Annapurna Circuit Trek during Spring

The Annapurna Circuit Trek during spring is widely regarded as one of the best times of year to attempt the route. 

Mild daytime temperatures, blooming rhododendron forests, generally stable weather, and a fully open Thorong La Pass make spring a favorite among both first-time and experienced trekkers.

That said, spring is also the busiest season on the circuit. Trekkers should expect crowded teahouses, booked-up rooms in peak weeks, and afternoon cloud buildup that can obscure mountain views later in the day.

When Is Spring on the Annapurna Circuit?

Spring on the Annapurna Circuit generally runs from March through May.

Lower valleys warm quickly, with pleasant daytime temperatures and blooming forests, while high-altitude sections still see cold nights and occasional late-season snow, especially in early March.

Weather conditions shift noticeably across the three months, moving from cool and transitional in March to warm and humid by late May, just before the monsoon arrives.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in March

March marks the start of spring and is transitional in character. Early March can still carry some residual winter cold at higher elevations, with the chance of fresh snow around Thorong Phedi, High Camp, and the pass itself.

Lower and middle sections of the trail begin to warm up, and the first rhododendron blooms typically appear at mid-elevations toward the end of the month. Daytime trekking is generally comfortable, though nights above 3,000 metres remain cold.

March is a good option for trekkers who want fewer crowds than peak spring while still enjoying reasonably stable weather and reopening teahouses after the winter lull.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in April

April is typically considered the highlight of the spring season. Rhododendron forests are usually in full bloom across the mid-hill sections, turning the trail red, pink, and white in many areas.

Daytime temperatures are comfortable across most of the route, and nights, while still cold at altitude, are milder than in March. This is usually the busiest month of spring, so teahouses fill up quickly and advance booking or early arrival at stops becomes more important.

Afternoon clouds are common in April, which can reduce visibility of peaks later in the day even though mornings are often clear.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in May

May is warmer and more humid than March and April, especially at lower elevations, as the pre-monsoon period approaches. Early May can still offer excellent trekking conditions, but haze and cloud cover tend to increase as the month progresses.

Upper sections around Manang and Thorong La remain cooler, and snow is unlikely to be a major obstacle by this point, though wind and shifting weather can still affect the pass. Late May trekkers should watch for early monsoon showers, particularly toward the end of the month.

Annapurna Circuit Weather During Spring

Spring weather on the Annapurna Circuit varies by elevation just as strongly as in other seasons, with lower valleys warming substantially while the pass remains cold.

Elevation	Typical Daytime Temperature	Typical Nighttime Temperature	Expected Spring Conditions
800–1,500 m	18°C to 28°C	10°C to 18°C	Warm, increasingly humid, occasional afternoon showers by May
1,500–2,500 m	15°C to 24°C	5°C to 13°C	Mild days, blooming forests, comfortable trekking
2,500–3,500 m	10°C to 19°C	0°C to 8°C	Cool mornings, pleasant afternoons, occasional cloud buildup
3,500–4,500 m	4°C to 14°C	-8°C to 2°C	Cold nights, possible early-season snow in March
4,500–5,000 m	-2°C to 8°C	-14°C to -4°C	Cold, windy, generally manageable by April–May
5,000–5,416 m	-6°C to 2°C	-18°C to -8°C	Cold and windy at the pass, snow possible early in the season

These figures are approximate. Actual conditions depend on the specific month, elevation, cloud cover, and local weather patterns.

Temperature at Lower Elevations

Lower sections of the Annapurna Circuit become progressively warmer through spring. By April and May, daytime walking can feel genuinely hot in the lowest river valleys, particularly during midday sun exposure.

Lightweight, breathable clothing is generally sufficient during the day. Evenings remain cool enough that a light layer is still useful, especially in March.

Weather in Higher Elevations

Conditions above 3,000 metres stay noticeably cooler than the lower valleys throughout spring. Manang and the approach to Thorong La can still see freezing nights well into April, with March carrying the highest chance of lingering snow from the winter season.

Acclimatization remains just as important in spring as in any other season. Trekkers should ascend gradually, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and monitor for symptoms of altitude sickness above 3,000 metres.

Weather at Thorong La Pass

Thorong La Pass is generally more reliably open during spring than in winter, though it is not without risk. Early-morning starts are still standard practice, since wind and temperature both tend to worsen as the day progresses.

March crossings can occasionally be affected by leftover winter snow, while April and May crossings are usually more straightforward, though sudden afternoon weather changes and wind remain possible at this altitude.

A crossing should always depend on current conditions and a guide's assessment, not the assumption that spring guarantees easy passage.

Advantages of Trekking the Annapurna Circuit in Spring

Rhododendron Blooms

Spring is best known for its rhododendron forests, particularly through the mid-hill sections of the route. Forests of red, pink, and white blossoms are one of the signature sights of the Annapurna region during April in particular.

Milder Temperatures

Compared to winter, spring offers significantly milder daytime and nighttime temperatures across most of the route, making for more comfortable walking conditions and less demanding gear requirements at lower and middle elevations.

Reliable Teahouse Services

Nearly all teahouses along the circuit are open and fully staffed during spring, with fuller menus, more reliable electricity, and better availability of fresh food compared to the winter off-season.

More Reliable Pass Crossings

Thorong La Pass is generally more consistently accessible in spring than in winter, with lower odds of prolonged closure due to snow, though conditions should still always be checked before attempting a crossing.

Longer Daylight Hours

Days grow steadily longer through spring, giving trekkers more daylight for longer stages, unexpected delays, or side trips to viewpoints without racing the sunset.

Good Mountain Views (Especially Mornings)

Spring mornings often provide clear views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, the Chulu peaks, Dhaulagiri, and surrounding ranges, though afternoon cloud buildup is common and tends to increase later in the season.

Challenges of the Annapurna Circuit Spring Trek

Crowds

Spring, especially April, is peak season on the Annapurna Circuit. Popular teahouses can fill up by early afternoon, and trekkers may need to arrive early at each stop or book ahead to secure a room in busy villages.

Afternoon Cloud and Haze

Clear mornings frequently give way to cloud buildup by early afternoon, and haze can increase toward late spring as temperatures rise. Trekkers hoping for mountain photography should generally plan around morning walking and viewing.

Lingering Early-Season Snow

March in particular can still carry leftover snow and ice near Thorong Phedi, High Camp, and the pass, especially after a heavy winter. Trekkers should not assume snow-free conditions simply because it is officially spring.

Increasing Heat and Humidity by May

Lower valley sections can become quite warm and humid by May, which increases the risk of dehydration and general fatigue during the lower portions of the trek.

Pre-Monsoon Weather Instability

Late May can bring the first signs of the approaching monsoon, including occasional showers and increased humidity, particularly at lower elevations.

Dehydration and Altitude Sickness

Warmer temperatures can mask the ongoing risk of dehydration at altitude, and rising heat does not reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Trekkers should continue to drink regularly, ascend gradually, and monitor for symptoms above 3,000 metres regardless of how mild the weather feels.

Annapurna Circuit Spring Packing List

Layered Clothing

Carry moisture-wicking base layers, a light fleece or insulating mid-layer, a light waterproof shell, and breathable trekking clothes for warm lower-elevation days. A warm hat and gloves remain necessary for the pass and high-altitude nights, even though they may not be needed at lower elevations.

Spring Trekking Footwear

Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots with good ankle support are recommended. Lighter footwear may be sufficient at lower elevations, but proper boots remain important for the climb to Thorong La, where cold and occasional icy patches are still possible, particularly in March.

Sleeping Equipment

A three-season sleeping bag is generally sufficient for spring, though a bag rated for colder temperatures is worth carrying for early-season treks or unusually cold nights near the pass.

Sun and Weather Protection

Carry sunscreen, UV-protective sunglasses, a sun hat, and lip balm, since UV exposure increases with altitude and can be intense on clear spring days. A light rain layer is useful for occasional afternoon showers, especially later in the season.

Safety and Navigation Equipment

Carry trekking poles, a headlamp with spare batteries, a first-aid kit, blister treatment, a water purification system, and a power bank. A phone with offline maps can help with navigation but should not replace a guide or local route knowledge.

Do You Need a Guide for the Annapurna Circuit in Spring?

A licensed trekking guide is required for the Annapurna Circuit under Nepal Tourism Board's TIMS provisions, regardless of season. In spring, a guide is particularly useful for navigating busy teahouse bookings, managing pace during peak-season crowding, and making informed decisions about pass conditions during early-season treks when snow may still be a factor.

Guides also monitor acclimatization, help identify early signs of altitude sickness, and can adjust the itinerary if weather or trail conditions change unexpectedly.

FAQs

Is the Annapurna Circuit open during spring?

Yes, the Annapurna Circuit is fully open during spring, and this is generally considered one of the most reliable seasons for completing the full route, including Thorong La Pass.

Is March a good time for the Annapurna Circuit?

March can be a good option for trekkers wanting fewer crowds than peak spring, though early March may still carry leftover winter snow at higher elevations. Conditions generally improve as the month progresses.

Is April the best month for the Annapurna Circuit?

April is often considered the best month for spring trekking because of rhododendron blooms and generally mild, stable weather. It is also the busiest month, so advance planning for accommodation is recommended.

Can I trek the Annapurna Circuit in May?

Yes, May remains a viable trekking month, particularly early in the month. Late May can bring increasing heat, humidity, and the first signs of the approaching monsoon, so trekkers should plan accordingly.

Are teahouses open during spring?

Yes, nearly all teahouses along the route are open and fully operating during spring, offering fuller menus and more reliable services than during the winter off-season. However, popular stops can fill up quickly during peak weeks, so early arrival or advance booking is recommended.