When is the Best Time to trek the Annapurna Circuit?

When is the right time to go Annapurna Circuit in 2026?

There's a version of this article you've already read ten times. Spring and autumn are great. Monsoon is wet. Winter is cold. Come in October.

And honestly, that version isn't wrong. It's just incomplete. Because the Annapurna Circuit in 2026 is not the same route it was in 2015: the seasons have shifted. The crowds have more than doubled. September is no longer what it used to be. And the advice most trekking blogs are still publishing was written for a climate and a trail that's quietly been changing underfoot.

At Index Adventure, we're a local Nepal trekking agency. Our guides have crossed Thorong La Pass in April snowstorms, October blizzards, and February silence. We've watched the monsoon run three weeks longer than it should. We've seen teahouses full in November that used to close by mid-October. This guide is built on that ground-level experience, and backed by a decade of official ACAP visitor data and Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology climate records, because opinion without evidence isn't advice.

By the end of this, you'll know exactly which month fits your goals, fitness level, and risk tolerance. Not a vague "it depends." A real answer. This Annapurna Circuit best season guide will provide you with the back history of 10 years, climatic data, seasons breakdown, monthly visitors in past, the highest points and how to safely trek to Circuit.

Let's discuss when is the best time to go for Annapurna Circuit and what has changed in the weather and climatic zone of Annapurna for the past few years.

How the Annapurna Circuit Has Changed in 10 Years

The Annapurna Circuit attracted roughly 120,000 foreign trekkers in 2015. In 2024, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) recorded 244,045, a 27% jump over 2023 alone. When comparing April vs October for Annapurna trekking, by October 2025, that number had already reached 246,575 with two months of the year still remaining.

That growth isn't just a statistic. It changes how the trail feels, how quickly teahouses fill, and critically: when you should actually go.

Source: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Nepal Tourism Board

So when you're picking a season to trek in Annapurna, you're not only choosing weather. You're choosing how much of this experience you want to share, and whether your teahouse booking is going to hold.

The Climate Data: What the Numbers Actually Say

The circuit runs from around 800 meters at Besisahar to 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass. That elevation range means you're moving through multiple climate zones in a single day. Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology tracks conditions at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), the closest official station to the high-altitude sections.

Here's what 2012–2021 data shows:

Source: Nepal Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, 2012–2021 averages

Based on official Himalayan visibility charts by month, November has 0.7mm of precipitation. July has 476mm, more than most European cities see in an entire year. That gap between those two months explains more about season selection than any blog post could.

At altitude, specifically around Thorong La, temperatures shift dramatically:

That bottom row, nights between -10°C and -20°C, applies from roughly December through March. Even in April and October, temperatures at Thorong La drop below zero after dark. Layering isn't a suggestion at this altitude: it's non-negotiable.

How the Seasons Have Shifted in Annapurna:

This is the section that changes your planning. The traditional seasonal calendar, spring March to May, autumn September to November, still broadly holds. But the edges of those windows have moved, and if you're planning from outdated advice, you'll feel it on the trail.

The Himalayas are warming at 0.3°C–0.7°C per decade, significantly faster than the global average of 0.2°C per decade, according to climate researchers. That number is reshaping the trekking calendar in ways that are now measurable, not theoretical.

What has changed since 2015:

• Mid-September Annapurna trekking trail conditions are no longer reliable autumn. In 2024, the monsoon extended through the end of September. Trails in the lower Marsyangdi valley were muddy and unstable well into what used to be the start of peak season. The reliable post-monsoon window has effectively shifted from September–November to October–November. If you're booking September, build contingency days in. If you're not, book October instead.
• December and January are more accessible than before. Snowfall that used to arrive in December now typically peaks in February and March. The lower circuit sections, Besisahar through Chame, are walkable in early winter in a way they weren't a decade ago. January 2025 saw 9,359 foreign trekkers. That's quiet by any standard.
• Spring forest fires have increased. Nepal recorded over 5,130 fires in one recent spring season. Drier conditions in April–May have created haze on lower trails that didn't exist at this scale five years ago. If rhododendron blooms are your priority, late March to mid-April is your window, before the haze builds.
• Nepal monsoon season trekking impact is more intense. It's not simply wetter for longer: the rainfall within shorter windows is more violent. Landslides and trail washouts are documented risks that are increasing, not stabilizing.
• Rhododendron blooms now peak earlier. What was traditionally an April bloom in mid-elevation forests is now appearing in late February to March in warmer years. Trekkers targeting the bloom should adjust accordingly.

The October 2014 blizzard, which killed 43 trekkers on and around Thorong La during what was considered optimal season, was caused by a dying cyclone from the Indian coast. That kind of event is becoming more likely as weather systems become less predictable. Even peak season no longer guarantees predictable conditions.

Season-by-Season Breakdown With Real Trade-offs

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Autumn: September to November

October and November are the peak of autumn, and they still deserve that reputation. Precipitation drops to 49mm in October and virtually disappears in November (0.7mm). The air is washed clean after the monsoon. Visibility across the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu is exceptional. October also coincides with Nepal's biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, so the villages along the trail are genuinely alive, not just backdrop.

The trade-off is crowds. October rivals April as the busiest month. Teahouses in Manang and around Thorong Phedi fill fast. Tea house availability peak season is limited, so book accommodation in advance, especially if you're planning the Tilicho Lake side trip, which adds pressure on an already busy corridor.

September is the variable. In 2024, it was effectively an extension of monsoon. In some years it clears early. The honest local advice: don't start your trek before September 25th, and even then, have flexible dates.

What most guides won't tell you: The wind on Thorong La changes character between October and November. Early October mornings are generally calm. By late November, pre-winter westerlies can make the exposed ridge sections genuinely brutal. Start by 4:30 AM. Don't linger above the pass.

Best for: First-time Himalayan trekkers. Photographers. Anyone who wants the clearest possible mountain views. October is the single safest month to book if you're uncertain.

Spring: March to May

Spring is arguably more beautiful than autumn, just busier in different ways. The lower and mid-elevation forests between Besisahar and Chame come alive with rhododendrons in red, pink, and white. Magnolias bloom in the valleys around Bagarchhap. Temperatures are warming but haven't yet tipped into pre-monsoon humidity.

Late March through April is the sweet spot. April 2025 set the single-month record for Annapurna arrivals, 44,763 trekkers. It's genuinely spectacular and genuinely crowded. Book everything weeks in advance during this window.

March is underrated. Quieter than April, still excellent conditions, with the bonus that Thorong La is generally passable from mid-March onward in most years. Some snow remains on upper sections, which adds atmosphere without serious risk for properly equipped trekkers.

May introduces pre-monsoon showers and heat at lower elevations. Combined with the forest fire haze now common in May, it's a step down from April in most years. Not unworkable: just go in knowing the conditions.

What most guides won't tell you: The wind speeds on Annapurna trail in February and spring run stronger in the afternoons than in autumn. Experienced trekkers summit by 8:00 AM specifically because cross-winds pick up sharply between 9:00 and 11:00 AM at the exposed ridge sections. This isn't a preference: it's a pattern our guides have tracked across dozens of crossings.

Best for: Scenery and flora. Moderate crowds compared to October. Trekkers who prefer warmth and color over autumn clarity.

Monsoon: June to August

The southern sections of the circuit, below the pass, through the lower Marsyangdi valley, take a serious beating during monsoon. When evaluating Annapurna Circuit weather vs Everest Base Camp weather, July alone delivers 476mm of rain at Annapurna Base Camp elevation. Bridges wash out. Trails become muddy and unstable. Landslides are a documented and increasing risk and challenges during Annapurna Circuit trek.

But, and this matters, the northern sections operate under entirely different conditions. The rain-shadow zones of Manang, Mustang, and Jomsom sit behind the Himalayan wall and receive less than 10% of the rainfall the southern circuit sees. Pokhara gets 800mm per month during monsoon. Jomsom and Marpha get around 50mm. That's a fundamental difference in the trekking experience.

Monsoon pricing is real: teahouse rates drop 15–30%. You'll have trails largely to yourself. The vegetation at lower elevations is intensely green and alive. For experienced trekkers willing to design a route that stays north of the pass and carries flexible dates, monsoon is viable, and genuinely atmospheric.

What most guides won't tell you: Leeches are a significant issue on lower trail sections in June and July. From Nayapul to Ghandruk and the lower Marsyangdi valley, long trousers and proper footwear aren't optional. Salt is more useful than insect repellent in this case.

Best for: Budget trekkers. Experienced Himalayan trekkers comfortable with uncertainty. Anyone specifically interested in the rain-shadow north circuit.

Winter: December to February

Winter used to mean closed passes and extreme cold from December onward. That's shifted. Snowfall that used to arrive in December now typically peaks in February and March. December and early January are more accessible on lower sections than they were a decade ago.

Thorong La in January remains serious. Temperatures at the pass hit -10°C to -20°C at night. Some years it closes. But below the pass, through Besisahar, Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang, the trail is quiet in a way that's genuinely rare on a route this popular. January 2025 saw 9,359 foreign trekkers. Compare that to 44,763 in April.

The Pokhara–Jomsom flight suspends entirely from December through February due to crosswinds and snow. Overland travel via the Beni–Jomsom road is possible but can be disrupted. Plan accordingly.

Best for: Experienced trekkers prioritizing solitude. Lower-section circuit only for most travelers. A genuinely different Himalayan experience for those properly equipped.

Monthly Visitor Data: When Everyone Else Is Going

Built from ACAP permit data (Jan–Oct 2025), normalized so April = 100:

Source: ACAP 2025 permit data

If you want a best month to avoid crowds on Annapurna Circuit within a safe window, early March and late November are the sweet spots: inside the good-weather seasons but before and after the crowd peaks.

Thorong La Pass: When to go for Annapurna Thorong La Pass

Every other planning decision flows from this one point. Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters is the highest point on the circuit, and the most consequential.

In normal years, the pass is snow-free from approximately mid-April through mid-November. Outside that window, crampons and ice axes are necessary above 4,000 meters, and the pass can close with very little warning. We closely monitor early March snow levels Thorong La to ensure safe crossings. In late October 2025, heavy snowfall forced local authorities in Myagdi and Mustang to halt treks due to avalanche risk, during what is typically considered safe season.

The crossing is a long day. Start from Thorong Phedi or High Camp (4,925m) no later than 4:30 AM, ideally by 4:00 AM. Wind patterns are generally stable in early morning in autumn. Spring brings stronger afternoon cross-winds on the exposed ridge sections. Our guides cross this pass dozens of times a year. The summit instruction is always the same: if weather deteriorates above High Camp, descend. No view, no timing, no itinerary pressure is worth being caught above 5,000 meters in a deteriorating storm.

Accommodation, Costs, and What to Expect by Season

Around 200 teahouses operate on the circuit. Availability and cost shift significantly by altitude and season.

Daily budget for food and accommodation: $20–$45 per person per day. Above 3,000 meters, costs rise 20–40%: everything is carried up by porter or pack animal, and the price reflects that.

Off-season discounts are real. Winter and monsoon months see rates drop 15–30%. Finding the cheapest month for Annapurna Circuit flights and lodging during a two-week winter trek can save $100–$180. The catch: many teahouses above Manang close outside spring and autumn. Don't assume availability; verify with your operator before finalizing an off-season itinerary.

Carry cash. There are no ATMs above Besisahar or Chame. Withdraw in Pokhara before the trek starts. A 14-day guided Annapurna Circuit trek with Index Adventure runs $700–$1,500 depending on group size, season, and services, significantly below international agency pricing for the same route.

Current Nepal Tourism Board Annapurna permit dates and fees (2026): ACAP permit: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 22) for international trekkers. As of 2026, TIMS card enforcement has been relaxed on the standard circuit. Verify current requirements with a registered Nepali trekking agency before departure, as regulations update regularly.

Safety:

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the leading cause of trekking deaths in the Annapurna region, not weather events, not trail accidents. The Nepal Tourism Board's incident records confirm this. Five documented fatalities on the Annapurna Circuit in 2023–24 were AMS-related, all involving ascents of more than 1,500 meters in a single day without adequate acclimatization.

The rule: don't gain more than 500 meters of sleeping altitude per day above 3,000 meters. Take a full acclimatization day in Manang, at 3,500 meters, before attempting Thorong La. Hike higher during the day, sleep lower. Recognize AMS early: persistent headache, nausea, loss of appetite, breathlessness at rest. Descend immediately at the first serious symptom. Do not sleep through it.

AMS is distinct from HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) and HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), both life-threatening, both requiring emergency descent and evacuation. The Himalayan Rescue Association maintains a post at Manang during peak season specifically for this reason.

Documented historical risk events:

• October 2014: A cyclone-driven blizzard killed 43 trekkers on Thorong La, during peak season, with 350 trekkers caught in the storm.
• April 2015: The Gorkha earthquake triggered avalanches across the Annapurna range and disrupted the entire spring season.
• 2012: The Seti River flash flood, linked to a glacial collapse on Annapurna IV, killed 72 people in Pokhara: a reminder of what unstable glacial systems can do downstream.
• Late October 2025: Heavy snowfall prompted trek halts in Myagdi and Mustang due to avalanche risk, in what is typically considered safe season.

Build buffer days. Check conditions daily with teahouse owners: they know what's happening on the pass better than any forecast. Good travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage is non-negotiable on this route.

Which month is right for you to trek Annapurna Circuit

Conclusion

The Annapurna Circuit in 2026 is a different trek than it was in 2015: more visited, more data-rich, and operating in a climate that's shifting year by year. The core advice still holds: October is the safest single month, late March through April is the most beautiful window, and the edges of every season now need more caution than conventional wisdom suggests.

What makes the difference between a good trek and a great one isn't just timing. It's who you're walking with: people who know what Thorong La looks like at 5:00 AM in October, who know which teahouses stay open in November, and who've seen what happens when trekkers ignore acclimatization rules in Manang.

That's what Index Adventure is built on. A local team, genuine trail knowledge, and treks designed around your safety and experience, not just a booking confirmation.

The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is when you're properly prepared. We can help make that happen.

No large deposits. Flexible 2026 dates. Local guides with over a decade on this route, and a 100% Thorong La pass success record. Book Your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Index for your Annapurna Circuit Adventure

FAQs About Annapurna Circuit: Best Time

What is the single best month to trek the Annapurna Circuit?

October is the most reliable. Precipitation drops to around 49mm, skies are clear, and the pass is fully open. The post-monsoon air quality delivers the clearest views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. Book accommodation in advance, it's the busiest month of the year.

Is September still a good time for the Annapurna Circuit?

Less reliably than it used to be. When monitoring last-minute Thorong La Pass trekking permits in 2024, the monsoon extended through late September. Lower trail sections were muddy. If targeting September, start no earlier than September 25th and build flexible dates.

How has climate change affected the Annapurna Circuit trekking seasons?

The Himalayas are warming at 0.3°C–0.7°C per decade: faster than the global average. In practice: September is less reliable due to extended monsoon; December–January are more accessible as early winter snowfall decreases; rhododendron blooms now peak in late February to March; and spring forest fires create haze in April–May.

When is the rainy season over in the Annapurna region?

The monsoon typically retreats by late September, but recent data shows it can linger. By October, the skies are consistently dry.

Is it safe to trek the Annapurna Circuit in December?

Yes, but it is a trekking Annapurna Circuit in shoulder season pros and cons scenario. The lower trails are peaceful and clear, but Thorong La Pass requires extreme cold-weather gear and potential crampons. Many high-altitude teahouses may be closed.

What is the weather like in Manang in October?

Expect crisp, sunny days with temperatures around 10°C to 15°C and nights dropping near or below freezing. It is the clearest month for mountain views.

Can you trek the Annapurna Circuit during monsoon season?

Yes, if you stay north of Thorong La in the rain-shadow zones of Manang and Mustang. Jomsom receives around 50mm of rain per month during monsoon while Pokhara receives 800mm. The southern sections are not recommended.

How cold does it get on the Annapurna Circuit in March?

In March, lower elevations are warm (17°C), but at Thorong Phedi and the pass, nighttime temperatures still drop between -5°C and -15°C.

What permits do you need for the Annapurna Circuit in 2026?

The ACAP permit is mandatory: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 22) for international trekkers. As of 2026, the TIMS card is no longer enforced on the standard circuit route.

Is the Annapurna Circuit too crowded now?

In April and October: on the main teahouse trail, yes. April 2025 alone saw 44,763 trekkers. But a short Annapurna Circuit trek best time of year in early March or late November offers genuine quiet. Choosing a local operator like Index Adventure also means route planning that avoids the worst bottlenecks.

Why book with a local Nepal trekking agency rather than an international operator?

Local agencies like Index Adventure have guides who live in these mountains, not seasonal contractors. That means better real-time decision-making on weather and acclimatization, and pricing that reflects what the trek actually costs without international markup. For a 2026 Annapurna Circuit trek, the difference in both experience and cost is significant.