Nepal in February - Weather, Top Places & Things to Do in February in Nepal

Nepal is a beautiful place to visit during any time of the year, offering a visual treat to its visitors with its mesmerizing landscapes and historical towns. In February, Nepal is considered winter, but the place during this month is warmer than December-January, with clear skies and warm temperatures during the daytime, making it the best time to explore around and beat the crowds. Read along to learn more about the places to explore and activities to do in Nepal in February.

Weather in Nepal in February

In February, the winter starts giving way to the warmer spring season with clear blue skies and sunny days, providing the perfect conditions to tour around Nepal, enjoy the panoramic views, and go for treks and trails in the mountains. However, the nights may be colder, with temperatures ranging from 4-22 degrees Celsius and even going down up to -5 degrees Celsius at higher points. Pack your winter wear or thermal wear accordingly, and look out for rooms with heater facilities. 

The weather is pleasant in lowland areas and Kathmandu, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, making it the perfect weather to explore historical temples and bussing markets.
Hill stations like Pokhara experience comparatively cooler weather, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. You can explore the scenic lakeside atmosphere of Pokhara, and there is also a boat ride on Phewa Lake.

Northern mountain regions, including the Himalayas, have incredibly freezing weather. Daytime temperatures range from -5 to 5 degrees Celsius. As there is a lot of snow, trekking is challenging in these weather conditions. However, in the central and western Terai, places like Lumbini have pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. You can explore the Chitwan National Park, which offers various wildlife experiences.

Places to Visit & Things to do in Nepal in February

1. Sightseeing sans the crowds

February is considered off-season in Nepal, making it an ideal time to pay a visit and go for quieter sightseeing in Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara - the golden trio of Nepal. These destinations are in the middle hills, hence having a moderate temperature. 

The capital city of Kathmandu is the largest in Nepal, located in a valley. It is a diverse and historical place with ancient architecture, bronze sculptures, wooden carvings, and pagoda-style heritage sites, along with modern amenities ranging from luxury hotels to nightclubs and restaurants offering international cuisine.

Chitwan is known for its forests and mustard cultivation sites. The place is famous for its palaces, local shopping areas, and unique local food. Chitwan is also home to the Chitwan National Park, where you would find the last of the Royal Bengal tigers and one-horned rhino species. 

Pokhara is the lake city of Nepal and is known as the ‘gateway to Annapoorna’ treks. It lies on the foothills of the Annapurna range, and the Himalayan peaks, and is located on the shores of the Phewa lake. The place is thus perfect for enjoying the picturesque landscapes and clicking great photographs. Pokhara is also the adventure zone of Nepal, offering multiple choices of activities from trekking to paragliding, and the starting point of numerous treks and trails to the Himalayas.

2. Low Altitude Trekking

Since the higher parts of the Himalayas are snowbound and uncomfortably cold during Nepal in February, only experienced trekkers attempt high altitude trekking during this time. But treks at a lower altitude, in hills near Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara, can be enjoyed by all due to the temperate weather. The popular trekking trails start from the tourist hubs of Thamel in Kathmandu, Lakeside in Pokhara, and Lukla in the Everest region. Chitwan and Ghandruk Trek, Balthali Village Trek, the Tamang Heritage Trail, and the Namche Bazaar Trek- are some of the short treks suitable for winter months that do not involve high altitudes.

3. Adventure Activities

Nepal has recently started promoting adventure tourism in its top tourist destinations, so you will find a range of adventure activities wherever you are in Nepal. The popular adventure activities that you can opt for during this season are Trekking, Hiking, Camping, Skydiving, water touch Bungee jumping, Paragliding, Mountain biking, and cycling through the trails. Pokhara is the major adventure destination where you would find all these services, apart from ultralight flights over the mountains and ziplining. Lighter adventures include Wildlife spotting and jungle Safari in Chitwan, Boating,  Rafting, and Walking tours.

Events in February in Nepal

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 means the ‘night of Shiva, ' is an auspicious day for Hindus, particularly Shaivites (worshippers of Lord Shiva), who gather around the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. As Maha Shivaratri is related to the night, devotees and saints stay up 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.

Traveling to Nepal in February has the advantages of having a less crowded and quieter sightseeing experience, easy access as well as discounts on hotels and services due to the offseason, and the joy of enjoying the snow-clad landscape from a temperate zone. However, the temperature drops to minus degrees at night, and accommodation at high altitudes remains closed, so you have to book your accommodation and pack your stuff accordingly so that you can enjoy your trip without any discomfort.