Nepal's seasonal events are deeply connected to geographical diversity and climate change, developing as agricultural, religious, and ethnic cultural activities.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: 15 to 25°C in lowland areas, still cool in mountainous regions
- Precipitation: Gradually increasing, with rain from front passages in late May
- Features: Wildflowers and rhododendrons bloom, and the air becomes clear
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
| March |
Holi |
A colorful festival celebrating the arrival of spring, held outdoors with the warmth. |
| April |
Nepali New Year (Bikram Sambat) |
Celebrates the change of the calendar with the sprouting of spring. It is held in line with the season of fresh greenery. |
| May |
Buddha Jayanti (Buddha's Birthday) |
Worship and processions held in temples amidst blooming flowers in lowland areas. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: 25 to 30°C or higher, high humidity
- Precipitation: Monsoon arrival from mid-June, heavy rain and thunderstorms frequent in July and August
- Features: Rainfall for paddy cultivation intensifies
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
| June |
Rapaine Festival (Rice Planting Festival) |
Prayer for the safety of rice cultivation just before the monsoon. Connected to preparations for waiting for rain. |
| July |
Peak of the Monsoon |
Few large-scale events, focusing instead on local village festivals and indoor religious ceremonies. |
| August |
Janai Purnima (Sacred Thread Festival) |
A ceremony to renew the sacred thread, conducted on a cool day amidst the rain. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Comfortable around 20 to 25°C
- Precipitation: Affected by typhoons until early September, followed by dry and clear weather
- Features: Clear air, excellent visibility from mountains to lowlands
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
| September |
Indra Jatra |
A procession of chariots in Kathmandu held on a clear day. |
| October |
Dashain |
A family festival of gratitude for the autumn harvest; many outdoor events take advantage of sunny weather. |
| November |
Tihar (Festival of Lights) |
Houses are decorated with candles and lanterns under a clear night sky; the dry air is beautiful. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: 5 to 20°C in lowlands, below freezing in mountainous regions
- Precipitation: Dry season. Lowlands experience fog, nights are cold due to radiation cooling
- Features: Many clear days, ideal for viewing the Himalayas
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
| December |
Winter Dry Season |
Fewer large festivals, but popular for pilgrimages and mountain trekking utilizing sunny weather. |
| January |
Maghe Sankranti |
Celebration of the change in the sun's position. Agricultural rituals conducted under dry, clear skies. |
| February |
Tamu Lhosar (New Year Festival) |
New Year for the Tamang people. Outdoor dances and celebrations take place around the time when the cold begins to ease. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relations
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Example Main Events |
| Spring |
Gentle climate before rainfall, flower blooming |
Holi, Nepali New Year, Buddha Jayanti |
| Summer |
Hot and humid, heavy rains and thunderstorms |
Rapaine Festival, Monsoon Events, Janai Purnima |
| Autumn |
Dry and clear weather, cool breezes |
Indra Jatra, Dashain, Tihar |
| Winter |
Dry, cold due to radiation cooling, many sunny days |
Maghe Sankranti, Tamu Lhosar |
Additional Notes
- The monsoon serves as a basis for the agricultural calendar, leading to the development of rain prayers and harvest festivals.
- Due to being a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, different festivals coexist during the same period.
- Climatic changes due to altitude differences diversify the event activities in different regions.
- Meteorological phenomena like clear weather, fog, and snow influence the timing of the festivals.
Nepal's seasonal events are closely linked to climate change and geographical diversity, enriching the social culture through the harmony of agricultural, religious, and ethnic activities.
Patchy rain possible