Kathmandu in May

Hot and dusty; pre-monsoon storms.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

May is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• OctoberGreatClearest skies; Dashain and Tihar crowds, closures and sold-out transport.
• NovemberGreatDry and clear, cool mornings.
• DecemberGoodCold mornings and nights; bring layers.
• JanuaryGoodCold mornings and nights, clear days; fog can delay flights.

• KathmanduHighs around 29 °C (84 °F), lows around 16 °C (61 °F), rain on about 11 daysHighs around 84 °F (29 °C), lows around 61 °F (16 °C), rain on about 11 days
• Kathmandu valley, Nepal · Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Nagarkothot

  Cold nights Dec–Feb (near 0 °C (32 °F)); dust and smoke haze in spring hide the mountains; monsoon rain most afternoons Jun–Sep.Cold nights Dec–Feb (near 32 °F (0 °C)); dust and smoke haze in spring hide the mountains; monsoon rain most afternoons Jun–Sep.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Buddha Jayanti check

  Full moon of Baisakh · Boudhanath and Swayambhunath

  Crowds and prayers at stupas.

Crowds · Nepal overall

Medium

Prices · Nepal overall

Medium

Nepal overall: Hot in the Terai, pre-monsoon storms; high treks still good early in the month.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Kathmandu, side by side.

• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

Build the full packing list for your trip →