Weather in Pokhara

About Pokhara

Phewa Lake mirrors Annapurna's snow peaks so perfectly it doubles the mountain's height—a perfect symmetry rarely found in nature. Lakeside paths wind between temples, guesthouses, and lakeside cafes; paragliders drift overhead. The valley cradles three lakes; Fewa Lake is the tourist hub, but Begnas and Rupa lakes remain tranquil.

Country

Nepal

Best months to visit

April, October, November

Currency

NPR

Language

Nepali, English

Things to do in Pokhara

Paragliding from Sarangkot Hill down into Pokhara Valley (weather permitting) Boating Phewa Lake to Tal Barahi Island Temple in the middle Hiking Sarangkot for sunrise over Annapurna and dawn light on lakes Visiting the International Mountain Museum for climbing history and exhibits Swimming in Phewa Lake from Lakeside Beach or boating to secluded bays Eating Nepali momos and fresh fish at waterside restaurants and cafes

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

22C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

April

26C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

May

26C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

June

27C

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

26C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

Recommended

October

24C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

November

21C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

December

17C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

Pokhara sits on the shores of Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range rising dramatically behind it, making it Nepal's most popular base for trekkers and for travelers who simply want mountain views without the climb. Boating on the lake, paragliding off Sarangkot, and wandering the laid-back Lakeside strip of cafes and gear shops give the town an easy, almost beach-resort feel set against a Himalayan backdrop.

Best areas to stay in Pokhara

Lakeside (Baidam)

The main tourist strip along Phewa Lake, packed with guesthouses, cafes, bars and trekking outfitters.

Damside

A quieter southern stretch of the lake, slightly less touristy but still close to the action.

Sarangkot

A hilltop village above the city famous for sunrise Himalaya views and paragliding launches.

Old Pokhara Bazaar

The original town centre, away from the lake, with a more local, everyday Nepali atmosphere.

Getting to Pokhara

✈

Flights

Pokhara's airport has frequent domestic flights from Kathmandu, taking around 25 minutes.

⏱

From London

Flights from Kathmandu take about 25 minutes; tourist buses take roughly 6-8 hours.

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Getting around

Lakeside is easily walkable; taxis and rented scooters cover Sarangkot, Davis Falls and other outlying sights.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Pokhara?

October-November and March-April offer the clearest mountain views; the monsoon (June-September) brings heavy rain and persistent cloud cover.

How do I get to Pokhara from Kathmandu?

Domestic flights take about 25 minutes; tourist buses take 6-8 hours depending on road conditions.

What can I do in Pokhara besides trekking?

Paragliding from Sarangkot, boating on Phewa Lake, visiting the World Peace Pagoda, and the short hike to Davis Falls and the Gupteshwor Cave.

Where should I stay?

Lakeside (Baidam) has the widest choice of guesthouses, restaurants and trekking agencies, all within walking distance of Phewa Lake.

What food should I try?

Nepali thali sets, Tibetan-style momo dumplings, and a wide range of international cafe food aimed at trekkers refuelling before or after the mountains.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Woke up at Sarangkot for sunrise and the whole Annapurna range just lit up pink. Paragliding down afterwards with that view was unforgettable.

Tom B. · November 2024

★★★★★

Such a relaxed place to recover after the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Days spent on a rented boat on Phewa Lake with the mountains reflected in the water.

Priya N. · October 2023

★★★★☆

Lakeside is very touristy but in a good way — easy to find gear, good food, and the lake itself is genuinely beautiful with the mountains behind it.

Stefan H. · April 2024