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Weather in Chitwan
Jungle safaris tracking rhinos and Bengal tigers
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About Chitwan
A remarkable destination worth exploring.
Best months to visit
January, February, March, October, November, December
Things to do in Chitwan
Jeep safaris into Chitwan seeking rhinos, tigers, and sloth bears
Elephant-back rides through jungle areas to spot wildlife at dawn
Guided jungle walks with trackers learning animal signs and plant medicine
Visiting Kumari Marshes and Narayani River for birdwatching (544 species documented)
Staying at jungle lodges and village homestays with cultural exchanges
Visiting nearby Nagarjun Caves and Siwalik Hill viewpoints above the park
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
20C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
February
24C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
March
29C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
April
32C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
May
32C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
June
32C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
July
31C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
August
31C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
September
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
Recommended
October
29C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
November
26C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
December
22C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Chitwan National Park is Nepal's premier lowland reserve, a stretch of subtropical grassland and forest along the Rapti River where jeep safaris and canoe trips offer real chances to spot one-horned rhinos, crocodiles and, with luck, a Bengal tiger. The surrounding villages are home to the Tharu people, whose stilted houses, farming traditions and evening cultural dance shows add another layer to a visit beyond the wildlife.
Best areas to stay in Chitwan
Sauraha
The main gateway village, with most guesthouses, restaurants and safari operators clustered near the park entrance.
Inside-park lodges
A handful of lodges within or bordering the core park area, offering closer access to wildlife at the cost of higher prices.
Tharu villages
Traditional stilted villages around Sauraha where visitors can see local farming life and cultural performances.
Bharatpur
The nearest town with an airport and transport links, useful as an arrival or departure point.
Getting to Chitwan
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Flights
Bharatpur Airport has short domestic flights from Kathmandu, around 20 minutes, with a transfer to Sauraha.
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From London
By road from Kathmandu or Pokhara, allow roughly 5-6 hours.
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Getting around
Jeep safaris and canoe trips are arranged through lodges; Sauraha itself is small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Chitwan?
October to March is driest and most comfortable for safaris; the hot, humid period before the monsoon (April-May) can offer good wildlife sightings around remaining water sources.
What animals might I see?
One-horned rhinos are commonly spotted, along with deer, crocodiles, monkeys and a huge range of birdlife; Bengal tiger sightings are rare but possible.
How do I get to Chitwan?
Most visitors arrive by tourist bus or private car from Kathmandu or Pokhara, a journey of roughly 5-6 hours; short domestic flights to Bharatpur are also an option.
What activities are available besides jeep safaris?
Canoe trips on the Rapti River, guided nature walks, elephant breeding centre visits, and Tharu cultural dance performances in the evenings.
Where should I stay?
Sauraha is the main tourist hub with the widest choice of lodges; resorts inside or bordering the park itself offer a quieter, more immersive stay.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Saw three rhinos on our first jeep safari, including a mother with a calf right by the river. The canoe trip the next morning was wonderfully peaceful.
Helen R. · January 2024
★★★★☆
A great contrast to the mountains — flat, green, and full of wildlife. The Tharu cultural show in the evening was a nice bonus after a day of safaris.
Bikash T. · March 2023
★★★★☆
No tiger for us, but the rhinos, birdlife and the river scenery more than made up for it. Sauraha itself is a friendly, easy-going little town.
Lucas F. · November 2024
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