Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Time Difference
UTC+5.75 (10.75 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Travel Climate
Kathmandu’s climate is pleasant. During the fall to winter season (October-March), temperatures range from 30°F to 75°F. This season is characterized by morning fog, sunny days, and cold nights. It may rain occasionally, but Kathmandu has had no snow since 1939.
A temperature range from 40°F to 90°F, with intermittent rain, warm days, and usually comfortable nights, marks the spring season (March-May). Near the end of the spring season and before the rainy season begins, dust gathers heavily throughout the Kathmandu Valley, causing a haze that obscures the mountains.
The monsoon season begins in June and continues until late September. Temperatures in the rainy season range from 55°F to 90°F, and rainfall is from 30 to 60 inches. Rain showers occur almost daily.
Travel Currency
Nepalese rupee (NPR)
Language Spoken
As many as twenty major languages are spoken with many different dialects. The Nepali language is related to Hindi, which is the official language.
Languages
Nepali (official; spoken by 90% of the population), about a dozen other languages and about 30 major dialects
Ethnic Groups
Brahman, Chetri, Newar, Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Tharu, and others (1995)
National Holiday
Constitution Day, 20 September (2015); note - marks the promulgation of Nepal’s constitution in 2015 and replaces the previous 28 May Republic Day as the official national day in Nepal; the Gregorian day fluctuates based on Nepal’s Hindu calendar
Geographic Coordinates
28 00 N, 84 00 E
Location
Southern Asia, between China and India
Airports
11