Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is one of the most rewarding treks in Nepal. But before you lace up your boots, understanding the weather is essential for planning a safe, comfortable, and successful journey.

This guide breaks down Annapurna Base Camp trek weather by season and by month, with average temperatures, trail conditions, and practical safety advice, so you can choose the best time for your trek and pack accordingly.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather by Season

Nepal experiences four broad seasons, and each one shapes the Annapurna Base Camp trek differently. Understanding these seasonal patterns is the first step in deciding when to go.

Season	Months	Overall Conditions	Rainfall
Spring	Mar-May	Mild, clear, and stable	Low to moderate
Autumn	Sep-Nov	Clear, dry, and stable	Low
Winter	Dec-Feb	Cold and occasional snow	Low
Monsoon	June-Aug	Humid and wet	Very high

1. Spring Weather on the ABC Trek

Spring, running from March to May, is widely considered one of the two best seasons to trek to Annapurna Base Camp.

As winter snow begins to melt, temperatures rise steadily, trails become more accessible, and the entire route bursts into color as rhododendron forests bloom, particularly through Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and the mid-hill sections of the trail.

Spring Snapshot	Details
Avg. Daytime temp	18-28°C
Avg. Daytime temp	0**-**13°C
Avg. Nighttime temp	-9°C to 0°C
Visibility	Clear mornings, hazier afternoons

Daytime weather during spring is generally mild and pleasant at lower and middle elevations, with clear mornings that gradually give way to cloud buildup by early afternoon.

This is a normal daily pattern in the Himalayas; moisture rises from the valleys as the day warms, forming clouds around the peaks.

Because of this, spring mornings usually offer the clearest mountain views, while afternoons can bring haze, cloud cover, or occasional short showers.

2. Autumn Weather on the ABC Trek

Autumn, spanning late September through November, is generally regarded as the single best season for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

The monsoon rains have just cleared the atmosphere of dust and haze, leaving behind crisp, stable weather and some of the most reliable mountain visibility of the year.

Autumn Snapshot	Details
Avg. Daytime temp	18-27°C
Avg. Daytime temp	2-11°C
Avg. Nighttime temp	-10°C to 3°C
Visibility	Excellent, clearest of the year

Skies during autumn are typically clear for much of the day, with excellent morning and even afternoon views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and the surrounding peaks.

Daytime temperatures are comfortable for walking, while nights grow progressively colder as the season advances.

Rainfall is minimal in autumn compared to the months, and trail conditions are generally dry and stable, making footing easier and river crossings safer. This is also the busiest trekking season.

3. Winter Weather on the ABC Trek

Winter, from December through February, transforms the Annapurna Base Camp Trek into a quieter, more rugged adventure.

Cold temperatures, occasional snowfall, and shorter daylight hours make this a season for well-prepared, experienced trekkers rather than beginners.

Winter Snapshot	Details
Avg. Daytime temp	12-17°C
Avg. Daytime temp	-2°C to 4°C
Avg. Nighttime temp	-15°C to -8°C
Visibility	Clear and dry on good days

At lower elevations and the early stages of the trail, winter days remain relatively mild and often sunny, with clear skies and excellent visibility since the air is dry and free of monsoon haze.

However, as you ascend higher, temperatures fall sharply, and snow becomes increasingly common.

Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre Base Camp routinely see subzero temperatures in winter, both day and night.

The upside of winter trekking is dramatically reduced crowds, crystal-clear mountain panoramas on clear days, and a peaceful, untouched feel to the trail.

4. Monsoon Weather on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Monsoon season runs roughly from June through early September and is the most challenging time to attempt the trail due to the weather.

Heavy, persistent rainfall affects the entire Annapurna region during these months, since the range sits directly in the path of monsoon systems moving up from the Bay of Bengal.

Monsoon Snapshot	Details
Avg. Daytime temp	10-30°C
Avg. Daytime temp	5-16°C
Avg. Nighttime temp	0-9°C
Visibility	Frequently obscured by clouds

Daily rain, often heaviest in the afternoon and overnight, keeps trails muddy, slippery, and prone to landslides.

Leeches are common in the lower and middle elevations during the monsoon, and river levels can rise quickly.

Cloud cover is persistent throughout the monsoon, which significantly reduces the chances of clear mountain views. Humidity is high, and visibility can drop to just a few meters during heavy downpours.

That said, monsoon does have some advantages: the hills turn intensely green, waterfalls swell dramatically, and the trail is far less crowded.

Annapurna Base Camp Weather by Month

For more precise planning, here is a month-by-month breakdown of Annapurna Base Camp trek weather.

Month	Season	Rainfall Level	Snow Fall	Crowd Level
January	Winter	Low	High	Very Low
February	Winter	Low	High	Low
March	Spring	Low-Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
April	Spring	Moderate	Low	High
May	Spring	Moderate	Very Low	Moderate
June	Monsoon (early)	High	None	Low
July	Monsoon	Very High	None	Very Low
August	Monsoon	Very High	None	Very Low
September	Monsoon (late)/Autumn	Moderate-High	None	Low-Moderate
October	Autumn	Low	Low	Very High
November	Autumn	Low	Low-Moderate	High
December	Winter	Low	Moderate-High	Low

1. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather in January

January is the coldest month on the trek. Lower elevations near Pokhara and the trailhead remain relatively mild and often sunny during the day.

Higher up, snow is common and can accumulate significantly around Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and Annapurna Base Camp, occasionally making the final approach difficult.

Skies are frequently clear and dry, offering excellent visibility on good-weather days, though the bitter cold at altitude is the main challenge. Trail traffic is minimal, and some high-altitude teahouses may operate with reduced services.

January Conditions	Details
Rainfall/Snow	Minimal rain, frequent snow above 3,500m
Sky conditions	Mostly clear and dry
Trail difficulty	Moderate to high
Crowd level	Very low

Average Temperature in January

Elevation	Daytime High	Nighttime Low
Lower elevations	12-15°C	2-5°C
Higher elevations	-2 to 3°C	-15 to -10°C

2. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather in February

February remains firmly within winter conditions, though there are early hints of the coming spring thaw toward the end of the month.

Snow can still be substantial at higher elevations, and cold temperatures persist throughout the route above Chhomrong.

Days are often clear and crisp, particularly at lower and mid elevations, making for good mountain photography despite the cold.

Trekkers should still expect icy or snow-covered trail sections near base camp and should carry appropriate winter gear.

February Conditions	Details
Rainfall/Snow	Minimal rain, occasional snow above 3,500m
Sky conditions	Clear and crisp
Trail difficulty	Moderate to high (icy patches)
Crowd level	Low

Average Temperature in February

Elevation	Daytime High	Nighttime Low
Lower elevations	13-16°C	3-6°C
Higher elevations	-1 to 4°C	-14 to -8°C

3. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather in March

March marks the beginning of spring and a noticeable warming trend across the region.

Lower and mid elevations become pleasantly warm, and the first rhododendron blooms begin appearing on the trail.

At higher elevations, residual winter snow may still cover parts of the trail, especially in early March, but conditions generally improve as the month progresses.

Afternoon cloud buildup becomes more common as humidity starts to rise, though mornings typically remain clear.

March Conditions	Details
Rainfall/Snow	Light, occasional residual snow early in the month
Sky conditions	Clear mornings, cloudier afternoons
Trail difficulty	Moderate, improving through the month
Crowd level	Moderate

Average Temperature in March

Elevation	Daytime High	Nighttime Low
Lower elevations	18-21°C	7-10°C
Higher elevations	3-7°C	-9 to -5°C

4. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather in April

April is one of the most popular months to trek, thanks to warm daytime temperatures, blooming rhododendron forests, and generally stable weather.

Trails are largely clear of snow at this point, except possibly near base camp early in the month.

Afternoon clouds and occasional short showers become more frequent as spring progresses, but mornings usually offer good visibility of the peaks.

April Conditions	Details
Rainfall/Snow	Occasional afternoon showers
Sky conditions	Clear mornings, hazier afternoons
Trail difficulty	Easy to moderate, mostly snow-free
Crowd level	High

Average Temperature in April

Elevation	Daytime High	Nighttime Low
Lower elevations	22-25°C	10-13°C
Higher elevations	7-11°C	-6 to -2°C

5. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather in May

May brings warm, sometimes hot conditions to the lower trail sections, while higher elevations remain comfortably cool during the day.

This is late spring, so humidity and afternoon cloud cover increase further, with occasional pre-monsoon showers or thunderstorms becoming more likely, particularly later in the month.

Despite this, May remains a generally favorable trekking month with good trail conditions and green, lush scenery.

May Conditions	Details
Rainfall/Snow	Increasing pre-monsoon showers
Sky conditions	Humid, more cloud buildup
Trail difficulty	Easy, warm, and green
Crowd level	Moderate

Average Temperature in May

Elevation	Daytime High	Nighttime Low
Lower elevations	25-28°C	13-16°C
Higher elevations	9-13°C	-3 to 0°C

6. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather in June

June marks the transition into monsoon season, typically arriving in the second or third week of the month.

Early June can still offer decent trekking conditions, but by mid-to-late June, rainfall becomes frequent and persistent, especially in the afternoons and evenings.

Humidity rises sharply, trails become muddier, and cloud cover regularly obscures mountain views. Leeches begin appearing on the lower forested sections of the trail.

June Conditions	Details
Rainfall/Snow	Increasing daily rain from mid-month
Sky conditions	Increasingly cloudy and humid
Trail difficulty	Moderate, muddy patches, leeches
Crowd level	Low

Average Temperature in June

Elevation	Daytime High	Nighttime Low
Lower elevations	27-30°C	17-20°C
Higher elevations	12-15°C	4-7°C

7. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather in July

July sits at the peak of monsoon season, bringing heavy and consistent daily rainfall across the entire Annapurna region.

Trails are frequently muddy and slippery, landslide risk increases on steeper sections, and cloud cover makes mountain views rare.

Humidity is at its highest, and leeches are especially common at lower and mid elevations. This is generally considered the least favorable month for trekking due to the weather, though the surrounding hills are vividly green.

July Conditions	Details
Rainfall/Snow	Heavy, daily rainfall
Sky conditions	Persistently cloudy
Trail difficulty	High, slippery, landslide risk
Crowd level	Very low

Average Temperature in July

Elevation	Daytime High	Nighttime Low
Lower elevations	27-29°C	19-21°C
Higher elevations	13-16°C	6-9°C

8. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather in August

August continues the monsoon pattern established in July, with heavy rainfall, high humidity, and persistent cloud cover remaining the norm.

Rain typically intensifies in the afternoon and overnight, while mornings occasionally offer brief clear spells.

Trail conditions remain muddy and challenging, and river levels can be elevated. Toward the very end of August, there can be early signs of the monsoon beginning to weaken.

August Conditions	Details
Rainfall/Snow	Heavy, daily rainfall
Sky conditions	Cloudy, brief morning clear spells
Trail difficulty	High, muddy and slippery
Crowd level	Very low

Average Temperature in August

Elevation	Daytime High	Nighttime Low
Lower elevations	27-29°C	18-20°C
Higher elevations	13-16°C	6-8°C

9. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather in September

September is a transitional month, with monsoon rains gradually tapering off, particularly in the latter half.

Early September can still see significant rainfall similar to August, but by mid-to-late September, skies begin clearing, humidity drops, and the classic post-monsoon freshness of autumn starts to set in.

This makes late September an increasingly popular window for trekkers wanting to beat the October crowds while still enjoying improving weather.

September Conditions	Details
Rainfall/Snow	Decreasing through the month
Sky conditions	Clearing, especially late month
Trail difficulty	Moderate, improving
Crowd level	Low to moderate

Average Temperature in September

Elevation	Daytime High	Nighttime Low
Lower elevations	25-27°C	16-18°C
Higher elevations	11-14°C	3-6°C

10. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather in October

October is widely regarded as the best month for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The monsoon has fully cleared, leaving behind stable, dry weather with clear skies and outstanding mountain visibility for much of the day.

Daytime temperatures are comfortable for walking at all elevations, while nights grow progressively cooler as the month goes on.

Trails are dry and firm, and this is the peak season, so teahouses and trails are considerably busier than in other months.

October Conditions	Details
Rainfall/Snow	Minimal
Sky conditions	Clear, excellent visibility
Trail difficulty	Easy, dry, and firm
Crowd level	Very high

Average Temperature in October

Elevation	Daytime High	Nighttime Low
Lower elevations	22-25°C	11-14°C
Higher elevations	7-11°C	-4 to -1°C

11. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather in November

November continues the excellent autumn weather pattern, with clear skies, dry trails, and reliable mountain views, though temperatures begin dropping more noticeably, especially at higher elevations, as winter approaches.

Early November remains very popular and comfortable, while late November brings colder nights and an increasing chance of early snowfall near Annapurna Base Camp.

This is still considered one of the top months to trek, particularly during the first three weeks of the month.

November Conditions	Details
Rainfall/Snow	Minimal, possible early snow late in the month
Sky conditions	Clear and stable
Trail difficulty	Easy to moderate, colder by month's end
Crowd level	High

Average Temperature in November

Elevation	Daytime High	Nighttime Low
Lower elevations	18-21°C	6-9°C
Higher elevations	2-6°C	-10 to -6°C

12. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather in December

December marks the start of winter, with steadily falling temperatures and an increasing likelihood of snowfall at higher elevations.

Lower sections of the trail remain relatively mild and often sunny during the day, making for pleasant walking conditions early in the trek.

Higher up, especially past Chhomrong and Himalaya, cold intensifies, and snow can begin to cover the trail, particularly by late December.

Skies are typically clear and dry, and while crowds thin out considerably, trekkers should be well-prepared for genuinely cold conditions at Annapurna Base Camp.

December Conditions	Details
Rainfall/Snow	Minimal rain, increasing snow above 3,500m
Sky conditions	Clear and dry
Trail difficulty	Moderate to high near ABC
Crowd level	Low

Average Temperature in December

Elevation	Daytime High	Nighttime Low
Lower elevations	14-17°C	3-6°C
Higher elevations	0-4°C	-12 to -8°C

Weather Safety Tips

The weather in the Himalayas can change quickly and unpredictably, regardless of season. Keeping these safety tips in mind will help you trek the Annapurna Base Camp route safely and comfortably:

• Layer your clothing

  Temperature swings between day and night, and between lower and higher elevations, can be extreme. Dress in adjustable layers, including a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof, windproof outer shell.

• Start early each day

  Mountain weather typically deteriorates in the afternoon as clouds build up. Beginning your trekking day early gives you the best chance of clear views and helps you reach your destination before afternoon rain, wind, or cloud cover sets in.

• Check weather and trail conditions locally

  Ask teahouse owners, guides, and fellow trekkers about current trail and weather conditions, especially regarding snow, landslides, or swollen rivers, since local knowledge is often more accurate and timely than forecasts.

• Pack for cold, even in warmer seasons

  Nighttime temperatures at Annapurna Base Camp can drop well below freezing even in spring and autumn. Bring a sleeping bag rated for at least -10°C to -15°C and warm sleepwear.

• Watch for signs of altitude-related weather sensitivity

  Cold temperatures combined with altitude increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Keep extremities covered, stay dry, and change out of wet clothing promptly.

• Be flexible with your itinerary

  During winter and monsoon especially, be prepared to adjust your schedule, wait out storms, or turn back if conditions become unsafe. Building one or two buffer days into your itinerary can make a significant difference.

• Protect against rain and leeches during the monsoon

  If trekking between June and September, carry a quality rain jacket, waterproof pack cover, and leech socks or salt for the lower forested sections of the trail.

• Use sun protection

  At high altitude, UV exposure is intense even on cool or cloudy days. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are essential year-round, particularly on snow-covered sections where glare is amplified.

• Monitor for storms and avalanche risk in winter

  Heavy snowfall in December through February can occasionally trigger avalanche risk on steeper slopes near base camp. Trekking with an experienced guide who monitors conditions is strongly recommended during this season.

• Stay hydrated and eat well

  Cold and high-altitude conditions can suppress appetite and thirst, but proper hydration and nutrition are critical for maintaining body heat and energy, especially when weather conditions are challenging.