Kathmandu weather
in May
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 24 rainy days across the month, on average.
In may, Kathmandu settles into its kind, mild rhythm. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 25°C (78°F), cooling to 16°C after sunset. Expect meaningful rain — some 24 wet days across the month. Pack accordingly and let the weather choose your afternoons. Long days of sunshine reward early starts.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Kathmandu in May
- •A light layer for cool mornings and evenings
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •Reef-safe sunscreen and polarised sunglasses
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Kathmandu in May
- →Breathable travel pantsAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
- →Polarized sunglassesAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Kathmandu
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Kathmandu in May — FAQ
Q01Is May a good time to visit Kathmandu?
Is May a good time to visit Kathmandu?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In May, Kathmandu averages a high of 25°C (78°F) and a low of 16°C (61°F), with 225mm of rainfall across roughly 24 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Kathmandu in May?
What is the average temperature in Kathmandu in May?
The average high temperature in Kathmandu during May is 25°C (78°F), with an average low of 16°C (61°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Kathmandu have in May?
How many rainy days does Kathmandu have in May?
Kathmandu averages approximately 24 rainy days in May, with a total monthly rainfall of about 225mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Kathmandu in May?
What should I pack for Kathmandu in May?
For Kathmandu in May, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Kathmandu in May?
How crowded is Kathmandu in May?
Tourist crowds in Kathmandu during May are typically moderate — shoulder season, a sweet spot between crowds and weather. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.