Asia

Nepal in May

The high country still works early in the month and Everest summit pushes happen now, but haze builds and Chitwan runs very hot.

TradeoffsKathmandu highs near 84F (29C), hot in the lowlands, pre-monsoon storms

Annapurna, Nepal — NepalPhoto: Bijay Chaurasia, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

May is a month of real tradeoffs in Nepal. The high country still works early in the month and Everest summit pushes happen now, but haze builds and Chitwan runs very hot.

Weather: Kathmandu highs near 84F (29C), hot in the lowlands, pre-monsoon storms
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What May is like in Nepal

May is a mixed month. Kathmandu highs reach near 84F (29C), the lowlands turn hot and pre-monsoon storms start. The high country still works early in the month, and Everest summit pushes happen now. Haze builds and Chitwan runs very hot. Buddha Jayanti may fall this month, with processions at Lumbini, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath.

It suits trekkers who go early in the month and do not mind hazy views. Families should keep to cooler, higher foothill routes. For the best spring conditions, choose April. For the clearest views of the year, go in October or November.

Make the most of May

What is especially good about Nepal this month.

Everest summit season

May is when climbers make their summit attempts, and base camp is full of energy.

Buddha Jayanti

When the full moon lands in May, processions honor the Buddha's birthday at Lumbini and Boudhanath.

Early-month treks

The first half of May is still good for high treks before the monsoon.

What to pack for May

Light, breathable clothing for the valleys
A rain jacket for storms
Warm layers for high camps
Sunscreen and a hat

Our timing tip

Start any trek in early May to finish before the pre-monsoon storms build.

Book Nepal for May.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Nepal
Opens a hotel search for Nepal in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for May
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Nepal
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Nepal
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Nepal for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in May

Buddha Jayanti

April or May, on the full moon, varies by year

The Buddha's birthday, marked with processions at Lumbini, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath.

Things to do in Nepal

Full guide

Everest Base Camp trek

Usually 12 to 14 days round trip from Lukla. October, November, April, and May are the windows; build in spare days for flight delays.

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Annapurna region treks

Poon Hill is a short, family-friendly option with a famous sunrise view; the full Annapurna Circuit crosses Thorong La, which can close in heavy snow.

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Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares

Three royal cities within an hour of each other. Bhaktapur is the best preserved; go early before the day-tour groups.

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Boudhanath and Swayambhunath

Boudhanath's great stupa is the center of Tibetan Buddhist life in the valley; walk the clockwise kora at dusk with the pilgrims.

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Chitwan National Park

Best from October through March; February to April, after the tall grass is cut, gives the best wildlife visibility, though heat builds by April.

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Pokhara and Phewa Lake

The relaxed lakeside base for the Annapurnas, with paragliding off Sarangkot in the dry season.

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Beat the crowds

Trek in November rather than October: the weather is just as clear, the trails thin out after the Dashain holiday rush, and lodges are easier to book.
On the Everest trail, start early each morning. Most groups leave after breakfast; walking by 7am gets you quiet trails and the clearest views before afternoon cloud.
Consider Langtang, Manaslu, or the Mardi Himal route instead of the two headline treks; they are less crowded in the same seasons.
December and February are excellent for lower treks like Poon Hill and Ghorepani with a fraction of the October traffic.

Know before you go

Monsoon (June to September): many teahouses on the main trekking routes reduce service or close, and road landslides can cut off trailheads for days.
High passes, especially Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit, can close after heavy snowfall from December through February. Check conditions before committing.
During Dashain, many shops and offices in Kathmandu close for several days and transport is overwhelmed as people head home. Book buses and flights early.
Mountain flights to Lukla are weather dependent all year. In peak seasons, many Lukla flights have recently departed from Ramechhap, a long drive from Kathmandu, rather than Kathmandu itself. Budget two buffer days.

Nepal in May, quick answers

Is May a good time to visit Nepal?

May is a month of real tradeoffs in Nepal. The high country still works early in the month and Everest summit pushes happen now, but haze builds and Chitwan runs very hot.

What is the weather like in Nepal in May?

Kathmandu highs near 84F (29C), hot in the lowlands, pre-monsoon storms.

Is Nepal crowded in May?

Crowds in Nepal are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Nepal in May?

Buddha Jayanti (april or may, on the full moon, varies by year).