Best time to trek Annapurna Base Camp

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is one of the most sought-after treks in the Himalayas of Nepal that draws tens of hundreds of trekkers every year. Annapurna Base Camp trek offers breathtaking views of the majestic mountains including Annapurna, and an unforgettable trekking experience.

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. Autumn and spring are considered the best time of the year for trekking to the base camp of Annapurna. During this time, the weather is dry and stable, with clear skies with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C during the day.

The autumn season is the busiest season for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. Similarly, the spring season also welcomes huge crowds of trekkers from around the world. The winter season, from December to February, is also considered a good time to trek. However, one must be prepared for cold weather and potential snowfall. The best part of trekking in winter is that the trail remains less crowded providing a more peaceful and quieter trekking experience.

The monsoon season, from June to August, is not recommended for trekking for many reasons. The trails are muddy, slippery, and prone to landslides. It is uncomfortable to walk in the rainy season and the skies are shrouded with clouds. The weather is unpredictable and therefore it is off-season for trekking to the base camp.

In conclusion, spring and autumn are the best seasons to trek to ABC. However, you can choose to trek in winter season given that you are fully prepared. If you must trek, choose to trek in spring or autumn for rewarding trekking experience.

If you don’t mind cold weather the winter season is a good time to avoid crowded trails and enjoy stunning mountain views. It is best to avoid a monsoon trek when mountain views get obstructed and slippery trails are filled with leeches. However, an intrepid trekker might be interested in a trek in the summer.

Every season has its pros and cons. The best time to trek Annapurna Base Camp might differ from one person to another. Learn about different things offered by each season and decide the best time for yourself accordingly as per your trekking style and preference.

Spring (March To May)

After cold and dull winter months come the colorful spring season ( March, April and May) which is also one of the best times to trek Annapurna Base Camp. Spring starts in March and ends in May in Nepal. The weather is wonderful in springtime neither too hot nor too cold for trekking. The average daytime temperature during spring varies from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius or 61 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The mercury might drop up to 2 or 3 degrees Celsius or 27- or 28-degrees Fahrenheit during the night.

The sky is clear and you will get to enjoy uninterrupted views of gorgeous Himalayan ranges during spring. There lies the possibility of rainfall in spring but it doesn’t last long. It will be wise to pack a light raincoat for a spring trek to Base Camp of Annapurna . Also, the haze might cover mountain views. Well, it is the time of rhododendron blooms and trails will be covered in colorful flowers. The trail looks the best with red, yellow, pink, white rhododendron flowers and other wildflowers.

Since it is the best time to go to Annapurna Base Camp Trek crowd will be unavoidable. You will meet people from around the world and all walks of life as well. If you like interacting with people then you will enjoy the trek. But if you are searching to experience solitude while trekking then it might be a bit difficult.

Autumn (Mid-September To November)

The Autumn season (September October and November) is one the best time to trek Annapurna Base Camp. The sky will be crisp and visibility is high during autumn. The weather is dry and the chances of rainfall are the least. Enjoy the unobstructed views of breathtaking 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.

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 trail 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.

Do you know the best part of a winter trek?

Well, 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.

Summer Cum Monsoon (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 intrepid trekkers. You need to have the proper gear for a monsoon trek including a hardshell rain jacket. As you trek to a higher altitude, your hardshell rain jacket will provide warmth when the temperature drops. 

Since many trekkers avoid monsoon trek you will get to enjoy a trek in solitude or get to keep trails to yourself.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a high-altitude trek and you are highly recommended to trek with an experienced trekking company like Third Rock Adventures. An experienced guide along with a team of experts makes all the difference. A knowledgeable guide along with first aid training will be an asset for a wilderness trek. Feel free to send us your queries and interact with our team of travel experts.