Planning a trek to Annapurna Base Camp Nepal means one thing: you have to understand the weather. At 4,130 meters (13,550 feet), conditions change fast, and getting caught off-guard can ruin your trip—or worse.
Knowing the weather Annapurna Base Camp Nepal throws at you is key to staying safe and enjoying the trek.
Seasonal weather rundown at Annapurna Base Camp Nepal
The Annapurna Base Camp Nepal weather varies a lot through the year. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what to expect each season.
Spring and autumn are the most popular times because the weather is generally stable. Monsoon brings rain and mud, and winter means snow and freezing temps.
Here’s the basic seasonal picture:
- Spring (March to May): Mostly clear, with cool days and cold nights.
- Monsoon (June to August): Heavy rain, slippery trails, and lots of mud.
- Autumn (September to November): Dry air, clear skies, and great mountain views.
- Winter (December to February): Cold, snowy, and quiet on the trails.
You want to pick the season that fits your comfort with weather and crowds.
Spring weather: When flowers bloom and the trek feels fresh
Spring is a favourite for many trekkers. The Annapurna Base Camp temperature during the day usually stays between 10°C and 15°C (50-59°F), perfect for walking. Nights get cold enough to remind you that you’re in the mountains.
Here’s a monthly glance:
- March: Daytime highs near 8°C (46°F), nights can drop to -12°C (10°F).
- April: Days warm up to 12°C (54°F), nights around -4°C (25°F).
- May: Days hit around 14°C (57°F), with freezing nights.
If you like fewer people on the trail and rhododendron blooms everywhere, spring is your best bet. Just bring layers—you’ll need to add or shed them as temperatures shift.
Read more about the best time to hike the Annapurna Circuit for a more in-depth view to optimal trekking times.
Monsoon season: The wet, muddy challenge
Monsoon is a different beast. The weather at Annapurna Base Camp Nepal during these months is wet, and the trails get slippery. Leeches come out in force, too.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Days reach up to 19°C (66°F), with warmer-than-usual nights.
- Trails get muddy and slippery, making trekking harder.
- Leeches can be a problem, so bring anti-leech socks or salt.
- Mountain views are often hidden behind clouds.
- Landslides happen, which can delay or block parts of the trail.
If you don’t mind wet trails and some risk, the monsoon can offer quiet paths and lush scenery. Just be ready for rain and mud.
For more practical advice on staying safe during treacherous conditions, check out our must-know Annapurna safety tips.
Autumn weather: The clearest, most reliable season
Autumn is the top season for most trekkers. The monsoon rains clear out, leaving dry trails and sharp mountain views.
Day and night temperatures during autumn look like this:
- September: Days around 10-14°C (50-57°F), nights near 2°C (35°F).
- October: Days near 12°C (54°F), nights dipping to -4°C (25°F).
- November: Cooler days at 6°C (43°F) and nights around -7°C (19°F).
The skies stay clear, the air feels fresh, and views are at their best. This is why autumn sees the most trekkers.
Book your stays early because the trails fill up fast.
Winter weather: Cold, snowy, and quiet
Winter trekking is tough. The Annapurna Base Camp temperature drops, and snow covers much of the trail. Some teahouses close, and the days are shorter.
Typical winter temps:
- December: Days near 5°C (41°F), nights drop to -8°C (17°F).
- January: The coldest month, with highs around 3°C (37°F) and lows near -12°C (10°F).
- February: Slightly warmer days, but nights still below freezing. You’ll need the extra layers to complete your Annapurna packing list, ensuring you’re as comfortable as you can be during these conditions.
If you’re prepared for cold and snow, winter offers peaceful trails and stunning snowy scenery. Otherwise, it’s better to stick to spring or autumn.
Current weather in Annapurna Base Camp Nepal: Stay on top of the forecast
Weather at Annapurna Base Camp can change fast. Check the current weather in Annapurna Base Camp Nepal before you start and often during your trek.
Some reliable sites for weather forecasts:
- Mountain-Forecast.com for detailed, altitude-specific info.
- Ventusky for easy-to-read visual weather maps.
- Time and Date for a 14-day outlook.
- Weather.com for hourly and longer forecasts.
Remember: the weather in Pokhara is very different from the base camp weather—don’t rely on lowland reports.
Smart weather tips for your Annapurna Base Camp trek
Here’s a quick list of things to remember about the weather:
- Late September to early November is the best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp for steady weather and clear views.
- Spring (March to May) is a close second, great if you want flowers and fewer crowds.
- Avoid the monsoon unless you are ready for rain, mud, and leeches.
- Winter requires serious gear and experience but rewards with quiet, snowy trails.
- Keep checking the weather forecast Annapurna Base Camp Nepal and know the Annapurna Base Camp temperature daily to adjust your plans.
With the right preparation, the weather becomes part of the adventure, not a problem.
Weather forecast for Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal
Here’s a general idea of what to expect seasonally in a forecast-style breakdown:
Month | Avg. Day Temp | Avg. Night Temp | Rain/Snow Risk | Visibility |
January | 3°C (37°F) | -12°C (10°F) | High snow | Excellent |
April | 12°C (54°F) | -4°C (25°F) | Low rain | Excellent |
July | 16°C (61°F) | 7°C (45°F) | Very high rain | Poor |
October | 12°C (54°F) | -4°C (25°F) | Low rain | Excellent |
December | 5°C (41°F) | -8°C (17°F) | Moderate snow | Excellent |
Use forecasts to plan your gear and buffer days into your itinerary.
Preparing for weather at Annapurna Base Camp Nepal
When you’re heading to Annapurna Base Camp Nepal, the weather isn’t just background info—it’s the main factor that shapes your trek. At over 4,100 meters up, conditions can shift fast. You need to know what’s coming so you can pack smart, stay safe, and enjoy the mountain without surprises.
Packing smart for Annapurna Base Camp weather, by season
The weather Annapurna Base Camp Nepal faces is pretty varied depending on the time of year. What you pack can make or break your trip. Here’s the lowdown on what works best for each season.
Spring and autumn
Spring and autumn are hands-down the most popular trekking windows. The weather feels comfortable, though it’s never exactly predictable.
To stay comfortable, you’ll want:
- Moisture-wicking base layers—because sweating into cotton is a rookie mistake
- Warm mid-layers like fleece or wool, which you can shed or add as the day warms or cools
- A light down jacket for those cold mountain mornings and nights
- A waterproof shell jacket—mountains have a mind of their own when it comes to rain and wind
- Hat and gloves, since nights often dip below freezing
Packing these layers means you can adapt quickly as temperatures shift, especially since Annapurna Base Camp temperature swings quite a bit between day and night.
Monsoon season (June to August)
The monsoon isn’t a favourite for most trekkers, and it’s easy to see why. Trails turn muddy, the rain pours, and yes, the leeches come out in full force.
If you’re trekking during this time, don’t leave home without:
- A solid waterproof rain jacket and pants to keep the worst of the wet off you
- A rain cover for your backpack, so your gear doesn’t get soaked
- Trekking poles—essential when every step can be a slippery one
- Anti-leech socks or some salt to keep those pesky critters at bay
The base camp weather during monsoon can be a mixed bag—lush green landscapes on one hand, but slippery trails and limited visibility on the other.
Winter (December to February)
Winter at Annapurna Base Camp Nepal is for serious adventurers who come prepared for snow and biting cold.
Here’s your winter packing list:
- A heavy insulated down jacket to fight off the freeze
- Thermal base layers that trap your body heat efficiently
- Waterproof insulated boots plus gaiters to keep snow out
- Extra batteries—cold weather drains power fast, so bring backups
During winter, the trek is quieter and the views are crisp, but conditions get tough. If you plan for it right, the snowy scenery is unforgettable.
Knowing how to dress for a high-altitude trek in the Himalayas can help you succeed during your Annapurna Base Camp journey. You can find all your trekking necessities at trusted providers like REI, Amazon and Backcountry.
Tips for trekkers: How to adapt to changing conditions
- Start early – Weather is more stable in the morning. Clouds often build up in the afternoon.
- Layer like a pro – Use the “onion system.” Strip layers on climbs, add them when you stop.
- Hydrate and acclimatise – Dehydration worsens altitude sickness.
- Weather apps are your friend – But always carry a physical map and know the trail.
- Plan for delays – Flights in and out of Pokhara can be grounded by weather, especially in monsoon.
Why weather matters when planning your Annapurna Base Camp trek
Weather isn’t just a detail; it’s the whole story when trekking here.
The best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp is spring or autumn. These seasons bring clearer skies, moderate temperatures, and the best chance for epic mountain views.
Monsoon means rain, mud, and more solitude on the trails—if you’re up for a challenge. Winter is cold and snowy, best only if you have the right gear and experience.
Keeping tabs on the current weather in Annapurna Base Camp Nepal will help you adjust plans and make the most of your trek. Weather shapes every step you take, so don’t underestimate its power.
Learn more about Annapurna Circuit vs Everest Base Camp that will help compare different trekking routes and their respective weather patterns. You can also dive into what makes Annapurna so special, though it’s important to note that the list could be endless.
