Annapurna Circuit Trek Weather by Month: Best Time, Temperature & Trail Conditions

Introduction

Weather conditions are the most important factor affecting your Annapurna Circuit Trek holiday. A month with bad weather can transform a fantastic off-the-beaten-track trekking holiday into a dangerous one or spoil it completely for those who want to enjoy the mountain views, clear trail and comfortable evenings in teahouses. The choice of the month defines the experience you will have in Annapurna Circuit: selecting the best period allows you to fully enjoy the mountain views, great trekking trails, and the comforts of teahouse and mountain village stays.

The most important consideration about the Annapurna Circuit weather is the large altitude range: the trail starts at 800 meters above sea level near Besisahar. It ends at 5,416 meters in Thorong La Pass. On a single day in October, it is possible to experience warm and pleasant temperatures of 20°C at the valley of the trailhead, while the pass may have a temperature of -8°C with wind chill of -15°C. During July, the low-altitude parts of the trail are rain-drenched and muddy, while the high-altitude areas above Manang (in the rain shadow) are virtually dry and warm.

This guide will provide information on weather conditions for each month: temperatures, snow, rainfall, trail conditions, crowds and photography. The weather has a major impact on transport, accommodation, and the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost: prices for the peak season (April and October) are 15-25% higher than during the shoulder seasons. 

Our team of professional local guides has crossed the Thorong La Pass during all months of the year: the conditions can be dramatically different during January and October. This is crucial information for planning a safe and comfortable trekking holiday, and this guide will help you choose the best month for the Annapurna Circuit. Please read this guide thoroughly before making your decision.

Understanding Annapurna Circuit Weather

The Annapurna Circuit trek follows a route which passes through four distinct climatic zones on its way from the sub-tropical Marsyangdi Valley up towards the Tibetan Plateau above Manang. These four zones are characterised by dramatically differing temperatures and varying degrees of humidity, rainfall and snowfall depending on the time of year:

• Lower region (800–2,000 m): Subtropical – Hot and humid in summer, warm and temperate in winter. Monsoon rains are heavy and reliable here. Typical flora consists of rhododendron and oak.
• Mid-hills (2,000 – 3,500 m): Temperate – The temperatures are generally cooler here than in the lower region. Moderate rainfall occurs throughout the year, although it is generally drier than the lower region. The majority of the trek’s villages (Chame, Pisang, Manang) are located in this zone.
• High mountains (3,500–5,000 m): Alpine – It is cold at night and snowy in winter (October to April) in the higher parts of the trek (over 4,000 m). On clear days after a night of snow above 4,000m, the trail can be slippery.
• Thorong La Pass (5,416 m): Extreme alpine – Average temperatures range from -2°C in summer to -25°C in January, with the feel of the temperature being considerably colder due to wind chill. It is here that the Annapurna Circuit trek reaches its highest altitude and experiences its most extreme temperatures.
• Rain shadow area (above Manang): The Himalayan range blocks off the monsoon from influencing the upper Mustang and Manang valley, and it is this that allows the Annapurna Circuit to remain trekable even above 4,000 metres during the June to August monsoon period – the rain stops here.

Temperatures fall by approximately 6°C for every 1,000 m of altitude gained. A spring morning in Besisahar (the starting point for most treks on the Annapurna Circuit) might see a temperature of 22°C, while the summit of Thorong La Pass might see -4°C and a wind-chill of 18°C below zero. Although the 20°C difference in temperature would seem incredible, it is gradual enough that as the trekker ascends the mountain, the change in temperature is hardly noticeable.

Altitude profile: You can see how altitude changes throughout the Annapurna Circuit trek in our Annapurna Circuit Altitude guide. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek Weather by Month

Here is the information you came for. The table below gives all variables affecting the month at a glance. Below the table, an explanation of the month, along with the additional factors that the numbers convey, is presented.

 Monthly Rainfall and Snowfall

Rainfall and snowfall on the Annapurna Circuit do not behave the same at different altitudes, which affects the overall experience and the type of gear needed depending on the time of year. Use our Annapurna Circuit Packing List as a reference for the gear you should bring based on the month you decide to trek.

• June to August (monsoon): Rainfall is plentiful throughout the lower valleys during these months, peaking in July with 300 – 500mm of rainfall in the Marsyangdi Valley. However, rain rarely falls in the higher reaches of the trail above 4,000m in the rain shadow of Annapurna.
• December to March (snow season): Heavy snow falls in the higher reaches from December, and the Thorong La can be completely closed by January. The snow falls heaviest in February and begins to ease off in March, clearing completely by April.
• April and October (best months): There is little or no rainfall during these months. Above 5,000m, any snow that falls is cleared within 24 – 48 hours on the exposed passes.
• May (pre-monsoon): Showers are common throughout May in the lower valleys, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms from the second half of the month. The upper circuit remains dry through May.
• September: Rainfall eases throughout September, peaking at the start of the month before disappearing altogether by the end. This transition is sharp and reliable across the circuit in most years.

Trail Conditions Throughout the Year

Knowledge of the monthly state of each trail surface condition will avoid gear damage, physical injuries, and interference with the trip itinerary; hereafter, complete the risk table.

Climbing to Thorong La Pass – the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit – you can expect a wind chill of 10-15°C, which reduces all temperatures by that amount. So if it’s -10°C and 40 km/h where you are, it will feel more like -20°C! Dressing warmly is paramount. Remember to take into account the worst-case scenario.

Monthly Rainfall & Snowfall

On the Annapurna Circuit, rainfall and snowfall are not distributed evenly throughout the region, making a big difference to what you’ll experience depending on the time of year. Check out our detailed Annapurna Circuit Packing List for the specific gear you’ll need depending on the season.

• Monsoon Season (June – August): Rainfall occurs mainly below 4,000 metres, with the lower Marsyangdi Valley receiving between 300- 500 mm of rain in July. Above this altitude, in the rain shadow of the high peaks, rainfall is relatively low throughout the year.
• Snow Season (December–March): From December, snow falls at higher altitudes and can close the Thorong La Pass by January. It reaches its maximum depth in February and then begins to melt in March, clearing the pass by April.
• Best Time to Trek (April, October): The best months to trek the Annapurna Circuit are April and October. Rainfall is minimised, and snowfall (at altitude) reaches its minimum, with any snow melting rapidly away on the exposed ridges during the day.
• Pre-Monsoon (May): Low-level rainfall begins in May with occasional afternoon thunderstorms becoming more common in the second half of the month. The Upper Circuit remains dry.
• Post-Monsoon (September): Rainfall reduces steadily throughout September to virtually nothing in the last week of the month. A reliable dry period begins at the end of September.

Trail Conditions by Month

It is important to have an understanding of the likely ground conditions for each month so that you can avoid equipment failure, injury and unnecessary delays. Here is a detailed breakdown.

• Dry Trails (April, October, November): Hard, stable and perfect for trekking. The best months for walking on every part of the circuit.
• Mud (June to August): The lower parts of the forested trail can turn into thick muddy patches, especially around Jagat to Dharapani. Gaiters and trekking poles with baskets are recommended.
• Ice (November to March above 4,500 m): The path to Thorong La from the High Camp freezes overnight in the colder months and requires either microspikes or crampons to hike up and down safely.
• Snow (December to March, above 4,000 m): It is not uncommon to encounter snow on the trail above Manang, overnight at any time of the year. Trail markings can also be covered with snow.
• River crossings: During the monsoon months (June to August), the rivers are bigger and deeper. Some side trails can become completely flooded and are best crossed with the help of your guide, with whom you will be sharing the local knowledge of an alternative route.
• Landslides: July and August are the landslide months, especially between Tal and Dharapani, but a morning trek after a night of rain will help you avoid any unstable ground.
• Difficulty context: See our Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty guide for a full breakdown of how trail conditions at each altitude affect your overall trekking effort across the year.

Best Time for Different Types of Trekkers

There's no best month for the Annapurna Circuit. It is dependent on what kind of trekker you are and what you are looking to get out of the trek. Here's the personalisation our guides use when talking to clients.

If you're looking for help with a personal itinerary, please see our Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary Guide.

• First-time trekkers: April or October, without question. These are the months in which to experience the greatest variety of trail conditions, the best mountain weather, and the warmest teahouse hospitality - all of which contribute to a first-timer’s Himalayan trek being far less daunting than it might otherwise be.
• Photography enthusiasts: October, by acclamation. This trekking region boasts the clearest skies after the monsoon of any Himalayan circuit, delivering unrivaled photography opportunities. November is also a good option, with generally excellent visibility, though with more people on the trails than in October.
• Budget-conscious trekkers: June or July, when rains have soaked the lower trails. This circuit offers the best combination of value and high trail conditions during the rainy-season shoulder months, but with soaked lower trail approaches.
• Snow Lovers: December or January, with cold-weather gear. These months offer the most challenging crossing of the pass, which can be rewarding, but require a guide, microspikes, and boots rated for temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius to get there.

What to Pack for Every Season

Season-specific packing is one of the most practical things our guides help clients with. See our full Annapurna Circuit Packing List for a complete gear guide with weights and recommendations.

Spring (March–May)

• Down jacket: essential even in warm May for evenings above 3,500m
• Light rain jacket: spring showers in May, particularly on lower sections
• Sunscreen SPF 50+: UV intensity increases sharply above 3,000m
• Trekking poles: spring snow clearing on upper sections in March
• Mid-weight trekking pants: flexible for temperature swings between morning and afternoon

Summer / Monsoon (June–August)

• Full waterproof jacket and pants: non-negotiable below 4,000 m
• Waterproof gaiters: leech and mud protection on lower trail
• Insect repellent: leeches are active in forested sections from June
• Quick-dry fabrics throughout: cotton becomes dangerously heavy when wet
• Trekking sandals: for teahouse indoor use when boots are wet

Autumn (September–November)

• Down jacket: mandatory from late September above 4,000m
• Merino wool base layers: temperature swings between midday and evening are dramatic
• Microspikes: recommended from mid-November for the Thorong La approach
• Gloves rated to -10°C: for High Camp mornings in October and November
• Sleeping bag rated to -15°C: teahouse blankets alone are insufficient above 4,000m

Winter (December–February)

• Sleeping bag rated to -20°C or below: essential above 4,000m
• Microspikes or light crampons: the Thorong La approach is iced nightly
• Balaclava and full face protection: wind chill at the pass is severe
• Hand warmer packs: fingers lose dexterity fast at -20°C with wind
• Double-layer gloves (liner plus outer): single gloves are insufficient above 5,000m in winter

Weather Challenges and Safety Tips

Every season on the Annapurna Circuit comes with its own weather-related risks. Knowing what they are in advance, rather than on the ground, is the difference between a prepared and an ill-prepared trekker. For altitude-related risks, please refer to our Annapurna Circuit Altitude Sickness guide.

• Altitude sickness: Whilst not a weather-related risk per se, cold, dry mountain air increases the risk of altitude sickness due to dehydration. Drink 3-4 litres of water per day regardless of perceived thirst.
• Snowstorms: These can appear on Thorong La with little warning between November and March. Our guides monitor the mountain forecast for the 72 hours preceding the High Camp trek. A snowstorm with less than 50 metres visibility on the pass is a turn-back condition, not a go-ahead condition.
• Landslides: July and August are the rainy months, and landslides are possible between Tal and Dharapani. We recommend leaving the village early in the morning, and our guides have direct contacts in each village who provide the latest conditions.
• River crossings: Monsoon river levels can render standard crossing points unusable. There are alternative, seasonal crossing places, which require the guidance of a local to avoid.
• Wind chill: The exposed ridge of Thorong La can experience wind speeds of over 50 km/h in winter and late autumn, reducing the effective temperature by 15 C or more, making a windproof outer layer crucial between October and March above 4,500m.
• Sunburn: UV light at 5,000 metres is around twice as intense as at sea level. A good way to combat this at high altitude is to apply SPF 50+ cream before breakfast (not 30 minutes into a walk) and to reapply it at every break in the trail.
• Hypothermia: The combination of tiredness, wet clothes and an abrupt drop in temperature after a hot afternoon downpour can cause hypothermia on the upper trail in any month. It is essential to carry a waterproof layer at all times above 4,000 m, regardless of the morning conditions.
• Weather forecast apps: Mountain Forecast (mountain-forecast.com) and Meteoblue (meteoblue.com) have specific forecasts for Thorong La for different altitudes. They should be used with caution, as the further ahead the forecast is, the less accurate it will be, particularly in mountainous terrain, beyond 72 hours.

How to Check Weather Before Your Trek

Weather forecasting is never perfect in the mountains. It can be particularly challenging in the Annapurna region due to the complex topography of the area causing localised weather patterns. Below are the different resources available and their value. Our expert Nepal Trekking Guide team will always give you the most up-to-date trail and weather reports before heading out on your trek.

• Mountain-forecast.com: Great resource for Thorong La Pass and Annapurna mountain forecasts. This is our preferred resource when crossing passes and is good up to 48-72 hours in advance. Beyond that, it should be treated with caution as it can become significantly less accurate.
• Meteoblue.com: This is another excellent resource for mountainous weather forecasts. It offers a more in-depth hourly breakdown for the Himalayan region. We use this resource in tandem with mountain-forecast when departing on High Camp treks.
• Local guide advice: This should be your most relied-on resource for the next 24 hours. Our local guides have direct access to the most up-to-date information. In particular, we recommend asking the teahouse owners in Manang and Muktinath villages. Many have direct contact with the local guides in Mustang and will often share information about the current weather in the region.
• Tea house updates: The owners of the tea houses in Manang and Yak Kharka have the most up-to-date information on the current weather in the region. Most cross the pass every morning and can give an accurate report on the current conditions. Additionally, many have friends and family on the Mustang side of the pass and will share their intel as well.
• Satellite updates: Windy.com offers incredible insight on wind patterns and cloud coverage from satellite imagery. It is an invaluable tool when trying to predict what weather to expect 12-24 hours in advance. It can be helpful for determining an oncoming storm from the south.
• Challenges with forecasting: Localised weather patterns can be incredibly difficult to predict. The complex topography of the Annapurna region can cause cloud formation or winds to pick up on the mountain ridgelines faster than the models indicate. A clear sky forecast can turn cloudy quickly at the pass!

Final Conclusion

The Annapurna Circuit is a four-season trek. However, specific months are more appropriate than others depending on the type of trekker.

• March to May (Spring): Good trekking weather, with rhododendron blooms, best in April.
• June to August (Monsoon): The Upper Annapurna Circuit trek is recommended, as the lower trail is washed away.
• September to November (Autumn): The best season for hiking, with October being the most popular month and November the least busy month.
• December to February (Winter): A challenging trek suitable only for the most experienced trekkers.

It is not possible to provide the best month for all trekkers, as everyone has their preferences. Some people are willing to pay more to see the rhododendron forests, while others prefer cooler climates. Some like to trek alone while others enjoy the company of other travelers. 

Our guide service has been on every month in the Annapurna Circuit, and when you ask us for advice, we will ask clarifying questions before recommending the best time of year for you to trek. We know that there are multiple factors to consider when deciding when to trek the Annapurna Circuit, and our professional guides will be happy to help you narrow them down. You can book our Annapurna Circuit Trek Package and let our experts handle the difficult decisions for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

April is good for temperatures, rhododendrons, and consistent weather. October provides the best post-monsoon views with firm trails and pleasant pass-crossing temperatures.

Which month has the clearest mountain views?

October and November offer the best visibility. The post-monsoon air is exceptionally clear, providing outstanding mountain views. The Annapurna massif and Dhaulagiri are at their most visible time of the year in October, being particularly prominent then.

Does it snow on the Annapurna Circuit?

Yes. There is snow from December to March above 4000 m, with occasional snowstorms at the pass as late as April in some years. There can also be overnight frosts and snowfall at heights above 5000 m in October and November.

Can I trek during the monsoon?

Circuit trekking below 4000 m is not recommended due to the likelihood of encountering leeches, which thrive in warm, damp weather from June to August. The circuit trek above Manang, on the other hand, is in a rain shadow and can be hiked year-round. This allows more experienced trekkers to complete the circuit trek on their own, and they will not be disappointed with the views.

Is October better than November for this trek?

October has warmer temperatures, better tea house service, and marginally better visibility. November is less busy, but it’s cold, and cold weather gear is essential. Still, the view is spectacular. October is a fantastic option for first-time trekkers, while November is a fantastic option for experienced trekkers.

How cold is Thorong La Pass?

Thorong La Pass (5,416m) has an average temperature ranging from -2C to -6C in the month of May and -15C to -25C in the month of January. Considering the wind chill factor, it may feel like 10C to 15C colder. In the month of October, the temperature at Thorong La Pass varies from -5C to -10C. These temperatures may be cold but are bearable with warm clothing.

Which month has the fewest crowds?

The months of January and February are the off-season for this trail as there are hardly any trekkers on the trail. Most times there are fewer than 10 groups of trekkers on the entire circuit at any given time. The months of June and July also experience low traffic. In late November, the number of trekkers reduces substantially as compared to the peak season of October, yet the weather remains perfect.

Is December safe for the Annapurna Circuit?

December is a good month to attempt the trekking circuit, but it requires special cold-weather gear. The pass is open to traffic on clear days, but you need microspikes and a certain level of acclimatization to cold weather. The teahouse will remain open throughout the year. However, I will not recommend December for novice trekkers and those unprepared to deal with severe cold, as most of them will struggle to sleep at night with a -15C rated sleeping bag and layers of clothing.

What is the rainy season?

Monsoon occurs from June to September, with July being the rainiest month. Below 4,000 meters, the weather is quite wet and cloudy, with rain being a daily occurrence. However, the region is also under the rain shadow of the Himalayas, which means that the upper reaches of the trekking route stay dry throughout the monsoon period.

What weather should beginners choose?

Beginners should pick April or October without a doubt. Both months guarantee clear skies, dirt roads, open teahouses, and pass-crossing temperatures. They have the best success rates of all months and pose the least challenge to first-time high-altitude trekkers.

Can weather delay my trek?

Yes. Heavy snowfall on Thorong La could delay or cancel a pass crossing by as much as 3 days. This would mean an unscheduled rest day at High Camp, or heading back to Manang. Make sure to pack in an extra day contingency if you're planning to go in November, March, or any month with a snow risk.

How many layers should I wear in winter?

In January or February, for the Thorong La crossing, you should pack at minimum two layers (fleece + down) plus a windproof shell and a balaclava. You'll also need hand warmers and two pairs of gloves for the exposed parts of the pass. Wind chills average -25C with ambient temps of -15C.