When is the Best Time to Trek Annapurna Circuit?

The best times for the Annapurna Circuit Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

These months usually bring the most comfortable walking weather, clearer mountain views, drier trails, and more dependable conditions for crossing Thorong La Pass.

For most trekkers, October is the easiest month to choose, while April is excellent for warmer spring days and rhododendron forests.

Late September and November suit travelers who prefer fewer people without moving too far outside the main trekking season.

Winter and monsoon trips are also possible, but they require more flexible planning around snow, rain, and local trail conditions.

Annapurna Circuit in Each Season

Each season gives the Annapurna Circuit a completely different character. The best choice depends not only on temperature, but also on visibility, trail conditions, and accommodation availability.

1. Spring: March to May

Spring offers mild daytime weather, flowering forests, and generally reliable conditions at Thorong La.

March starts cool, particularly above Manang, but the weather becomes noticeably warmer as April approaches. By April, rhododendrons are flowering through many of the forested sections below Chame, with hillsides showing shades of red, pink, and white.

At lower and middle elevations, daytime temperatures commonly sit between 10°C and 20°C. Nights become much colder above Manang, where temperatures can fall close to or below freezing.

April is particularly well balanced. The days are long enough for comfortable trekking, snow on the main trail is usually manageable, and the high pass is generally in good condition.

By May, the days feel warmer, and the trail remains pleasant, although afternoon cloud and haze become more noticeable as the monsoon approaches.

2. Autumn: September to November

Autumn gives trekkers the clearest combination of mountain visibility, dry trails, and stable high-altitude weather.

After the summer rains, dust and haze are washed out of the atmosphere. Once the monsoon has properly withdrawn, usually during the second half of September, mountain views become noticeably sharper.

October is the standout month. Days are generally comfortable for walking, Thorong La is commonly in stable condition, and mornings often begin with deep blue skies and clear views across the Annapurna range.

November remains excellent but feels colder, especially before sunrise and after sunset. Trekkers who do not mind chilly evenings often prefer it because numbers gradually thin out after the busiest October weeks.

Autumn also overlaps with major Nepali festivals such as Dashain and Tihar, so village stays can feel more culturally interesting during this period.

3. Monsoon: June to Early September

Monsoon trekking works best for travelers who value green landscapes, quieter trails, and flexibility with the weather.

The southern and lower sections receive regular rain, particularly later in the day. Forests become intensely green, waterfalls grow stronger, and agricultural valleys are at their most vibrant.

Conditions change noticeably farther north. Manang and parts of Mustang sit in the rain shadow of the Annapurna massif and receive much less rainfall than areas south of the mountains.

This difference is important when planning a summer trek. The lower approach may be wet while areas beyond Manang can be surprisingly dry.

June is usually the gentlest monsoon option because the rains are still developing. July and August bring heavier rainfall lower down but also some of the quietest days of the year on the trail.

4. Winter: December to February

Winter suits experienced trekkers looking for clear skies, quiet trails, and a more demanding Himalayan journey.

The air is often exceptionally clear, and there can be long stretches when the mountains appear sharper than at almost any other time of year. The main factor to plan around is snow at altitude.

Above Manang, temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Nights around Thorong Phedi, High Camp, and the pass can fall to -15°C or colder, particularly in January.

Fresh snowfall may temporarily make Thorong La difficult or impossible to cross. A winter itinerary therefore needs extra flexibility rather than being planned around a fixed pass-crossing date.

For properly equipped trekkers, early December and late February can be particularly interesting because they sit close to the edge of the main winter period.

Season	Months	Overall Choice	Best For
Autumn	Sep–Nov	★★★★★	Clear views, dry trails, dependable Thorong La conditions
Spring	Mar–May	★★★★☆	Mild days, rhododendrons, good high-pass weather
Winter	Dec–Feb	★★☆☆☆	Quiet trails, clear air, experienced cold-weather trekkers
Monsoon	Jun–early Sep	★★☆☆☆	Green scenery, fewer trekkers, rain-shadow areas

Annapurna Circuit Month-by-Month Conditions

The month matters almost as much as the season. Early March can still feel like winter at altitude, while late May can already carry signs of the approaching monsoon.

Month	Average Daytime Temperature	Average Nighttime Temperature	Typical Conditions
January	5–15°C	-15°C to -20°C	Cold, dry, possible heavy snow
February	5–15°C	-15°C to -18°C	Cold but gradually improving
March	10–18°C	-5°C to -10°C	Early spring, occasional fresh snow
April	12–20°C	0°C to -8°C	Stable, dry, flowering season
May	15–22°C	0°C to -5°C	Warm, longer days, some haze
June	15–25°C	5–10°C	Monsoon begins lower down
July	15–25°C	5–10°C	Wet lower trail, drier north
August	15–25°C	5–10°C	Green, humid lower sections
September	12–20°C	0°C to -5°C	Improves strongly later in the month
October	10–20°C	-5°C to -10°C	Clear, dry, stable
November	8–18°C	-8°C to -15°C	Clear and increasingly cold
December	5–15°C	-10°C to -18°C	Dry early, colder later

January: Best for Experienced Winter Trekkers

January gives the Annapurna Circuit its quietest and most wintry atmosphere.

Lower valleys can still feel pleasant in sunshine, with daytime temperatures around 5°C to 15°C, but conditions change dramatically with altitude. Nights higher on the circuit may fall between -15°C and -20°C.

Snow is the main factor around Thorong La. A clear morning does not necessarily mean the pass is easy to cross, because snow from an earlier storm may still cover the approach.

Winter trekkers should allow spare days and avoid building an itinerary that depends on crossing the pass on one particular morning.

Teahouses at higher elevations may operate more simply at this time of year, but lower trekker numbers create a peaceful atmosphere that is difficult to experience during the main seasons.

➡️ Learn More About Annapurna Circuit Trek in January

February: Best for Quiet Trails Before Spring

February remains cold, but conditions gradually begin moving toward spring, particularly later in the month.

Daytime temperatures at lower and middle elevations are commonly 5°C to 15°C. High-altitude nights can still fall to around -15°C to -18°C.

Snow from January may remain around Thorong Phedi, High Camp, and Thorong La. After fresh snowfall, local advice becomes especially important because conditions can differ significantly from one week to the next.

The reward is space. Villages and trails remain quiet, and clear winter air can produce excellent mountain views.

Late February is generally more appealing than the beginning of the month for trekkers trying to balance solitude with gradually improving weather.

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March: Best for Early Spring and Moderate Crowds

March is when the Annapurna Circuit begins to feel like a spring trek again.

Lower and middle elevations warm to roughly 10°C to 18°C during the day, while nights higher up may still fall between -5°C and -10°C.

Winter snow begins retreating from exposed sections, lower trails become drier, and the first rhododendrons start appearing in the forests.

Thorong La is normally accessible, although fresh snow can still arrive. Early March deserves more winter-style preparation than the final weeks of the month.

For trekkers who want spring conditions without April's peak traffic, mid- to late March is a very practical window.

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April: Best Spring Month for the Annapurna Circuit

April is one of the easiest months to recommend to most trekkers.

Days at lower and middle elevations usually sit around 12°C to 20°C, providing comfortable conditions without the heavier heat found later in spring. High-altitude nights remain cold, commonly between 0°C and -8°C.

The forests are also at their most colorful. Rhododendron blooms add a completely different feel to the lower sections, especially after several days spent among dry, high-altitude landscapes.

Thorong La is generally reliable during April. Early starts are still important, but deep winter snow is usually much less of a concern.

April is popular, so reaching the next overnight stop earlier in the afternoon can make finding a preferred room easier.

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May: Best for Warm Spring Trekking

May is a good choice for trekkers who prefer warmer days and longer daylight hours.

Daytime temperatures can reach 15°C to 22°C at lower and middle elevations, while nights higher up generally remain around 0°C to -5°C.

The trail is usually dry and Thorong La commonly remains accessible. Snow-related disruption is much less frequent than in early spring.

Later in the month, cloud tends to build earlier in the day and distant views may become softer because of pre-monsoon haze.

An early morning trekking routine works especially well in May. The air is cooler, visibility is often better, and longer afternoons can be used for resting and acclimatizing.

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June: Best for a Quieter Transition into Monsoon

June is a transition month rather than full monsoon from the first day.

Early June can still resemble late spring, particularly during the morning. Daytime temperatures commonly sit between 15°C and 25°C, with high-altitude nights around 5°C to 10°C.

Rain becomes more regular as the month develops, especially in lower valleys and on the southern side of the massif.

Once the trail reaches the drier Manang side, the difference can be striking. Travelers sometimes leave a wet valley in the south and reach considerably brighter conditions after moving deeper into the rain shadow.

June works particularly well for trekkers with flexible schedules who enjoy quieter trails.

➡️ Learn More About Annapurna Circuit Trek in June

July: Best for Solitude and Rain-Shadow Landscapes

July brings full monsoon conditions to Nepal's lower hills, while the northern side of the circuit remains noticeably drier.

Temperatures are comfortable compared with winter, generally 15°C to 25°C during the day and around 5°C to 10°C at higher elevations overnight.

Lower trails become lush, agricultural terraces turn bright green, and waterfalls carry much more water than during the dry season.

Daily routines matter more during monsoon. Starting early often allows several useful trekking hours before afternoon cloud and rain build.

Once beyond the wetter southern sections, conditions around Manang and farther north can be much more comfortable than many first-time visitors expect.

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August: Best for Green Scenery and Local Culture

August offers some of the greenest scenery of the year and very low trekker numbers.

The lower circuit remains warm and humid, with daytime temperatures around 15°C to 25°C. Rivers, waterfalls, farmland, and forests are especially lively after weeks of summer rain.

The rain-shadow effect again becomes important around Manang and Mustang, where rainfall is substantially lower.

August can also coincide with Yartung, a traditional festival associated with horse racing and community celebrations in parts of Manang and Mustang.

For travelers interested in both landscapes and local culture, matching trekking dates with a village festival can make the journey feel very different from a standard peak-season trek.

➡️ Learn More About Annapurna Circuit Trek in August

September: Best for the Start of Autumn

September gets better week by week, which makes timing within the month important.

Early September can still carry monsoon humidity and afternoon cloud. Lower sections may remain damp, while daytime temperatures generally range between 12°C and 20°C.

The change becomes much more noticeable in the second half of the month. Rainfall decreases, trails begin to firm up, and mountain views become more consistent.

Late September is one of the most useful shoulder-season windows on the circuit. It delivers much of the attraction of autumn before October reaches its busiest point.

Trekkers with flexible travel dates should generally favor the final two weeks of September rather than the first two.

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October: Best Overall Month for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

October is the strongest all-round choice for most Annapurna Circuit trekkers.

The monsoon has cleared, trails are usually dry, and the atmosphere is clean enough for long-distance mountain views. Daytime temperatures around 10°C to 20°C are comfortable for steady walking.

Nights at high altitude are much colder, often falling between -5°C and -10°C, so a warm sleeping system still matters.

Thorong La is usually in one of its most dependable periods. Pass crossings normally begin before sunrise because mornings tend to be calmer and afternoon winds become stronger on exposed high ground.

October is also lively. Lodges have a sociable atmosphere, trekking teams from around the world share the trail, and Dashain may bring festival activity to villages along the journey.

➡️ Learn More About Annapurna Circuit Trek in October

November: Best for Clear Skies with Fewer Trekkers

November keeps most of October's clear weather while gradually becoming quieter and colder.

Daytime temperatures commonly fall between 8°C and 18°C, while high-altitude nights can reach -8°C to -15°C.

The mountains usually remain sharply visible because rainfall is low and the post-monsoon atmosphere stays dry.

Early November can still be lively, particularly around the Tihar holiday period. By the second half of the month, trekking numbers begin dropping noticeably.

For travelers comfortable with colder mornings, mid- to late November can offer an excellent balance of clear views and more peaceful trails.

➡️ Learn More About Annapurna Circuit Trek in November

December: Best for Early Winter Trekking

Early December can provide surprisingly good trekking conditions before deeper winter settles in.

The weather is generally dry, mountain visibility can be excellent, and Thorong La may remain straightforward when there has been little recent snowfall.

Daytime temperatures at lower and middle elevations typically sit between 5°C and 15°C, while high-altitude nights may fall to -10°C to -18°C.

As the month progresses, nights become colder and snow is more likely to remain on high sections.

Anyone considering December should keep the pass crossing flexible and check conditions locally rather than relying only on the calendar.

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Best Time to Cross Thorong La Pass

The most dependable periods for crossing Thorong La are roughly mid-March to early May and mid-September to early November.

At 5,416 metres, Thorong La is the most weather-sensitive point on the Annapurna Circuit. Conditions there matter more than the weather in lower villages, which can be warm and sunny while the pass remains snowy or windy.

Spring and autumn usually provide the best balance between manageable snow levels, dry approaches, and stable morning conditions.

Regardless of month, an early departure is standard practice. Trekking teams commonly leave Thorong Phedi or High Camp well before sunrise so that the exposed part of the crossing is completed before stronger afternoon winds develop.

Fresh information should always take priority over general seasonal averages. A guide, lodge owner, or team that crossed the pass the previous day can often give a more accurate picture of snow and wind conditions than a multi-day forecast.

What to Pack for Each Season?

A layering system works in every season, but the balance between insulation, waterproofing, and sun protection changes throughout the year.

Spring

Pack a warm sleeping bag, light gloves, a beanie, thermal layers, and reliable sun protection.

Even when afternoons feel warm, mornings above Manang can remain cold. A sleeping bag rated to around -10°C gives useful comfort for most spring departures.

Autumn

Autumn calls for stronger evening insulation than many trekkers expect.

A good down jacket, thermal base layers, warm gloves, and a sleeping bag suitable for roughly -10°C to -15°C are sensible for high-altitude nights.

The air becomes very dry after the monsoon, so lip balm, moisturizer, and good hydration are surprisingly useful additions.

Monsoon

Waterproofing becomes the priority.

A reliable rain shell, rain cover or waterproof pack liner, quick-drying trekking trousers, and gaiters are useful on wetter lower sections.

Keeping clothing and electronics inside separate waterproof bags is often more dependable than relying on a backpack cover alone.

Winter

Winter requires a full cold-weather setup.

A sleeping bag rated around -20°C, insulated layers, warm gloves, thermal trousers, and traction such as microspikes may be needed when the upper trail is icy.

Battery life also drops quickly in the cold. Phones, cameras, and power banks last longer when kept close to the body during the day and inside the sleeping bag overnight.

➡️ Check our Latest Annapurna Circuit Packing List.

FAQs

What is the best month for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

October is the best all-round month for most trekkers. It normally combines dry trails, clear mountain views, comfortable daytime temperatures, and reliable conditions at Thorong La.

April is the strongest spring alternative, especially for travelers who want flowering rhododendrons and slightly warmer high-altitude conditions.

What is the coldest month on the Annapurna Circuit?

January is generally the coldest month. Night temperatures near the highest parts of the trek can fall to around -15°C to -20°C, particularly during clear weather when heat escapes quickly after sunset.

Can you trek Annapurna Circuit in winter?

Yes, experienced and properly equipped trekkers can complete the circuit in winter when Thorong La remains open.

The itinerary needs more flexibility because snowfall can temporarily affect the pass. Local information becomes especially important during January and February.

Can you trek Annapurna Circuit during monsoon?

Yes, and the northern side of the circuit is much drier than many travelers expect.

The southern approach receives more rain, while Manang and areas farther north benefit from the Himalayan rain shadow. Monsoon trekking suits travelers who enjoy green landscapes and quieter trails.