Travel guide · Nepal
Visiting Nepal in May
May is warm and hazy, the last good trekking window before the monsoon, with Buddha Jayanti on the calendar.
Nepal in May is the warm, hazy end of spring and the last dependable trekking window before the monsoon. High-altitude trails stay open and lush, lodges are running, and the calendar holds Buddha Jayanti — but the lowlands grow hot and humid, afternoon thunderstorms build, and daytime mountain views often soften under pre-monsoon haze. It is a transitional month that rewards early starts and flexible plans. For the year overall, see our month-by-month guide to Nepal.
Weather in May
May is warm to hot and increasingly humid. Kathmandu and Pokhara run around 25 to 30°C with muggy afternoons, while the Terai is very hot. The defining feature is the rise of pre-monsoon convection: clouds and thunderstorms build through the afternoon, so views are clearest at dawn. The high mountains are pleasant by day with cool nights and generally workable conditions, though weather grows less predictable toward month's end.
Trekking in May
May is the final spring trekking month. The Everest region treks and the Annapurna Circuit trek remain open, green and rewarding, and high passes are usually clear. The catch is heat at lower elevations and more frequent afternoon storms, so start walking early to enjoy morning clarity. Hardy trekkers heading into the rain-shadow north — Mustang and Dolpo — will find late May a fine lead-in to those monsoon-friendly regions. Plan with our Nepal trekking guide, and review altitude precautions in our altitude sickness guide.
What else to do
May suits higher hill stations and lakeside Pokhara, where it is cooler than the plains, and it is a good month for rafting as snowmelt swells the rivers. The Terai parks are very hot but can deliver dramatic wildlife sightings around shrinking waterholes. For sightseeing, mornings are best before the heat and afternoon clouds.
Festivals in May
The major event is Buddha Jayanti, usually on the full moon of May, marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. It is celebrated with prayers, butter lamps and processions at Boudhanath and Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and, most meaningfully, at the Buddha's birthplace of Lumbini in the Terai. Check timing in our festival calendar of Nepal.
Crowds and prices
May is shoulder season, quieter and cheaper than peak April as the heat and approaching monsoon thin the crowds. Trails are less busy and rooms easier to find. For the cooler, clearer heart of spring with rhododendrons in bloom, look back at Nepal in April; for the arrival of the monsoon and the green low season, read ahead to Nepal in June. To compare the trade-offs, see our best time to visit Nepal guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Nepal?+
It is a decent month, the warm and hazy tail of spring and the last reliable trekking window before the monsoon. High-altitude trails are open and lush, but the lowlands are hot, afternoon haze and pre-monsoon storms build, and big peaks may be cloud-veiled.
Can you trek in Nepal in May?+
Yes, May is the final spring trekking month. High routes such as Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit remain open and green, though it is hot at lower elevations and afternoon thunderstorms grow more frequent as the monsoon approaches.
What is the weather like in Nepal in May?+
May is warm to hot, with Kathmandu and Pokhara around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius and the Terai very hot and humid. Pre-monsoon afternoon clouds and thunderstorms increase, and haze often softens daytime mountain views, which are clearest at dawn.
When is Buddha Jayanti?+
Buddha Jayanti, marking the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, usually falls on the full moon of May. It is celebrated with prayers and processions at sites like Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and the Buddha's birthplace, Lumbini.
