The Annapurna region in Nepal is one of the most travelled and visited trekking destinations on the planet. Over 100,000 trekkers visit the area each year to embrace the dramatic mountain views while enjoying rich ethnic cultural heritages of Gurung and Magar people
The trails in Annapurna range are varied and consist of geography of subtropical river valleys to glacier-edge meadows offering mix of nature and civilization. Trekkers need to realize choosing the best time for your Annapurna trek matters and the views mentioned above depend entirely on the season.
Weather in the Annapurna region changes dramatically across the four seasons, and understanding those changes helps you choose the experience that fits your expectations, fitness level, and travel schedule. This guide breaks down every trekking season in the Annapurna region so you can make a confident, well-informed decision before you book your flights and permits.
Spring Trekking in Nepal: March to May in Annapurna
Spring trekking in Nepal is one of the two peak trekking seasons in the Annapurna region, and it runs from March through the end of May. As winter retreats from the lower hillsides, rhododendron forests burst into bloom with vivid reds, pinks, and whites that line the trails from Ghorepani to Poon Hill and the Annapurna Base Camp approach. This natural floral display makes March and early April particularly special for nature lovers. Temperatures at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 metres) in March hover between minus 5 and 10 degrees Celsius during the day, warming gradually through April as the season progresses. Trail routes are generally firm and snow-free in the 3,500 m region for most of the spring season.
Mountain views in the spring trekking are good, though afternoon clouds begin to build up in period of late March onward as the pre-monsoon atmosphere develops. The morning time provides the clearest views of Himalayan peaks especially Annapurna South, Himchuli (Hiunchuli), Machhapuchhre, and the Annapurna massif. You should expect busy trails and fully packed teahouses during April, which is the busiest month of the spring season. Booking accommodation and permits well in advance is strongly recommended if you plan to trek in April or early May.
Key Facts: Spring Season in Annapurna
Temperature at Annapurna Base Camp: minus 5 to 10 degrees Celsius in March, warming through May
Mountain views: Good in the morning, afternoon clouds possible from late March
Trail conditions: Clear and firm below 3,500 metres for most of the season
Crowd levels: High, especially in April
Best for: Rhododendron blooms, warm weather trekking, and photography
Monsoon Trekking in Nepal: June to August in Annapurna
The monsoon season in Nepal arrives in June and dominates the weather through August, bringing heavy and consistent rainfall across most of the country. Trekking during the monsoon in the main Annapurna region is a genuinely different experience from other seasons. Lower trails become slippery and leeches appear on forested paths below 2,500 metres. Cloud cover sits persistently low through much of the day, blocking mountain views for long periods of time. Seasonal and occasionally large landslides disrupt sections of almost all the trails in the mountains including the Annapurna Circuit route.
Despite these dangerous challenges, the monsoon holds genuine appeal for a certain kind of trekker due to empty trails. The Annapurna Conservation Area takes on a deep, lush green during this season that is visually striking and unlike anything you see in other months. Trails are uncrowded, teahouses are quiet, and permit quotas are easy to fulfill. The rain shadow area around Upper Mustang and the Annapurna Circuit‘s western section remains surprisingly dry during the monsoon, making this one of the few regions in Nepal where trekking conditions stay reasonable even in July and August. If you are a open minded highly experienced trekker willing to face wet conditions of the lower elevation paths then the monsoon offers a peaceful and economic adventure.
Key Facts: Monsoon Season in Annapurna
Temperature: Warm and humid with a typical range of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius at lower elevations.
Mountain views: Mostly covered by the clouds.
Trail conditions: Slippery, wet, and leechy on lower forest trails.
Crowd levels: Very low with often no one walking on the trail.
Best for: Lush green landscapes, budget trekking, and Upper Mustang visits to avoid the rain.
Autumn Trekking in Annapurna: September to November
Autumn trekking in Annapurna is the single most popular season in Nepal, and it is easy to understand why. The monsoon retreats by mid-September, leaving behind clear skies, clean air, and some of the best mountain views available at any time of year. The Annapurna Conservation Area takes on golden and amber tones through October as deciduous forests begin to change colour and terraced hillside fields glow with harvest-ready crops. Temperatures at Annapurna Base Camp during October range from approximately minus 8 degrees Celsius at night to a comfortable 8 degrees during the day, making conditions ideal for steady, enjoyable trekking.
Visibility during the autumn season is outstanding with clear unobstructed morning views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and the broader Annapurna massif from multiple vantage points along the trail. Experienced mountain photographers consistently rank October as the best month for Himalayan photography in Nepal. The autumn season also brings the important Dashain and Tihar festivals to Nepal, which adds cultural richness to any visit during this period. October is the busiest month across the entire Annapurna region, so booking teahouses, permits, and flights significantly in advance is essential.
Key Facts: Autumn Season in Annapurna
Temperature at Annapurna Base Camp: Drops and stays between the ranges of -8 to 8 Celsius especially in October.
Mountain views: Excellent and clear mornings throughout the whole season.
Trail conditions: Sturdy, firm and dry in the entire trail.
Crowd levels: Very high, with peak crowds in October.
Best for: Mountain photography, clear views, and cultural festivals to enjoy.
Winter Trekking in Nepal: December to February in Annapurna
Winter trekking in Nepal from December through February is chilling, quaint, and picturesque in a way that few other seasons can match. Snow covers higher elevations above 3,000 metres by December, and the Thorong La pass at 5,416 metres on the Annapurna Circuit can become dangerous or impassable during the coldest weeks of January and February. Temperatures at high-altitude drop below minus 15 degrees Celsius at night, accompanied by strong winds that make ridge sections challenging even for experienced trekkers. Preparation with proper cold-weather gear is not optional during winter months.
Despite the cold, winter trekking in Annapurna has real advantages. Crowds are minimal and teahouses are quiet, meaning you enjoy a far more personal and peaceful trail experience. Accommodation costs is economic compared to spring season. Clear winter mornings deliver mountain views that are strikingly vivid, with snow-dusted peaks standing sharply against deep blue skies. The lower sections of the trek to Annapurna Base Camp, including the trail through Chhomrong and the Modi Khola valley, remain accessible for well-equipped trekkers through most of the winter season. If you want solitude and a snow-touched alpine atmosphere, winter delivers it.
Key Facts: Winter Season in Annapurna
Temperature at Annapurna Base Camp: Climate ranges from minus 15 to minus 5 degrees Celsius at night in January.
Mountain views: Excellent on clear days which are especially beautiful in the morning.
Trail conditions: Snow-covered above 3,000 metres and Thorong La is often closed.
Crowd levels: Extremely low across the entire region with villages often occupied only with locals.
Best for: Calm trail, economic travel, and a peaceful snow fall experience.
Best Time to Trek Annapurna Circuit vs Annapurna Base Camp
The Annapurna Circuit and the trek to Annapurna Base Camp have different optimal seasons because of the difference in their highest points. The Annapurna Circuit crosses the Thorong La pass at 5,416 metres, which makes it sensitive to snow conditions in winter. Spring and autumn are the safest and most reliable seasons for completing the full circuit without weather-related risk at the pass. The Annapurna Base Camp route reaches a maximum elevation of 4,130 metres, making it more accessible in winter for trekkers who are well-prepared and flexible with their timing.
For the Annapurna Circuit, plan your trip between mid-September and November or between March and May for the safest crossing of Thorong La. For the Annapurna Base Camp trek, any month from October through May offers good conditions, with October and April being the most popular and reliable choices. Research shows that over 40 percent of all trekkers in the Annapurna region choose October and November, making those months the most sought-after on the entire trail system.
Quick Recommendation Based on Your Trekking Goals
Here is a simple guide to help you match your goals to the right season. If your priority is the clearest mountain views and the best overall trail conditions, trek in October or early November. If you want rhododendron flowers and warming spring energy on the trail, choose April or early May. If you are on a tight budget and enjoy solitude, December and February on the lower routes offer genuine rewards. If you are heading to Upper Mustang or are an adventure-loving trekker open to green landscapes and quiet trails, July and August work for that specific part of the Annapurna region. Avoid July and August for the main Annapurna Circuit and the trek to Annapurna Base Camp unless you are fully prepared for monsoon conditions. For a quick recap on the trekking condition during each season, study the table below:
Season
Spring (Mar–May)
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Temperature at ABC
-5 to 10°C
15 to 25°C (lower elevations)
-8 to 8°C
-15 to -5°C at night
Mountain views
Good mornings, afternoon clouds from late March
Mostly blocked by cloud
Excellent and clear all morning
Excellent on clear days
Trail conditions
Clear and firm below 3,500 m
Slippery, wet, and leechy on lower trails
Firm and dry across the entire trail
Snow-covered above 3,000 m
Crowd levels
High, peaking in April
Very low
Very high, peaking in October
Extremely low
Thorong La (Circuit)
Safe and passable
Risky with wet conditions
Safe and passable
Often closed or dangerous
Best for
Rhododendron blooms, warm trekking, photography
Budget trekking, Upper Mustang, lush landscapes
Mountain photography, clear views, cultural festivals
Solitude, snow scenery, budget travel
Recommended
Yes
No
Yes
For experienced trekkers only
Join Himalayan Holidays today for your travels to the Annapurna Circuit trek this spring and Autumn season trekking in Nepal in 2026
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