Annapurna Circuit Trek Weather
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world’s most spectacular treks, but its weather is as dramatic as the landscapes themselves.
From subtropical river gorges to windswept passes above 5,400 m at Thorong La Pass, conditions shift dramatically with both season and elevation. Understanding these patterns is essential for safety, comfort, and enjoying those world-class Himalayan views.
This guide delivers everything you need: a clear seasonal overview, detailed month-by-month analysis, altitude-specific realities, and hard-won expert tips from years of guiding trekkers through every condition the circuit throws at you.
Annapurna Circuit Weather by Season
Spring and autumn remain the two classic windows when weather, trail conditions, and mountain visibility align beautifully.
Monsoon and winter demand far more experience, preparation, and flexibility, but they are far from impossible.
For the right trekker, they reveal a quieter, more intimate version of the circuit that most people never see.
| Season | Months | Low Altitude (Day / Night) | High Altitude (Day / Night) | Trail Conditions |
| Spring | Mar-May | 10-25°C / 0-12°C | −10-5°C / −10-0°C | Dry; some mud early March |
| Monsoon | Jun-Aug | 16-30°C / 6-17°C | −3-14°C / −2-6°C | Wet & muddy on lower trails; leech risk |
| Autumn | Sep-Nov | 10-24°C / −2-10°C | −8-8°C / −8-−3°C | Dry, stable, firm underfoot |
| Winter | Dec-Feb | 6-15°C / −5-5°C | −20-1°C / −20-−10°C | Icy; snow-blocked passes |
The critical nuance most trekkers miss:
The Annapurna Circuit does not experience monsoon weather uniformly.
From Upper Pisang onward through Manang, Ledar, and High Camp, you walk in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Even in July and August, the upper circuit stays significantly drier than the lower trails. The monsoon hits the Besisahar-to-Chame section hardest.
Annapurna Circuit Weather Month by Month
Lets dive into each month in brief details.
1. January: Remote and Cold
January is technically dry, with snowfall, not rain. Lower valleys stay clear with excellent visibility and dramatic views. Above 3,500 m, snowfall can be frequent and heavy.
Temperature snapshot
- Lower altitudes (Bhulbhule-Chame): Day 10-15°C / Night 0°C to −5°C
- High altitude (Manang-Thorong La): Day 1-7°C / Night −14°C to −20°C
Trail conditions: Firm and passable from Bhulbhule to Pisang. Beyond Manang, the trail becomes ice-packed and often requires crampons or microspikes. Some sections between Yak Kharkha and High Camp can be buried.
Thorong La Pass status: ⛔ Often closed. Heavy December snow frequently blocks the pass entirely. Avalanche risk on the approach from High Camp is real.
Should you go? Only with previous high-altitude winter experience, full winter kit, and a flexible itinerary. The rewards, empty trails, bone-white mountains, total solitude are extraordinary for those properly equipped.
Pro Tip: Check daily pass reports with teahouse owners in Manang. The Himalayan Rescue Association office (passed on Day 7) offers altitude sickness briefings and current high-pass conditions.
2. February: Winter’s Last Grip
Temperature snapshot
- Lower altitudes: Day 6-13°C / Night −5°C to −12°C
- High altitude: Day −1°C to −8°C / Night −14°C to −20°C
Early February mirrors January. By late February cloud cover increases briefly before giving way to early-spring clarity. On clear days, mountain views are among the sharpest of the year.
Trail conditions: Icy mornings above Manang. The Ledar-High Camp-Thorong La stretch thaws midday but refreezes at night, creating treacherous ice-over-crust. Start the pass crossing no later than 4:00 AM.
Thorong La Pass status: ⚠️ Risky until mid-month; improving late February. Late February often sees the first reliable spring crossing windows.
Should you go? A calculated risk that can pay off beautifully. Late-February trekkers often have trails to themselves that will be packed six weeks later. Rhododendrons at lower altitudes begin budding in the final week.
Pro Tip: If the pass is blocked early in the month, the Poon Hill section (Days 12-13) remains fully accessible and spectacular, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South in full winter white from 3,210 m is unforgettable.
3. March: Spring Arrives, Crowds Build
Temperature snapshot
- Lower altitudes: Day 10-18°C / Night −8°C to 5°C
- High altitude: Day −5°C to 5°C / Night −10°C to −3°C
Predominantly dry. Occasional early-March snowfall above 4,000 m disappears quickly. Visibility is excellent, some of spring’s clearest views occur before May haze arrives.
Trail conditions: Lower trail mostly dry with muddy sections where snowmelt crosses the path. Above Pisang, trails are firm with occasional residual ice in shaded gullies.
Thorong La Pass status: ✅ Generally open. Confirm conditions the evening before at High Camp. Some ice remains on the final 200 m but is manageable with proper footwear.
Should you go? Yes, especially if you want spring conditions without peak-season crowds. March has noticeably fewer trekkers than April or October.
Pro Tip: Start the Thorong La crossing from High Camp no later than 3:30 AM. March mornings at the pass can produce residual overnight winds that die down 5-7 AM before rebuilding.
4. April: Peak Spring, Maximum Color
Temperature snapshot
- Lower altitudes: Day 12-20°C / Night −5°C to 10°C
- High altitude: Day 0°C to 8°C / Night −8°C to −3°C
Dry and clear through most of April. Occasional late-April afternoon showers in lower valleys rarely impact trekking. Mountain views remain excellent.
Trail conditions: Optimal circuit-wide. Dry, firm, and well-maintained from river valleys to exposed ridgelines. No ice, no mud, no obstructions.
Thorong La Pass status: ✅ Open. April is the single best spring month for crossing, stable temperatures, minimal ice, and reliable clear morning windows.
Should you go? Absolutely, but book every teahouse in advance. Manang, Yak Kharkha, and High Camp fill by 2-3 PM. The rhododendron forests on the Tatopani-Ghorepani section reach peak bloom.
Pro Tip: Take the upper trail from Pisang to Manang via Ghyaru and Ngawal. In April it delivers unobstructed 270° views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak that the lower road completely misses.
5. May: Warming, Quieter, Pre-Monsoon Edge
Temperature snapshot
- Lower altitudes: Day 15-25°C / Night 0°C to 12°C
- High altitude: Day 5°C to 14°C / Night −5°C to 0°C
Pre-monsoon haze develops in lower valleys by mid-May, softening mountain clarity. Above 3,000 m visibility stays good. Light rain possible in lower sections from mid-May.
Trail conditions: Dry circuit-wide with rising humidity in forest sections. The pass is fully clear of snow.
Thorong La Pass status: ✅ Open. Warm and manageable, start early to avoid afternoon cloud buildup.
Should you go? Yes, understanding the trade-off: warmer temperatures and thinner crowds than April, but slightly softer views in lower valleys. The upper circuit remains stunning.
Pro Tip: May is the last reliable month before monsoon affects the Besisahar-Chame section. If considering a June start, shift it to late May for quieter trails without landslide or leech risk.
6. June: The Monsoon Door Opens
Temperature snapshot
- Lower altitudes: Day 17-26°C / Night 3°C to 15°C
- High altitude: Day 10°C to 15°C / Night 0°C to 5°C
Early June is still manageable. By the final week the monsoon arrives in force at lower elevations. The Marsyangdi gorge (Days 2-4) sees significant rainfall.
Trail conditions: Lower trails increasingly wet and muddy by mid-June. Above Pisang conditions remain good thanks to the rain shadow. Leeches appear in forest sections from mid-June.
Thorong La Pass status: ✅ Open. Start before 5:00 AM to cross before afternoon monsoon clouds build.
Should you go? Only with clear understanding of lower-trail challenges. Days 1-7 carry real discomfort and some risk. From Manang onward conditions are often pleasant.
Pro Tip: Bring dedicated anti-leech socks for the first four days. You’ll be grateful when leeches start appearing inside boots at Chyamche.
7. July: Full Monsoon, Upper Circuit Viable
Temperature snapshot
- Lower altitudes: Day 17-25°C / Night 6°C to 14°C
- High altitude: Day 10°C to 16°C / Night 0°C to 6°C
July is the wettest month on the lower circuit. Besisahar-Chame sees near-daily heavy rain. Rivers swell and landslide risk is real. The upper circuit from Upper Pisang onward receives minimal rain, often just brief morning mist.
Trail conditions: Two completely different experiences. Below Pisang: muddy, slippery, leech-infested. Above Pisang: dry, uncrowded, with spectacularly lush green hillsides.
Thorong La Pass status: ⚠️ Caution. Monsoon storms possible. Requires very early starts (3:00-3:30 AM) and good local intelligence.
Should you go? Only for experienced trekkers who understand the risk profile. We strongly recommend hiring a guide in July.
Pro Tip: The upper Mustang valley around Kagbeni and Jomsom is at its greenest in July, a rare sight in this near-desert environment.
8. August: Monsoon Easing, Still Challenging
Temperature snapshot
- Lower altitudes: Day 16-24°C / Night 8°C to 14°C
- High altitude: Day 10°C to 15°C / Night 1°C to 7°C
August mirrors July in the first half, then begins easing. Some mornings produce the first genuinely clear mountain views in weeks. The trail south of the pass toward Tatopani remains wet.
Trail conditions: Gradually improving. By late August the lower trail is still muddy but drying. Upper circuit increasingly stable.
Thorong La Pass status: ⚠️ Caution, improving. Final week offers more reliable crossing windows. Still requires early starts and local confirmation.
Should you go? Late August is arguably the best monsoon-window option for adventurous trekkers wanting near-empty trails.
Pro Tip: Gangapurna Glacier Lake at Manang is at its most dramatic in late monsoon, deepest meltwater and most active glacier views.
9. September: Post-Monsoon Clarity Returns
Temperature snapshot
- Lower altitudes: Day 15-24°C / Night 0°C to 10°C
- High altitude: Day 2°C to 10°C / Night −4°C to −8°C
Monsoon retreats during September. First two weeks may still bring occasional lower-elevation showers. By mid-month skies clear to post-monsoon best. Late September delivers crystal-clear air and some of the year’s finest views from the Ghyaru-Ngawal ridge.
Trail conditions: Rapidly improving from wet-but-passable to dry-and-excellent by mid-month.
Thorong La Pass status: ✅ Open, excellent by mid-month. September is often underrated, fewer trekkers than October with virtually identical conditions from the 15th onward.
Should you go? One of the best-kept secrets on the circuit. October-quality conditions with 30-40% fewer trekkers. No advance booking needed in early September.
Pro Tip: September trekkers often witness Dashain preparations in Manang and lower villages, decorations, animal markets, and family gatherings that add genuine cultural depth.
10. October: The Gold Standard Month
Temperature snapshot
- Lower altitudes: Day 12-22°C / Night −2°C to 10°C
- High altitude: Day 0°C to 8°C / Night −8°C to −5°C
October is the driest, clearest month of the year. Zero meaningful precipitation. Post-monsoon air holds almost no dust or haze. Views of Annapurna I-IV from Ghyaru ridge stretch to the horizon. Manaslu and Dhaulagiri appear simultaneously from multiple points.
Trail conditions: Perfect. Every section is firm, dry, and well-defined.
Thorong La Pass status: ✅ Best of the year. October mornings at High Camp are cold but still, no wind, clear stars, ideal crossing conditions.
Should you go? Yes, but plan accommodation well in advance. Popular teahouses fill days ahead.
Pro Tip: Tihar (Festival of Lights) usually falls in late October or early November. Witnessing celebrations in Manang or Muktinath is unforgettable.
11. November: Crisp, Clear, Cold
Temperature snapshot
- Lower altitudes: Day 10–18°C / Night −5°C to 8°C
- High altitude: Day −2°C to 5°C / Night −10°C to −8°C
November continues October’s crystal clarity with noticeably colder air. No precipitation. Golden fall foliage in lower forests adds visual richness October lacks. By late November high-pass approaches feel wintery even without snow.
Trail conditions: Excellent through mid-November. Late November brings morning ice on shaded sections above Manang, trekking poles essential, crampons not yet required.
Thorong La Pass status: Open. Cold but stable. Descent to Muktinath is windier than October, pack an extra wind layer.
Should you go? Underrated month. Crowds thin 30–40% versus October. Late November gives you the upper circuit almost to yourself. Trade-off is colder nights, your sleeping bag rating matters.
Pro Tip: Poon Hill sunrise in November is arguably the most dramatic, cold, perfectly clear air produces vivid alpenglow on Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
12. December: Winter Begins, Beauty Intensifies
Temperature snapshot
- Lower altitudes: Day 6–15°C / Night −5°C to −10°C
- High altitude: Day −3°C to 1°C / Night −15°C to −20°C
December is dry. No rain at any elevation. Snowfall begins at higher altitudes, initially light. Below Pisang days are clear and cold with outstanding visibility. Mountains appear incredibly close in the dry December air.
Trail conditions: Lower and mid-circuit excellent. Ledar–High Camp–pass section carries real winter risk from early December. Ice on the final ascent appears early, carry crampons from Manang onward.
Thorong La Pass status: Risky, increasingly so toward month’s end. Early December offers the last reliable crossing windows before winter sets in.
Should you go? Early December (before the 15th) is one of the circuit’s best-kept secrets: October-quality lower trails, autumn pricing, near-empty teahouses, and good pass-crossing odds.
Pro Tip: Tatopani hot springs in December are uniquely glorious, soaking after cold days at altitude with snow-dusted peaks above is profoundly restorative.
Annapurna Circuit Gear for Every Season
Let's have a look of the packing list season-wise.
Core Gear for All Seasons
- Layering system (base + mid + wind/waterproof shell) is non-negotiable. You may use all three layers in a single day.
- Broken-in trekking boots (new boots = blisters on stone stairs Days 12-13).
- Trekking poles (reduce knee stress on the 1,600 m descent from Thorong La by ~20-25%).
- Headlamp with spare batteries (kept warm) for 3-4 AM pass departures. At −15°C alkaline batteries can lose 60% capacity in minutes.
Season-Specific Gear
| Item | Spring | Monsoon | Autumn | Winter |
| Rain jacket | Light | Essential | Light | Not needed |
| Down jacket | Mid-weight | Light | Mid-weight | Heavy-duty |
| Crampons / microspikes | Optional (Mar) | Not needed | Not needed | Essential |
| Leech socks | Not needed | Essential (Days 1-4) | Not needed | Not needed |
| Sleeping bag rating | −10°C | −5°C | −15°C | −20°C |
| Waterproof pack cover | Optional | Essential | Optional | Not needed |
| Gaiters | Not needed | Useful | Not needed | Recommended |
| Hand warmers | Not needed | Not needed | Optional | Essential |
Sun protection at altitude is consistently overlooked. UV intensity increases ~10-12% per 1,000 m. At Thorong La it is over 50% stronger than sea level. Glacier goggles and SPF 50+ for face and lips are essential in spring and autumn when snow reflection amplifies exposure.
10 Expert Tips for Handling Annapurna Circuit Weather
- Start every trekking day by 6:30-7:00 AM. Afternoon winds above Manang and afternoon clouds on southern approaches are predictable.
- Use Windy.com for wind forecasts and Mountain-Forecast.com for elevation-specific predictions. Standard weather apps are calibrated for surface conditions, not 5,400 m.
- Build 1-2 buffer days into your itinerary, especially around Thorong La.
- Never skip the Manang acclimatization day (Day 7).
- Layer clothing actively throughout the day, not just at stops. Remove a layer 10 minutes before you expect to warm up.
- Trust your guide’s weather read over any app. Pattern recognition earned over dozens of crossings beats models.
- Keep electronics and batteries in a chest pocket or next to your body at altitude.
- Watch afternoon cloud behavior, not just morning conditions. Rapid development on southern faces from 9-10 AM is common in spring/summer.
- Know the difference between altitude sickness and cold-related symptoms. Treatment differs.
- In spring and October, book teahouses in advance. Arriving cold, wet, or exhausted with no room creates dangerous pressure to push on in deteriorating conditions.
FAQs
What is the best month for the Annapurna Circuit?
October is the single best month, followed by November and April. It delivers stable weather, dry trails, zero precipitation, and crystal-clear post-monsoon visibility.
How cold does it get at Thorong La Pass?
Daytime summit temperatures range from −5°C to 5°C in spring/autumn and −10°C to −15°C in winter (wind chill can push effective temperature to −25°C or below). High Camp nights drop to −15°C to −20°C in winter and −8°C to −12°C in spring/autumn.
Can you do the Annapurna Circuit in the monsoon?
Yes, with significant qualifications. The upper circuit (Pisang/Manang onward) sits in the rain shadow and remains viable. The lower circuit (Besisahar-Chame) is genuinely challenging: wet, leech-infested, and with real landslide risk. Hire a guide and bring full waterproof gear.
Is the Annapurna Circuit safe in winter?
Safe for experienced trekkers with appropriate preparation, full winter gear, and flexible itineraries. Not suitable for first-timers or those with fixed return flights. Primary risks are Thorong La closure (which can last weeks in January) and hypothermia.