Annapurna Circuit Weather and Temperature

Annapurna Circuit Trek is probably the most beautiful trek in the Himalayas. This scenic adventure is ideal for all skill levels ranging from experts to amateurs. Trekkers will have a fantastic experience trekking in the natural terrains of the Annapurna region. The trek offers everything you can hope for in a high-altitude Himalayan adventure. Researching the weather and temperature is essential before starting trek to the Annapurna Circuit.

Serene landscapes along the trails will make your journey quite memorable. The challenge is pretty stunning as you pass through the steep uphill terrains. The Himalayas from various viewpoints look stunning and magnificent. You will also get to observe and pass through the region’s natural landscapes.

These natural terrains include whitewater rivers, waterfalls, hills, pastures, glaciers, and mountain passes. You will also pass through the forested areas observing the local flora and fauna. The region’s wildlife is unique and exotic, with numerous endangered species. You will travel from the low plain areas with subtropical climates to the highest mountain pass in the world in a few weeks.

The weather and temperature lie at the top of the things to consider for the trek. The Annapurna Circuit weather and temperature is important to learn about before making your journey. The climate in the high-altitude region changes within a few hundred meters. Besides, the weather remains unpredictable as well. Hence, you need to stay prepared for the trek with regard to the weather.

However, Spring and Autumn are possibly the best trekking time in the region. There are generally clear sunny days and chilly nights. Moreover, you will also find the environment pleasant, with wildlife coming out of their hibernation during these seasons. Trekkers flock to the region to get the best trekking experience in the natural terrains.

Winters are freezing in the region, with temperatures falling below 0 degrees Celsius. Heavy rainfall in the summer monsoon seasons makes it quite challenging to trek in the area. However, rainshadow Upper Mustang regions remain dry throughout the year on this trek.

This article details everything you need to know about the Annapurna Circuit weather and temperature. Read on for in depth information about the weather and temperature of popular stops along the Annapurna Circuit.

Weather and Temperature of Popular Stops Along the Annapurna Circuit

Dharapani

Dharapani is where the beautiful trekking journey to Annapurna Circuit Trek starts. In the wet season, you can experience hot and humid conditions. There are overcast and cloudy skies. The rest of the year, the weather conditions are warm and comfortable. The temperature typically varies from 3°C to 39°C, and it doesn’t generally go below 0°C or above 40°C.

From late April to early July, you will experience hot and humid conditions with average temperatures around 28 C. The daily maximum temperatures can rise way above around 30+degrees Celsius. The average minimum temperature is around 18 C. From November to February, temperatures average around 18 C in Dharapani. January has temperatures of around 4 C minimum and 18 C maximum. It is the coldest time in the region.

With clear skies, the weather remains dry and stable from September to June. There are high chances of precipitation from July to August and early September, with July being the wettest month with 20.9 days of average rain and 10.7 inches of average rainfall. The best time to visit Dharapani is from mid-April to mid-June, with May being the ideal month.

Pisang

Pisang is located at an altitude of 0 feet above sea level. The settlement has a Temperate highland tropical climate. The winters are generally dry, with temperatures around 16.75ºC to -5.25C. The annual precipitation received is around 262.91 millimeters (10.35 inches).

The highest temperature average in Pisang is 23.17 degrees Celsius in June. The temperature averages around 21.64 in the months of 21.64 degrees Celsius in April, May, and July. The lowest temperature average is in January, which is 7.57 C, whereas the temperature in December is 9.66 C. The highest precipitation is around 850mm in July. The lowest rainfall recorded was approximately 13.57mm in November.

Manang

The Manang is located at an altitude of 3519m. This high-altitude region can experience some freezing conditions in the winters. There is an average of 2 cm of snowfall between June and August. Since, at this point of the trek, you will cross the altitude of 3000m, you will need to acclimatize well for the tour.

Acclimatization is essential to tackle altitude sickness along the trails due to the high-altitude region’s lower air pressure and oxygen levels. Temperatures in Manang range from 12 to 25 degrees Celsius. The highest average daytime temperature is around 25 degrees celsius in June, and the lowest daytime temperature is 12 degrees Celcius in January.

The nighttime temperature is about 2 degrees celsius in January and 17 degrees celsius in June. The region has an average precipitation of around 600-700 mm in July and August. There are approximately 18-20 days of moderate rainfall during this period. The best period to travel to Manang is also between April and May.

Thorong La Pass

The Thorong La Pass is the trek’s highest point and is a beautiful mountain pass. January is the beginning of the winter season. The temperature around the mountain pass can drop to -30C. There are muddy, snow-covered trails throughout the winter season from December to February.

Spring is the ideal time to traverse through the high-altitude mountain pass. The temperatures in this season range around 5 degrees Celsius at the maximum. Moreover, the degree of minimum temperature is from -15 degrees Celsius to -5 degrees Celsius over the months.

July and August have high amounts of precipitation in the monsoon season. There are around 22 days of precipitation in these months. The entire area remains covered in thick clouds, and you will not get to observe the Himalayan vista.

September, October, and November are ideal for the mountain pass climb as there is clear weather, dry trails, and moderate temperatures. You will get to traverse the challenging conditions of the mountains safely and comfortably.

Muktinath

There is high humidity and temperatures in the Spring season in Muktinath. There are temperatures in the range of 90.5°F (32.5°C) and 71.1°F (21.7°C). As the season progresses, you will experience warmer temperatures. There is minimal precipitation in the region during this season.

The Summer season has hot and humid temperatures. There is a high level of precipitation from June to August. The temperatures in the region range around 20 to 30 degrees Celsius in these seasons. The Autumn season in the Muktinath region experiences maximum temperatures in the range of 88.4°F (31.3°C) and 72.1°F (22.3°C). It is ideal for traveling to the Muktinath area.

December through February is in the winter season. In the Muktinath region, the temperatures range around 75.1°F (23.9°C) and 66.4°F (19.1°C). There is low precipitation in the region in winter.

Muktinath humidity is the highest in April, around 46.2%, and the most humidity is around August (77.6%). Muktinath’s windiest months are May, followed by June and April. The average wind speed is around 4.1 knots (4.7 mph or 7.5 kph).

Mustang (Upper)

The Trans-Himalayan Region has an average temperature of around 16°C to 22°C in the Spring. The nighttime temperatures are everywhere -6°C to -2°C. The weather remains suitable for lush vegetation and wildlife to come out of their hibernation in the region.

Upper Mustang is quite famous as the rainshadow area part of Nepal. Shielded by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range of mountains, there is hardly any rainfall in the region. Hence, Upper Mustang trekking is even ideal in the monsoons. The temperatures range from around 13°C to 20°C in the daytime. In the nighttime, the temperatures can drop around -3°C to 0°C.

October and November are ideal travel months as the temperatures remain suitable in the Mustang region. The temperatures range from around 12 to 20°C in the daytime and -8 to -4°C in the nighttime. There are windy conditions that blow from the northern side of the region.

December to February are the three winter months in the region. The area has a beautiful winter wonderland atmosphere, with January being the coldest month in the region. The average temperature is 0 to 5°C in the daytime and -25 to -20 in the nighttime.

The freezing conditions mean that the people in the village migrate to the cities at lower altitudes like Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are high chances of snowfall between December and January.

Mustang (Lower)

April is the least humid month in the lower Mustang region. May is the windiest month, with a wind speed of around 4.1 knots (4.7 mph or 7.5 kph). In late April, the wind speed can range from approximately 9.3 knots. The temperatures range from about 18.5 to 20°C on average.

June is the warmest in the monsoon months, with temperatures averaging around 32.6°C in the daytime and 21.8°C in the nighttime. Late July can see some rainfall or snowfall within six days on an average of significant precipitation. August humidity is the highest at around 77.6%.

The average temperature in the Autumn season is around 8°C which makes the trekkers ideal for trekking in the region’s beautiful landscapes. There is a clear vista of the snow-clad mountains, highlighting the trek in the season.

Jomsom

The Summer season is from the end of June to September. The temperatures in the region range around 17-18 degrees at the maximum. The minimum temperature is around 4-6 degrees in the summer. July also has the highest humidity at approximately 91.25 % and the maximum number of rainy days at about 29.00 days.

The month of January has the lowest humidity of around 46.70 %. December is dry in the region, with 5.33 days of rainfall. The Jomsom lies in the tundra climate; hence the temperatures are lower throughout. The lowest temperature is around 3 degrees in January in the daytime which can drop to -17 degrees Celsius in the nighttime.

Annually in Jomsom, there are around 1376 mm or 54.2 inches of precipitation. Jomsom is also known as the windiest place in Nepal. Hence, you will need to prepare for the harsh wind blowing in the region from the northern part.

Pokhara

Pokhara is a temperate climate with the hot and humid summer and dry winter. The temperature over the year ranges from 8°C to 32°C and rarely drops below 5°C or rises above 35°C. May to mid-June is the ideal time for traveling in the beautiful lake city. The summer-monsoon season lasts from April to mid-July, with average temperatures around 30°C.

Pokhara is the hottest in June, with maximum temperatures of 32°C and minimum temperatures of 22°C. December to February are the winters in the region, with maximum temperatures around 22°C. January is the coldest month, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 19°C.

Pokhara experiences rainfall for around 6-7 months, from April to November. There is approximately 13 millimeters of rainfall in this period. July has the highest precipitation, with an average rainfall of 213 millimeters. November to April is the dry winter period with 4 mm of average precipitation.

Annapurna Circuit Weather and temperature in Different Seasons

The Annapurna Circuit Trek weather and temperature remain quite dynamic. You will find different climate and weather conditions in different places along the trails. The temperature in the region decreases as you rise in the high-altitude area. The weather and temperature also change based on the weather conditions.

Annapurna Circuit Weather and Temperature in Autumn Season

Autumn is an excellent time for trekking along the trails of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. There are warm sunny days with no overcast conditions during this trek. The beautiful tour becomes much more comfortable and easier in these seasons due to the weather conditions in the Autumn season. In the early month, you will experience some rainfall as the late monsoon remains.

The morning has crisp, chilly weather, and as the mornings turn today, you will experience the temperatures rising gradually. September is the peak of the Autumn season and therefore provides you with clear views of the Himalayas. You will experience a soothing climate and calm weather conditions.

There you can experience fall foliage with the color of the leaves changing from green to yellow, brown, and red. As you move to October, you will experience less heat during the daytime as the winter remains close. The morning and night temperatures start to decrease gradually, and by the end of November, you will experience some snowfall in the high-altitude region.

Autumn temperatures range around 15-20 degrees Celsius in September. The temperatures can drop to 7-8 Degrees Celsius during the nighttime and early in the morning. October is the ideal time for travel in the Autumn season as there are ideal temperatures for trekking. However, in high-altitude regions like the Thorong La Pass, the temperatures can drop significantly.

Annapurna Circuit Weather and Temperature in Spring Season

Spring is a beautiful time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. With a stable and soothing climate, the beautiful trek gets even more pleasant this season. There is incredible weather throughout the various popular points along the trail. The weather remains pleasant this season, starting from March until May.

The temperature gradually rises as you move along the season. Trekkers will observe the different and unique wildlife species along the trail. These wild animals come out of their hibernation in these seasons after the long, harsh winters in the high-altitude region.

Mid-April is the ideal time for the trek in the high-altitude Annapurna region as temperatures are perfect for the trekking journey. Trekkers will pass through the forested areas covered in rhododendron, oak, pine, and other trees. The temperatures get hotter in the region as you approach the month of May.

The summer monsoon region is just around the corner, and hence, there are proper preparations and precautions that you can take in the area. There is high humidity in the lower region trails. You can observe the clear, unobstructed views of the snow-clad mountains along the route.

Spring has quite a tranquil atmosphere in the region. The beautiful weather of the area has some moisture in the region. There is no humidity along the part as the Spring season comes after the winter. The average temperatures in the region range around 20 Degree Celsius. The higher altitude region, including the Muktinath, Thorong La Pass, and others, have temperatures below the freezing point.

Annapurna Circuit Weather and Temperature in Winter Season

Winter is the off-season for the Annapurna circuit and other regional treks. However, with preparation, you can take this trek at any time of the year. You will need to pack well with proper packing and preparation to complete this challenging trek in the winter from December to February.

The mornings and nights in the winter seasons are chilly and frosty. The temperature drops significantly, especially in the higher region trails. January is frigid, and the temperatures can drop below 0 degrees Celsius. There are thick layers of snow along the tracks, especially in the high-altitude Thorong La Pass.

There will be misty and foggy conditions along the trail in the morning. The weather generally clears up as sunshine during the day before the chilly weather at night. Days are shorter this season, with the weather getting more wintery as you reach the end of the month.

However, the weather starts to clear up and get warmer by the time you go in February. The unique winter wonderland-like experience makes the trek in the winter season quite a fantastic experience. Winter has frigid temperatures, and there is heavy snowfall in the region. Trekkers will pass through the snow and muddy trails, which you must traverse with crampons on your boot.

The temperatures in November can drop around 2-3 degrees Celsius. However, the temperatures can drop below negative degrees in December. The average temperature in the winter season is approximately 5 to 10 Degree Celsius. The temperatures can also drop to -10 to -20 degrees Celsius in the high-altitude region.

Annapurna Circuit Weather and Temperature in Monsoon Season

The summer monsoon season in the region is quite challenging due to weather-related difficulties like heavy precipitation. There are landslides, avalanches, and others, especially in the lower region trails. A large part of the trail in the Upper Mustang region falls under the rainshadow area. However, the paths that lead you to the region receive heavy rainfall.

There are slippery and muddy trails, making it difficult to trek in the region. Always check the weather forecast before moving on the trek. July receives the most precipitation, with harsh winds blowing all around the trail. There are chances of hailstorms and thunderstorms with lighting as well. In the daytime, extremely hot and humid conditions make trekking in the region quite tricky.

The temperatures in the monsoon season are around 15-25 degrees Celsius. There is hot and high humidity in the region. Temperatures drop while raining but increase as there are clear blue skies. 70% of total rain falls in the monsoon season. You can get some snowfall in the high-altitude area in the Thorong La Pass.

When are the Best Weather Conditions in the Annapurna Circuit?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is ideal in the two peak seasons of Spring and Autumn. These seasons are suitable for trekking adventures in the region because there are stable weather conditions with dry trails.

Unlike the summer-monsoon season, you will not experience heavy precipitation in the region. There are no extreme frigid conditions like in the winter season. Overall, the weather remains calm and comfortable during these two peak seasons.

Spring (March to May)

The Spring season, from March to May, is ideal for all trekking and travel adventures in the Annapurna Circuit. The beautiful trail of the trek will take you through the tranquil landscapes of the region.

You can also experience fewer weather-related challenges like rainfall, landslides, avalanches, etc. There is lush vegetation all around with colorful trails due to the blooming of the wildflowers. Trekkers can trek in a pleasant climate with moderate temperatures.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the peak season for traveling in the beautiful landmarks of the Annapurna Circuit. You will get to explore incredible trails during this time of the year. The Autumn season provides you with temperate weather in the region.

There is an incredible vista of the snow-clad mountains that you can observe during this season. There are moderate temperatures in the region which makes trekking quite an adventure. You can also observe the wildlife species that are endangered in the area.

Off seasons

There are two off-seasons in the Annapurna Circuit. These include the Summer-monsoon and the Winter season. Although there are some rainshadow areas along the Annapurna Circuit trails, most parts of the lower region trails will observe heavy precipitation in the summer monsoon region.

There is also a hit and humid climate, which makes the trekking journey quite tricky. The trails also get muddy, slippery, and difficult to traverse. The winters are frigid, especially in high-altitude regions like the Thorong la pass. There are freezing temperatures which make the journey difficult. Trekkers can experience thick levels of snow throughout the trails.

Hence, for safety purposes and comfortable travel along the trails, you should trek in the Spring and Autumn season. However, if you love to take on challenges, you can also walk in the off seasons of summer, monsoon, or winter.

Weather Related Difficulties in the Annapurna Circuit

The weather-related difficulties that you might face in the Annapurna Circuit are as follows:

Unpredictable weather

The high-altitude Annapurna region has unpredictable weather. There are high chances of overcast, cloudy skies any day. The weather can change from sunny days to overcast in a few minutes. Hence, unpredictable downpours are pretty common in the region. There are heavy precipitations along the trails of the Annapurna Circuit in the monsoon season. Besides that, there are occasional downpours in other seasons as well.

Landslides/avalanches

In the monsoon season, landslides or avalanches are high along the trail. At the trek’s starting point, you will travel on a bus, or a jeep passes from a landslide-prone area. Hence, you must be careful when traversing the region’s terrains. However, these weather-related challenges are only in the monsoon season.

Muddy and slippery trails

The muddy and slippery trails in case of heavy precipitation along the trails. Trekkers hence need to traverse slowly at a gradual pace to avoid any injuries and accidents along the trails. You can take various measures to ensure your safety along the tracks, like wearing sturdy trekking shoes with a proper grip.

Freezing conditions

There are freezing conditions in the high altitude area of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. in the high altitude area, including the Thorong la pass, you can experience thick snow most of the year. The temperatures in the region decreased significantly in the area, which makes the trekking journey quite challenging. Hence, you need to wear proper trekking gear and clothing to tackle the cold conditions of the region.

Altitude sickness in the high altitude

Acute mountain sickness is common in high-altitude trekking adventures like Annapurna Circuit. The high altitude region above 3000m has less oxygen and air pressure, which makes breathing quite tricky in the high altitude region.

Trekkers can take various measures to tackle altitude sickness along the trails. Among them, the most common one is acclimatization. Gradual trekking at a slow pace will also be quite helpful along the trails. You can take Diamox tablets which help you tackle altitude sickness symptoms along the trails.

Hot and humid conditions

The hot and humid conditions, especially in the lower region trails, can get quite challenging during the trek in the daytime. These hot and humid conditions are at a maximum level in the monsoon. Hence, you must prepare well for the tour with various measures.

Essential Tips for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Start your trek early along the trail to have more time to complete the trek.
• Go through proper acclimatization to tackle altitude sickness along the trails.
• Trek at a gradual pace with various rests in the middle
• Do not rush along the route or treat the trek as a race
• Train well ahead of the trek with proper exercises to help you complete the trek with ease
• Do not pack unnecessary luxury items and only pack essential items along the trail
• Get all your accommodations and meal bookings in advance along the route, especially in the peak seasons
• Carry water purification tablets to purify the drinking water along the trails
• Carry various miscellaneous items like power bank, chargers, and batteries along the trail
• Carry snacks to eat during the trek like protein bars, chocolate bars, dry fruits, etc

Packing List – Annapurna Circuit Trek

Clothing

• Waterproof jacket
• Trekking shirts
• Trekking pants
• Fleece jackets
• Down jacket
• Trekking boots
• Thermal wears
• Warm woolen cap
• Woolen trekking socks
• Woolen gloves
• Windproof jacket
• Raincoat

First Aid

• Anti-nauseant medication
• Water purifying tablets
• Rehydration salts
• Mosquito and insect repellent

Toiletries

• Shampoo
• Soap
• Sanitizer
• Quick-dry towel
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Toilet paper
• Sunscreen

Others

• Phone
• Power Banks
• Solar Charges
• Extra Batteries
• Reusable water bottles
• Local SIM card
• Trekking Map
• Camera

Important documents

• Passport
• Trekking Permits
• Travel Insurance

The Final Say

Annapurna Circuit Trek is an extraordinary adventure in the incredible natural terrains of the country. Weather and temperature are essential factors to consider along the trails of the Annapurna Circuit. The weather and temperatures along the routes depend upon the altitude during your trek. It also depends on the season of the trip. We hope you learned about the Annapurna Circuit weather and temperature through this article. Happy traveling!

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