Annapurna Base Camp Weather Temperature

The Annapurna Base Camp is situated at an elevation of 4,130 meters. The climate is unpredictable and the temperatures fluctuate based on the seasons. The higher you go, the cooler the air gets and the more unstable the weather. In spring, the base camp is between 10 to 15°C during the day but tends to drop below freezing at night.

The weather is hotter during summer, but the monsoon rainfall makes the paths slippery and hazardous. Autumn, however, is the season with the most stable weather, with clear skies and daytime temperatures of 10°C to 20°C, and is considered the best time for trekking. The temperatures considerably drop to as low as -20°C at night. There is snowfall dropping considerably, covering the trail during the winter.

As the trekking trail rises from lower, warmer settlements like Nayapul to higher altitudes. The colder destinations like Deurali and the base camp. Trekkers pass through different weather zones in a short period. As an illustration, the month of April experiences both sunshine and snow. The daytime can be pleasant, but nights get freezing. You may walk on icy trails in the morning and on slush in the afternoon.

Key Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Weather Temperature

• Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is 4,130 meters. Weather changes rapidly here, and temperature changes with each season.
• During spring, daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C. Nights tend to fall below freezing.
• During summer, temperatures are a bit warmer, but heavy monsoon rains make trails slippery and harder to traverse.
• Autumn is the most consistent part of the year for trekking. Day temperatures between 10 to 20°C, together with clear skies, makes it ideal for most trekkers.
• Winter is extremely cold where the nights are as low as -20°C, and there is regular snowfall.
• April sees a mixture of sunshine and leftover snow. The days are pleasant, but the nights are icy.
• January is the coldest month. Daytime temperature ranges between -5°C and 5°C, while at night temperatures dip to -15°C.
• The highest rainfall is felt during July. The temperature during the daytime rises up to 12°C to 20°C, while nights range between 8°C to 12°C, but the landslides turn hazardous.
• You should be cautious against weather hazards such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), hypothermia, avalanches, and landslides.
• Due to global warming, temperatures are slowly rising. The glaciers are melting, and this increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods.

Monthly Breakdown Summary Table for ABC Weather & Temperature

Month	Avg Day Temp (ABC)	Avg Night Temp (ABC)	Precipitation	Conditions Summary
January	-5°C to 5°C	-10°C to -15°C	Low	Coldest, clear skies, snow at higher altitudes.
February	-3°C to 7°C	-8°C to -12°C	Low-Moderate	Cold, chance of fresh snow
March	0°C to 10°C	-5°C to -8°C	Moderate	Beginning of spring, rhododendron blooms
April	5°C to 15°C	0°C to -5°C	Low	Peak spring, best visibility
May	8°C to 18°C	3°C to 5°C	Increasing	Warm, pre-monsoon showers are possible
June	10°C to 20°C	5°C to 10°C	High	Monsoon starts, wet lower trails
July	12°C to 20°C	8°C to 12°C	Very High	Wettest, landslide risk
August	12°C to 19°C	8°C to 12°C	Very High	Rainy, humid, leeches
September	10°C to 17°C	5°C to 10°C	Moderate	Monsoon ending, better visibility
October	5°C to 15°C	0°C to -5°C	Low	Best trekking month, stable weather
November	0°C to 10°C	-5°C to -10°C	Low	Clear skies, cooler, quiet trails
December	-3°C to 7°C	-8°C to -12°C	Low	Dry and cold, snowfall possible

About Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the country’s most popular trails. It takes you deep into the heart of the Annapurna region giving a close look at majestic mountain peaks like Annapurna I, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli and Annapurna South. The trek has normally begun in Pokhara and progresses through picturesque villages, rhododendron forest, terraced fields and winding stone roads.

The trek is 4,130 meters, taking around the base of the world’s tenth-highest mountain. This experience combines nature with Gurung and Magar culture. The hike is an experience that’s both scenic and spiritual. A majority of the trekkers complete this trek in 7 to 12 days, varying with the source point and pace.

The trail is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers, as it is moderately difficult to undertake. It is still in the process of being acclimatized to altitude changes, and changing weather is important. Each season presents different conditions to the trail, especially in temperature and visibility. That’s why knowing the weather before your trip makes you plan better and trek more comfortably.

Climate and Weather Patterns in the Annapurna Region

The Nepal Annapurna Region has varied climatic conditions due to its unique topography. It is southern valleys are subtropical with hot and wet summers but moderate winters. The temperate and alpine regions with mild temperatures and irregular rain, going higher up. Towards the north in Mustang, it is arid with a cold desert or steppe climate.

The Annapurna region is special, having steep valleys that hold warm and wet air. It creates different weather in small areas. There is increased humidity and rain in some places and the ridges and slopes surrounding them are dry and cold. The mountains themselves create a barrier where the humid air is pushed upwards. It freezes and falls as precipitates on windward slopes. This creates a mixture of environments from subtropical forests to alpine grasslands.

Blowing monsoon winds can create rain shadow zones that have a role to play as well. The Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs have temperatures that decline with elevation, and south-facing slopes are warmer as they enjoy more sun.

Monthly Weather Breakdown

Weather planning your trek can make all the difference. At Annapurna Base Camp, it varies monthly. You need to know what to expect each month to keep you safe and prepared.

Spring Season

March

• Avg. Temperatures: Day ~4°C, Night ~-8°C
• Trail Conditions: It will still have snow at high altitudes and icy patches on the trail in the mornings.
• Visibility & Precipitation: Low precipitation mostly clear skies with occasional fog.
• Pros: Rhododendrons start to bloom, the weather begins to warm, and the mountain views are clear.
• Cons: Cold nights, icy sections and possible slippery trails in early spring.

April

• Avg. Temperatures: Day ~8°C to 15°C, Night ~-4°C to 4°C
• Trail Conditions: Dry trails with firm conditions with little snow.
• Visibility & Precipitation: Clear sight with little rain.
• Advantages: Perfect weather for hiking, scenic woods and panoramic views unobstructed.
• Disadvantages: Overcrowded trails owing to popularity.

May

• Avg. Temperatures: Day ~14°C to 18°C, Night ~0°C to 6°C
• Trail Conditions: Normally dry but moisture rises with an occasional afternoon shower.
• Visibility & Precipitation: Bright mornings with a chance of cloudy and wet afternoons.
• Pros: Pleasant sunshine, green landscape and fewer crowds than in April.
• Cons: Humidity rises and more rain comes in the afternoons.

Monsoon Season

June

• Avg. Temperatures: Day ~16°C to 21°C, Night ~3°C to 8°C
• Trail Conditions: Slipping, wet, and muddy with repeated rain.
• Visibility & Precipitation: Thick clouds and low visibility, heavy rain.
• Pros: Less crowd on the trail and more lush, green landscapes.
• Cons: Muddy terrain that has landslides and low visibility.

July

• Avg. Temperatures: Day ~18°C to 23°C, Night ~6°C to 9°C
• Trail Conditions: Extremely muddy and difficult due to slippery terrain.
• Visibility & Precipitation: Thick clouds with continuous rain and low visibility.
• Pros: Rich vegetation and loneliness.
• Cons: Challenging trekking conditions with leeches and shorter views.

August

• Avg. Temperatures: Day ~19°C to 22°C, Night ~7°C to 8°C
• Trail Conditions: Wet and slippery with continued heavy rainfall.
• Visibility & Precipitation: High humidity and frequent rain make visibility poor.
• Pros: Quiet trails, lush vegetation, and solitude.
• Cons: Continued rain, landslides, and poor visibility.

Autumn Season

September

• Avg. Temperatures: Day ~15°C to 20°C, Night ~0°C to 3°C
• Trail Conditions: Dry trails with clean but fresh routes after the monsoon.
• Visibility & Precipitation: Improved visibility with showers at regular frequency throughout the month.
• Pros: Less crowd for the first half of the month, fresh scenery, and air.
• Cons: Some lingering dampness from the monsoon particularly early September.

October

• Avg. Temperatures: Day ~10°C to 16°C, Night ~-6°C to 0°C
• Trail Conditions: Solid, dry trails with excellent conditions.
• Visibility & Precipitation: Great mountain visibility, clear skies, and minimal rain.
• Pros: Excellent trekking weather, ideal visibility and comfortable temperatures.
• Cons: Popular trails that require prebooking of accommodations are required.

November

• Avg. Temperatures: Day ~8°C to 11°C, Night ~-10°C to -4°C
• Trail Conditions: Dry but cold nights with potential for snow at altitude.
• Visibility & Precipitation: Clear yet sharp air with minimal precipitation.
• Pros: Tranquil trails compared to October have beautiful views and fewer trekkers.
• Cons: Cold nights and the risk of early winter snow.

Winter Season

December

• Avg. Temperatures: Day ~9°C, Night ~-14°C
• Trail Conditions: Snow is probable on higher elevations and icy surfaces on the path.
• Visibility & Precipitation: Clear with little precipitation.
• Pros: Less crowded and quiet trails, lovely snowscapes.
• Cons: Very low temperatures, with snow potentially clogging the trail.

January

• Avg. Temperatures: Day ~7°C, Night ~-19°C
• Trail Conditions: Snow and ice are the norm, and sections of the trail may be impassable.
• Visibility & Precipitation: Clear and biting air with little precipitation.
• Pros: Seclusion and undisturbed winter landscapes.
• Cons: Difficult trekking, extremely cold, and high avalanche risk.

February

• Avg. Temperatures: Day ~6°C to 8°C, Night ~-20°C to -16°C
• Trail Conditions: There is still snow on the ground but things improve towards the latter half of the month.
• Visibility & Precipitation: Improved conditions with the start of spring.
• Advantages: More light and improved conditions towards the end of the month.
• Cons: Extremely chilly with residual snow and icy patches.

Key Takeaways for Trekkers

• Best Times to Trek: Autumn and Spring have the best conditions with clear blue skies and lovely temperatures.
• Monsoon: These are not very good due to rain, dirty tracks and poor visibility.
• Winter: A peaceful time to go hiking, but expect severe cold and possibly snowy conditions.

Note: Always look at the latest weather forecast before embarking on your trek because the weather in the mountains changes rapidly. Flexibility and proper equipment are the keys to a safe and enjoyable Annapurna Base Camp trek.

Weather Hazards and Risks on the ABC Trek

• As you gain altitude, the weather changes fast. Sunshine can turn into cold winds within hours, heavy rain, or snowfall, especially above 3,000 meters.
• You’ll face a real risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) as the trail climbs quickly from Nayapul situated at 1,070m high to ABC which is at 4,130m. Headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue are common signs that should never be ignored.
• Hypothermia becomes a serious concern at higher elevations. Cold temperatures, wet clothes, and poor gear increase your chances, especially at night or during snowstorms.
• Whiteouts from fog or snow can reduce visibility and make it hard to follow the trail. This increases the risk of losing your way or facing accidents.
• Between Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, avalanches are a real threat during winter and early spring. Snow buildup on steep slopes can slide without warning.
• In the monsoon season from June to September, the lower trail sections become risky. Landslides are caused by intense rainfall that either blocks roads or leads to unstable ground.
• You will have to contend with leeches in the monsoon particularly below 2,000 meters. They lurk in wet forests that can infect if not properly removed.
• Be sure to trek with the right gear, acclimatize yourself slowly, and constantly keep track of weather forecasts to reduce these risks and enable you to enjoy the trip.

Impact of Climate Change on the ABC Region

The Annapurna Base Camp region is also challenged by very serious climate change-related issues. Over the last few years, the temperatures have risen enormously, especially in the upper parts of the country like Manang. With this temperature rise, there is fast glacier melting. Some of Nepal’s glaciers are melting at a great speed. For example, those in the region of Annapurna. When glaciers melt, glacial lakes expand, and therefore the flood risk increases. This flooding destroys trails, settlements, and hydropower installations. They also pose a danger to the lives of those living downstream.

Along with rising temperatures, the climatic conditions in the region are also changing. Rain arrives earlier, snow later and the weather is more erratic. There are fewer rainy days now but rain is more intense and generally causes cloudbursts. This has caused rivers to flow earlier than previously because of snow and ice melting early in the year. Transform makes planning very difficult for agriculture and power grids that rely on a steady supply of water.

More frequent glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are also a risky trend that happens every time sudden bursts in natural dams holding glacial lakes take place. In recent years, this flooding has destroyed towns, as seen during the 2024 GLOF in Thame. Firm infrastructure and timely warning can mitigate damage, but the majority of the lakes are not monitored well.

Preparation Based on the Season for ABC

Every season in the Annapurna region poses its challenges, so your preparation will vary according to the time of year. Spring and autumn are periods of stable weather, clear skies, and warm temperatures. Pack breathable clothing for the daytime and warmer gear for cold nights. Light jackets, windproof gear, and sun protection are necessary.

During monsoon, expect rain and muddy paths. Wear breathable clothing, quick-drying pants, and a solid rain jacket. Waterproof shoes with good traction are essential. Keep your pack dry with a rain cover and store clothes dry in dry bags. Expect snow and slippery paths during winter. Bring insulated jackets along with thermal underwear, warm gloves, as well as a woolen hat. Four-season sleeping bag must be essential. A good grip shoes that is warm, and waterproof shoe should be warm.

Carry a reusable water bottle and water purification tablets in all seasons. Sunscreen, lip balm, and UV-protected sunglasses help in the high-altitude sun. A first-aid kit and personal medications are always a necessity. Weather can be unpredictable, so being flexible and well-equipped helps to make the adjustment easier. Choose equipment and clothing based on seasonal needs to stay safe and comfortable throughout.

How Trekkers Can Use Weather Forecast Tools?

Weather plays an important role in planning a safe and successful trek, especially in the Annapurna Region of the Himalayas. Trekkers can now use several effective tools to track weather patterns to plan accordingly.

One such popular tool is Windy providing animated wind, rain, and temperature change maps. It enables you to see forecasts at different altitudes comes in handy for mountain trails. Mountain Forecast is another sure source. It offers comprehensive reports for single summits, e.g., at various altitudes like summit and base camps. This makes the rest day planning or summiting a breeze. Many people check AccuWeather every day, which shows local temperature, chances of rain, and warnings about bad weather situations.

These tools help trekkers make smart choices before they start. You can get the right gear ready, plan the most secure route, and avoid trekking in storms or blizzards. Current information is especially valuable on extended treks when the weather tends to turn quickly.

Professional guides and agencies take it a step further. They keep tracking these locations as well as local weather stations constantly. They interpret patterns that aren’t immediately visible from apps using their experience. For example, it is a guide can delay a hike if wind direction changes suddenly or clouds form more rapidly than usual.

By utilizing forecast tools along with local information since trekkers and guides can respond in real time to changing weather conditions. In the mountains, this kind of information is crucial to survival. So it is not only helpful to utilize weather apps, but it is being a responsible trekker.

Local Voices: Weather Wisdom from the Trail

The majority of the mountain porters and guides have gone through the variations in weather for the past few decades. According to them, the seasons are not as certain anymore. Snow used to occur earlier and stay longer before, but now it is no longer the case. One of the Ghandruk porters said that the snow falls randomly at times when there was a clear sky the day before. Older mountaineers will talk about how, in the past, they relied on predictable weather to plan treks. But now the weather fluctuates too quickly to follow set patterns. Warmth at high altitudes is more than it was in the past, even in what were once the colder months.

Despite increased use of weather apps and predictions, most locals still rely on their old-fashioned techniques of interpreting the sky. They notice small aspects in the manner of flying birds, the smell of the wind, or the shape of clouds in the surrounding area. Low-flying birds or unforeseen mountain fog usually mean rain is coming, even if the prediction reports otherwise, as explained by one of the guides. Such signs have been passed down through the ages and lie deep within local culture. Although programs like Windy or Mountain Forecast give some general information, they sometimes fail to pick up on fine, local variations seen by trained observers.

Combining both approaches, the local knowledge and current forecasting generally forms the ideal safety net. Trekkers who listen to their guides and keep up with weather gear are less inclined to miss abrupt tempests or hazardous routes. In the mountains, this balance of information may be a life saver.