Nepal's capital sits in a bowl-shaped valley at 1,400m, cradling seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites within its boundaries. Founded in the 2nd century AD, the valley was a major stop on the ancient trans-Himalayan trade route between India and Tibet. Durbar Square's ornate Newari pagoda architecture influenced building traditions across East Asia. The city is the gateway to Everest and the world's highest peaks.
Nights sit around 20°C and afternoons around 28°C, though some days reach 31°C.
Kathmandu has real seasons: summer afternoons sit around 29°C, winter ones around 20°C.
Some summer days reach 32°C, and some winter nights drop to 2°C.
Most of the rain falls in summer, least in winter. In July it rains about 25 days in 30; in November, 0.
Wind is rarely an issue; most months sit between calm and a light breeze. Air quality is worth watching: January averages an AQI of 150, while July clears to 71.
Days stretch to about 13.7 hours of light in June and shrink to 10.3 in December — something to weigh if you work to a fixed timezone.
No month in Kathmandu matches what you're after, so come for the place rather than the weather. Expect fast internet (123 Mbps) and a low cost of living (about €600 a month).
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