Weather
Nepal sees enormous climatic variation between the plains of the Terai, the mid-hills of Kathmandu and Pokhara, and the Himalaya. The monsoon has truly set in by July, with rain falling most days. Parts of the Terai often flood this month, and neighborhoods of Kathmandu don't fare much better. Temperatures remain hot—in the high 80s (Fahrenheit) in Kathmandu and Pokhara—and while the rain does help cool the air, it also brings humidity. High-altitude areas are somewhat cooler, but rainfall makes many mountain regions inaccessible to travelers.
Crowds & Costs
July is the low season in Nepal, and discount rates are available at many hotels. Most trekking trails are empty as they become uncomfortable or inaccessible.
Trekking Trails
Trekking in Nepal in July isn't advisable in most of the country. Clouds obscure views, trails are muddy and slippery, and landslides can hinder road access to trailheads. However, there is a notable exception: the Mustang region. See below for more information (and check out Everest Base Camp in July for more about trekking in the Everest region this month).
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Where to Go
Mustang lies within the rain shadow of the Himalaya, north of Pokhara, meaning it doesn't experience the monsoon like the rest of the country. The weather is sunny but not too hot because of the higher altitude here, and the skies are normally clear. Landslides on the road to Mustang during monsoon make overland travel there difficult, but Jomsom is connected to Pokhara by air (which you can read about here).
If you want to trek in Nepal and July is the only time you can visit, consider treks in Lower and Upper Mustang. Other areas also fall within the rain shadow of the Himalaya—Upper Dolpo, the Nar-Phu Valley, and the Limi Valley—but can become very challenging to access in July, with roads cut off and flights delayed or canceled.
What to Do
While outdoor activities are more challenging at this time, you can still enjoy activities in the cities and towns. Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bandipur offer many cultural attractions, such as temples, museums, bars and restaurants, shops, charming lodging options, and bargain-basement rates.
Check out this article for things to do in Pokhara during monsoon season (or any time during the year).
Events in July
Traditional Nepali festivals (whether Hindu or Buddhist) usually follow a lunar calendar. This means that some festivals that fall in July one year may be in June or August the next.
Ropain, Nationwide. A rice-planting festival that celebrates the start of the planting season in either late June or early July, where farmers gather in rice paddies to plant seedlings, splash in the mud, sing traditional songs, and enjoy traditional foods like dahi-chiura (beaten rice and yogurt). Everyone is welcome to join in the fun.
Kora, Kathmandu. The annual Kathmandu Kora Cycling Challenge brings thousands of avid mountain bikers to the city to complete a circuit of the Kathmandu Valley.
Yartung Festival, Lo Manthang. This horse racing festival in Mustang and Manang is held in July or August. It's celebrated primarily by the Thakali people to mark the end of the harvest.
Traveling to Nepal in July? Check out these great itineraries
Lower Mustang Trek - 7 Days. Mustang is part of an ancient trade route to Tibet, up the Kali Gandaki river, and offers one of the most developed trails in the Annapurna area. You'll take a moderate trek through the region bordering Annapurna and Mustang with great views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, staying in comfortable teahouses run by Gurung and Thakali families.
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing - 4 Days. In just four days, you'll explore the famous cultural sites of the Kathmandu Valley and top it off with an early morning flight with views of Mount Everest. This trip provides the perfect balance for those with limited time to get the best of Kathmandu's nature and culture.
More Helpful Information
Nepal in June
Nepal in August
Best Time of Year to Visit Nepal
How Many Days to Spend in Nepal