2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Kathmandu — May

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

May is an excellent time to visit Kathmandu. Warm weather with highs of 26°C—great for outdoor activities. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

5.1
GoTripzi Score Fair

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

26°C

Avg Low

18°C

Rainy days

24days

Daylight

13.5h

Feels like 29°C / 19°C — humidity makes it feel warmer

Rainfall

272mm

Sunshine

10.7h/day

Humidity

79%

Humid
Sun Strength

8

Very High
Wind

7 km/h (gusts 29)

Is May a good time to visit Kathmandu?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

05:16

Sunset

18:46

13.5h daylight

Visiting Kathmandu in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities
  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in May

Events & Festivals

🕊️
Buddha Jayanti (Vesak)
May Religious

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Kathmandu Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 17°C 7°C 7d (41mm) 9h
78% Humid
5.4 High
Good
Feb 19°C 9°C 7d (44mm) 9.8h
74% Humid
6.5 High
Good
Mar 23°C 12°C 12d (59mm) 10.6h
67% Humid
8 Very High
Excellent
Apr 26°C 15°C 11d (76mm) 11.2h
61% Moderate
9.2 Very High
Excellent
May Current 26°C 18°C 24d (272mm) 10.7h
79% Humid
8 Very High
Excellent
Jun 27°C 21°C 28d (541mm) 8.3h
87% Very Humid
6.4 High
Wet
Jul 27°C 22°C 31d (764mm) 5.8h
90% Very Humid
5.2 High
Wet
Aug 27°C 22°C 31d (618mm) 6.2h
89% Very Humid
5.1 High
Wet
Sep 27°C 21°C 29d (447mm) 7.2h
87% Very Humid
5.4 High
Wet
Oct 26°C 17°C 14d (196mm) 8.9h
81% Very Humid
6 High
Excellent
Nov 22°C 12°C 6d (23mm) 9.7h
80% Very Humid
5.7 High
Excellent
Dec 19°C 9°C 3d (18mm) 9.2h
78% Humid
5.3 High
Good

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4.3

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Kathmandu – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Kathmandu

Himalayan hub for treks with Swayambhunath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square, stupas and Newari courtyards.

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What to Pack for May

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Moderate Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Kathmandu?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Kathmandu?
May is typically excellent for visiting Kathmandu, with average highs of 26°C and around 24 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Kathmandu in May?
Evenings in Kathmandu during May are mild at 18°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Kathmandu in May?
With highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C in May, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Water-resistant shoes, Lightweight breathable clothes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Kathmandu in May?
Kathmandu typically sees around 24 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Kathmandu in May?
In May, Kathmandu gets approximately 13.5 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Kathmandu?
Yes, May is peak season in Kathmandu. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Asia/Kathmandu)

Last Updated: February 2026

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