In Nepal experiences six distinct seasons. The two additional seasons in Nepal are the Rainy season and the Pre-winter season. Each Nepali season lasts for two months.
Here are the Nepali seasons:
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Basanta Ritu (Spring): mid-March to mid-May
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Grishma Ritu (Summer): mid-May to mid-July
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Barsha Ritu (Rainy): mid-July to mid-September
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Sharad Ritu (Autumn): mid-September to mid-November
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Hemanta Ritu (Pre-winter): mid-November to mid-January
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Shishir Ritu (Winter): mid-January to mid-March
Nepali Seasons Overview
Basanta Ritu (Spring) – mid-March to mid-May
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Nepali Months: Chaitra and Baishakh
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This season, known as Basanta Ritu, sees new buds and blooming flowers as the temperature remains moderate. Windy days and pleasant weather mark this period, making it a refreshing time in Nepal.
Grishma Ritu (Summer) – mid-May to mid-July
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Nepali Months: Jestha and Aashad
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Grishma Ritu is the hottest season, with falling flowers and the growth of fruits. This is a crucial time for agriculture, as farmers plant summer crops like paddy. It’s the warmest time of the year in Nepal.
Barsha Ritu (Rainy Season) – mid-July to mid-September
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Nepali Months: Shrawan and Bhadra
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Known as Barsha Ritu, this is the monsoon season, bringing constant rain and making it the ideal time for paddy plantation. Barsha literally means “rain,” and it is the primary feature of this season.
Sharad Ritu (Autumn) – mid-September to mid-November
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Nepali Months: Ashwin and Kartik
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Sharad Ritu, the autumn season, is celebrated with major festivals such as Teej, Dashain, and Tihar. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold, making it perfect for adventure activities like trekking and peak climbing. This season also offers stunning mountain views.
Hemanta Ritu (Pre-Winter) – mid-November to mid-January
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Nepali Months: Mangsir and Poush
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Hemanta Ritu marks the beginning of colder weather as temperatures start to drop. People prepare for winter, and farmers are busy in their fields. This pre-winter season is a transition into the colder months.
Shishir Ritu (Winter) – mid-January to mid-April
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Nepali Months: Magh and Falgun
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Shishir Ritu is the coldest season in Nepal. Snow frequently falls in the higher altitude regions. Despite the cold, it’s an excellent time to visit the Pokhara valley to enjoy stunning sunrises and snow-capped Himalayan views.
Best Months for Visiting Nepal
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September: The end of the monsoon brings a mix of rain, sun, and rainbows. It’s a transformative time with lush greenery.
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October: The peak of autumn offers sunny days, cool breezes, and the vibrant Dashain Festival.
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November: A warm, sunny end to autumn, with early winter chill in the air and festive celebrations, including Deepavali.
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December: While winter sets in, days remain sunny and warm, with evenings spent around bonfires and festive events like Christmas and New Year.
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March: The onset of spring brings blooming flowers, fresh fragrances, and vibrant celebrations like Chaitra Navaratri.
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April: As spring comes to an end, new planting begins, and Nepal celebrates its New Year.
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May: Early summer arrives with bright sun, occasional rain, and beautiful rainbows, marking a season of spiritual growth.
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June: The heat intensifies with thunderstorms and waterfalls, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like swimming in fresh rivers.
Seasonal Highlights in Nepal
Nepal’s diverse seasons make it a year-round destination. The monsoon months (June to August) bring rains from the Indian Ocean, while winter (mid-December to February) is marked by cool, dry weather with snow in the mountains. Spring and autumn, with their stable and dry weather, are ideal for trekking and exploring the stunning landscapes.
Note: In Nepal, there are traditionally six seasons throughout the year, each lasting approximately two months, including the additional rainy and pre-winter seasons. However, due to rising temperatures and global warming, climate changes have been observed in the past five years, such as delayed monsoons, excessive heat, and extended winters. These changes may affect the weather patterns described above. For more up-to-date information, consult reliable sources like https://www.accuweather.com or https://weather.com
