mornings and evenings, but afternoons usually warm up enough that you might want just a light shirt.
Rain barely makes an appearance, with only about 0.4 inches falling all month. The clouds don’t hang around much either, so you’ll see mostly clear skies. You get roughly 10.6 hours of daylight each day, though actual sunshine is just a touch less than what you’d get in December.
Since the temperatures stay on the cooler side, you’ll want to pack layers. A light jacket or sweater works for evenings, but if you’re heading out early, you might want something warmer.
February Weather Snapshot
February feels a bit friendlier, temperature-wise. Highs reach around 71°F (22°C), and lows hover near 48°F (9°C). The dry spell continues, with just about 0.4 inches of rainfall spread over a few days.
You get almost 11.2 hours of daylight, which gives you more time to get out and explore. Skies usually stay clear, and you’ll have great visibility for sightseeing.
Humidity doesn’t really spike, and the wind stays calm. February often feels just right for visitors and trekkers, since mornings are cool but not as biting as in January.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Pokhara in Winter
Pokhara’s winter brings crisp mornings, mild afternoons, and those clear skies that show off the Annapurna range. You can get outside and enjoy the scenery without worrying about summer’s heavy rains. Still, brace yourself for chilly evenings and early mornings.
Best Activities for Winter Visitors
Trekking really shines in Pokhara during winter. You’ll find favorite routes like the Poon Hill trek or short hikes near Sarangkot offer fresh air and clear mountain views. Trails stay less muddy than in monsoon season, so walking feels easier.
Paragliding can be a blast, too, since skies are clearer and winds don’t get too wild. Lake Phewa often feels calm and perfect for boating, and the low humidity makes the landscape look extra sharp.
If you’re into culture, you’ll have a good time as well. You can visit Bindhyabasini Temple or the International Mountain Museum to get a feel for local traditions, without the hassle of big tourist crowds. If you’d rather slow down, winter’s a great time to wander lakeside cafés and shops at your own pace.
What to Pack for Winter
Bring layers—trust me, you’ll need them. Nights might dip to about 7°C (44°F), but days can climb up to 20°C (68°F). A light down jacket or fleece comes in handy for mornings and evenings, and lighter shirts do the trick for afternoons.
Don’t forget comfortable trekking shoes if you’re planning to hike. Gloves, a warm hat, and thermal socks help for early starts or higher trails. You probably won’t need a rain jacket in winter, but a windproof layer can make a big difference.
A few more essentials: sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm. The sun gets strong at higher altitudes, even when it’s cool. You’ll also want a reusable water bottle, since the dry air means you’ll need to stay hydrated.
Health and Safety Considerations
Cooler weather cuts down on the risk of heat stress. Still, if you’re trekking above 2,500 meters, keep an eye out for altitude sickness.
Try to go up slowly, giving your body a chance to get used to the altitude. It’s really not worth rushing.
Pokhara’s air usually feels fresher in winter. That said, dust can kick up on dry trails, especially on windy days. If you’re sensitive, just throw a lightweight mask or scarf in your bag.
Take it easy on early morning walks or bike rides. Dew makes the roads slick, and it’s easy to slip if you’re not careful.
If you’re out before sunrise or after dark, grab a flashlight. Winter days just don’t last as long, and you don’t want to get caught in the dark.
Food and water safety still matter a lot. Stick to filtered or bottled water, and pick meals that are freshly cooked to steer clear of stomach trouble.