Pokhara in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Pokhara

30°C (86°F) High Temp

18°C (65°F) Low Temp

355 mm (14.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect rhododendron season - Nepal's national flower blooms across all trekking trails, creating spectacular red displays throughout Annapurna foothills (peak bloom mid-May)
Mountain visibility dramatically improves after April dust settles - Machapuchare and Annapurna range visible on 75% of mornings before pre-monsoon clouds build
Optimal paragliding conditions with strong thermal currents between 10am-4pm, offering longest flight times of the year (15-45 minutes vs 10-20 minutes other months)
Local farmers harvest winter crops creating authentic rural experiences - witness traditional threshing and participate in organic farm tours around Phewa Lake

Considerations

Pre-monsoon heat creates afternoon thunderstorms (2pm-5pm) that cancel mountain flights to Jomsom and limit afternoon trekking - plan outdoor activities before noon
Dust and humidity reduce air quality in Lakeside area - respiratory-sensitive travelers may struggle, especially during 11am-6pm peak heat hours
Peak domestic tourism season means 40% higher accommodation prices and crowded viewpoints during Nepali holidays (Buddha Jayanti typically falls in May)

Best Activities in May

Sarangkot Sunrise Trekking

May offers the clearest mountain panoramas before monsoon season. The 1-hour climb to 1,592m (5,223 ft) rewards you with unobstructed Annapurna and Dhaulagiri views. Start at 4:30am to avoid afternoon heat and catch golden hour lighting on snow peaks. Rhododendrons line the entire trail in full bloom.

Booking Tip: Book through established trekking agencies 7-10 days ahead. Expect to pay NPR 2,000-3,500 ($15-25) including guide and transport. Look for operators with sunrise timing guarantees and backup viewpoints. Reference booking widget below for current guided options.

Annapurna Base Camp Short Treks

May is ideal for 5-7 day ABC treks before monsoon season. Clear mountain weather, blooming rhododendrons, and comfortable daytime temperatures at altitude. Night temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) at base camp but days reach 15°C (59°F). Avoid full circuit due to afternoon storms above 3,000m (9,842 ft).

Booking Tip: Book through licensed trekking agencies 2-3 weeks ahead for May dates. Costs typically range NPR 25,000-40,000 ($180-290) including permits, guides, and tea house accommodation. Ensure operators provide weather contingency plans. Check current trek packages in booking section below.

Phewa Lake Boating and Temple Visits

Calm morning conditions perfect for rowing to Tal Barahi Temple. May's clear skies reflect perfectly in still water before daily thermal winds start at 11am. Water temperature reaches comfortable 22°C (72°F). Combine with nearby Gupteshwor Cave exploration during midday heat.

Booking Tip: Rent boats directly at lakeside for NPR 500-800 ($3.50-6) per hour. Morning slots (6am-10am) offer best conditions and photography light. Licensed boat operators display permits prominently. See current lake tour options in booking widget below.

Paragliding Adventures

May provides strongest thermal currents for extended flights. Launch from 1,000m (3,280 ft) Sarangkot with landing at 800m (2,624 ft) lakeside. Flight duration averages 30 minutes vs 15 minutes in winter. Clear mountain visibility makes this the premier month for aerial photography of Annapurna range.

Booking Tip: Book with certified instructors 5-7 days ahead during May peak season. Prices range NPR 8,000-12,000 ($55-85) for tandem flights including transport and photos. Morning slots (9am-11am) offer calmest conditions. Verify current operators through booking section below.

Cultural Village Cycling Tours

May harvest season provides authentic agricultural experiences in surrounding villages. Cycle through traditional Gurung and Magar communities witnessing rice planting and millet harvesting. Routes stay below 1,200m (3,937 ft) altitude with comfortable morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F).

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost NPR 3,000-5,000 ($20-35) including bike rental, guide, and village lunch. Book through established operators offering well-maintained mountain bikes and cultural interpretation. Morning departures (7am-8am) avoid afternoon heat. Find current cycling tour options in booking section.

White Water Rafting on Seti River

May's snowmelt increases water levels creating perfect Grade II-III rapids. Water temperature reaches comfortable 18°C (64°F). Clear weather ensures safe conditions and spectacular mountain views during 2-3 hour trips. Ideal introduction to Himalayan river rafting.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost NPR 4,000-6,500 ($28-45) including safety equipment, guide, and riverside lunch. Book with operators holding river permits and international safety certifications. Avoid afternoon slots due to thermal wind patterns. Check current rafting packages below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Buddha Jayanti (Buddha's Birthday)

Nepal's most significant Buddhist celebration with special ceremonies at World Peace Pagoda. Colorful prayer flag installations, traditional music performances, and meditation sessions led by local monks. Thousands of butter lamps illuminate the stupa after sunset.

Late May

Local Rhododendron Festival

Community celebration of Nepal's national flower with guided botanical walks, photography competitions, and traditional Gurung cultural programs. Local women demonstrate traditional dyeing techniques using rhododendron flowers.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with breathability rating - afternoon thunderstorms last 45-90 minutes with heavy downpours

Moisture-wicking synthetic shirts - avoid cotton in 70% humidity, especially during 11am-4pm peak heat hours

SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm - UV index reaches dangerous level 8 at 827m (2,713 ft) altitude with clear skies

Quick-dry hiking pants for morning treks - temperatures range 20°C difference between dawn and midday

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - pre-monsoon humidity increases mosquito activity around Phewa Lake

Waterproof daypack cover - sudden storms can soak unprotected gear during outdoor activities

Trekking poles for muddy trails - morning dew and occasional overnight rain create slippery conditions on hill paths

Power bank 10,000mAh+ capacity - afternoon power cuts common during thunderstorms, lasting 2-4 hours

Breathable hiking boots - trail dust and humidity require proper ventilation for day-long comfort

Lightweight fleece for elevation changes - temperature drops 6°C per 1,000m (3,280 ft) gained during mountain activities

Insider Knowledge

Book morning mountain flights (6am-8am slots) - afternoon thermal activity cancels 80% of flights after 11am, leaving tourists stranded

Eat at local dal bhat houses during lunch (11am-2pm) when tourists head indoors - authentic meals cost NPR 200-400 vs NPR 800+ at Lakeside

Visit Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave during midday heat (12pm-3pm) - underground temperatures stay cool at 18°C (64°F) when surface reaches 30°C (86°F)

Negotiate accommodation rates after 6pm arrival - many guesthouses offer 25-40% discounts to fill rooms rather than lose revenue overnight

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling afternoon mountain activities - thermal storms between 2pm-5pm cancel paragliding, mountain flights, and high-altitude trekking

Packing only lightweight clothing - morning temperatures at trekking elevations drop to 8°C (46°F) requiring warm layers

Booking same-day adventure activities - May's popularity means paragliding, rafting, and guided treks fill up 3-7 days in advance