Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather
Before planning any trek in Nepal, you should always understand and study the risk factors. The local weather and climate being the key factors. Depending upon the region and the season, weather and temperature in Nepal vary drastically. And as you go higher, it gets unpredictable. So it’s best to be prepared accordingly before you make your decision.
Thousands of tourists visit Nepal to trek to the mountains every year. There are a lot of trekking destinations in Nepal and it has grown popular over the past decades. Amongst many famous trekking routes, Annapurna Base Camp Trek has become every trekker’s dream vacation when it comes to trekking in Nepal. It is an easier trail compared to the Everest Base Camp.
There are a lot of trekking trails to reach the Annapurna Base Camp. Within the days you trek, you will be able to view the amazing range of Himalayan vista, including Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Gangapurna (7,454 m), Singu Chuli (6,501 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Baraha Shikhar (7,647 m), Nilgiri South (6,839 m), Tukuche (6,920 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Manaslu (8,163 m) and other surrounding mountain peaks.
Along with the majestic view of the gigantic mountains, you will also get the chance to explore the culture, tradition, lifestyle and Tibetan style and other local style settlement along the trekking trail.
Weather in the higher altitudes in the Himalayas change drastically. It is best to be prepared, mentally and physically. You can research or contact us for the details and updated information.
Nepal has 6 seasons, each lasting 2 months. Monsoon (Rainy) and Pre-winter add into the list of the 4 popular seasons worldwide. Spring (Basanta Ritu), Summer (Grishma Ritu), Monsoon or Rainy (Barsha Ritu), Autumn or Fall (Sharad Ritu), Pre-winter (Hemanta Ritu) and finally Winter (Shishir Ritu). However, only the four popular seasons will be categorized below.
Interesting facts on Annapurna Base Camp
- Breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of whole Annapurna region and Dhaulagiri region, including Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Gangapurna (7,454 m), Singu Chuli (6,501 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m)
- Amazing near 360-view of the magnificent Himalayan range from Poon Hill, including view of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Baraha Shikhar (7,647 m), Nilgiri South (6,839 m), Tukuche (6,920 m), and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and other surrounding mountain peaks
- Beautiful flora and fauna throughout the Annapurna Base Camp region
- Exploring the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the local ethnic people like Gurung, Magar, and other tribes
- Passing through the beautiful lush forest of rhododendron, alpine, bamboo, and other trees
- Relaxing in the city of seven lakes, Pokhara
Annapurna Base Camp Weather and Seasons
Autumn season is considered as the best season for trekking in Nepal but even in such season, the weather could be unpredictable at the higher altitudes. With proper research and gear, it is quite an adventure. But, every season has its own beauty and uniqueness.
Spring at Annapurna Base Camp
The second best season after Autumn season in Nepal is Spring time. The weather is ideal for trekking in Spring as the weather is warmer and the forest blossoms with flowers and you can see green trees everywhere.
Springtime starts from the month of March and ends in May. The trekking trail will probably be crowded with a lot of trekkers at this time of the year. Why wouldn’t it be? It is the best time to enjoy the beautiful mountain peaks.
If you go trekking on your own, you will have a problem getting rooms and meals on time. You will have to prebook everything in order to have a pleasant trekking experience.
Another amazing thing about spring season is the forest, they come alive.The rhododendron forest is in full bloom. The aroma of different flowers along the trekking trail will keep you enchanted. With warmer days all the exotic wildlife also come out in search of food. You might have the chance to get a glimpse of the wildlife in Spring.
The skies are clear and the mountains are seen throughout your trekking journey. The average temperature would go anywhere from 17 degrees. Since the winter has passed away, the mornings and nights are no longer below freezing point. At daytime, the temperature may rise up to 20 degrees. The temperature is just perfect for trekking in Spring.
Summer at Annapurna Base Camp
The time from June to August is Summertime in Nepal. The summer season is different in Nepal as it rains a lot and also called monsoon season or rainy season. Pokhara, the starting point to Annapurna Base Camp, witnesses the most rainfall in the country.
Some trekkers often call this season as “off-season” due to the rain and landslides in the lower region and some possible avalanches in the higher mountain areas. It’s just a dramatic way of saying as “off-season” as trekking in Nepal is possible in any season. You just have to be prepared and plan your trek according to the season you are trekking.
The hilly regions are moist and wet at this time of the year so the trekking routes are likely to get muddy and slippery. The skies aren’t clear most of the time and it almost rains every evening and night. The morning has a different story and it might give you glimpses of clear snow-capped mountains on the horizon.
The trekking trail isn’t crowded at this time of the year. So it is a plus point for you as you will get to choose the best place to stay and won’t have to queue for your meals. Since it rains a lot, there is less pollution and dust and you will get the best view of the green landscape.
The weather is quite harsh as it is sunny at daytime and can rain anytime. The average temperature will go up ranging from 18 to 25 degrees. The mornings and evenings are still chilly due to the occasional downpour. You have to be prepared and get an experienced guide and leader to trek this season as the trail are pretty slippery. Be sure to ask your leader for proper direction and management of the trekking gears beforehand.
Autumn at Annapurna Base Camp
The Autumn season is the best season to trek anywhere in Nepal. It is the time to visit Nepal and explore the mountains at its best state. Starting from September till November is the Autumn season in Nepal.
The hills and mountains of the Annapurna region will remain fresh and clear after the monsoon shower. The forest is still alive and the mountains look spectacular.
Both the sunrise and sunset are beautiful with clear skies and the magnificent view of Himalayan ranges. The endpoint of Autumn season has few cold days and nights as the winter will be arriving soon. So you will need to get a lot of layer clothing.
The weather is warm in the daytime and quite chilly in mornings and evenings. The average temperature ranges from 15 to 17 degrees. There is no rainfall or snowfall at this time of the year. Though the weather may change up in the mountains as the weather is quite unpredictable up there. So the temperature might drop below freezing point up in the higher altitudes.
The best time to trek in Nepal is in autumn season and the best month is in October. Be sure to plan and book your trek early as the regular season gets filled up pretty fast. Don’t get left out.
Winter at Annapurna Base Camp
The month from December till February is considered as winter in Nepal. The weather remains the coldest than any other season with the temperature reaching freezing point.
The winter brings the freezing mornings and nights but the days are quite bright. Mornings are foggy and it might rain in the lower region and there is snowfall at the Himalayas. The whole area is covered with thick layer of snow. The high passes such as Thorong La in the Annapurna region are closed from December till March due to safety reasons.
Since there aren’t a lot of trekkers, you will have plenty of time choosing the best accommodation possible. The upper altitude areas remain closed and only few tea houses will remain open though. The trekking trail is not as crowded as in the regular season.
Compared to summer, the skies are quite clearer. Most of the time, the skies are full of clouds with obscure views. The trekking trail in the lower region is quite dry and aren’t slippery as in the summer season. At higher altitude, the trekking route is covered with thick layers of snow. You will need crampons with your shoes to continue to the upper region at Annapurna Base Camp.
The daytime temperatures in winter range between 9 to 12 degrees while mornings and evenings will drop sub-zero temperatures. The temperature in the morning and nights may reach below zero to -15 to -20 degrees.
Be sure to bring extra clothing that can help you bear the cold and do wear thick layered clothing. Trekking in winter is equally challenging and adventurous.
Some Extra Tips to Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- The best season for Annapurna Base Camp Trek would be Autumn season, from September till November. October is the best month to trek. The second best is Spring season, from March till May. This is the ideal time to trek in Annapurna Base Camp. So if you are a beginner or trying to trek for the first time, these are the times you’d have to select to trek.
- Weather up in the mountains, high altitude area, changes drastically. Best be prepared and take necessary gears and equipment for your trek, even if you are going on a perfect best season.
- If you are going on a trek in off seasons like Monsoon (Rainy) season or Winter season, do consult us or the trekking leaders. All you need to do is prepare accordingly.
- The regular seasons sees a lot of traffic on the trekking trail and queues at the time of your meals. You have to start your trek early in the morning and reach your destination as early as possible for the day to get the best rooms.
- The hardest part of this trekking is facing the cold temperature in the early mornings and nighttime. So take good quality warm clothes and take other gears and equipment necessary for this trek. Do not worry about the heavy loads as you can choose to take a porter to carry your loads.
- Do not rush your trekking pace. Move on at your own pace, slow and steady is the pace you’d want to be on. Most importantly, hydrate yourself properly. Take some extra snacks with you such as energy bars, chocolates and other foods which will help you get that instant energy. If you take care of these things, you will not suffer any kind of Altitude Sickness and will make your journey easier.
Final Say,
When you get the call from the mountains, what do you do? Well, you answer it. Despite the season, when you can manage the time to trek, you should surely go for it.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular trekking trails in Nepal and people have been trekking here in all four different seasons. All seasons have distinct features and adventures to experience. You have to decide what you want and then trek accordingly in the season that you want.
Annapurna region is also known for getting less rainfall at the higher altitude so it remains drier than other trekking routes in Nepal such as Everest region.
Prepare and pack wisely, do not carry much and don’t miss out on the important parts.
The final say would be to always prepared for the worst as the weather is really unpredictable up in the higher altitudes. So even in the best seasons, you might face certain challenges up in the mountains. Research more about the weather when you think about booking your trek and prepare, train and get ready for the memorable journey closest to the Himalayas.
Annapurna Base Camp trek will surely give you the best time of your life which you will preserve for the rest of your life. Do not forget to book the trekking package early in the regular season. If you have any other queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
