Pokhara in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Pokhara

29°C (85°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

635 mm (25.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Post-monsoon clarity brings exceptional mountain views - September offers the clearest Annapurna and Dhaulagiri views after months of monsoon clouds, with visibility often exceeding 40 km (25 miles)
Lush green landscapes at peak beauty - rice terraces are emerald green and waterfalls are at maximum flow, creating the most photogenic conditions of the year
Moderate crowds and better accommodation rates - tourist numbers are still building after monsoon season, meaning 20-30% lower lodge prices and easier trail bookings compared to October peak season
Perfect trekking conditions developing - trails are cleaned post-monsoon, temperatures are ideal at 15-20°C (59-68°F) at altitude, and autumn weather patterns are stabilizing

Considerations

Lingering monsoon unpredictability - while improving, September can still see occasional heavy downpours lasting 2-3 hours, potentially disrupting mountain flights and outdoor activities
Higher humidity levels at 70% make midday activities feel uncomfortable, particularly between 11am-3pm when temperatures peak
Some high-altitude trekking routes may still have muddy sections and occasional landslide clearance, requiring flexible itineraries and backup plans

Best Activities in September

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

September marks the beginning of Nepal's prime trekking season with stabilizing weather, clear mountain views, and lush post-monsoon landscapes. Daytime temperatures at altitude hover around 15-20°C (59-68°F), perfect for hiking. The trails have been cleared of monsoon debris, and teahouses are fully operational. Rhododendron forests are busy green, and waterfalls are at their most spectacular.

Booking Tip: Book teahouse treks 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed agencies in Pokhara. Expect daily costs of $25-40 including accommodation and meals. Look for agencies with TAAN certification. Weather can change quickly, so choose operators offering flexible itineraries.

Phewa Lake Kayaking and Paddleboarding

September's calm morning conditions (6am-10am) provide mirror-like lake surfaces perfect for water activities. The lake is at its highest level post-monsoon, offering access to quieter coves. Mountain reflections are crystal clear on windless mornings, and the surrounding hills are lush green. Avoid midday sessions due to afternoon thermal winds.

Booking Tip: Rent equipment from lakeside operators for $8-15/day. Early morning sessions (6-9am) offer the best conditions before winds pick up. Multi-day rentals often include 30% discounts. Most operators provide basic instruction and safety equipment.

Sarangkot Sunrise and Paragliding

September offers exceptional sunrise viewing with post-monsoon clarity revealing the entire Annapurna range. Thermal conditions for paragliding are ideal between 10am-4pm, with consistent updrafts and minimal turbulence. The 30-minute tandem flights provide views of emerald rice terraces and snow-capped peaks. Weather stability is much improved from monsoon season.

Booking Tip: Book paragliding 3-5 days ahead during September as conditions are highly weather-dependent. Tandem flights cost $65-85 with photos/video. Choose operators with international pilot certifications. Morning sunrise hikes can be self-guided or with local guides for $10-15.

Begnas and Rupa Lakes Cycling

September's cooler mornings make the 15 km (9.3 miles) cycle to these pristine lakes ideal. The route passes through traditional Gurung villages and terraced farmland at peak green season. Unlike touristy Phewa Lake, these twin lakes offer authentic local experiences with traditional fishing boats and rural homestays. The road conditions are excellent post-monsoon.

Booking Tip: Mountain bike rentals cost $5-10/day from Lakeside operators. The full loop takes 4-6 hours including stops. Pack rain gear for potential afternoon showers. Local guides familiar with village culture cost an additional $15-20/day.

Gupteshwor Cave and Devi's Falls Exploration

September showcases these natural attractions at their most dramatic. Devi's Falls thunders with post-monsoon water volume, while the connected Gupteshwor Cave system offers cool respite from humid afternoons. The underground chambers and limestone formations are accessible year-round, making this perfect for rainy day backup plans. Water levels in the cave are optimal for safe exploration.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are minimal ($1-2 per site) with no advance booking required. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday crowds and heat. Bring waterproof phone cases and non-slip shoes. Combined with nearby Tibetan refugee camp visits for cultural context.

Traditional Newari Village Cultural Tours

September coincides with post-harvest cultural activities in surrounding villages like Bandipur and Gorkha. The clear weather makes the scenic drives enjoyable, and villages celebrate the successful monsoon harvest with local festivals. Traditional architecture is at its most photogenic against lush green hillsides, and homestay experiences offer insights into authentic mountain life.

Booking Tip: Day trips to Bandipur cost $30-50 including transport and guide. Overnight homestays range $15-25/person with meals. Book through community-based tourism operators for real feels. Transport can be affected by post-monsoon road repairs, so allow flexible timing.

September Events & Festivals

Early September

Teej Festival

Hindu women's festival celebrating marital harmony and family welfare. In Pokhara, women dress in red saris and gather at temples around Phewa Lake for prayers and traditional dancing. The three-day celebration includes fasting, singing, and busy processions through the old bazaar area.

Early September

Haritalika Teej Celebrations

Specific to the Phewa Lake area, local women perform ritual bathing and offer prayers at the Tal Barahi Temple located on the island. Colorfully decorated boats ferry devotees across the lake, creating spectacular photo opportunities against the mountain backdrop.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation - September afternoon showers last 1-2 hours and come with little warning

Moisture-wicking base layers - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable, synthetic or merino wool dry faster

Waterproof day pack cover - protect electronics and documents during sudden downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen and UV lip balm - altitude increases UV exposure significantly even on cloudy days

Quick-dry hiking pants - trails can be muddy post-monsoon and multiple pairs aren't practical for trekking

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - essential for potentially slippery trail conditions above 2,000m (6,560 ft)

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - post-monsoon conditions increase mosquito activity around lakes

Portable phone charger/power bank - mountain lodges have unreliable electricity and weather can delay charging opportunities

Cash in small denominations (NPR 100-500 notes) - ATMs in Pokhara work reliably but mountain areas require cash

Electrolyte tablets or powder - humidity and altitude changes increase dehydration risk during activities

Insider Knowledge

Book mountain flights for 6:30am departures - September mornings offer the clearest visibility before afternoon clouds build up, with 80% success rates vs 30% for afternoon flights

Stay in Lakeside's northern section near the dam - it's quieter than central Lakeside but walking distance to everything, with better mountain views and 20-30% cheaper accommodation

Eat at local dal bhat places between 11am-2pm - tourist restaurants serve reheated food, but local spots serve fresh dal bhat continuously during lunch hours for $2-3 vs $8-12 at tourist places

Negotiate trekking porter wages directly with porter associations near the bus park - agencies add 40-50% markup, while association rates are standardized and fair at $15-20/day plus insurance

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking fixed mountain flights without backup dates - September weather can still be unpredictable, and inflexible tickets often result in missed opportunities

Packing only light summer clothes - evenings drop to 21°C (69°F) and trekking elevations require warm layers even in September

Starting treks without checking recent trail conditions - while generally good, specific sections may have post-monsoon damage requiring route adjustments or delays