By mid-to-late February in much of Nepal, winter starts giving way to the warmth of spring, yet international travelers are still not arriving in large numbers. Beyond low-altitude trekking, this is also a great month for jungle safaris, and conditions are excellent for mountain biking. Read on to find out why you should beat the crowds by visiting Nepal in February.

Weather

As with every month in Nepal, the climate varies enormously between the Terai, the mid-hills of Kathmandu and Pokhara, and the high Himalaya in February. The Terai—which has a North Indian climate—can be very hot by February, with temperatures getting as high as 91°F. Meanwhile, in the high Himalaya, temperatures can still be very cold, with snow sticking around. In Kathmandu, the average high for February is 69°F, with Pokhara a few degrees warmer. There is practically no rain in February.

Crowds & Costs

February is still considered the off-season in Nepal, and some hotels still offer a discount rate. Crowds have not yet returned to the trekking trails or the tourist hubs of Thamel in Kathmandu or Lakeside in Pokhara, making it an ideal month for cultural sightseeing.

Trekking Trails

Parts of the high Himalaya are still snow-bound and uncomfortably cold in February. High-altitude treks should only be attempted by experienced trekkers. But treks at lower altitude, especially in the hills nearer to Kathmandu and Pokhara, offer clear skies and temperate daytime temperatures: perfect trekking conditions.

For more on trekking in Nepal, learn everything you need to know here.

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Where to Go

Nepal's cities get increasingly warm throughout February, but are still not too hot, providing great weather for cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Late January through to March is an ideal time to visit Chitwan National Park—the tall elephant grass that grows thick in the jungle is cut back, making it easier to spot wildlife.

Some good short treks suitable for winter conditions can be done from Namche Bazaar, in the Everest region (which requires a flight to Lukla first). Other treks suitable for the winter months include the Ghandruk trek, the Balthali Village trek near Kathmandu, and the Tamang Heritage Trail. 

What to Do

Jungle safaris in Chitwan National Park, low-altitude treks, cultural activities in the cities, mountain biking, and paragliding are all possible and enjoyable in February.  

February Events

Traditional Nepali festivals (whether Hindu or Buddhist) usually follow a lunar calendar. This means that some festivals falling in February one year may be in January or March the next. A festival that often falls in February is Maha Shivaratri, On this day, Hindu devotees worship Lord Shiva. The celebrations are particularly vibrant at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, where thousands of sadhus (Hindu holy men) gather.

Traveling to Nepal in February? Check out these great itineraries. 

Chitwan and Ghandruk Trek. This lower-altitude trek combines two places that are ideal at the end of the winter, the jungles and flatlands of the Terai and the moderate trek to Ghandruk in the Annapurna Himalaya.

Balthali Village Trek. A culturally rich trek near Kathmandu that passes through interesting villages, and doesn't involve high altitudes.

Tamang Heritage Trail. Beyond the trek itself, this itinerary offers cultural interaction with the ethnic Tamang people, who are descendants of Tibetans.

More Helpful Information

Nepal in January
Nepal in March
Best Time to Visit Nepal
Nepal Itinerary Ideas