Trekking · Nepal
The Best Time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Autumn and spring give the safest Thorong La crossings; the rain-shadow tail near Manang and Mustang stays drier.
The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is autumn (October to November) and spring (March to April), when stable weather gives the safest conditions for crossing the Thorong La pass (around 5,416 m), the trek's high point. Autumn brings the clearest skies and firmest trails; spring adds rhododendron blooms but a higher chance of snow on the pass. This page sits within our Nepal trekking seasons collection — for the full route, see the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Autumn: the most reliable window
October and November offer the most settled weather of the year on the circuit. Skies are clear, the trail is dry, and the Thorong La is at its most reliable, with the lowest chance of being blocked by fresh snow. This is peak season, so the teahouses around Manang, Yak Kharka and high camp fill up — start early on pass day to beat both the crowds and the afternoon wind. For the season-wide picture, see autumn trekking in Nepal.
Spring: blooms and warmer nights
From March to April the lower circuit blazes with rhododendron and the days are milder. Spring is excellent, but pre-monsoon haze can soften midday views and there is a greater chance of recent snow on the Thorong La than in autumn, so check conditions before the crossing. Weigh the two seasons in our spring versus autumn comparison.
The rain-shadow advantage
Unlike most Nepal treks, the Annapurna Circuit has a built-in dry zone. Beyond Manang, the trail climbs into the rain shadow of the Annapurna massif, and the descent toward Muktinath, Kagbeni and the Kali Gandaki stays arid even when the south is wet. This makes the upper, Mustang-facing half more feasible in the monsoon than almost anywhere else — see our guide to rain-shadow treks for the monsoon.
Winter on the circuit
In winter (December to February) the lower sections are clear, cold and quiet, but the Thorong La is usually snowbound and crossing it is risky. Many trekkers shorten the route or pick a lower alternative in the cold months; see winter trekking in Nepal for safer options. Whichever season you choose, the pass sits at altitude where acclimatisation is critical — read our altitude sickness in Nepal guide and plan logistics with the Nepal trekking guide. If you are also timing a Khumbu trek, compare with the best time to trek Everest Base Camp.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit?+
Autumn (October to November) and spring (March to April) are the best windows, with stable weather and the safest conditions for crossing the Thorong La pass at around 5,416 m. October is the most reliable single month, with clear skies and firm trails after the monsoon.
When is the Thorong La pass safest to cross?+
October to November offers the most stable, snow-free conditions for the Thorong La. April and May are the spring alternative but carry a higher chance of fresh snow on the pass. The pass is frequently blocked or dangerous in winter and unsettled during the monsoon.
Can you trek the Annapurna Circuit in the monsoon?+
Partly. The lower, southern sections are wet, leech-prone and clouded in the monsoon, but the upper trail beyond Manang and toward Muktinath lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurnas and stays much drier, so the northern half is more feasible in summer than most Nepal treks.
Is winter trekking possible on the Annapurna Circuit?+
Lower sections of the circuit are walkable in winter with clear, cold days, but the Thorong La is usually snowbound and risky from December to February. Many trekkers shorten the route in winter or substitute lower treks such as Poon Hill instead of attempting the high pass.
