Kathmandu Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore temperature statistics for Kathmandu in Nepal, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in Nepal.
Monthly Temperature Averages
The moderate changes in the climate in Kathmandu ensures gradual weather shifts through each season. Typically, maximum daytime temperatures range from a warm 27°C in June to a mild 16°C in the coolest month, January. Nights are cooler, with temperatures generally dropping to 5°C, particularly during the colder months.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Kathmandu by month:
The minimum temperature is often recorded between 4 AM and 6 AM, while the highest temperature is usually reached at 3 PM. During this time the sun's heating effect is the strongest. June, the city’s warmest month receives 187 hours of sunshine.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
January, the city’s coldest month, sees about 44 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 2 days. It records 221 hours of sunshine of sunshine.
Annual Temperatures in Nepal Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across Nepal. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
very warm
warm
pleasant
moderate
cold
very cold
Kathmandu Temperatures Compared World Wide
Kathmandu’s average annual maximum temperature is 23°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual temperature is around 21°C, resulting in warm summers and mild winters throughout the year.
Interlaken, Switzerland, the average annual temperature is significantly lower at 8°C, with mild summers and very cold winters.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average temperature is 21°C, offering warm summers and mild winters.
In Brisbane, Australia, the average annual temperature is 26°C, making it warmer than Sydney.
How does the temperature feel?
Humidity is an essential factor in how you experience temperature. When a warm period is accompanied by high humidity, it results in a higher perceived temperature. This is especially true when temperatures exceed 25°C, as it can cause greater discomfort.
In Kathmandu, during the coolest month, January, you will experience 79% humidity, which is considered high. This is accompanied by an average maximum temperature of 16°C. In the warmest month, June, the humidity is 73% combined with an average maximum temperature of 27°C, which creates a high-feel temperature. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Global Warming and Its Effects
Climate change is affecting worldwide temperatures, including in Kathmandu. It has massive impacts on both local and global levels:
- Global Temperature Rise: The average global land and sea temperatures have risen by about 1.2°C since pre-industrial times.
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Local Impacts: Most regions of the world are witnessing warmer winters with fewer frost and snowfall days. The global frequency and severity of heatwaves have increased. For example, Europe's summers of 2018, 2019, and 2020 all broke records. Summers are also becoming drier; however, during winter, inland regions have experienced increased rainfall. This has caused elevated river levels and more cases of flooding.
Many countries are experiencing earlier springs and later autumns. This is why some bird species have shifted their migration dates.
For more detailed information about Kathmandu’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Kathmandu climate page.
Current temperature in Kathmandu
