The climate of Namche Bazar
Classified under the Köppen climate classification as ET,
Namche Bazar dwells under a predominant Tundra climate, a reality depicted by the monthly weather data from this location in the eastern region of
Nepal. The year begins in a cold temperature range from -14.7°C (5.5°F), reaching a high of -3.9°C (25°F) in
January, and ends at -11.8°C (10.8°F) with a high of -1.5°C (29.3°F) in
December. There is no reprieve from the chilling temperature as throughout the year the highest temperature peaks mildly at 8.3°C (46.9°F) in
July. This geographical location presents a significant amount of snowfall ranging from 145mm (5.71") in January to peaking at 614mm (24.17") in
May.
Rainfall accompanies this cold trend but less intensively starting from 18mm (0.71") in January to a peak of 312mm (12.28") in July, and back to 9mm (0.35") by December. The relative humidity complements this trend as well, starting at 47% in January then peaking at 92% in July and falls back at 41% by December. The cloud cover, pressure, and wind speed also vary throughout the year, maintaining this cold climate, warranting a need for warm clothing throughout the year.
The best time to visit Namche Bazar
Given the climate and weather conditions, the optimal time for a visit to
Namche Bazar,
Nepal, would be between
April and
June. During these months, the temperature ranges from -7.2°C (19°F) to 7.6°C (45.7°F), and the days are longer, with sunshine recorded for approximately 13.5 hours in
May and sunlight visible for 10.6 hours in the same month. Relative humidity is at an average level, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Namche Bazar
The harsh reality of the Tundra climate is most prominent between
November and
February. In this period, the temperature dips to a low of -14.7°C (5.5°F) and rises minimally to just -1.5°C (29.3°F). These severe winter conditions, with notable snowfall ranging from 145mm (5.71") to 285mm (11.22"), make these months the least favorable for a visit to
Namche Bazar.
Spring weather in Namche Bazar
Spring ushers in slightly warmer weather in
Namche Bazar, a welcomed reprieve from the winter cold. The temperatures fluctuate from -11.8°C (10.8°F) to 2.7°C (36.9°F) between
March and
May. The amount of sunshine gradually increases from 9.6 hours in March to 10.6 hours in May, making the days longer and brighter. Spring also brings an increase in rainfall, with
April recording 69mm (2.72") and May 104mm (4.09").
Summer weather in Namche Bazar
Summer in
Namche Bazar does not conform to the typical blazing temperatures characteristic of this season elsewhere. From
June to
August, temperatures oscillate mildly from 2.4°C (36.3°F) to 8.3°C (46.9°F). The rain pours heavily in this season, peaking at 312mm (12.28") in
July. Subsequently, summer is the most humid period with July and August registering a high relative humidity of 92 and 91% respectively.
Autumn weather in Namche Bazar
Autumn months from
September to
November bring back chilly temperatures, drifting from 1.5°C (34.7°F) in September to -9.5°C (14.9°F) by November. Rainfall dramatically drops throughout autumn, with September recording 151mm (5.94") and November only 8mm (0.31"). However, the relative humidity sees a significant decrease during these months, making autumn drier.
Winter weather in Namche Bazar
Winter in
Namche Bazar commences in
December with temperatures plummeting to -11.8°C (10.8°F) and only rising slightly to -1.5°C (29.3°F). This season is coincided with hefty snowfall that ranges 255mm (10.04") in
October to 69mm (2.72") by December. Winter months also experience shorter daylight hours and increased wind speeds, emphasizing the severe winter condition in this Tundra climate.
Weather in January
January in
Namche Bazar,
Nepal, presents a frigid start to the year. The temperatures wax and wane between a chilled -14.7°C (5.5°F) and a slightly warmer -3.9°C (25°F). Falling snow is a frequent occurrence, transforming the city into a winter wonderland, while the rainfall is minimal, making it one of the drier months.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Shifting to
February, the weather sees a slight improvement with marginally warmer temperatures.
Namche Bazar exhibits a similar weather pattern to
January, punctuated with an increase in average rainfall to 26mm (1.02") from previous 18mm (0.71").
Weather in February »Weather in March
March heralds the advent of spring in
Namche Bazar, albeit with persisting cold temperatures. Transition from winter to spring is signaled by an escalation in precipitation, with snowfall continuing unabated. Relative humidity is boosted to 59%, a discernible rise from its predecessor, resulting in more frequent clouds.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Namche Bazar experiences a significant increase in rainfall, jumping up from 37mm (1.46") in
March to 69mm (2.72"). It marks the shift towards moisture-laden spring conditions. Snow continues to blanket the city, albeit now interspersed with rainy intervals.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May springs forth with an upswing in temperature in
Namche Bazar, ranging from -2.9°C (26.8°F) to 4.5°C (40.1°F), making the days more accommodating. Noticeably higher precipitation levels signal the dominance of spring. The city experiences a mix of rain and snow showers making it nature's spectacle.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Come
June, summer sets it foot in
Namche Bazar, with temperatures bobbing between 2.4°C (36.3°F) and a mild 7.6°C (45.7°F). The notable feature of this month is the peak rainfall of 160mm (6.3"), making it the wettest month. Alongside the increased humidity, the city experiences more cloud cover, thereby curtailing daytime sunshine.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July maintains the summer theme with temperatures hovering between a comfortable 5°C (41°F) and 8.3°C (46.9°F). With 312mm (12.28") of rainfall, the downpours intensify, marking it as the month with the heaviest rainfall in
Namche Bazar.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Namche Bazar sees a slight dip in rainfall from
July's high, landing at 260mm (10.24"). However, the humidity and temperature range still assert summer's presence. The mix of sunshine and showers create an alternating pattern of bright and overcast skies.
Weather in August »Weather in September
As
September unfolds,
Namche Bazar witnesses a gradual shift from summer towards autumn. With a significant drop in rainfall to 151mm (5.94"), the city starts shedding the summer's wetness. Concurrently, the temperatures slowly descend, with colder nights making their presence felt.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Namche Bazar is marked by autumn's full arrival. Rainfall sees a precipitous drop, registering a mere 44mm (1.73") compared to the preceding months. The city basks in the sunshine, unfettered by clouds, lending the leaves a vibrant autumn hue.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Moving into
November,
Namche Bazar ushers in the winter season. With temperatures oscillating between -9.5°C (14.9°F) to 0.9°C (33.6°F) and rainfall dwindling to a mere 8mm (0.31"), the city braces itself for the first frost.
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
December,
Namche Bazar immerses fully in the winter season. The temperatures fluctuate from a biting -11.8°C (10.8°F) to a chilly -1.5°C (29.3°F). Contrasting its precipitation-laden counterparts, December receives a sparse 9mm (0.35") of rainfall.
Weather in December »