Best Time For Annapurna Circuit Trek

Is there really a ‘best time’ to trek the Annapurna Circuit, or does it depend on you? Actually, there is no single “best” time for the trek to the Annapurna Circuit; instead, there is the best time for you. So choosing the best time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek isn’t just about picking a season but about deciding what kind of experience you want to walk through. 

The Annapurna Circuit is a 220 km long trek that feels different in every season, and it is very important to choose when you want to experience the region’s beauty. If your priority is clear skies and the highest chances of successfully crossing Thorong La Pass, autumn (October-November) is the best time for your Annapurna adventure. If you want to experience blooming forests with different colors yet favourable weather conditions, spring is the best time for the trek to the Annapurna Circuit. 

Winter and monsoon are completely different from other seasons, not seasons you must avoid, but ones you should be careful and prepared for. Winter brings heavy snowfall, and pass success rates can drop below 50%. Meanwhile, summer/monsoon brings fewer crowds and stunning landscapes, but replaces clear views with rain and mud.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in Autumn (September-November)

Wherever you search, you’ll find that autumn is one of the peak and best times for trekking to the Annapurna Circuit. The season begins in September and ends in November, and the duration comes with a perfect balance of crystal-clear skies, stable weather, and stunning mountain views. Beyond the superb weather, autumn in Nepal coincides with major cultural festivals, including Dashain and Tihar, that let you experience Nepali festivals. 

In addition, autumn follows the monsoon season, leaving the air clean, the entire Annapurna Conservation Area freshly washed, and showcasing the Annapurna ranges in their clearest form. 

Annapurna Circuit September

By mid to late September, the skies become clearer, with the stunning mountain views that the Annapurna Circuit is known for. The air starts to feel fresher, and visibility becomes more stunning in the region. Thanks to the recent monsoon rains, the entire region looks incredibly stunning with freshness all over. Besides, the trek routes to the Annapurna Circuit are much quieter compared to October and November. 

Worth Knowing:

• Pack a good set of gaiters and leech socks for the lower trail sections.
• Early September still experiences occasional rainfall, especially in lower regions, with muddy, slippery conditions, and is affected by leeches in forested areas.
• Fewer trekkers on the trail that offers a quieter and more relaxed experience.
• Teahouses are available with less crowd compared to peak months.
• Waterfalls and rivers are at their fullest, adding to the beauty of the scenery. 
• Check the weather forecast around the pass as late monsoon can bring sudden rains even at high altitudes.

Annapurna Circuit in October

• Approximate Trekkers Number (Based on ACAP recorded in 2025): 37,076
• Thorong La Pass Success Rate: 90-95%
• Trail Crowd Level: Very High

October is the second month of autumn, and it is the peak time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The month comes with clear skies and uninterrupted views of mountain peaks, especially in the mornings and evenings. The temperature during the month is also favourable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 12-15°C and nighttime temperatures ranging from -2°C to -5°C in the mid region, such as Manang (3,540 m). At Thorong La, the temperature ranges between -8°C to -12°C at 4 AM. 

Worth Knowing:

• It is a peak season, so book teahouses in Manang and Thorong High Camp at least two weeks in advance to secure a room.  Many trekkers sleep in dining halls from October 15-20 because every room is booked.
• Lodge’s price exceeded 20-30% if you book at the last moment, so book early.  
• Festive atmosphere due to major Nepali celebrations like Dashain and Tihar.
• Post-monsoon freshness keeps landscapes dense, especially in lower regions. 

Annapurna Circuit in November 

• Approximate Trekkers Number (Based on ACAP recorded in 2025): 27,071
• Thorong La Pass Success Rate: High
• Trail Crowd Level: 85-90%

As October ends and November begins, the landscape changes with the golden color of autumn. Compared to September and October, the trails feel less crowded in November, with a peaceful experience. During the month, you’ll notice the temperatures starting to drop, especially in the morning and evening. For trekkers who prefer a calmer environment without compromising on views, this month is perfect for the Annapurna Circuit adventure. 

Even in the month, the Thorong La crossing is still very achievable, but you have to cross at temperatures between -15°C and -20°C in a chill wind. By the end of the month, some tea houses at the highest elevations start to close up for the season, so it’s recommended to confirm they’re open as you make your way up. 

Worth Knowing:

• Colder mornings and evenings, especially at higher altitudes.
• Transition in landscapes from green to golden autumn tones.
• Plan to cross Thorong La Pass before mid-November. After that, the risk of snowfall blocking the pass increases.
• Clear skies and mountain views. 

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Annapurna Circuit Trek in Spring (March-May)

Spring is the most beautiful time to trek the Annapurna Circuit, with a mix of stable weather, blooming landscapes, and warm temperatures. Similarly, the season is the best time for the Annapurna Circuit because it great balance between comfort and scenery. From colorful forests in the lower regions to varied alpine landscapes higher up, spring adds a unique charm to every stage of the Annapurna Circuit journey. In addition, spanning March to May, spring is the season of renewal after the harsh winter. 

Annapurna Circuit in March 

• Approximate Trekkers Number (Based on ACAP recorded in 2025): 36,834
• Thorong La Pass Success Rate: 75-85%
• Trail Crowd Level: Moderate-High

March marks the beginning of spring, when the weather starts to warm up after winter. As the journey begins from a lower elevation of Annapurna, the first sign of spring starts to appear. Rhododendron in the lower forests, with fresh and crisp air, adds excitement from the beginning of the trek. However, higher areas such as Thorong La Pass still retain traces of snow. 

Worth Knowing:

• Fewer trekkers make it a perfect and peaceful experience for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. 
• Teahouses are fully operational after winter reopening. 
• While generally stable, the month still experiences sudden, late-winter snowstorms at high altitudes. 
• Wildlife is active in March, and various bird species are frequently spotted along the lower forested sections. 

Annapurna Circuit in April

• Approximate Trekkers Number (Based on ACAP recorded in 2025): 44,763
• Thorong La Pass Success Rate: 90-95%
• Trail Crowd Level: Very High

April is the peak time for the Annapurna Circuit Journey. Stable weather, clear skies, and longer trekking days make the month the best for Annapurna trekking. This month is a great month when the rhododendron fully blooms and forests, especially those around lower elevations between Chamje and Manang, turn into a flourish of color. Due to good trekking conditions and longer days, this month attracts more trekkers than other autumn months. Furthermore, Thorong La Pass is well within reach in April. 

Worth Knowing:

• The month attracts the highest number of trekkers, so booking teahouses in Manang and Thorong High Camp at least 2-3 weeks in advance is recommended.
• The Annapurna Conservation Area is home to over 100 species of rhododendron, and April is the only month you’ll see many of them in full bloom simultaneously. 
• April afternoons can bring short, sharp thunderstorms at lower elevations.
• This is a great time to witness local culture, as April sometimes coincides with festivals like Mani Rimdu in the region. 

Annapurna Circuit in May

• Approximate Trekkers Number (Based on ACAP recorded in 2025): 34,716
• Thorong La Pass Success Rate: 80-90%
• Trail Crowd Level: Moderate 

May is the final month of the spring season with increasingly warmer temperatures. The weather remains mostly stable, but mountain visibility may be affected by increasing haze. One of the best things about May trekking on the Annapurna Circuit is that the days are at their longest, with up to 14 hours of daylight, which lets you enjoy a more leisurely pace. Another significant advantage of trekking in May is the noticeable drop in crowd sizes compared to April. 

Worth Knowing:

• Late May (16th-31st) carries a growing risk of pre-monsoon rain and trail disruption.
• Leeches begin appearing on lower trail sections by mid-to-late May.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in Winter (December-February)

Annapurna Circuit in Winter showcases completely different side of the region. From December to February, the Annapurna Circuit feels quiet and raw, transforming into a snow-covered landscape. Unlike the busy autumn and spring seasons, winter trekking is all about peace and quiet, with far fewer crowds. 

That said, winter trekking on the Annapurna Circuit requires greater preparation. At higher elevations, temperatures drop to -10°C to -20°C at night, and at Thorong La Pass they range from -20°C to -30°C. Snowfall is common above 3,000 meters, which makes the trek route icy and slippery. 

Thorong La Pass is a significant challenge on the Annapurna Circuit in winter. It does not officially close, but heavy snowfall can make it impassable for days or even weeks. Logistically, teahouses at higher altitudes, such as in Yak Kharka, Ledar, and Thorong Phedi, close for the season as their owners move down to warmer villages. For these reasons, attempting the Annapurna Circuit is not recommended for trekkers during winter. 

Worth Knowing:

• Acclimatization schedules should be extended in winter.
• The Tilicho Lake side trip is inaccessible in winter due to avalanche risk.
• If trekking in winter, carry a four-season sleeping bag rated to at least -15°C.
• Winter is the least crowded time of year in the Annapurna region, with almost empty trails.
• The success rate for crossing Thorong La in the winter months is low and highly weather-dependent. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek in Monsoon/ Summer (June-September)

Monsoon/summer on the Annapurna Circuit is the period from June to August, when the region receives heavy rainfall. The period is also known as the transformative period, during which the landscape is transformed into a fully green paradise. However, this beauty comes with challenges. The heavy rainfall, especially in the lower and mid-hill sections, can make trails muddy and slippery and increase the risk of flooding. 

But above 3,500 metres, the story begins to change. The upper Manang valley and the arid rain-shadow regions beyond Thorong La lie in a region where the monsoon doesn’t affect. On the practical side, the monsoon is the cheapest time to trek to the Annapurna Circuit. Tea houses offer discounted rates to attract trekkers and guides, and porters are more readily available, with prices negotiable. 

Worth Knowing:

• Leeches are common during monsoon time, especially at elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 meters, so consider carrying leech-proof socks.
• Trekking poles are more essential in the monsoon than in any other season due to slippery, wet stones. 
• River crossing becomes dangerous due to the heavy flow of water. 
• Waterproof dry bags inside your main pack are more reliable than a rain cover.
• The Annapurna Conservation Area issues regular trail closure notices during the monsoon, so check the official site before starting the trek. 

Annapurna Circuit Season Comparison Table

Annapurna Circuit Weather by Month

Thorong La Pass Snow Risk by Time Frame

• October 1-20: Snow is rarely an issue during this period. The pass is mostly dry, with only light dustings that don’t affect trekking conditions.
• October 21-31: Occasional overnight snowfall, typically under 5 cm. Even so, crossings usually continue without disruption.
• November 1-15: The chances of snowfall begin to rise, but trails are passable. 
• November 16-30: Snow becomes more unpredictable and heavier. Falls of 15 cm or more are possible, and short-term closures of Thorong La Pass for 2-5 days are common. 
• December-February: Heavy snowfall is frequent, and passes remain closed for several days or even weeks.
• March 1-15: Passable but remaining snow makes it hard, so crampons are recommended. 
• March 16-April 30: Snow begins to melt. By April, the pass is usually open and more reliable. 
• May-September: Free of snow, but visibility can be affected by clouds

Conclusion

Without a doubt, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best time that comes with the most favourable conditions and fit every kind of trekker for Annapurna Circuit. Still, as already mentioned, the “best” season for the Annapurna Circuit isn’t universal, but it’s personal. Instead of going directly to peak seasons, be clear about choosing a season that matches your pace, expectations, and tolerance for the unexpected. In the end, the best time is the one that aligns with the weather, but with the story you want your trek to tell.