What is the Weather Condition of Nepal in July?
Nepal in July can be an interesting time to visit, but it also comes with some considerations due to the weather and other factors. Nepal in July means the peak of the monsoon season. The beautiful month allows people to observe monsoon clouds and weird changing shapes. Farmers are usually busy in their fields planting and plowing. The rivers get to their fullest and wash up everything on their way with its thunderous current. The jungle, however, radiates a clean green scenery with constant rain and washing. As such, the monsoon rain symbolizes cleansing both on physical and spiritual levels.
Precisely speaking, Kathmandu maintains a daily temperature of 24 degrees Celsius or 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Other tourist destinations like Chitwan and Lumbini are a bit warmer and have an average temperature of 97F or 36C. When it comes to rainfall, Pokhara is in a league of its own. It receives the maximum rainfall among all major cities. With an average of 21 days of rain this month, the roads are wet, and the sloping sides are damp.
On the brighter side, the rainfall does not last the whole day. You will experience heavy rain for a few hours. Rest as much as you can during rainfall and hit the roads as soon as the clouds start scattering. Sometimes walking in a drizzle can lighten up your mood. Don’t overcomplicate your thinking process and enjoy the circumstances as they come.
Why Should You Choose Nepal for Trekking in July?
Sunrise is kind of a desert for those starting their trek very early in the morning. In July, we usually get rain at night, which leads to a clear sky and a mesmerizing sunrise. There are several viewpoints on the trail which are famous for sightseeing.
Rainy season means not everyone has the guts to hit the trekking roads during this time. The trails are less likely to get crowded, and you can enjoy your time with nature without any humans disrupting your nature bonding.
Fewer tourists mean people cherish the few travellers that they get to meet. This situation helps you to observe and enjoy the rich culture without any haste and maximum hospitality.
Rainy season means the vegetation gets enough water to retain its natural beauty. The rivers are on their youth-peak, and the fields are green and blooming. In other words, you will experience the feast with your eyes.
July is an off-season for Trekking and travelling. The tourism industry is almost dry, and the prices go down. You can enjoy your travel at this time of year without busting your banks.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you plan to visit Nepal in July:
- Monsoon Season: July falls during the monsoon season in Nepal, which means you can expect heavy rainfall, especially in the southern and central regions of the country. The monsoon season typically lasts from June to September. While the lush green landscapes can be beautiful, the rain can also disrupt travel plans and make trekking and outdoor activities more challenging.
- Trekking: If you’re planning to go trekking in Nepal, be prepared for wet and muddy trails. Some of the popular trekking regions like the Annapurna and Langtang regions can still be hiked, but you’ll need to be cautious about slippery paths and leeches. Make sure to bring appropriate rain gear and waterproof clothing.
- Fewer Tourists: July is not a peak tourist season in Nepal due to the monsoon, so you can expect fewer tourists. This can be an advantage if you prefer a quieter and more peaceful experience. Accommodation and services may also be more affordable during this time.
- Wildlife: The monsoon season is a great time for wildlife enthusiasts, as many animals are more active during this period. National parks and wildlife reserves, such as Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park, are lush and green, making it a good time for jungle safaris and wildlife viewing.
- Festivals: July may coincide with some important Nepali festivals, such as Guru Purnima and Nag Panchami. These festivals offer a unique cultural experience, and you can witness various rituals and celebrations if you’re in Nepal during this time.
- Road Conditions: Due to heavy rainfall, road conditions in some parts of Nepal may deteriorate, leading to landslides and road closures. It’s essential to stay updated on road conditions and be prepared for potential delays in your travel plans.
- Altitude Considerations: If you plan to visit high-altitude regions, such as the Everest Base Camp, be aware that the weather can be unpredictable, and flights to Lukla may be disrupted due to fog and rain.
Visiting Nepal in July can be rewarding if you are prepared for the monsoon season and the associated challenges. It’s an excellent time for cultural experiences, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking a quieter travel experience. However, if trekking is a significant part of your itinerary, be ready for wet and muddy conditions, and consider alternative trekking regions with lower chances of rain.
Some Destinations in Nepal You Might Enjoy During July
If you are visiting Nepal in July, the trekking choices are very less as compared to other seasons. These places are the best choices as they lie in the rain shadow area. We have a list that might come to your aid while choosing your trek routes:
List of Best 5 Places to Visit in Nepal in July
1. Upper Mustang
Making your way through high peaks, mighty glaciers, alpine valleys, and high passes, you finally get to the upper belt of Mustang. Since the place is closer to China, you will find a massive influence of China on the residents. You can enjoy the panoramic views of peaks like Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and many others with a touch of Buddhist culture.
2. Upper Dolpo Trek
This destination lies in the mid-western region of Nepal. The culture and lifestyle have remained untouched over the years due to the location. The major attraction of the journey is the magnificent views of Mount Dhaulagiri and the beautiful Shey Phoksundo Lake. The Lake is unreal and has crystal clear water that reflects the mountains surround it.
3. Rara Lake Trek
Another lake takes its place in the list of places to visit in Nepal in July. Rara Lake is the biggest Lake of Nepal located at an altitude of 3050 meters. The Lake lies within the boundaries of Rara National Park. Make your way through the forest and steep roads. Making your way through the oak, pines, and rhododendron (Nepal’s national flower) trees, you will see the magnificent beauty of this Lake.
4. Nar Phu Valley
This valley lies in the northeast sector of the Annapurna region. You will reach the valley if you take the Annapurna circuit and is one of the ideal places for visiting in Nepal in July. The narrow canyons, ancient monasteries, unique cultural diversity, and fantastic rock formations are the deserts for your trekking meal. You can feast your eyes on the astounding view of Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung Himalayas.
5. Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Also famous as the gateway to the upper mustang trek, Jomsom is a must when it comes to Trekking in Nepal in July. You will experience several terrain changes and the climate variations it welcomes. The main attraction of this journey is the Muktinath Temple and a hot spring named Tatopani. Feel free to savor the Gurung and Thakali cultural diversities along the way.
Some Tips for Travelling Nepal in July
If you want to cover a long distance in a single day, it is better to start early from the morning. The afternoons are likely to bring a torrential downpour, which might make the roads slippery and filled with puddles. The damp and muddy roads will decrease your walking pace.
Precipitation is beautiful to watch as you sip a coffee under a roof but may pose a problem while travelling. Use waterproof backpacks to keep your belongings safe and high-grip shoes to avoid slipping. It is better to carry waterproof clothes to prevent cold water from entering your body.
Some people have allergies to bugs, and some can’t stand the sight of slimy and crawling bugs across their bodies. Also, wet ground invites a hell lot of parasites. It is always wise to carry some insect repellent remedies with you.
There are numerous cases of tourists jeopardizing their “perfect-plan” due to flight delays. Bad weather can delay your flights sometimes. Keep a flexible routine, and try to enjoy the circumstances as they come. Use uncertainty as a flavour to season your travel.
Festivals and Events that fall in the July Season
Although Nepal has a lot of Hindu followers, you can find many other religions in different parts of the country. Religion diversity means a lot of festivals throughout the year. Make sure to engage in seasonal celebrations to make the most out of your travel. To maximize your cultural experience in Nepal in July, we have a list of festivals that fall under this month.
1. Eid ul Azha:
This festival, as the name suggests, belongs to the Muslim community. It is celebrated for two days starting from the 30th of July and ends on the next day. The whole country celebrates a public holiday on this occasion. This festival marks the end of the Ramadan fast and focuses on the merry side of the celebration.
In Nepal, the people head out early to the mosque with festive clothes and a smile on their faces. As usual, they offer prayers to their almighty and listen to a special Bakra-Eid message that revolves around the Koranic story of Ibrahim’s sacrifice. People return their homes after greeting and have a slaughter of the sacrificial animal. They tend to keep a third of the meat of the family feast and give the rest to the poor and relatives.
2. Gunla:
This festival is dominant in the capital city of Kathmandu, which inhibits a considerable population of the Newar community. Also, they have to belong to a limited group of people who follow Buddhism. The month-long festival involves fasting, prayer, meditation, and religious music.
To fully observe this festival, try going to the Swoyambhunath temple early in the morning. You can find a lot of worshippers climbing the stairs of the stupa and offering their prayers to the Buddha. The monasteries get filled with prayer flags, oil lamps, and different other decoratives.
3. Naag Panchami:
This festival lies on the 27th of July. The whole concept dates back to hundreds of years ago. It turns out that the Kathmandu valley was once a vast lake. When people dried out the Lake for inhabitation, the “nagas” or the snakes became angry with the people.
To protect themselves from the rage of these snakes, the people allocated a day to worship the snakes and offered their prayers. The custom has sustained for a long time, and people still fulfill their duties to this day.
4. Season of Rice Planting
Some other events you can witness in Nepal in July is the rice-planting festival or the “Ropain” due to the heavy rainfall. Sometimes the festival occurs a little early and is held at the end of June. You can see people participating in the planting process, enjoying their time on muddy waters, and a feast that follows the completion of the process.
5. Horse Racing
If you are lucky enough to be around the Mustang or Manang area, a horse racing festival is held either in July or August. The people participating in the sport are the “Thakalis.” They like to call the race Yartung and marks the end of the harvest.
6. Cycling
Here in Kathmandu, the annual Kathmandu Kora Cycling Challenge gets held in this month. Cyclists from different parts of the valley compete against each other for the victor’s cup. They complete a circuit around the capital city as a part of the competition.
On inspection of different forums and comments of tourists, I came to find a neutral opinion on visiting Nepal in July month. People generally complain about the heavy rainfall, the landslides, and the floods. After all, its safety comes first, and I understand their skeptical comments entirely. People typically reach out for low altitude destinations like Chitwan and prefer Jungle Safari for relaxation.
We can also find some suggestions on the Everest region treks, but I will strongly advise against the decision. In case you go, always hire a professional to guide you through the upper belts. The majority of people recommend Dolpo, Upper Mustang, and Simikot as trekking options.
In the end, it all comes down to one’s own decision. If you prefer less-crowded Trekking, this time of year is the best. On the contrary, people who incline towards the social category can push their plans a bit further, which means the end of the downpour season.
