The Annapurna Circuit Year

When to walk the Annapurna Circuit Trek

April, October and November are prime season. March, May and September are good with caveats. February and December are shoulder season. January, June, July and August are the tough months. Every month below opens a full report: temperatures at real waypoints, trail and summit conditions, crowd levels, flights and what we advise.

1. JanuaryTough seasonThe pass is the problem, and in January it often wins3-8°Cday, Manang-15 to -20°Cnight, Thorong LaQuietcrowds
2. FebruaryShoulder seasonStill a winter pass, but the crossing odds improve every week5-10°Cday, Manang-13 to -18°Cnight, Thorong LaQuietcrowds
3. MarchGood conditionsThe pass opens up properly and the lower valleys turn red9-14°Cday, Manang-9 to -14°Cnight, Thorong LaModeratecrowds
4. AprilPrime seasonThe best month for the pass, with flowers at both ends of the route12-17°Cday, Manang-5 to -9°Cnight, Thorong LaBusycrowds
5. MayGood conditionsWarm and quiet, with haze in the valleys and the pass at its easiest15-20°Cday, Manang-1 to -5°Cnight, Thorong LaModeratecrowds
6. JuneTough seasonMonsoon soaks the approach while the far side stays dry17-21°Cday, Manang2 to -2°Cnight, Thorong LaQuietcrowds
7. JulyTough seasonPeak monsoon on the approach, and the road is what decides your trek18-22°Cday, Manang4 to 0°Cnight, Thorong LaQuietcrowds
8. AugustTough seasonMonsoon holds on the approach, easing into a strong final week18-22°Cday, Manang4 to 0°Cnight, Thorong LaQuietcrowds
9. SeptemberGood conditionsThe monsoon withdraws, the road reopens, and the circuit turns excellent16-20°Cday, Manang2 to -2°Cnight, Thorong LaModeratecrowds
10. OctoberPrime seasonThe clearest month of the year, and the busiest night at Thorong Phedi12-17°Cday, Manang-4 to -8°Cnight, Thorong LaPeakcrowds
11. NovemberPrime seasonOctober clarity with fewer people, until the cold arrives late in the month8-13°Cday, Manang-9 to -14°Cnight, Thorong LaBusycrowds
12. DecemberShoulder seasonClear and empty below, with the pass closing down as the month goes on4-9°Cday, Manang-13 to -18°Cnight, Thorong LaLightcrowds