The trek climbs from warm valleys near 800 m to snow-line camps above 3,500 m, so the weather changes with both the season and how high you are. Here are the four seasons, temperatures by altitude, rainfall, and what winter snow and the monsoon really mean on the ground.
Two seasons are made for trekking and two are not. Knowing the shape of the year tells you when to come and what to pack.
One of the two main trekking seasons. Days warm steadily through the period, the rhododendrons bloom from April into May, and skies are mostly clear. April is the standout for the best mix of weather and scenery. May brings increasing afternoon haze.
The wet season. Around 80% of the annual rainfall falls in these three months, peaking in July and August. Expect rain, leeches, high humidity, blocked mountain views, and landslide risk. It is generally not recommended for the trek.
The other main trekking season, and for many the best. The monsoon clears out, the air is washed clean, and October to November offers the clearest views of the year. October is the most stable month overall.
Cold and quiet, with snow at the top. Lower sections stay hikeable, but High Camp and above can be snow-blocked from December through February, worst in January. Clear winter days reward you with sharp views if you come prepared.
This page covers the climate itself. For the question of when to actually book, these guides do the deciding:
Month by month: the rhododendron bloom, monsoon trail conditions, crowds, and which window fits your trip.
The cultural year below the mountain: Tamu Lhosar, the Ghatu dances, harvests, and honey hunting by season.
Combining Mardi with other regions? How the windows differ across Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and the lowlands.
Daytime temperatures by month, comparing the lower camps band with High Camp at around 3,580 m. As a rule of thumb, nights at High Camp run 5 to 15°C colder than the daytime high.
| Month | Lower camps band (day) | High Camp ~3,580 m (day) |
|---|---|---|
| March | 5 to 15°C | -5 to 8°C |
| April | 8 to 18°C | 0 to 10°C |
| May | 10 to 22°C | 2 to 12°C |
| Jun-Aug (monsoon) | 15 to 25°C | 5 to 15°C |
| September | 14 to 22°C | 5 to 13°C |
| October | 10 to 20°C | 0 to 12°C |
| November | 5 to 15°C | -5 to 8°C |
| December | 2 to 12°C | -8 to 6°C |
| January (coldest) | 0 to 10°C | -10 to 5°C |
| February | 2 to 12°C | -8 to 6°C |
Higher again, at the base camp area near 4,500 m, spring and autumn days run about 5 to 10°C with nights to -5°C or lower, and winter nights can reach around -10°C. The figures vary across sources, so treat them as a guide rather than an exact forecast. More on the top is on the base camp page.
Winter trekking is possible but demands the right gear. Snowfall begins at higher elevations in December, and November already carries a high chance of snow at High Camp and Base Camp.
Snow sits at High Camp (around 3,580 m) and above through roughly November to February. January is the maximum-risk month, when snowfall is common at High Camp and above and can block the trail entirely. Lower sections usually stay hikeable.
Carry a 3- or 4-season sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C, essential from October through April. Daytime highs lower down can reach 15 to 20°C, but nights fall to -5°C or colder, and the upper camps are colder still in winter.
The monsoon runs June to August and is the season most trekkers avoid. Around 80% of the year's rainfall arrives in these three months, with peak intensity in July and August.
Rain, leeches on the forest sections, high humidity, and a real landslide risk on the roads and trail. Lower temperatures are mild (the valleys are warm), but the conditions underfoot are the problem.
This is the worst time for views. Clouds and fog frequently obscure the mountains, so the Annapurna panorama you came for is often hidden. May also brings increasing afternoon haze as a precursor.
It depends on altitude and month. Around High Camp at 3,580 m, daytime highs range from about -5 to 8°C in the coldest months up to 2 to 15°C in the warmer ones, and nights run roughly 5 to 15°C colder than the daytime high. At the base camp area near 4,500 m, spring and autumn days are about 5 to 10°C with nights to -5°C or lower, and winter nights can reach around -10°C.
Yes, with care. Lower sections stay hikeable through December to February, but High Camp and above can be snow-blocked, worst in January. You need a 3- or 4-season sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C, and you should expect snow on the upper trail. Spring and autumn remain the recommended windows.
Generally no. The monsoon (June to August) brings around 80% of the year's rainfall, peaking in July and August, along with leeches, high humidity, landslide risk, and clouds that frequently hide the mountains. Visibility is at its worst, so most trekkers avoid it.
Snowfall begins in December at higher elevations, and November already carries a high chance of snow at High Camp and Base Camp. Snow sits at High Camp (around 3,580 m) and above through roughly November to February, with January the maximum-risk month when it can block the trail.
Carry a 3- or 4-season sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C, which is essential from October through April. Layer for daytime highs of up to 15 to 20°C lower down and nights that can fall to -5°C or colder, and bring more warmth for the upper camps in winter.
We run small-group trips from Pokhara every Saturday from September to May. We also run private trips any day. A $50 deposit holds your place. Pay the rest on arrival in cash or by card.
