Kathmandu Weather in February 2026
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 6 rainy days across the month, on average.
February keeps the dry season sharpness while warming steadily: highs reach 18.9C/66F, nights lift to 7C/44.6F, precipitation stays low at 27mm across 5.8 wet days, and sunshine grows to 10.3 hours daily. Morning fog thins from January's density, valley visibility opens earlier (typical clear by 9am), and rhododendrons begin flowering in the Shivapuri hills at 2000m elevation providing splashes of red across surrounding ridges.
On the ground, February 2026 hosts Losar (Tibetan New Year, 19 February), when Boudhanath fills with Tibetan pilgrims in traditional dress performing three-day circumambulation, monastery courtyards host masked cham dances, and butter lamps line stupa steps by evening. Trekking picks up as agencies restart Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit departures from mid-month; Thamel gear shops reopen after winter closure. Newari communities begin Basanta Panchami preparations celebrating goddess Saraswati.
Ten-year records show February warming about 1.4C since 2016, with earlier rhododendron flowering (shifted forward two weeks) and reduced fog days, but sustained air quality challenges. For 2026 the NMD outlook forecasts warm dry February with continued elevated AQI, meaning masks remain essential even as trekking conditions improve.
Travelers arriving in February 2026 should book Losar accommodation near Boudhanath three months ahead (Tibetan pilgrim inflow fills local hotels), plan trekking permits (TIMS, Sagarmatha or ACAP) at Kathmandu offices allowing two full days, and target the last week for the best trekking window before spring haze thickens. Post-Losar quiet week from 23 February offers half-price hotels with continued clear peaks.
Thamel is backpacker theater; real Kathmandu eats at Bhojan Griha in Dilli Bazaar or Nepali dal-bhat thali at Thakali Bhanchha Ghar. Bhaktapur charges 1800 rupees entry but locals slip through side alleys pre-8am. Newari culture is distinct from Nepali; try yomari sweet in December. Pashupatinath cremations happen publicly, respect trumps photos. Load-shedding ended 2018 but power cuts still hit January cold snaps.
What to pack for Kathmandu in February
February requires layered kit spanning valley warmth and trekking cold:
- Fleece plus down mid-layer
- Rain shell doubling as windproof outer
- Long trekking trousers convertible
- Sun hat plus warm beanie
- Broken-in trekking boots plus town shoes
What to pack for Kathmandu in February
- →Breathable travel pantsAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
- →Polarized sunglassesAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
- →Anti-theft crossbody bagAmazon · shop this
We may earn a small commission on any purchase — it doesn't change the price you pay.
Where to stay in Kathmandu
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Kathmandu across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated February trip to Kathmandu
Off-season pricing — good value if the weather works for you. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no cost to you. Estimates use rule-based averages; check partner sites for live pricing.
Delayed flight to Kathmandu?
Flights to Kathmandu in February can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
Check compensation eligibility →Free check · Only pay if you get paid · Powered by Compensair.
Plan your Kathmandu trip
Handpicked services from partners we trust. One tab for everything you'll need after the flight is booked.
Compare rooms in Kathmandu on Booking.com.
Skip-the-line tickets, day trips, food walks and guided tours.
Compare fares with cashback on every booking.
Instant data on arrival — no roaming charges, no SIM swap.
Flexible monthly coverage for trips of any length.
Compare 900+ rental brands with free cancellation.
Book a driver in advance — fixed price, no queue.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no cost to you.
Things worth doing
Losar celebrations at Boudhanath, rhododendron hike to Shivapuri, Everest Base Camp trek departure, Basanta Panchami at Saraswati temples, Patan Durbar Square museum, Chandragiri cable car for Himalayan views, monastery cham dance viewing.
February vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Kathmandu. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Kathmandu
February is one of the best months to visit Kathmandu — alongside March, April, November. 11-year climate data (2015–2025) confirms it: comfortable temperatures, manageable rainfall, and a healthy dose of sunshine.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for KathmanduOther places with a similar climate right now
Kathmandu in February — FAQ
Q01Is February a good time to visit Kathmandu?
Is February a good time to visit Kathmandu?
Yes — it is a good time to visit, with pleasant, comfortable weather. In February, Kathmandu averages a high of 19°C (66°F) and a low of 7°C (45°F), with 27mm of rainfall across roughly 6 rainy days. October-November post-monsoon clears Himalayan haze for Nagarkot sunrise; Dashain and Tihar festivals fill October streets with marigolds and clay lamps.
Q02What is the average temperature in Kathmandu in February?
What is the average temperature in Kathmandu in February?
The average high temperature in Kathmandu during February is 19°C (66°F), with an average low of 7°C (45°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January morning fog delays Lukla flights 3-4 days; unheated guesthouses in Bhaktapur drop to 4C indoor, khukuri rum sales spike.
Q03How many rainy days does Kathmandu have in February?
How many rainy days does Kathmandu have in February?
Kathmandu averages approximately 6 rainy days in February, with a total monthly rainfall of about 27mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Kathmandu in February?
What should I pack for Kathmandu in February?
For Kathmandu in February, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. N95 masks for winter inversion when Kathmandu valley AQI regularly exceeds 300, worse than Beijing.
Q05How crowded is Kathmandu in February?
How crowded is Kathmandu in February?
Tourist crowds in Kathmandu during February are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Thamel is backpacker theater; real Kathmandu eats at Bhojan Griha in Dilli Bazaar or Nepali dal-bhat thali at Thakali Bhanchha Ghar. Bhaktapur charges 1800 rupees entry but locals slip through side alleys pre-8am. Newari culture is distinct from Nepali; try yomari sweet in December. Pashupatinath cremations happen publicly, respect trumps photos. Load-shedding ended 2018 but power cuts still hit January cold snaps.