travel guide

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. The trail passes through rhododendron woodland, terraced farmland, stunning river valleys, and charming villages of Gurung and Magar and climbs all the way 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 a difficult 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 time to do 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 difficult trek. 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. Whereas, 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 really recommend winter trek. However, winter delivers an awesome view of mountains in white colour.

Decide for yourself 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?

Best Season for Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Spring

Spring trekking season starts with 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 a huge number of trekkers, making it the best time to go to 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 of the things not to miss out on this season.

Spring: March, April, and May

Autumn: September, October, and November

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 are freezing conditions over 4000 meter
• The crowd on the trail
• Need to plan/book the trip/guide/porter/accommodation in advance
• Trekking at lower altitude might cause hot and sweat
  

  Annapurna Weather March

  The Annapurna weather in March is moderate. The days are sunny and the nights are cold, and the temperature is forgiving and 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.

  Annapurna Weather 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 do Annapurna base camp trek, where one can enjoy the rich flora and fauna. However, the trekking route might be a little busy.

  Annapurna 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 the Annapurna base camp trek.

  

Best Time to Visit Annapurna Base Camp: 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. Embrace yourself and enjoy the Nepali festival and tradition in autumn. Not to forget the month of October, which is equally the most favourable Annapurna Base Camp trek time.

Pros of Annapurna Climate: Autumn

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

Cons of Annapurna Climate: Autumn

• Hustling trek route.
• Expensive accommodation.

Annapurna 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 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 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 gets cooler, and the air starts to get chilly, but the mountain views are excellent. The month of 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.

In Short: March to May and then September to November are the best time to do Annapurna base camp trek. This is the peak season of the trek, and you will be the super lucky guy if you follow the trail via Ghorepani to see the perfect sunrise view from the Poonhill peak. March, April, and May are spring months when the days are warm and sunny, and the sky is always clear.

Just 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.

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

The paradise-like blossoming rhododendron, crystal clear mountain views, and mild temperatures, especially at lower altitudes (900 to 2500 m), make the ABC trek a pleasing life experience. However, the higher you go, the colder it gets. Most evenings and mornings over 4000 meters are usually in freezing status, requiring multiple layers of clothes in any season.

In these months, the trails are comparatively crowded, and it is the opportunity to encounter trekkers from different corners of the world. Since it is festival time, there might be a shortage of guides and porters, so book them in advance. You might face a kind of hitch regarding the vehicles and have to pay a little more.

Mild Time For Annapurna Trek: Summer 

The monsoon presents itself with its own beauty. Despite the heavy rainfall or muddy roads filled with snake-like puddles, the dense, lush rhododendron forest with less crowded trails filled with excitement and adventure. These unique experiences prove this season challenging yet the best time to go Annapurna Base Camp. Panoramic mountain views, washed clean scenery, and cheaper teahouses are some of the key features of this season.

Monsoon: Jun, July, and August

Merits:

• Great time for monsoon lovers
• Less crowded trail
• 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

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

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

Drawbacks

• There are many leeches on the trail, and sometimes, they climb up to your thigh. They do not carry any disease, though. The best way to get rid of them is to carry some salt with you. If you put a little salt on your leg, it quickly leaves the skin and dies soon.
• Mostly, the trails are slippery. You must be very careful while walking.
• Thick clouds might cover the high snow-capped mountains, preventing you from taking pictures.
• Sometimes, the downpour may ruin your day and/or the whole trek

Annapurna in June

The weather in Annapurna in June brings about the monsoon season in the Annapurna region. The temperature on this month is warm and the region faces unpredicted heavy rainfall, creating muddy trekking routes with puddles. Along with that, there are dangers of bugs, mosquitos, and leaches. Although the trekking route is quiet, I wouldn’t recommend this season as the best time to trek Annapurna base camp.

Annapurna in July

The Annapurna Base Camp trek in July is a month you would like to avoid if you are not comfortable walking in the rain. The region faces the highest amount of rain in this month with a temperate climate, increasing the chances of landslides and floods. In contrast to heavy rain, this is also the peak season full of plant life. They prosper abundantly, and the waterfalls and rivers are the most attractive features of this season. 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. Heavy, humid head will always keep you refreshed, which is the key reason making this season the Annapurna base camp trek best time.

Harsh Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Winter: December and January

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 it difficult to navigate. However, the Annapurna Base Camp altitude is moderate, so there is no prohibition on trekking in this season. If 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, then the winter is the Annapurna Base Camp’s best time to go for you.

Merits of Summer in Annapurna

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

Demerits in Annapurna in Monsoon

• Slippery trail
• Heavy snowfall
• Require more equipment

  

Annapurna in December

The Annapurna base camp trek in December is the start of the winter season. The temperature starts 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 the autumn tends to end and winter is starting, making it a perfect month to trek. The December unveils itself with great views with fewer visitors.

Also read: Annapurna Cost

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 the month of January drops -10°C during the night at higher Annapurna elevations. Despite the extreme cold and climatic conditions, January awards its visitors with 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 slightly warmer days, which makes February the best season for winter trekking. 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.

In Short: December and January are cold months of the year, and they fall during winter. This time is considered to be harsh when trekking in the Himalayas. The Annapurna base camp trek is at a moderate altitude, so it remains open even during winter while other high-altitude treks are halted. These are not the best time to do Annapurna base camp trek.

There is almost no rainfall during winter, but snowfall will likely occur in some parts of the trail, especially above 3000 meters. Mostly, 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 really dangerous as the avalanche might catch you.

Despite many obstacles, if you plan your trek and maintain the proper trekking gear, you will really 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 amazing 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.

The trail will have very few trekkers, and most trails are crowd-free. You will have no trouble getting beds, and you can choose the best teahouse, which will probably charge less than you expect. The teahouse makes a warm fire from where you can enjoy the great Himalayan views.

Annapurna Weather by Month

Best Annapurna Base Camp Trek Time

The Annapurna base camp trek’s best time is during the spring climate; the main trek months are April and October. The Annapurna unveils its beauty according to weather and climate. For viewing mountains covered in ice, the winter season is the best time to go on base camp trek. If you want to see the vivid nature of forest beauty, then spring is the best season. Likewise, if rain is no issue and you want to witness the dense forest ecosystem, then monsoon or summer is Annapurna base camp best time to go. However, if you want the temperature to be temperate and see an abundance of forest post-monsoon, mark autumn as the best time to visit Annapurna base camp.

FAQ

How many days to trek at Annapurna Base Camp?

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

Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek safe?

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

How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderately difficult trek that needs 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?

For preparing for the ABC trek, basic Annapurna Base Camp training can be taken to boost up stamina and trekking experience.

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.

Also, read about the Manaslu Circuit Trek.