Weather in Annapurna Circuit

About Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit trek circumnavigates the 10th-highest mountain in 16-21 days, ascending through distinct ecological zones from subtropical forests to high alpine deserts. Thorong La Pass (5,416m) represents the climax; yak caravans cross daily. The circuit remains unposted—navigation by prayer flags and trail sense.

Country

Nepal

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

NPR

Language

Nepali, English

Things to do in Annapurna Circuit

Completing the 16-21 day Annapurna Circuit Trek around the mountain Summiting Thorong La Pass (5,416m) for the view across Mustang and Himalayas Visiting Manang village (3,519m) for acclimatization and rest day hikes Exploring Pokhara valley before or after the trek for lake activities Meeting Tibetan traders and Buddhist pilgrims on high mountain passes Staying in teahouses run by trekkers-turned-innkeepers who understand Western comfort

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

-31C

Cold, with occasional showers.

February

-30C

Cold, with occasional showers.

March

-27C

Cold, with occasional showers.

April

-23C

Cold, with some rainy days.

May

-19C

Cold, with frequent heavy rain.

June

-15C

Cold, with frequent heavy rain.

July

-14C

Cold, with frequent heavy rain.

August

-14C

Cold, with frequent heavy rain.

September

-15C

Cold, with frequent heavy rain.

October

-20C

Cold, with occasional showers.

November

-23C

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

December

-27C

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

The Annapurna Circuit winds around the Annapurna massif through an extraordinary range of landscapes, from subtropical lower valleys and terraced rice paddies to the high, arid Manang valley and over the Thorong La pass at over 5,400 metres before descending to the pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Teahouse lodges along the entire route mean trekkers can carry light packs while sampling Nepali, Tibetan and Thakali cooking each evening, with the changing scenery and cultures along the way as much a draw as the mountain views themselves.

Best areas to stay in Annapurna Circuit

Besisahar / Lower Marsyangdi Valley

The usual starting point, with subtropical scenery, terraced fields and lower-altitude villages.

Manang

A high-altitude valley town used for acclimatisation before the Thorong La crossing, with a markedly different, arid landscape.

Thorong La / Muktinath

The high pass crossing and the pilgrimage town of Muktinath on its far side, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

Annapurna Sanctuary (Base Camp)

A separate, shorter trek into a dramatic amphitheatre of peaks surrounding Annapurna Base Camp itself.

Getting to Annapurna Circuit

✈

Flights

Most trekkers travel by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara to the trailhead, with no flights required for the standard route.

⏱

From London

The full circuit typically takes 15-20 days; shorter variants such as Annapurna Base Camp take around 7-10 days.

🚕

Getting around

All travel is on foot between teahouse lodges, with occasional local jeep transport on lower sections where roads now reach.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit?

October-November and March-April offer the most stable weather and clearest views; the Thorong La pass can be closed by snow in winter.

How long does the full circuit take?

The traditional circuit takes around 15-20 days, though road construction has shortened it for many trekkers who skip lower sections by jeep.

Do I need permits?

Yes — both an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card are required.

How difficult is the Thorong La pass crossing?

It's a long, high-altitude day (around 5,416m) requiring good acclimatisation, an early start, and suitable cold-weather gear.

Can I do shorter sections instead of the full circuit?

Yes — popular shorter options include the Annapurna Sanctuary trek to Annapurna Base Camp or the Poon Hill trek for sunrise views over the range.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The variety of landscapes is incredible — lush valleys at the start, then the dry, almost lunar scenery around Manang, then the relief of Muktinath after the pass. Tougher than Everest Base Camp but felt more varied.

Marco L. · November 2023

★★★★★

Crossing Thorong La before sunrise was brutal but the views from the top over the Mustang side were extraordinary. Teahouses got more basic but cosier as we climbed higher.

Sita G. · October 2024

★★★★☆

We did the Annapurna Base Camp version rather than the full circuit and it was still a fantastic week — the amphitheatre of peaks around base camp is jaw-dropping.

Ben W. · April 2024