Kathmandu, Nepal: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2021]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links. Traveling to Kathmandu, Nepal? If you're planning to go to Kathmandu, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Kathmandu
- Important essentials for Kathmandu
- Kathmandu in January: weather and what to pack
- Kathmandu in February: weather and what to pack
- Kathmandu in March: weather and what to pack
- Kathmandu in April: weather and what to pack
- Kathmandu in May: weather and what to pack
- Kathmandu in June: weather and what to pack
- Kathmandu in July: weather and what to pack
- Kathmandu in August: weather and what to pack
- Kathmandu in September: weather and what to pack
- Kathmandu in October: weather and what to pack
- Kathmandu in November: weather and what to pack
- Kathmandu in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to Kathmandu, Nepal
Based on the climate and weather in Kathmandu, the best time to go is May. See below for details.
Important esssentials for Kathmandu, Nepal
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kathmandu, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 PACKING ESSENTIALS
- proof of COVID-19 vaccination if you have it
- vaccine card protector
- N95 masks for top protection
- kids' KN95 masks
- hand sanitizer
- touchless thermometer
- travel disinfecting wipes (for plane, etc)
- A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. This one should be appropriate for most places, but check with your hotel.
- A portable power bank, like this one
- A SIM card that works in Kathmandu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some locations you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone
- If you are visiting a temple, pack respectful clothing
- Pickpocketing is an issue, so wear a money belt or neck pouch
- Appropriate museum wear
- Emergency water purifier
- For families with young children:
- Kathmandu visitors will do a lot of walking, so a lightweight backpack like this is essential
- Airplane or car necessities:
- Photography items that we like:
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
What to wear/what to pack for Kathmandu, Nepal by month
January
January in Kathmandu can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).
But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Dresses
- Long skirts
- Pants or jeans
- Light jacket or fleece
- Standard footwear
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Socks
- A rain poncho to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is a great one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things don't get wet. We like: this one
February
February here is chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains almost every day of the month.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Socks
- Light jacket or fleece
- Long skirts
- Pants or jeans
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Dresses
- Standard footwear
- A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is a great option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things don't get wet. We recommend: this one
March
March in Kathmandu is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C), with a few days below 45 F (single digits C).
With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 50% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Pants or jeans
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Light jacket or fleece
- Socks
- Standard footwear
- Dresses
- Long skirts
- A rain coat to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We use these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases remain dry. We suggest: this one
April
April in Kathmandu is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Light footwear
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Sandals
- Sunscreen lotion
- Shorts or short pants
- Bug repellent
- A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We use:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is an excellent choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest: this one
May
In May, Kathmandu is warm. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
This is also a rainy time for Kathmandu, with several of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 60%.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Dresses
- Bug repellent
- Sunscreen lotion
- Light footwear
- Skirts
- Shorts or short pants
- Sandals
- A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is a great option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings stay dry. We suggest: this one
June
June in Kathmandu is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Skirts
- Sunscreen lotion
- Dresses
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Shorts or short pants
- Light footwear
- Sandals
- Bug repellent
- A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is an excellent option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things remain dry. We recommend: this one
July
July in Kathmandu is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Shorts or short pants
- Bug repellent
- Dresses
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Skirts
- Sandals
- Sunscreen lotion
- Light footwear
- A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is a perfect choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things remain dry. We suggest: this one
August
In August, Kathmandu is warm. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
This is also a rainy time for Kathmandu, with several of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Sunscreen lotion
- Shorts or short pants
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Light footwear
- Dresses
- Sandals
- Skirts
- Bug repellent
- A rain coat to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We like:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is an excellent option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your bags stay dry. We recommend: this one
September
In September, Kathmandu is warm. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) and regularly jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 60s F (high 10s C).
This is also a rainy time for Kathmandu, with several of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Shorts or short pants
- Sandals
- Light footwear
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Dresses
- Bug repellent
- Skirts
- Sunscreen lotion
- A rain coat to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is a perfect choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings remain dry. We recommend: this one
October
October in Kathmandu is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light footwear
- Skirts
- Shorts or short pants
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Sandals
- Dresses
- Sunscreen lotion
- Bug repellent
- A rain coat to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a great option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things don't get wet. We suggest: this one
November
In November, Kathmandu is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
This is also a rainy time for Kathmandu, with most of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Socks
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Dresses
- Long skirts
- Standard footwear
- Pants or jeans
- Light jacket or fleece
- A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest: this one
December
December in Kathmandu is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains almost every day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Standard footwear
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Light jacket or fleece
- Long skirts
- Pants or jeans
- Dresses
- Socks
- A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We like:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is an excellent option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things remain dry. We like: this one
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