The climate of Bhaktapur
Located in
Nepal,
Bhaktapur carries the Köppen climate classification of Cwa, which represents a humid subtropical climate with dry winters. Throughout the year, the city experiences a wide range of temperatures, from a low of 2.8°C (37°F) in winter to a high of 25.6°C (78.1°F) in the heat of summer. The humidity relative fluctuates between 40% in
March to a staggering 87% in both
July and
August - the height of monsoon season.
Rainfall in Bhaktapur is notably heavy during the summer months - from
June to August, there is an astronomical increase in precipitation, with the most rainfall occurring in July with 519mm (20.43"). This wet season is accompanied by a decrease in sunshine hours, which sinks from 11.7 hours in
May to just 8.2 hours in July. With the cloud cover escalating up to 57% during this period, the city may see less of the sun, but the UV index remains steady at an average of 5 out of 11.
Air pressure shows a decreasing trend from
January to July, dropping from 1017.4mb to 1004.6mb. Comparatively, wind speed shows little variation over the year, staying within 5.1km/h (3.2mph) to 8km/h (5mph). Despite the high levels of rainfall, visibility rarely dips below 9km (5.6mi), reflecting the city's relatively open and flat terrain.
The best time to visit Bhaktapur
With its temperate climate,
Bhaktapur has different offerings in every season. However, for those seeking comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and manageable humidity levels, the best time to visit is between
March and
May. During this period, the temperatures hover comfortably between 21.1°C (70°F) to 25°C (77°F), and the length of daylight extends from 12 hours to 13.5 hours, providing plenty of daylight for exploring this intricate city.
The worst time to visit Bhaktapur
The challenging period to visit
Bhaktapur is undeniably the monsoon season from
June to
August. The city's position in the subtropical zone results in heavy rainfall, reaching a peak of 519mm (20.43") in
July. The high relative humidity of 87% and a cloud cover increase, providing less sunshine hours and reducing visibility to a mere 7km (4.3mi). Those wishing to avoid the high humidity and heavy rainfall would do well to avoid these months.
Spring weather in Bhaktapur
In
Bhaktapur, the spring months from
March to
May usher in increasing warmth, with temperatures climbing from 21.1°C (70°F) to 25°C (77°F). The rainfall is moderate during these months, showing a progressive increase from 39mm (1.54") in March to 168mm (6.61") in May. The sunshine hours increase to up to 13.5 hours in May, resulting in longer days, while the UV index shows a consistent 5 out of 11.
Summer weather in Bhaktapur
Summers in
Bhaktapur coincide with the monsoon season. From
June to
August, temperatures hover from 25°C (77°F) to 23.6°C (74.5°F). The city sees the most significant rainfall of the year during these months, with August recording 447mm (17.6"). The amount of cloud cover increases, dropping the sunshine hours between 10.6 hours to 8.2 hours, with a consistent UV index of 5.
Autumn weather in Bhaktapur
The autumn months of
Bhaktapur span from
September to
November, with temperatures ranging from 22.9°C (73.2°F) to 18.6°C (65.5°F). As the monsoon season comes to an end, the rainfall decreases dramatically from 279mm (10.98") in September to just 15mm (0.59") by November. Sunshine hours increase back to 7.6 hours in November, affording bright and clear days suitable for exploration.
Winter weather in Bhaktapur
The winter months of
Bhaktapur slow down the pace of the city with the temperature falling down between 15.9°C (60.6°F) to 2.8°C (37°F), the lowest of the year. Rainfall is nearly non-existent during winter, dropping to a minimal 8mm (0.31") by
December. Despite the cold, there are approximately 7.4 hours of sunshine, allowing visitors enough daylight to explore the city. With an average UV index of 3, winter is considerably milder in Bhaktapur.
Weather in January
Bhaktapur,
Nepal's weather in
January offers a blend of cool but salubrious days and chilly nights. As the wind speed remains relatively moderate at 6.2km/h (3.9mph), an invigorating breeze often compliments the city's prevailing tranquil atmosphere.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Weather in March
March's arrival in
Bhaktapur,
Nepal, ushers in the delightful spring season, characterized by warmer days and moderate precipitation. Average temperature ranges from its mild lows of 9.2°C (48.6°F) to pleasantly warmer highs of 21.1°C (70°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather in
Bhaktapur,
Nepal, is a precursor to the impending monsoon, characterized by increased precipitation and humidity. It experiences substantial rainfall, with the precipitation levels augmenting to an average of 107mm (4.21").
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
May arrives in
Bhaktapur,
Nepal, so does the monsoon season, marked by high rainfall, increasing temperatures, and enhanced humidity. The most significant weather characteristic of May is the dramatic rise in rainfall with an average of 168mm (6.61").
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Bhaktapur,
Nepal, signifies the culmination of the monsoon season, with conditions favoring cultivation and colorful street festivals. A steep rise in rainfall, reaching an average of 301mm (11.85"), becomes the month's key feature.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July symbolizes the apex of the monsoon season in
Bhaktapur,
Nepal, denoting an environment of abundant rainfall, high humidity, and lush green landscapes. Soaring to a remarkable 519mm (20.43"), July exhibits the highest rainfall among all months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August marks a gradual decline in the monsoon season in
Bhaktapur,
Nepal, characterized by diminishing rainfall, slightly reduced humidity, and lush landscapes. Even though rainfall persists, the average precipitation amount drops slightly to 447mm (17.6").
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Bhaktapur,
Nepal, brings the post-monsoon season, consisting of decreasing rainfall and humidity, paving the way for the upcoming autumn. With a significant reduction in rainfall to an average of 279mm (10.98"), September offers a much-needed respite from the previous monsoon months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October's arrival in
Bhaktapur,
Nepal, signifies the advent of autumn, characterized by comfortable temperatures, lower rainfall, and vibrant fall foliage. The rainfall drops notably to an average of 89mm (3.5"), making October one of the driest months of the year.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November's weather in
Bhaktapur,
Nepal, is a reflection of the city's transition towards winter from the cool and crisp autumn. A significant dip in rainfall figures, down to 15mm (0.59"), signifies one of the driest periods in Bhaktapur.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings winter's arrival in
Bhaktapur,
Nepal, marked by colder conditions, sparse rainfall, and shorter daylight hours. The weather condition witnesses a significant drop in rainfall, recording the lowest yearly amount of 8mm (0.31").
Weather in December »