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Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

01 July 2024

Planning a Trip to Nepal?

The Annapurna Trekking region is blessed with breathtaking scenery, small villages, hot springs, and enormous, dramatic mountains. Trekking around the well-known Annapurna Base Camp on foot is an incredible experience that will undoubtedly be with you forever. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp can be done at any time of the year, but the best time to do so depends on various factors, such as weather conditions, trail conditions, and tourist crowds.

Annapurna Base Camp (28° 31′ 48″ N, 83° 52′ 40.8″ E) is located in north-central Nepal, in the heart of the Himalayan mountains. It sits in the Annapurna Sanctuary glacial basin just south of the massif, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Pokhara and 170 kilometres (105 miles) northwest of Kathmandu. The elevation of Annapurna Base Camp is roughly 4,130 metres (13,550 feet) above sea level, about 1,250 metres (4,100 feet) lower than Everest Base Camp.


The best time to do Annapurna Base Camp Trek are:

Spring (March to May)

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is best done in the vibrant spring months of March, April, and May. In Nepal, spring arrives in March and ends in May. In the spring, the temperature is ideal for trekking—it's neither too hot nor too cold. In the spring, 16 to 22 degrees Celsius, or 61 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, are the typical daytime temperatures. During the night, the temperature may decrease by as much as 2 or 3 degrees Celsius, or 27 or 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the spring season, you will be able to enjoy uninterrupted views of the breathtaking Himalayan mountains because the sky is clear. Rainfall is a possibility in the spring, but it does not last long. For a springtime trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, it is recommended to have a lightweight raincoat. The haze may also obscure views of the mountains. Rhododendron blooms are in full swing, and trails will be carpeted with vibrant flowers. When the trail is covered with red, yellow, pink, white rhododendron flowers, it appears its most beautiful.

This is the season when you will meet people from various walks of life from all across the world. You will love the trek if you enjoy socializing with others. But if you are searching to experience solitude while trekking then it might be a bit difficult.

Average maximum and minimum temperatures:

March: 4 degree Celsius to -8 degree Celsius

April: 8 degree Celsius to -4 degree Celsius

May: 14 degree Celsius to 0 degree Celsius

Autumn (Mid-September to November)

The ideal months to trek to Annapurna Base Camp are September, October, and November in the autumnal season. In autumn, visibility is greater and the sky is very clear. There is very little chance of rain due to the dry weather. Enjoy the uninterrupted views of the magnificent Himalayas and trek in pleasant weather.

The morning and nights are chilly while the days are warm and sunny. During the daytime in autumn, the average temperature ranges from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius or 54 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Further, the nighttime temperature drops to 25 to 27 degrees Celcius or 77 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit.

The best time in the year to trek to Annapurna Base Camp attracts thousands of trekkers. Trails will be crowded and it might be difficult to experience seclusion while trekking. However, if you like to meet new people and swap experiences then you will have a great experience. You will meet trekkers from around the globe and different walks of life. Treks of Nepal are known to turn strangers into lifelong friends.

Average maximum and minimum temperatures:

September: 20 degree Celsius to 0 degree Celsius

October: 16 degree Celsius to -6 degree Celsius

November: 11 degree Celsius to -10 degree Celsius

Winter (December to February)

In Nepal, winter months are December, January, and February. If trekking in cold weather doesn’t bother you much, then choose a winter trek to Annapurna Base Camp. With proper winter gear, winter hiking will be enjoyable. Pack a warm sleeping bag, a windproof jacket, gloves and trousers, a warm hat, or cap among others.

Daytime in winter is warm while the temperature drops below freezing point in peak winter. Moreover, visibility is good and you can enjoy the stunning mountain views in winter as well. Morning can be foggy but the weather clears up later in the day. It’s best to trek in early winter or before it snows heavily.The t

rail might be covered in snow and heavy snowfall increases the chance of avalanches in later months of winter. Winter trek might be challenging before heavy snowfall. During daytime average temperature ranges between 9 to 12 degrees Celsius or 48 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature might drop as low as -10 degrees to -15 degrees Celsius or 14 degrees to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

trekking trails are less crowded in comparison to the best time to go Annapurna Base Camp Trek, autumn, and spring. Since wintertime, you don’t need to worry about accommodation instead you can expect off-season discounts. You can get accommodation in tea houses as per your choice.

Monsoon or Summer (June to Mid-September)

Monsoon accompanies summer in Nepal and spans from June to mid of September. Summer is hot and it won't be easy to hike at such a temperature. The gorgeous views of snowy mountains are enveloped by clouds. Due to frequent rainfalls, the trekking trail becomes muddy and slippery. The condition of the trail increases the chances of injuries as well. If you are thinking of trek in the summer months be prepared for leeches which are found in abundance.

Summer cum monsoon might not be the best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek for regular trekkers but it might interest avid trekkers. You need to have the proper gear for a monsoon trek including a hard-shell rain jacket. As you trek to a higher altitude, your hard-shell rain jacket will provide warmth when the temperature drops.

Average maximum and minimum temperatures:

June: 16 degree Celsius to 3 degree Celsius

July: 18 degree Celius to 6 degree Celsius

August: 19 degree Celsius to 7 degree Celsius