Weather in Nepal in March

 The weather in Nepal in March makes it one of the best months for trekking. In the Himalayas, snow starts melting at lower elevations, and trails reopen, especially in the Annapurna and Everest regions. Rhododendrons bloom across the hills, and waterfalls are fed by snowmelt. Cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara stay dry and clear, great for sightseeing and local festivals. Out in the Terai, it’s warm enough for wildlife safaris in Chitwan or Bardia. March is busy but not overwhelming, with ideal conditions for both nature- and culture-focused trips.

Nepal in March at a glance

March ushers in spring in Nepal with warming temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and excellent trekking conditions. This month offers an ideal mix of outdoor adventure, cultural vibrancy, and stunning natural landscapes.

• Kathmandu experiences temperatures ranging from 52°F to 81°F (11°C to 27°C). Snow melts on lower trekking trails, making routes more accessible, while higher elevations remain cool and pleasant.
• A great month to visit, March provides clear skies, moderate temperatures, and opportunities to explore both mountains and cultural landmarks. Trekkers and sightseers will enjoy perfect weather conditions.
• Crowds start to increase, especially on popular trekking routes, but accommodations remain affordable compared to the peak month of April. Early reservations are recommended for premium lodgings.
• Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, adds a lively cultural element to the month, with celebrations taking place across the country, particularly in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• Trekking trails like Annapurna and Everest are at their scenic best, with rhododendrons blooming along mid-altitude paths and unobstructed mountain views.

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What is the weather like in Nepal in March?

The weather in Nepal in March sets the stage for trekking season. You’ll get long, dry days and clear skies across most of the country. Rain is low this month, usually around 30 to 40 mm, and often falls as overnight drizzle. In the hills, rhododendrons start blooming, and trail conditions are strong.

Morning views of the Himalayas tend to be sharp and unobstructed, with a bit more cloud cover rolling in by afternoon. Kathmandu and Pokhara stay dry and active, with spring festivals picking up. Wildlife viewing in the south improves as animals gather near water. The weather in Nepal in March gives you stable conditions and good visibility for everything from cultural sightseeing to multi-day treks. For more advice, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Nepal.

Average daily temperatures in March

Spring settles into Nepal in March, bringing ideal travel weather. Kathmandu warms up to 72°F (22°C) during the day and drops to 46°F (8°C) at night. The Terai lowlands hit highs of 82°F (28°C), while Pokhara averages a pleasant 75°F (24°C). Up in Namche Bazaar, a key stop for trekkers, temperatures stay much cooler with highs of 46°F (8°C) and lows around 23°F (-5°C).

Skies are often clear, giving great views of the Himalayas. Days are perfect for hiking and sightseeing, while nights at elevation require warmer gear. Even in lower areas, evenings can get chilly. River temperatures stay between 50°F and 59°F (10°C and 15°C), too cold for swimming.

With about 12 hours of daylight and flowers like rhododendrons in bloom, March is one of the best months to visit. For more advice, see our Nepal travel tips.
 

Is March a good time to visit Nepal?

March is arguably one of the best months to visit Nepal. The skies are mostly clear, which means great views across the Himalayas, and temperatures are comfortable at most elevations. It’s before the heavy spring heat rolls in, so popular trails like Annapurna or Everest Base Camp are active but not overcrowded. Rhododendrons bloom along the hillside paths, adding bursts of red and pink to the landscape. In the cities, the weather is pleasant enough to walk between temples without overheating. You’ll also get to experience Holi, a joyful and very colorful festival celebrated across the country.

• Clear skies and great trekking conditions
• Rhododendron blooms along mountain trails
• Holi festival celebrations across the country
• Comfortable weather at all altitudes
• Good wildlife viewing in national parks

What about the crowds and cost?

March begins the trekking season in Nepal, bringing a noticeable increase in visitors. Trails like Annapurna and Everest Base Camp start to see more activity, while cities like Kathmandu also draw more travelers.  

Prices for flights, accommodations, and tours remain moderate but begin to rise as demand increases. Reservation in advance for popular destinations and lodgings is advisable.

Despite the growing crowds, the atmosphere is still manageable, and the blooming landscapes and festivals like Holi create a vibrant experience. March offers a mix of activity and affordability for those planning ahead.  It's not the best time to go to Nepal, but it's still a great time for a trip.
 

Where to go to Nepal in March

March might be the best month to visit Nepal. You get dry skies, blooming hillsides, and ideal trekking weather before the heat and dust of late spring kick in. Here are some of the best places to visit in Nepal.

Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley lights up during Holi in March. Streets fill with color, and the mix of temples, shrines, and medieval architecture looks especially photogenic under clear skies. Bhaktapur and Patan are great bases for slower cultural exploration. You’ll find masked dances, flower offerings, and plenty of good food. It’s a good place to start if you’re heading into the mountains later, but also a rich destination on its own. See more in our guide to the best things to do in Kathmandu.

Pokhara

Pokhara balances adventure and downtime. You can spend your mornings hiking in the hills and your afternoons drinking tea by the lake. The Annapurna range reflects off Phewa Lake, and paragliders dot the sky on clear days. Day hikes through blooming rhododendron forests start right outside town. Pokhara has a relaxed feel but still offers plenty to do. March is a sweet spot for both the scenery and the conditions.

Everest Region (Lukla to Namche)

March brings perfect conditions for lower-elevation treks in the Everest region. Trails are open, skies are clear, and there’s less foot traffic than in April. You’ll pass blooming rhododendrons and get your first glimpses of Everest early in the journey. Villages along the way are still preparing for peak season, so you’ll get warm welcomes and quieter teahouses. This is a good time to go if you want views and culture without too much company.
 

What to do in Nepal in March

March marks the start of spring in Nepal. Skies are clearer, trails are drier, and hillsides are covered in rhododendron blooms. Here are some of our favorite best things to do in Nepal.

Boating and caving in Pokhara

March is one of the best times to hang out in Pokhara. You can take a boat across Phewa Lake, hike up to the World Peace Pagoda, or explore caves like Mahendra and Bat Cave, with their dramatic rock formations. The town is full of local guides and gear rentals, so it’s easy to plan a day outside.

Celebrate Holi Festival

Holi transforms Nepal. In places like Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, people pour into the streets throwing colored powder and water. It’s messy, loud, and totally joyful. The festival is open to everyone, not just Hindus, and you’ll often get invited to dance, snack, or join in a neighborhood celebration. It’s one of the most fun cultural events of the year.

Visit Lumbini, the Birthplace of Buddha

Lumbini feels especially peaceful in March. The skies are blue, the yards are green, and the crowds are smaller than later in the season. You can walk between monasteries built by Buddhist communities from around the world and visit the exact spot where Siddhartha Gautama was born. It’s a calm, reflective break from busier parts of Nepal.

If you're heading out with the whole family, be sure to see our guide to traveling in Nepal with kids.
 

Planning your trip to Nepal in March

Travel feels more active in March. Cities are busier, trekking areas see more movement, and festivals bring extra energy to towns and villages. It’s a good month if you want a balance of cultural sights, outdoor time, and social atmosphere, with plenty of services fully up and running. For a look into what our favorite trips look like, see our favorite Nepal itinerary.