Weather in Kathmandu 🇳🇵
Monthly weather averages & travel planning
October
Avg Temp
23°C
Rain Days
15 days
Sun Hours
10 hrs
Humidity
70%
Asia › 🇳🇵 Nepal › Kathmandu
Updated: March 2026
Is October a Good Time to Visit Kathmandu?
5/10
Fair
October is a fair time to visit Kathmandu (5/10). With 10 daily sunshine hours and only 15 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 6th sunniest of the year in Kathmandu. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find October a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak April without sacrificing all the good weather. September offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 15 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.
vs September:25°C avg high
Visiting Kathmandu in October means warm daytime temperatures peaking at 23°C. Factor in 15 potential rainy days and 70% average humidity when planning your daily activities.
23°C
73°F
Avg High
15°C
59°F
Avg Low
15 days
87 mm total
Rain Days
10h
per day avg
Sunshine
70%
Moderate
Humidity
Temperature in Kathmandu in October
The 8°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. Humidity averages 70%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. UV index averages 6 this month, classed as moderate. Sunscreen is a sensible precaution for extended outdoor time, particularly at midday. Winds are calm at an average 6 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 73°F average high, 59°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Temperature Trends
High
Low
Rainfall (mm)
0-20 mm21-50 mm51-100 mm100+ mm
What to Wear in Kathmandu in October
Morning15°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon23°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening18°CAfter sunset cools down
Packing for Kathmandu in October means dressing for 23°C days and 15°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 23°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 15°C, a modest 8°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. With 15 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. For temple and religious site visits, carry a lightweight scarf or sarong to cover shoulders and knees, required at most major sites across the region.
Local tip: Temple and religious site visits require covered shoulders and knees in most of Kathmandu's heritage areas. A lightweight scarf or sarong weighs almost nothing and solves the problem instantly.
Events in Kathmandu in October
October has no major festivals or public holidays in Kathmandu, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
What to Pack for Kathmandu in October
Based on 23°C average highs and 15 rainy days
- Light layers for morning and evening
- Breathable T-shirts and comfortable trousers
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Compact folding umbrella
- Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
- Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
- Universal travel adapter
- Small day pack for city exploration
- Reusable water bottle
Best Activities in Kathmandu in October
- Explore outdoor markets and street food stallsMid-morning (10am-12pm)At 23°C, the temperature is ideal for extended walking without overheating
- Guided walking tour of the historic centreMorning or late afternoonComfortable temperatures allow several hours on foot without fatigue
- Visit rooftop viewpoints and observation decksGolden hour (1 hour before sunset)Warm clear evenings provide exceptional visibility for panoramic photography
- Day trip to the surrounding countryside or coastFull day (depart by 8am)October is reliably dry enough for rural day trips without weather risk
- Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 15 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
- Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
- Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
- Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningOctober brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
- Try the seasonal farmer's market for local produce and street foodSaturday morning markets typically 8am-1pmOctober seasonal produce is at peak availability, offering dishes not found at other times of year
Why is Kathmandu mild in October?
October brings the first meaningful shift toward cooler conditions in Kathmandu, as the sun angle drops and day length shortens. Temperatures averaging 23°C by day and 15°C overnight are still comfortable by most standards, but the trend is clearly downward. At 28 degrees north latitude, autumn light has a particular quality: lower in the sky and warmer in tone, it gives the city a photogenic quality quite different from summer. Conditions remain excellent for outdoor activity, and crowds thin compared to the summer peak. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kathmandu in October
In October, Kathmandu experiences average highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). Expect around 15 rainy days and 10 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 70%. The 8°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an overshirt or cardigan handles the cooler evenings. UV index averages 6, so sun protection is advisable on clear days.
Kathmandu typically sees 15 rainy days in October, with total precipitation of around 87mm. Rain is moderate and manageable. Showers tend to pass quickly, and a light rain layer or foldable umbrella is sufficient protection for most days. For context, the driest month in Kathmandu typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than October.
Pack light layers, a light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen for Kathmandu in October. Daytime temperatures of 23°C are pleasant, but the evening drop to 15°C means a jacket is essential if you plan to be out after dark. With 15 rainy days, bring a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket for unexpected showers. Comfortable walking shoes are a priority given the amount of ground most visitors cover.
October is a reasonable time to visit Kathmandu. Expect 15 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 23°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 10 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.
The average high temperature in Kathmandu in October is 23°C (73°F), and the average low is 15°C (59°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 19°C (66°F). The day-to-night range of 8°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Kathmandu is generally March. March offers the most sunshine at 11 hours per day and only 10 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 22°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around March gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
October is shoulder or low season in Kathmandu, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 10 sunshine hours and 15 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In October, Kathmandu suits a range of activities thanks to mild temperatures around 23°C. Mix of indoor and outdoor activities works well given the moderate chance of rain. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 10 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.
October ranks 6th sunniest of the year in Kathmandu, with an average 10 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are December, January, and November. May is the hottest month (26°C avg high); January is the coolest (16°C). From here, temperatures fall 3°C into November. Compared to last month (September: 25°C high, 28 rain days), October is cooler and drier. October sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Kathmandu, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
Year-Round Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C | 7°C | 6 | 10h | View |
| February | 18°C | 8°C | 8 | 10h | View |
| March | 22°C | 11°C | 10 | 11h | View |
| April | 25°C | 14°C | 13 | 12h | View |
| May | 26°C | 17°C | 22 | 12h | View |
| June | 26°C | 19°C | 27 | 9h | View |
| July | 25°C | 20°C | 31 | 6h | View |
| August | 25°C | 20°C | 31 | 7h | View |
| September | 25°C | 19°C | 28 | 8h | View |
| October | 23°C | 15°C | 15 | 10h | View |
| November | 20°C | 12°C | 6 | 10h | View |
| December | 17°C | 8°C | 3 | 10h | View |
January
6 rain days, 10h sun
16°7°
February
8 rain days, 10h sun
18°8°
March
10 rain days, 11h sun
22°11°
April
13 rain days, 12h sun
25°14°
May
22 rain days, 12h sun
26°17°
June
27 rain days, 9h sun
26°19°
July
31 rain days, 6h sun
25°20°
August
31 rain days, 7h sun
25°20°
September
28 rain days, 8h sun
25°19°
October
15 rain days, 10h sun
23°15°
November
6 rain days, 10h sun
20°12°
December
3 rain days, 10h sun
17°8°
Other Months in Kathmandu
Plan Your Trip to Kathmandu
Data Sources for Kathmandu
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.