Weather in Bhaktapur

About Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur's three main squares preserve medieval Newari architectural perfection—60% of Nepal's ancient buildings concentrate in this UNESCO World Heritage city. Durbar Square's palaces, the five-storey Nyatapola Temple, and Taumadhi Square's pagodas create a living museum. Pottery wheels still spin in neighbourhood workshops; the city traffic-free except donkeys.

Country

Nepal

Best months to visit

November, December

Currency

NPR

Language

Nepali, Newari, English

Things to do in Bhaktapur

Walking Durbar Square examining palace architecture and temple detail Climbing the 55 steps of Nyatapola Temple for rooftop city views Visiting pottery workshops where potters throw and paint Bhaktapur's famous clay Exploring Taumadhi Square and the Golden Gate palace architecture Shopping the handicraft bazaar for pottery, textiles, and wood carvings Eating Bhaktapur's famous local yogurt (juju dau) and sel roti from street vendors

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

16C

Cool, with occasional showers.

February

18C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

March

21C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

April

24C

Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.

May

25C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

June

26C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

July

26C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

August

26C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

September

25C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

October

23C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

November

20C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

December

18C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Bhaktapur is the best-preserved of the Kathmandu Valley's three royal cities, its Durbar Square and the surrounding lanes of red-brick Newar architecture having largely escaped the heavy modern development seen elsewhere in the valley, though the 2015 earthquake left visible scars still being repaired. Potters' Square, where rows of clay pots dry in the sun beside traditional wheel workshops, and the towering Nyatapola Temple give the city a tangible sense of everyday Newar craft and ritual life continuing much as it has for centuries.

Best areas to stay in Bhaktapur

Durbar Square

The historic royal square with palace buildings, temples and the National Art Gallery, the city's main landmark area.

Taumadhi Square

Home to the towering Nyatapola Temple and a lively mix of shops and small eateries.

Potters' Square

A square where traditional pottery is still made and dried in the open, with workshops open to visitors.

Old town backstreets

Narrow brick lanes connecting the main squares, with courtyards, shrines and everyday Newar life.

Getting to Bhaktapur

✈

Flights

No airport; Bhaktapur is reached by road from Kathmandu, which has the nearest international airport.

⏱

From London

About 30-45 minutes by car, taxi or local bus from central Kathmandu.

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Getting around

The old town is compact and best explored on foot; the main squares and Potters' Square are all within easy walking distance of each other.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Bhaktapur?

October to April offers dry, comfortable weather for exploring the squares and lanes on foot; the monsoon makes the brick-paved streets slippery.

How far is Bhaktapur from Kathmandu?

About 13km, roughly 30-45 minutes by road depending on traffic, making it an easy day trip from the capital.

What should I see in Bhaktapur?

Durbar Square with its palace and temples, Potters' Square for traditional ceramics, Taumadhi Square and the five-tiered Nyatapola Temple, and the quieter backstreets of the old town.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes — a separate entry fee applies for foreign visitors to the old town/Durbar Square area, in addition to any Kathmandu Valley costs.

What food is Bhaktapur known for?

Juju dhau, a rich, caramelised yogurt served in clay pots, is a local specialty worth seeking out in the old town.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Felt like stepping back in time compared to Kathmandu's chaos. Watching potters work in Potters' Square and trying juju dhau from a clay pot were highlights.

Sangita M. · January 2024

★★★★☆

Some earthquake damage is still visible in places but the restoration work is impressive and the overall atmosphere of the old town is wonderful, especially early morning before the crowds.

James K. · October 2023

★★★★★

Easily our favourite stop in the Kathmandu Valley. The brick architecture, the squares, and the slower pace compared to the capital made it feel much more authentic.

Nirmala T. · March 2024