March in Kathmandu is defined by Holi. The festival of colors, called Fagu Purnima locally, transforms the city into a paint-splattered free-for-all that you'll either love or desperately want to avoid. Daytime temperatures reach about 23°C (74°F) and drop to 11°C (52°F) at night, which makes this one of the most comfortable stretches of weather the Kathmandu Valley sees all year. The monsoon is still 2 months away, the winter chill has lifted, and rhododendrons are beginning to bloom across the hills ringing the valley.
To be fair, March is not the single clearest month for Himalayan views. October and November tend to offer sharper mountain panoramas, with less atmospheric haze. But March compensates with spring energy. Trekking season kicks into gear, the Langtang and Annapurna routes fill with hikers, and Kathmandu itself feels less dormant than the cold January-February stretch. Rainfall sits at about 42mm across 9 days, mostly in brief afternoon showers that clear within an hour.
Pricing reflects the demand. Hotels in Thamel and around Boudhanath fill quickly, especially during Holi week. You'll find rates 30-50% above the annual average at mid-range guesthouses. That said, Kathmandu remains one of the more affordable capital cities in Asia even at peak-season prices. A solid double room in Thamel still runs well under what you'd pay for equivalent accommodation in Bangkok or Hanoi.
Why visit in March
- Holi (Fagu Purnima) typically falls in March, turning Kathmandu Durbar Square and Basantapur into an open-air color fight that draws visitors from across South Asia
- Temperatures hover between 11°C and 23°C, the most comfortable range of any month. No freezing nights, no monsoon sweat
- Rhododendron blooms begin across the Shivapuri hills north of the city and along the Kathmandu Valley rim, peaking by late March
- Trekking season is in full swing. Annapurna Circuit and Langtang Valley permits are being issued at high volume, and outfitters in Thamel are fully staffed
- Pre-monsoon air is drier than summer months. Humidity at 64% feels comfortable compared to July's 85%+
Worth knowing
- Atmospheric haze builds through March as valley dust and vehicle emissions get trapped by temperature inversions. Himalayan views from Nagarkot and Bhaktapur are noticeably less sharp than in November
- Peak-season pricing. Hotel rates in Thamel and Patan run 30-50% above the annual average, and popular trekking permits may need booking 2-3 weeks ahead
- Holi itself is chaotic. Colored powder and water balloons target tourists freely in Asan, Basantapur, and Thamel. If you don't want to participate, staying indoors that day is the only real option
- Afternoon showers begin appearing by late March, a preview of the monsoon pattern. They rarely last more than 40 minutes, but they can interrupt rooftop plans
Best for
Think twice if
March marks the transition from Kathmandu's dry winter into early spring. Mornings start cool, around 11°C (52°F), often with light mist hanging over the Bagmati River. By midday, temperatures climb to 23°C (74°F), warm enough for a single layer. Rainfall totals about 42mm over 9 days, mostly as brief afternoon showers that tend to clear by evening. Humidity sits at 64%, noticeable but not oppressive. The air carries a faint dustiness from construction and traffic, especially in the Kathmandu-Patan corridor.
Seasonal caution
- Valley haze from vehicle emissions and construction dust can reduce visibility and irritate sensitive lungs. An N95 mask is worth carrying if you plan to walk extensively through central Kathmandu or along the Ring Road
- Temperature swings of 12°C between dawn and midday are common. Dressing for the warm afternoon and then waiting for a bus at 6 AM in Kalanki can leave you uncomfortably cold
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18 | 5 | 9 |
| Feb | 19 | 6 | 20 |
| Mar | 23 | 11 | 42 |
| Apr | 27 | 15 | 43 |
| May | 26 | 16 | 233 |
| Jun | 27 | 19 | 424 |
| Jul | 27 | 20 | 768 |
| Aug | 27 | 20 | 644 |
| Sep | 26 | 19 | 367 |
| Oct | 24 | 15 | 141 |
| Nov | 21 | 10 | 10 |
| Dec | 18 | 6 | 6 |
Headline events
Holi (Fagu Purnima)
Mid-March (full moon day of Falgun, varies by lunar calendar)
Nepal's festival of colors fills Kathmandu's squares and alleys with clouds of colored powder and water balloons. Basantapur and Kathmandu Durbar Square become the main arenas, with Thamel's narrow lanes turning into a free-for-all. The celebration marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil in Hindu tradition. In Nepal, the main day follows a day early compared to India's Holi.
Best things to do in March
Trek to Shivapuri Peak from Budhanilkantha
hikingThe 2,732m summit of Shivapuri sits inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, about 12km north of central Kathmandu. The trail from Budhanilkantha gate climbs through oak and rhododendron forest. On a clear morning you can see Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, and the Annapurna range from the top. The round trip takes 5-7 hours.
Rhododendron trees along the upper trail begin flowering in March, with red and pink blooms appearing above 2,200m. Trail conditions are dry and stable before the monsoon.Booking tipNational park entry fee is NPR 100 for SAARC nationals, NPR 600 for others. Pay at the Budhanilkantha gate. No advance booking needed, but start by 6:30 AM for clearer views.
Experience Holi at Kathmandu Durbar Square
culturalThe old royal palace square in Basantapur becomes the epicenter of Holi celebrations. Locals and tourists throw colored powder (abir) and water at each other from mid-morning until early afternoon. The Kumari Ghar (Living Goddess house) and the wooden-lattice Kasthamandap frame the chaos. Wear clothes you're willing to throw away.
Holi falls on the full moon of Falgun, which lands in March most years. This is the single biggest spring festival in Nepal.Booking tipNo booking needed. Show up by 10 AM for the peak energy. Store your phone in a ziplock bag. Carry only the cash you'll need for the day.
Day trip to Nagarkot for sunrise over the Himalayas
sightseeingNagarkot sits at 2,175m on the eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, about 32km from the city center. On a clear March morning, the 300-degree mountain panorama stretches from Dhaulagiri in the west to Everest in the east. The pre-dawn drive takes about 90 minutes from Thamel.
March mornings tend to be clearer than March afternoons. The pre-monsoon haze hasn't fully set in yet, and temperatures at Nagarkot hover around 8-10°C at sunrise, cold but bearable. October and November are still sharper, but March mornings offer a reasonable window.Booking tipBook a jeep or taxi the evening before. Leaving Thamel by 4:30 AM gets you to Nagarkot before first light. Some guesthouses at Nagarkot offer overnight stays with sunrise-view rooms starting around NPR 3,000-5,000.
Walk through Patan's Newari backstreets
culturalSouth of the Bagmati River, Patan (Lalitpur) holds the densest concentration of Newari architecture in the valley. The lanes behind Patan Durbar Square, particularly the Kumbheshwar and Swotha neighborhoods, are lined with 3-story brick homes featuring carved wooden windows. The Mahabouddha Temple, covered entirely in terracotta tiles depicting Buddha, sits down a narrow courtyard off a side alley.
March temperatures of 20-23°C by midday make long walking tours comfortable. The light in the narrow brick lanes is warm and angled in spring, and the gardens inside temple courtyards start greening up.Booking tipNo booking needed. Hire a local Newari guide through your hotel for about NPR 2,000-3,000 for a 3-hour walk if you want context on the woodcarvings and temple rituals.
Visit Boudhanath Stupa at dusk
culturalThe 36m-tall white dome of Boudhanath is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. At dusk, Tibetan monks and local devotees circle the base clockwise in a kora (circumambulation), spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras. Butter-lamp flames flicker along the base. The rooftop restaurants ringing the stupa let you watch the kora from above while eating momos.
March evenings are cool enough (around 13-15°C) to make the outdoor kora pleasant, and sunset falls around 6:10 PM, casting golden light across the white dome and the painted eyes on the harmika. The post-winter pilgrimage season brings Tibetan visitors from across the diaspora.Booking tipEntry fee is NPR 400 for foreigners. Arrive by 5 PM to secure a rooftop table at one of the restaurants on the west side, which face the sunset.
Mountain biking on the Kathmandu Valley rim
outdoorThe network of dirt trails along the southern valley rim, running from Champadevi (2,278m) through Hattiban and toward Bungamati, offers 3-5 hours of mixed singletrack and fire road with views across the valley floor to the Himalayan range. The ride passes through pine and rhododendron forest.
Dry trail conditions after winter and before the monsoon make March the sweet spot for valley-rim riding. The trails are firm and grippy. By June, the same routes become mudslides.Booking tipRent a hardtail mountain bike from outfitters in Thamel for around NPR 1,500-2,500 per day. Guided rides including transport to the trailhead typically run NPR 5,000-8,000.
Explore Bhaktapur without the summer crowds
culturalThe medieval Newari city of Bhaktapur, 13km east of Kathmandu, holds the best-preserved durbar square in the valley. The 55 Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple (the tallest pagoda in Nepal at 30m), and the potters' workshops in Pottery Square are all within a 30-minute walk. The surrounding lanes smell of drying grain and incense.
March falls in peak tourist season, but Bhaktapur still sees less foot traffic than the Kathmandu and Patan durbar squares. The spring light and mild temperatures make the open brick squares comfortable for 2-3 hours of walking. Juju dhau (king curd) tastes particularly good in the warming weather.Booking tipEntry fee is NPR 1,800 for foreigners, valid for the duration of your visit if you register your passport. Bring your passport to the ticket office.
Nagarjun Forest day hike
hikingThe Nagarjun (Jamacho) hill on the western edge of the valley rises to 2,095m and is covered in dense subtropical forest. The trail from the main gate winds uphill through sal and oak trees to a Buddhist stupa at the summit. On clear days, the Ganesh Himal range fills the northwestern horizon. The round trip takes 3-4 hours.
March brings out the leaf monkeys and bird activity in the Nagarjun canopy. The forest floor is dry enough for comfortable hiking, and wildflowers begin appearing along the lower trail sections.Booking tipEntry fee is NPR 10 for Nepalis, NPR 600 for foreigners. The gate opens at 6 AM. An early start avoids the midday haze and gives better wildlife sighting odds.
What to eat in March
On menus now
Gundruk
Fermented leafy greens, typically mustard and radish leaves harvested through winter, reach their tangy peak in March. Street stalls near Asan Tole serve gundruk ko jhol, a sour soup that pairs with steamed rice. The fermentation gives it a sharp, almost pickled bite.
Tama (bamboo shoot curry)
Young bamboo shoots come into season in late February through March. Tama, aloo, bodi (bamboo, potato, black-eyed peas) is a Newari staple you'll find at local bhojanalaya restaurants in Patan and Kirtipur. The shoots have a subtle crunch and a mildly sweet, earthy flavor.
Saag (mustard greens)
March is the tail end of winter saag season. Freshly harvested mustard greens are cooked down with garlic, ginger, and a generous hit of mustard oil. The aroma of mustard oil frying carries through kitchen windows across Bhaktapur and Kirtipur in the mornings.
Street food peaks
Lapsi candy
Lapsi (Nepali hog plum) fruit, harvested in autumn, is processed into tangy dried candy and pickles that are widely available through March. Street vendors in Ason and Indrachowk sell lapsi titaura, a sweet-sour-spicy dried fruit snack with a puckering tartness.
Chataamari
Often called Newari pizza, this rice-flour crepe gets topped with minced buffalo meat, egg, and chopped onions. March's comfortable eating weather makes it ideal for sitting at an open-air Newari restaurant in Patan's backstreets. The crepe is crisp-edged with a slightly chewy center.
Regular events in March
Ghode Jatra (Horse Racing Festival)Free
A military horse parade and racing event held at Tundikhel, the large open ground in central Kathmandu. Nepal Army cavalry units perform races, acrobatic displays, and motorcycle stunts. The festival has roots in an old legend about trampling a demon buried beneath Tundikhel. Free to watch from the edges.
Late March or early April (Chaitra dark moon, varies by lunar calendar)Nepal International Theatre Festival
Mandala Theatre and other Kathmandu venues host performances by Nepali and visiting South Asian theatre companies through late March. Performances range from experimental Nepali-language work to physical theatre. Venues include spaces in Patan and Thamel.
Late March (dates vary by year)Maha Shivaratri (if it falls in March)Free
The great night of Shiva draws tens of thousands of Hindu devotees and ash-smeared sadhus to Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River. The festival sometimes falls in late February, sometimes in early March. When it lands in March, the temple complex fills with chanting, temple bells, and smoke from cremation ghats and bonfires through the entire night.
Late February to early March (varies by lunar calendar)Best places this March
Garden of Dreams (Kaiser Mahal)
parkThis neo-classical European garden, restored with Austrian funding, sits behind a wall on Tridevi Marg in Thamel. In March, the pavilion gardens fill with bougainvillea and the fountains run. It's a genuine pocket of quiet a 2-minute walk from the noise of Thamel's main strip. Entry is NPR 200 for foreigners.
ThamelSwayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
templeThe hilltop stupa west of central Kathmandu offers the broadest single vantage point over the valley floor. The 365 stone steps up the eastern approach pass through troops of rhesus macaques. In March, the early morning light from the east illuminates the golden spire and the painted eyes of the harmika. Reach the top by 6:30 AM for the best chance of mountain views before the haze thickens.
SwayambhuAsan Tole
marketThe oldest and most active market intersection in Kathmandu. In March, the spice and grain vendors spread their goods on tarps across the square. The smell of fresh turmeric, dried chilies, and mustard oil hits you from 50 meters away. Look for the Annapurna Ajima temple tucked into the southeast corner of the square.
AsanPatan Durbar Square
heritageThe Malla-era palace and temple complex in Lalitpur is more compact than Kathmandu's Durbar Square and feels less hectic. The Krishna Mandir (stone Krishna temple from 1637) and the Patan Museum (inside the old royal palace) are the standouts. March afternoons bring local families out to sit on the temple platforms in the warm sun.
Patan (Lalitpur)Kirtipur
townThis hilltop Newari town 5km southwest of central Kathmandu sees a fraction of the tourist traffic that Bhaktapur draws, but its narrow medieval streets and the Bagh Bhairav Temple are worth the 20-minute taxi ride. The views across the valley from the Chilancho Stupa on the hilltop are wide and unobstructed. March light across the terraced hillsides below is warm and golden by late afternoon.
KirtipurPashupatinath Temple complex
templeThe most important Hindu temple in Nepal sits on the banks of the Bagmati River in eastern Kathmandu. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, but the surrounding complex of smaller temples, cremation ghats, and the deer park across the river are open. In March, the ghats are active but less overwhelmingly crowded than during major festivals. The smell of sandalwood smoke from the cremation pyres carries across the river.
DeopatanTaudaha Lake
natureA small natural lake about 10km south of Kathmandu, near Kirtipur. In March, the water level is still moderate and migratory birds linger before heading north. The surrounding wetland is quiet and feels removed from the valley's noise. It makes for a gentle 2-hour outing with a packed lunch.
Taudaha
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Insider tips
The rooftop restaurants ringing Boudhanath Stupa have identical views but very different prices. The ones on the north and east sides (facing away from sunset) tend to charge 20-30% less for the same momo plates. The food is comparable.
If Holi falls during your visit and you don't want to participate, stay off the streets in Thamel and Asan from about 9 AM to 3 PM. Powder and water balloons don't discriminate between willing and unwilling targets. Patan Museum and Bhaktapur's inner lanes are calmer alternatives.
For the best Newari food in the valley, skip the tourist-menu restaurants in Thamel and take a taxi to Kirtipur. The small bhojanalaya restaurants near the Bagh Bhairav Temple serve choila (spiced grilled buffalo), chataamari, and aila (local rice spirit) at a third of Thamel prices.
The Kathmandu-Bhaktapur local bus from Ratna Park costs NPR 30-40 and takes about 45 minutes. A tourist taxi charges NPR 1,500-2,000 for the same route. The bus is crowded and slow, but it drops you at the Bhaktapur gate, same as the taxi.
Swayambhunath at 5:45 AM, before the tourist buses arrive at 8, is a completely different experience. The monks are doing morning prayers, the macaques are calm, and the valley below is often still wrapped in mist. The 365 steps in the quiet are worth the early alarm.
Avoid these mistakes
- Scheduling outdoor sightseeing for the afternoon. March haze builds through the day, and by 2 PM the mountain views from Nagarkot or Swayambhunath are often washed out. Flip your schedule. Go to viewpoints at dawn and save indoor sites like Patan Museum for the afternoon.
- Underestimating the temperature swing. Visitors dress for the 23°C daytime high and then shiver at a 6:30 AM taxi stand in Thamel at 11°C. A packable fleece solves this, but many travelers leave it at home because they think of Nepal as warm.
- Walking through Thamel in good clothes during Holi. This isn't a spectator festival. If you're on the street, you will be hit with colored powder and water. Cameras, white shirts, and leather bags all suffer. Some travelers lose phones or expensive lenses to water damage every year.
- Booking a last-minute Everest Base Camp trek permit for March. This is peak trekking season, and permits for the Sagarmatha National Park fill up. Organized groups book 3-4 weeks ahead. Walk-in availability exists, but flights to Lukla are heavily booked and delays from weather are common.
Practical tips for March
Book accommodation in Thamel or Patan at least 2-3 weeks ahead for March stays, especially if your dates overlap with Holi. Domestic flights to Pokhara and Lukla fill quickly during peak trekking season. Purchase Lukla flights through your trekking agency rather than trying the airline websites directly, which can be unreliable for foreign cards. Most temples and durbar squares charge entry fees (NPR 200-1,800 for foreigners), and Bhaktapur requires a passport for the multi-day pass. ATMs in Thamel dispense Nepali rupees, but machines frequently run out on weekends and holidays. Carry enough cash for 2 days at a time. Dress modestly at Hindu and Buddhist sites, covering shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering any temple interior. March sunset falls around 6:10 PM, and the city gets dark quickly after that. Thamel's lanes are poorly lit, so a small flashlight or phone light helps after dark. Tipping is not expected at local restaurants, but 10% is appreciated at tourist-oriented spots. Nepal's time zone is UTC+5:45, which catches people off guard when setting alarms for early departures.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit Kathmandu?
March is one of the top 3 months for visiting Kathmandu, behind October and November. The weather is comfortable (11-23°C), rainfall is light at 42mm, and the Holi festival adds a cultural highlight that those other months lack. The main trade-off is valley haze. If crystal-clear Himalayan views from Nagarkot are your top priority, November will serve you better. But for a combination of weather, culture, and trekking access, March is a strong choice.
What is the weather like in Kathmandu in March?
Expect daytime highs around 23°C (74°F) and nighttime lows near 11°C (52°F). Rainfall averages 42mm across 9 days, mostly as brief afternoon showers. Humidity runs at 64%. Mornings tend to be clear and cool, with haze building through the afternoon. You'll want layers for the temperature swing between early morning and midday, plus a light rain jacket for late-month showers.
Is Kathmandu crowded in March?
Yes, March falls in peak tourist season. Thamel's guesthouses and restaurants are noticeably busier than in winter months, and the popular trekking routes (Annapurna, Langtang, Everest Base Camp) see heavy foot traffic. Holi week adds another spike. That said, Kathmandu's crowd levels even at peak never approach the density of, say, Bangkok or Bali. You'll still find quiet mornings at Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath if you arrive before 7 AM.
When is Holi celebrated in Kathmandu?
Holi, called Fagu Purnima in Nepal, falls on the full moon day of the Nepali month Falgun, which typically lands in mid-March. The exact date shifts each year based on the lunar calendar. In Nepal, the main celebration day is one day before India's Holi. The Kathmandu Valley, particularly Basantapur and Thamel, sees the most intense celebrations. Check Nepal's official calendar for the specific date in your travel year.
Do I need to book treks in advance for March?
For popular routes like Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, booking 3-4 weeks ahead is advisable in March. Trekking permits, domestic flights to Lukla and Pokhara, and lodge availability all tighten during peak season. Shorter treks near Kathmandu, like the Shivapuri day hike or Nagarkot overnight, don't need advance booking. Walk-in permits are possible for most routes, but Lukla flights are the real bottleneck and frequently delayed by weather even in dry March.
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