Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek is often compared with the most popular Everest Base Camp Trek. It revolves around the Annapurna region providing with a glance of natural beauty and cultural variation.

Looking for best time for Annapurna Circuit Trek? or got confused when to go Annapurna Circuit? You have landed on the right page, keep on read you will find the answer.

Trekking to the Annapurna Circuit involves exploring some of the attractive places of the region such as Manang, Muktinath, Jomsom, etc. The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is at Thorung La Pass. It stands at the height of 5545 meters.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate to difficult level trekking destination in Nepal. Although the trek might be challenging, it is possible at any time of the year. There are times when the difficulty of the Annapurna Circuit Trek increases. But, this does not mean that the trek is impossible.

Generally, the weather and temperature of the Annapurna region remain stable throughout the years. There might be occasional rainfall and snowfall during winter and monsoon seasons. Other than this, the time remains absolutely perfect for trekking to the Annapurna Circuit.

Although the Annapurna Circuit Trek is doable in every season, there are times that offer you with the best weather condition. The best time for Annapurna Circuit Trek is during Autumn (September, October, November) and Spring ( March, April, May) seasons. These are the peak seasons for trekking is not just Annapurna Circuit but overall Nepal. Follow this article to learn more about the best time for Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek- When to Go?

Are you planning on trekking to the Annapurna Circuit? Are you confused about when to go? Well, I will provide you with the detail information regarding the best time for Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in Autumn

Autumn is the king of all seasons when it comes to trekking in Nepal. It falls in the month of September, October, and November. It is the peak season for trekking to the Annapurna Circuit. So you will not feel solitude when trekking in the autumn season. However, autumn may not be an ideal time for the ones who wish to have a peaceful trekking experience. The trails, teahouses, lodges, and restaurants get packed very fast. So, you will need to book for your food and accommodation as soon as possible.

Autumn experiences the most stable weather conditions of the year. The days in autumn are mostly bright and sunny with clear skies. The surrounding views of the Annapurna region look spectacular during the autumn season. Autumn is the best time to witness the snow-clad beautiful Himalayas.

The chances of rainfall are very less in the autumn season. However, you might encounter some occasional rainfall during early September. So, make sure to carry proper rain gear with you when trekking in the month of September. The daytime temperature of the Annapurna region is warm and mild in the lower regions. The temperature gradually decreases as you move forward to a higher altitude.

Weather and Temperature in Autumn ( September- November)

Autumn experiences different weather and temperature in three different months. The season comes after the monsoon. So, there is a chance of light rainfall in early September.

The average temperature in September at the highest point of the trek at Thorung La Pass is -4-degree celsius. The average temperature between the altitude of 2000 m- 4000 m ranges between 8- 12 degrees. The average temperature below the height of 2000 m is 8- 22 degrees.

November and October experience an average temperature of 15 degrees during the daytime. The night time temperature drops down to 7 degrees. The temperature at Thorung La Pass decreases drastically during late November.

Highlights of Trekking in Autumn

• Major festivals of Nepal, Dashain, and Tihar fall in this season. So you can be a part of the celebration.
• Offers perfect weather and temperature for trekking.
• Beautiful sceneries.
• Magnificent views of Mount Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range.

Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek in Autumn

• Book for your food and accommodation early.
• Carry raingear when trekking in early September.
• Carry lightweight warm clothes.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in Spring

Spring is the second-best time of the year for trekking to the Annapurna Circuit. It is the most beautiful time of the year where natural beauty reaches its maximum height. The wildflowers and rhododendron bloom over the hills and forested trails. The combination of fresh air and sweet fragrance of the flowers keep you refreshed while walking.

Weather in monsoon tends to be stable throughout the years. It is a period of transition. It takes away all the harshness of the winter season and makes the surrounding look fresh and beautiful.

There are very fewer chances of snowfall and rainfall in the Annapurna region during the spring season. Some occasional rainfall might shower in late May. You will get to witness some stunning views of rivers, waterfalls, settlements, hills, and mountains. With the arrival of spring, many plants and animals rejuvenate after their winter hibernation. Many new plants grow in this season.

Weather and Temperature in Spring ( March-May)

Spring takes away the harsh weather of winter and welcomes warmer weather. The weather is clear and favorable in spring. The vivid skies will give you a chance to have the stunning mountains of the Himalayas.

The average temperature of the Annapurna region in Spring during early March is 10 degrees in the lower regions. The nights and mornings get quite chilly. At the height above 4000 meters, the temperature is near to freezing. Therefore, you need to carry warm clothing when trekking in early March.

May will be the hottest among the other months in spring. The temperature starts to increase by May. The average temperature varies between 18- 23 degrees in May in the lower areas. The nights are bit colder with the average temperature of 5 degrees. The temperature at Thorung La Pass becomes the coldest during the Annapurna Circuit Trek in spring.

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek in Spring

• Walking along the forest filled with wildflowers and rhododendron.
• Warm and mild temperature.
• Vivid views of the great Himalayas and the surrounding environment.
• A chance to witness some rare plants and animals.

Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek in Spring

• Carry warm clothes if you are trekking during early March.
• Book for your food and accommodation early.
• Carry appropriate rain gears with you to avoid getting wet in the rain when trekking.

Off-season Trek for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Monsoon and winter are usually the offseason for trekking to the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal. These are the least traveled time of the year for trekking in Nepal. But this does not mean that the Annapurna circuit trek is not doable in monsoon and spring season. Different people have different preferences. So, it is all about choices.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in Monsoon

Summer or monsoon season falls in the month of June, July, and August in Nepal. The Annapurna region gets hot and wet at the same time this season. Since it is the offseason, you will find very less or trekkers along the trail. So, the Annapurna Circuit Trek in monsoon is for the ones who want to have a peaceful trekking experience.

The monsoon rain really makes the trail muddy and slippery. Such a wet trail makes it difficult for trekkers to walk in. You will have to walk through the ways of dense forest. So, there are also chances of getting bit by leeches. Some of the sections on the trail are a risk to landslides and avalanche. So, you need to be extra careful while walking.

The rain usually showers during the late-night up to early morning. So, it may not a barrier when trekking during the day. However, you must carry your rain gears with you to avoid getting wet in the rain. Trekking to the Annapurna Circuit in monsoon is truly a great experience to have. The views you get to witness after heavy rainfall is incomparable. The fresh aroma after a heavy downpour is one of the pleasing scents. This earthy fragrance will keep you refreshed throughout the journey.

Weather and Temperature of Annapurna Circuit Trek in Monsoon

Monsoon season falls in the month of June, July, and August in Nepal. July expects the maximum amount of rainfall in the Annapurna region. It does not rain much in early June and late August. So, if you really want to trek in the monsoon season, early June and late August would be the best option.

The weather and temperature of the Annapurna region in monsoon is quite warm and mild. The temperature ranges between 15-25 degrees in the lower regions. The region gets an average of 600- 800 mm of rain per month during this period. Areas such as Jomsom, Lower Mustang, Marpha, etc expect little rainfall as 50 mm. It is because the places lie in the rainshadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range.

Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek in Monsson

• Carry rain gears with you such as waterproof jackets, waterproof hiking boots, raincoats, etc.
• Carry mosquito repellent cream with you.
• Look out for leeches and other harmful insects when trekking.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in Winter

Winter is the coldest month in the Annapurna region. It falls in the month of December, January, and February. Winter in the Annapurna region becomes quite harsh. Snow falls in most of the higher regions making you difficult to walk. Some of the trails to the Annapurna Circuit might even get blocked because of snow.

The Annapurna region experiences extreme coldness in the month of February. The lower region remains warm whereas the higher region becomes chilly. The highest point of the trek at Thorung La Pass (5545m) becomes the coldest. It becomes a real challenge to reach at such height during the winter season.

To avoid bad weather condition and low temperature, you can trek to the Annapurna Circuit Trek in early December. Although the weather might be harsh in the higher region, you will have the gorgeous views of the Himalayas. As winter is the off-season time for trekking, the teahouses and lodges remain quite empty. They might even give you some discounts. So, the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost in the winter season is comparatively cheaper.

Weather and Temperature of the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Winter

The weather and temperature of the Annapurna region during winter are harsh but bearable. The temperature decreases with every increase in altitude. The temperature of the Annapurna region ranges between 7-12 degrees in the lower areas below the height of 2000 meters.

However, at the altitude above the height of 2000 m- 4000m, the average temperature ranges between 2- 8 degrees. The nighttime temperature might even fall below minus degrees. The higher regions such as the Thorung La Pass expects occasional snowfall as well.

Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek in Winter

• Carry warm and woolen clothes.
• It is better to trek in the month of early December.
• Carry enough trekking equipment with you as you will have to walk in snow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best time for Annapurna Circuit Trek is during autumn and spring season. Choosing the best season for Annapurna Circuit Trek also depends upon the type of trekker you are. If you are an experienced trekker, winter and monsoon seasons will provide you with thrilling and exciting trekking experience. However, if you are a beginner trekker, autumn and spring would be the ideal time for you.

If you need any help regarding your trip to the Annapurna Circuit trek, you can contact us at Exciting Nepal. We will help you to find the best package for your trip to Annapurna Circuit Trek.