Nepal weather & when to go: May
May overview
By May, you're into pre-monsoon season in Nepal. Humidity is building and there's a higher chance of rain. Down on Nepal’s plains it's hot and sweaty by mid-afternoon with temperatures in the mid-30’s. Cloud can sweep rapidly across the skies producing sudden sharp downpours. But after the rain comes coolness and respite. Greenery is at its lushest at this time of year, and there's a wonderful earthy scent to the air.
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Not AdvisedMay's weather in detail
So, don't think May is a bad month to visit Nepal. The rainfall is infrequent and the overcast skies often provide more textured light which is ideal for landscape photography. The scenery is still full of colour from myriad wildflowers and the temperatures at higher altitudes make trekking a delight. There's a sense of expectation in the air, the monsoon is just around the corner, people are almost a little restless. As the weather heats up wildlife spend more time near watering holes, making May a good month for rhino spotting in Bardia and Chitwan National Park (if you don't mind temperatures in the low 30s). Buddha Jayanti - the festival celebrating the birth of Buddha - is often held in May, when Buddhist temples will be decorated with brightly coloured prayer flags and twinkling lamps.
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Nepal is synonymous with mountain trekking and boasts some of the most impressive, challenging hikes in the world, but there’s so much more to this land-locked, Himalayan country then trekking. Culture and religion are the bedrock of Nepal and our Ancient Cities of Nepal itinerary delves deeper into the country’s rich, ancient heritage.
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Key Festivals & Religious Ceremonies
Buddha Jayanti
The anniversary of Buddha's death is celebrated at full moon in all Buddhist temples across Nepal. Boudhanath and Swayambhunath among others are all decorated with prayer flags and thousands of twinkling butter lamps. Monks gather to offer prayers and chant Buddhist mantras.
