Kathmandu in May
In May, Kathmandu averages 29°C (84°F) during the day and 16°C (61°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (120 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Kathmandu, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Kathmandu
May is one of the warmest months in Kathmandu (1st of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (25°C). May runs 1°C warmer than April (28°C) and stays flat into June.
May sunrise & sunset in Kathmandu
Times shown for Kathmandu local time (Asia/Kathmandu), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Kathmandu — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Kathmandu's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Kathmandu in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Kathmandu's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Kathmandu
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Kathmandu in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°C / 64°F | 2°C / 36°F | 15 mm | 2 | 0 |
| February | 20°C / 68°F | 5°C / 41°F | 30 mm | 3 | 0 |
| March | 25°C / 77°F | 8°C / 46°F | 40 mm | 5 | 0 |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 12°C / 54°F | 55 mm | 7 | 0 |
| May | 29°C / 84°F | 16°C / 61°F | 120 mm | 11 | 0 |
| June | 29°C / 84°F | 19°C / 66°F | 235 mm | 15 | 0 |
| July | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 365 mm | 21 | 0 |
| August | 28°C / 82°F | 19°C / 66°F | 330 mm | 20 | 0 |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 18°C / 64°F | 200 mm | 15 | 0 |
| October | 26°C / 79°F | 13°C / 55°F | 55 mm | 5 | 0 |
| November | 23°C / 73°F | 7°C / 45°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| December | 19°C / 66°F | 3°C / 37°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kathmandu in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Kathmandu in May?
In May, Kathmandu averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 16°C (61°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Kathmandu in May?
May can be fairly wet in Kathmandu, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Kathmandu?
May is warm. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Kathmandu in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Kathmandu for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.