The Best Time To Do Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an adventurous and picturesque hiking route that extends through various environments in the Annapurna Conservation Area. In this guide we will explore the best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

The trail passes through rhododendron woodland, terraced farmland, stunning river valleys, and charming villages of Gurung and Magar and climbs to Annapurna Base Camp at an elevation of 4130 meters, offering abundant opportunities to get close to nature.

ABC trail is not exceptionally closed in any month/season because it is not considered an arduous trek. It is a moderate trekking route. However, the number of trekkers varies in different months and seasons.

The twelve months can be categorized into three best times to do the Annapurna base camp trek: BEST, MILD, and HARSH times trek in the Annapurna base camp trail.

Annapurna Trek Season

The Annapurna trek season welcomes trekkers in all seasons. There is no prohibition against trekking to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). The Mount Annapurna Base Camp trek is moderately complex. Just plan and set out on a trekking journey at any season. The Annapurna trek season is categorized into 4 seasons.

1. Spring (March-May)
2. Monsoon/Summer (June-August)
3. Autumn (September-November)
4. Winter (December-February)

Spring (March-April) and Autumn (September-November) are the best times to do Annapurna Base Camp trek. Spring is the peak season to go trekking. Likewise, Autumn is equally the best Annapurna trekking season.

If you want to add trouble to your trek experience with a rewarding view of dense rhododendron forest, then monsoon season is calling you. We don’t recommend Winter Trek. However, winter delivers a fantastic view of mountains in white colour.

Decide which is the best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Do you want the best but crowded peak trekking season or the remote but adventurous off-trekking season?

Annapurna Base Camp in Spring

Spring trekking season starts at the end of winter. Visitors start trekking at Annapurna Base Camp in early March and last until late May. The Annapurna Base Camp trek map gets busy during the mid-peak trekking season.

April welcomes many trekkers, making it the best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp. If you want a remote trekking route, trekking during early March and late May, alternative trekking routes, etc., can be optional methods.

The weather is pristine, and the scenery is serene during spring. Blooming rhododendrons, warm and clear Annapurna climate, and vivid flora and fauna are some things not to miss out on this season.

Pros of Annapurna Weather Merit:

• Crystal-clear mountain views
• Clear landscape views
• Blooming rhododendron
• Warm and pleasant weather
• Opportunity to introduce to trekkers around the world

Cons of Annapurna Weather Demerits:

• Most evenings and mornings have freezing conditions of over 4000 meters.
• The crowd on the trail.
• We need to plan/book the trip, guide/porter, and accommodation in advance.
• Trekking at lower altitudes might cause hot and sweat.

The weather of Annapurna Region in March

The Annapurna weather in March is moderate. The days are sunny, the nights are cold, the temperature is forgiving, and there are few probable rains. As March brings spring, it is also the beginning of the Annapurna Base Camp trek season.

Blooming rhododendron forests and regrowing greenery welcome the trekkers in the Annapurna region. March is the beginning of the best time to go to Annapurna Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The weather of Annapurna Region in April

The Annapurna Base camp weather in April greets the trekkers with the most favourable climatic conditions. April bestows trekkers with clear skies and a pristine view. It is the best time to trek the Annapurna base camp and enjoy the rich flora and fauna. However, the trekking route might be busy.

The weather of Annapurna Region in May

The weather in Annapurna in May is moderate; the temperature is gentle, with warm days and cold nights. Late May might get a little wet due to high precipitation. It is the end of the first Annapurna trekking season.

The presence of more daylight with vibrant colours of flowers is the key feature of May, making this month also the best time for Annapurna base camp trek.

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in Autumn

Autumn is another best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp. The post-monsoon season offers pleasing and stable weather with clear views of the mountains. This season is also the festive season, as the major festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, fall during this season.

A T-shirt is enough for you to trek during the day, whereas the mornings and evenings are rather cold and require warm clothes. The stunning view of the blooming rhododendron forest gives you the impression of paradise on Earth. Do you know? Rhododendron is the National flower of Nepal. It is also considered one of the fine medicinal herbs.

Aside from trekking, September, October, and November, the autumn season, are also the best times to enjoy the Nepali festive atmosphere. Most major festivals in Nepal fall during these months so that visitors will gain extra cultural knowledge.

Pros of Annapurna Climate: Autumn

• A clear view of mountainous terrains with clear sky.
• Pleasing and comforting weather.
• Smell of blooming rhododendrons.
• During the festival season, you might get the chance to enjoy Dashain and Tihar with local communities.

Cons of Annapurna Climate: Autumn

• Hustling trek route.
• Expensive accommodation.

Annapurna weather in September

The Annapurna weather in September is in a transitional phase from monsoon to Autumn. The temperature in this month gets to moderate from the hot summer/monsoon season.

The rejuvenated ecosystem from monsoon rain can be seen clearly during this season. Therefore, this season is the best time to hike Annapurna base camp if you do not want to face a crowded trail in October. However, there might be drizzle or puddles made due to the rainy season.

Annapurna Weather in October

The weather Annapurna base camp October is another pleasing trekking season. We can see the crystal-clear view of the mountain, making this season’s Annapurna base camp trek the best time.

The weather is moderate. This is also Annapurna climbing season so that the road might be a little overcrowded, and accommodation and food might get expensive.

Annapurna in November

The Annapurna weather in November is a transitional season from Autumn to winter. Due to this, the temperature and the air get chilly, but the mountain views are excellent.

November is the last month for the best time to trek Annapurna base camp; winter trekking might be gruelling. Also, be careful of cold temperatures reaching up to -2°C at night.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Summer 

Jun, July, and August are mild times for the Annapurna base camp trek. You will enjoy panoramic views of mountains and broadly stretched vegetation cleanly washed by the rain. Because of the fewer trekkers on the trail, the teahouse accommodations are readily available and probably cheaper than expected.

Although it is the rainy season, the region does not rain for hours. This time is excellent for those who love little monsoons to trek. Taking a sip of a hot drink in the teahouse room and watching the rain fall outside is a fantastic experience in the Himalayas. However, there are some drawbacks to trekking at this time.

Merits:

• It is an excellent time for monsoon lovers.
• Less crowded trail
• You can choose the best teahouse probably in a low-cost
• Clear views after the rain
• Chance to encounter unique flora and fauna

Demerits:

• Bugs and leeches on the trail
• Slippery and muddy trail
• Rain
• Mountains hide in a cloud
• Need to carry waterproof clothes and trench coat

Annapurna in June

The weather in Annapurna in June brings about the monsoon season in the Annapurna region. This month’s temperature is warm, and the region faces unpredicted heavy rainfall, creating muddy trekking routes with puddles. Along with that, bugs, mosquitos, and leaches are dangerous. Although the trekking route is quiet, we recommend something other than this season as the best time to trek at Annapurna base camp.

Annapurna in July

The Annapurna Base Camp trek in July is a month you would like to avoid if you are uncomfortable walking in the rain. The region faces the highest rain this month due to its temperate climate, increasing the chances of landslides and floods. In contrast to heavy rain, this is the peak season for the entire plant life. If you are a nature enthusiast and a monsoon person, this is the best time to trek Annapurna base camp.

Annapurna Weather August

The weather in Annapurna in August is comparatively good, with flourishing vegetation and quieter trekking routes. Although the month might surprise you with heavy rain, you will be amazed by the sparking water droplets tipping from the tips of leaves like brittle diamonds. The heavy, humid head will always keep you refreshed, which is the key reason making the Annapurna base camp trek this season the best time.

Why December, January, and February are harsh time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The winter in Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the harsh seasons. The region is covered with snow as this is an adult, making navigating difficult. However, the Annapurna Base Camp altitude is moderate, so there is no prohibition on trekking in this season.

Suppose you are up to face challenging weather and landscape. Yet, with a rewarding view of snow-capped mountains and the chance to soak yourself in the wilderness, winter is the Annapurna Base Camp’s best time for you to go.

Merits of Winter in Annapurna

• Crowd free trial
• You can choose the best teahouse probably at a low cost.
• Clear views of snow-capped mountains

Demerits in Annapurna in Winter

• Slippery trail
• Heavy snowfall
• Require more equipment

Annapurna in December

The Annapurna base camp trek starts in December during the winter season. The temperature begins to drop, reaching up to -5°C. The region experiences occasional snowfall at higher altitudes.

Early December can still be considered the best time to go to Annapurna Base Camp, as autumn tends to end and winter starts, making it a perfect month to trek.

Annapurna in January

Trekkers who are fond of snow and a tranquil environment, then Annapurna base camp trek season is January is the month for you. The Annapurna region experiences heavy snowfall, making even the navigation difficult.

The temperature in January drops -10°C during the night at higher Annapurna elevations. Despite the extreme cold and climatic conditions, January awards its visitors a panoramic snow-capped mountain view and a unique way of exploring Mount Annapurna.

Annapurna in February

The weather in Annapurna in February is slightly better than in January. The region receives more daylight with marginally warmer days, making February the best winter trekking season. The key feature of this month is the majestic view of snow-covered mountains and terrains. This month might be the best season for the Annapurna Base Camp trek for you.

There is almost no rainfall during winter, but snowfall will likely occur in some parts of the trail, significantly above 3000 meters. Mainly, the temperature drops to minus, and sometimes, the cramps may badly affect you. You must be aware of the trail between Deurali and Machhapuchre base camp. This section is hazardous as the avalanche might catch you.

Sunny Winter Days are Excellent for ABC Trek

Despite many obstacles, if you plan your trek and maintain the proper trekking gear, you will cherish the icy adventure and gain the life-changing experience of the Himalayas. Remember, the mountain views are the best in winter. You have severe cold evenings and nights, but the sunny winter days are excellent for the Himalayan trek.

During peak season, you must struggle for a space to stand and look at the views, but in winter, the whole trail is YOURS! You can enjoy it as long as you like. The trekking route is quiet and comparatively cheap in winter and monsoon seasons, but you might miss the panoramic mountains and landscape views due to poor weather conditions.

FAQs 

How many days should you trek at Annapurna Base Camp?

Annapurna Base Camp typically takes 7-12 days, varying according to the trek route and rest days between the trek.

Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek safe?

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be completed safely with the proper guidance from an experienced guide, preparedness for trekking, and adequate acclimatization.

How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderately complex trek requiring physical strength and endurance.

How long is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

The Annapurna Base camp trek length is approximately 70 to 100 kilometres, depending on the walking route.

How to prepare for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

Basic Annapurna Base Camp training can be taken to boost stamina and trekking experience to prepare for the ABC trek.

What to Pack for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Remember to pack good trekking boots, warm clothing, a warm sleeping bag, medical items, some emergency foods, a geographic map, etc.

What is the best time of year to do the Annapurna Circuit?

Consider trekking during spring and Autumn for the best time to do the Annapurna Circuit. However, if you want to experience wilderness and peace from the hustle and bustle of life, consider the monsoon and winter seasons.