Pokhara in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Pokhara

22°C (72°F) High Temp

9°C (49°F) Low Temp

36 mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect mountain visibility - February offers the clearest Himalayan views with 85% visibility days. The post-winter air clarity means Annapurna and Machapuchare appear razor-sharp from Sarangkot and World Peace Pagoda, unlike monsoon months when mountains disappear for weeks.
Ideal trekking temperatures - Morning starts at 9°C (49°F) warm to comfortable 22°C (72°F) by midday. This temperature range eliminates the scorching heat of pre-monsoon April-May and the bitter cold of December-January when water bottles freeze overnight.
Rhododendron blooming season begins - Lower elevation rhododendrons start flowering in late February, painting hillsides pink and red. This preview of Nepal's national flower occurs before the main blooming rush, offering fewer crowds at viewpoints like Australian Camp.
Stable weather patterns - February has the most predictable weather with minimal temperature swings. Unlike March's increasing afternoon thunderstorms or January's unpredictable cold snaps, February offers consistent conditions perfect for multi-day planning.

Considerations

Morning cold requires layered clothing - Temperatures drop to 9°C (49°F) at sunrise, creating a 13°C (23°F) daily swing. Early morning activities like sunrise viewing demand warm jackets, but by 10am you'll be stripping layers as it warms to 22°C (72°F).
Occasional afternoon cloud buildup - While not monsoon-level, 10 rainy days means 30% chance of afternoon clouds obscuring mountain views. Plan mountain photography for 6-9am when skies are consistently clearest.
Peak trekking season crowds - February attracts serious trekkers avoiding monsoon and extreme winter cold. Popular routes like Ghorepani-Poon Hill see 200+ trekkers daily, requiring advance booking for teahouses and creating morning trail congestion.

Best Activities in February

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Preparation Hikes

February's stable weather and crystal-clear mountain views make it perfect for acclimatization hikes before longer treks. The 9-22°C (49-72°F) range mimics higher altitude conditions without extreme cold. Morning visibility is exceptional - you'll see the entire Annapurna massif from viewpoints. Unlike monsoon season when trails become treacherous or winter when high passes close, February offers optimal trail conditions with minimal snow below 3,000m (9,842 ft).

Booking Tip: Book through registered trekking agencies 14-21 days ahead - February is peak season with limited teahouse availability. Day hikes typically cost NPR 3,000-5,000 including guide and transport. Look for agencies with TAAN certification and altitude sickness training. See current trek options in the booking section below.

Phewa Lake Kayaking and Boating

February's calm mornings and minimal rainfall create perfect lake conditions before spring winds develop. Water temperature stays comfortable while air warms from 9°C (49°F) to 22°C (72°F) - ideal for sunrise paddles with Machapuchare reflections. Unlike monsoon months when the lake swells and becomes choppy, or winter when morning fog obscures views, February offers glassy water and clear skies 85% of mornings.

Booking Tip: Rent equipment from lakeside operators or book guided tours 2-3 days ahead. Kayak rentals typically cost NPR 500-800 per hour, guided lake tours NPR 1,500-2,500 per person. Best times are 6-9am for mirror-like conditions. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

Sarangkot Sunrise Mountain Views

February offers the year's most reliable sunrise mountain panoramas with 85% clear morning visibility. The stable weather eliminates summer monsoon clouds and winter's unpredictable fog. Temperature starts at 6°C (43°F) at 5:30am viewpoint, warming rapidly as sun rises. This is peak season for reason - Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare appear in impressive clarity impossible during other months.

Booking Tip: Arrange transport the evening before - jeeps typically cost NPR 1,500-2,000 return, departing 5:15am. Book accommodation near Sarangkot to walk to viewpoints. February crowds mean 100+ people at sunrise spots, so arrive by 5:45am for best positions. Current sunrise tour options in booking section below.

World Peace Pagoda Hiking Circuit

The 45-minute uphill hike becomes pleasant in February's 22°C (72°F) afternoon temperatures, avoiding summer's 30°C+ (86°F+) heat. Crystal-clear air provides unobstructed Pokhara Valley and mountain views from the pagoda. February's dry conditions mean solid footing on steep sections, unlike monsoon's slippery trails or winter's occasional ice patches.

Booking Tip: Start hikes between 9-11am when temperature reaches comfortable 15-18°C (59-64°F). Entry is free, but boat transport across Phewa Lake costs NPR 100-150 each way. Combine with lake activities for full-day experiences. Guided cultural tours typically NPR 2,000-3,500 including transport.

Davis Falls and Cave Exploration

February's minimal rainfall means safer cave conditions and better waterfall flow visibility than monsoon's dangerous torrents or winter's reduced flow. The 70% humidity creates comfortable cave temperatures around 18°C (64°F). Clear weather allows motorcycle or bicycle travel to caves - popular with locals during February's pleasant conditions.

Booking Tip: Visit during 10am-4pm when lighting is optimal for photography. Entrance fees typically NPR 50-100 per site. Rent motorbikes for NPR 800-1,200/day to visit multiple caves efficiently. Guided cave tours cost NPR 1,500-2,500 including transport to 3-4 locations. Current tour combinations available below.

Paragliding Adventures

February provides ideal paragliding conditions with stable thermals developing by 11am and minimal afternoon storm risk. The temperature range of 9-22°C (49-72°F) creates perfect thermal currents for 20-30 minute flights. Crystal-clear air offers unmatched aerial views of Annapurna range impossible during monsoon months. Landing conditions remain safe with predictable weather patterns.

Booking Tip: Book flights 3-5 days ahead during February peak season. Tandem flights typically cost NPR 8,000-12,000 including transport and photos. Morning flights (10am-12pm) offer calmest conditions and best mountain visibility. Look for certified pilots with CIVL licenses. Weather delays are minimal in February compared to other months.

February Events & Festivals

Mid to Late February

Maha Shivaratri Festival

Nepal's most significant Hindu festival honoring Lord Shiva typically falls in February or early March. In Pokhara, pilgrims visit Gupteshwor Cave and other Shiva temples throughout the night. The celebration includes traditional music, religious ceremonies, and local food stalls. This provides authentic cultural immersion unavailable to summer visitors.

Late February

Rhododendron Early Bloom Viewing

Lower elevation rhododendrons begin flowering in late February around Australian Camp and nearby hills. This marks the beginning of Nepal's famous rhododendron season before the main March-April bloom rush. Local guides organize specialized flower-viewing treks during this period when crowds are minimal but colors are emerging.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - Start with thermal base layer for 9°C (49°F) mornings, add fleece for mountain viewpoints, pack lightweight jacket for temperature swings up to 13°C (23°F) daily variation

SPF 50+ sunscreen and glacier glasses - UV index reaches 8 with intense reflection off snow-capped peaks and lake surfaces, causing unexpected sunburn even in 22°C (72°F) temperatures

Waterproof hiking boots - 10 rainy days mean muddy trails and slippery stone steps at temples and viewpoints, especially during afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes

Quick-dry pants and shirts - 70% humidity means cotton stays damp after morning dew and afternoon showers, synthetic fabrics dry within 1-2 hours

Warm sleeping bag liner - Guesthouse heating is minimal and rooms drop to 9°C (49°F) at night, even with blankets provided

Headlamp with red filter - 5:30am sunrise viewpoint departures require hands-free lighting, red filter preserves night vision for safer pre-dawn hiking

Portable phone charger - Cold morning temperatures drain batteries 40% faster, essential for sunrise photography sessions lasting 2-3 hours

Lightweight rain poncho - Afternoon showers develop quickly and mountain weather changes rapidly, poncho covers both you and daypack unlike umbrella

Trekking poles - Even day hikes involve steep ascents and descents on stone steps that become slippery with morning dew and occasional rain

Electrolyte supplements - Dry mountain air and 8-hour trekking days cause dehydration despite comfortable temperatures, local pharmacies stock limited varieties

Insider Knowledge

Book mountain flights for 7-9am slots - Airlines like Buddha Air offer Everest scenic flights with guaranteed mountain visibility during February's clear mornings, unlike afternoon flights canceled due to cloud buildup

Eat dal bhat at local bhattis between 11am-2pm - Small local restaurants serve fresh meals during lunch rush when turnover is high, avoiding evening meals that sit longer in establishments without refrigeration

Negotiate taxi rates before 6am and after 8pm - Drivers charge premium for sunrise/sunset trips during peak season, establish prices the evening before to avoid morning arguments when rushing to viewpoints

Carry cash in small denominations - NPR 500 and 1000 notes are difficult to break at small mountain tea shops and viewpoint vendors, especially during early morning transactions when change is limited

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - Tourists pack for 22°C (72°F) daytime temperatures but suffer during 9°C (49°F) sunrise viewpoints, missing optimal photography conditions while retreating to warm vehicles

Booking accommodation only in Lakeside - February's peak season fills lakeside hotels first, but staying in Damside or Baidam areas offers better value and easier access to trekking routes starting points

Planning outdoor activities after 2pm - Afternoon cloud buildup obscures mountain views 60% of time after 2pm, while mornings offer 85% visibility success rate for photography and sightseeing