Nepal Climate

The terrain of Nepal is diverse so the climate and weather here are different according to the terrain. It ranges from sub-tropical to arctic depending upon the altitude. The lowest altitude of Nepal starts from 60 meters and the highest altitude is 8848 meters from sea level. The climate and weather of Nepal are defined by climatic zones and geographic regions. Which is as follows:-

The climate of Nepal is divided into five climatic zones.

1. Tropical and subtropical zone: - This zone below 1200 meters from sea level. Most of the Terai region of Nepal lies in this area.
2. Temperate zone: - This area ranges from 1200 meters to 2400 meters above sea level. Some inner Terai and hilly area of Nepal lies in this area.
3. Cold zone: - These areas start from 2400 meters to 3600 meters above sea level. Some hilly and some mountain regions included in this area. 
4. The subarctic climate zone: - This climate zone starts from 3600 meters to 4400 meters above sea level. All-mountain valleys are included in this area. 
5. Arctic climate zone: - This zone starts 4400 meters above sea level. All high mountain lies in this zone. 

The Geographical Area of Nepal is divided into three Geographic regions

1. Mountain region

Most land cover by snow in this region. We have unique climate conditions in the mountains and they play a significant role in studying the overall environment of the country. 15% of the total land of Nepal covers by this region. The weather is cold every time. The Sub-arctic and arctic climatic zones belong to the Himalayan region of Nepal. The lower part of this region’s temperature can go zero or less. 

2. Hilly region

The hilly region is of Nepal different from temperature and sub-tropical climate zones. This region covers 68% of the total land of Nepal. This region is more comfortable for living in because of the mild climate. The temperature of this region is cool in the morning and night. The average temperature of summer is 18 ° C to 35 ° C and 1 °C to 12 ° C in winter. The Hilly region has the highest amount of rainfall all over Nepal. 

3. Tarai region

Terai is a low land area that lies in the southern part of Nepal. It is tropical and humid weather. 17% of land covers the total area of Nepal. Terai is the hottest part of Nepal where the temperature in winter is 6 ° C to 21 ° C and the temperature in spring/summer are increase 35 ° C to 38 ° C. The rainfall of the eastern part of Terai is extensive and the western part of Nepal is drier. This area has also suffered from different natural disasters like floods and loo (hot and dry summer wind). 

Seasons and weather of Nepal

Summer/monsoon season (June-August)

The end of May and the beginning of June start pre-monsoon summer. It gets hot and sometimes showers. June to late August is monsoon rains hit Nepal. Rains are heavier and more risk of flooding and landslide in many places. This time travel to remote areas should be avoided.

Autumn season (September-November)

This season is the best season for tourists in Nepal if you are going to traveling to Nepal for trekking, tours, and other activities. This is just after the monsoon season so the weather is dry and clear. 

Winter season (December-February)

 At this time, there is heavy snowfall in the mountains and light snowfall in the hilly areas. Frost in the Terai region. The water freezes at night. Also light snowfall on the hills around the Kathmandu valley. This is also a low trekking season for high mountains in Nepal. 

Spring season (March-May)

The second biggest tourist season of Nepal. Also the main season for expedition Mt. Everest and so no. The climates start cold at the beginning of the season and other months slowly increasing warm with some showers. Flowers in the valley have bloomed.