Weather in Nepal in March: A Complete Travel and Trekking Guide

The month of March marks the onset of Nepal’s peak tourism season, with the freezing weather of the winter season slowly warming up and blooming into the warm spring. Accommodation and trekking activities in the higher altitudes open up again as international tourists flood in to take part in the adventure and cultural activities during March. Though the temperatures at the lower Terai at places like Kathmandu and Pokhara can turn scorching by mid-March, the mountains and places at higher altitudes remain cool. Read on to know about the things to do in Nepal if you are planning to visit in March.

Weather in Nepal in March

There is a little transition between winter and spring from February to March, and Nepal sees a big climatic variation between the low-lying areas and high up in the mountains.

1. Kathmandu Valley( Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur)

The cities in the mid-hills, such as Kathmandu, experience an average day time temperature of 23 to 32 degrees Celsius, perfect for exploring the temples, sightseeing, and buzzing markets. Rainfall is light, around 34 mm across the month.

2. Pokhara Valley

Hill stations like Pokhara have pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. The scenic city of Pokhara enjoys comfortable temperatures and mostly dry weather, making it a great base for trekking and lakeside activities. Rainfall here measures as low as 60 mm in this month, and they are generally brief showers. 

3. Terai Region (Chitwan, Lumbini)

In the Terai Region, average daytime temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, with lows at night averaging around 13°C. Rainfall in minimal at 35 mm, making it dry and warm. With the onset of spring, March is perfect for jungle safaris in Chitwan National Park, where wildlife is active and temperatures are comfortable.

4. Himalayan Foothills and High Altitudes (Namche Bazaar, Jomsom, Everest Base Camp)

Mountain trails still remain cold but are pleasant and accessible during March. Everest regions experience light snow and rain, with average temperatures ranging from -10°C to 10°C at altitudes around 3,000 to 5,000 meters. Highs are around 9°C in Namche and 7°C in Jomsom, with subzero nights. Trekking routes are clearer and more accessible, and the weather is stable and comparatively much more pleasant than in previous months.

High-Altitude Treks in Nepal in March

By mid-to-late March, temperatures become more manageable, and snow begins to melt, making high-altitude treks such as the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit more accessible. However, night temperatures remain low, often dropping to -12°C or lower at elevations above 5,000 meters. Days are mostly bright, clear, and warm enough to enjoy trekking, with only occasional snow or light rain. Rain and snow are possible but tend to be light and short-lived. 

Treks in Nepal in March and Weather Conditions

March is an ideal time for trekking in Nepal, as the warmer weather, clear skies, and blooming spring landscapes create excellent trail conditions. Here are some of the top treks in March, along with what to expect on each:

1. Everest Base Camp Trek

Temperature: Daytime highs around 5-10°C, with nighttime lows dropping to -10°C or colder at higher altitudes.
Conditions: Clear skies and bright days make for spectacular views of Mount Everest and other peaks. Nights are cold, but teahouses along the trail reopen after winter, making March a good time for this iconic trek.

2. Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Temperature: Between 10-15°C during the day at lower altitudes, dropping to -5 to -10°C at higher elevations near the base camp.
Conditions: March brings sunny days with occasional light snow at higher elevations, enhancing the scenic beauty of the Annapurna range. The blooming rhododendron forests add a colorful touch to the trails.

3. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 10-20°C, cooling down to 5°C at night.
Conditions: This shorter trek is perfect for March, as the trail is lined with colorful rhododendrons. The sunrise view from Poon Hill is breathtaking and often clearer this time of year.

4. Langtang Valley Trek

Temperature: Daytime highs around 10-15°C, with nighttime lows around 0°C.
Conditions: Clear weather in March provides beautiful views of the Langtang peaks, and the trail is quieter than more popular routes, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful trek.

5. Mardi Himal Trek

Temperature: 10-15°C at lower altitudes, with nighttime lows around -5°C at higher points.
Conditions: This shorter trek provides stunning views of the Annapurna range, and March’s mild days and rhododendron blooms make it a great choice.

Events in Nepal in March 

Some festivals that often fall in March (depending on the lunar calendar) are

1. Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri festival is one of the major festivals in Nepal, falling during the month of Falgun (either in February or March, according to the lunar calendar). Shivaratri, which literally means ‘ a night of Shiva’, is an auspicious day for Hindus, particularly Shaivites (worshippers of Lord Shiva), who gather around at the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. As Maha Shivaratri is related to the night, devotees and saints stay up till late at night praying and chanting in celebration of the birthday of the Hindu mythological God. The festival is an incredible spectacle for onlookers and a chance to observe religious rituals and cultural activities.

2. Ghode Jatra

Ghode Jatra literally translates to ‘horse parade’, is a festival of horses organized in Kathmandu in the month of Chaitra (either during March or April). It is a national festival evolved from an ancient tradition of letting the horses run for good omen and to keep evil spirits away. Horse marches, races, and various stunts are performed by a troop of horses led by the Nepali Army Team. The people of Newari communities also lead a procession with music and instruments, carrying their deities through the streets of Kathmandu just before the night of Ghode Jatra.

3. The Festival of Colors - Holi

Holi is the festival of colors celebrated during the Nepali month of Falgun (February or March, depending on the lunar calendar), which lasts for two days. Holi is celebrated mainly in India and Nepal for the coming of spring and the victory of good over evil. Different from Indian traditions, Nepal has a special ceremony of erecting a wooden pole, around which women dressed in traditional attire circle and offer prayers.

On the day of Holi, Durbar Square and other regions in Nepal turn into a sea of water, colors, and music as people celebrate and exchange good wishes by throwing color powders and splashing colored water on each other. The festival comes to an end on the eighth day with a Holi bonfire.

As March is the start of the peak tourist season in Nepal, you are advised to book your flight tickets, accommodation, and transportation well in advance. Though it is the perfect time to explore the offbeat locations, the popular trekking trails tend to get crowded by the end of the month. Nights will still be cold, and there will be a slight probability of light showers, so do not forget to pack in your jackets and rain covers. You will be getting a lot of photo-worthy moments as Nepal’s natural beauty is at its best in this early spring season.