The best months are March to May and October to November. Winter is cold at Ghorepani, and the monsoon brings rain and leeches.
Choose the season for the view you want
Views of the Annapurna range are best after the monsoon and again in spring. The forest is best in March and April.
Spring: March to May
Warm days, flowering rhododendrons and clear mornings. April is the best month for bloom. Haze builds in May.
Autumn: October and November
The clearest skies and the busiest trails. Book lodges early. Nights at Ghorepani are cold.
Winter: December to February
Cold nights, clear mornings and quiet trails. Snow is possible near Ghorepani and Tadapani.
Monsoon: June to September
Rain, leeches and few views. The forest is green, but visibility is poor.
Reading the weather
Mornings are usually clear, and cloud builds from late morning. For the best views, start before dawn. In winter, weather can change quickly and snow can block the Ghorepani trail for a day. Check forecasts and carry a spare day.
Crowds and booking
October and April are busy, with queues at Poon Hill at dawn. Book lodges in advance, or travel in March or early December when the trail is quieter and the weather remains good.
Sunrise at Poon Hill by season
In autumn the sky is clear and the sun rises over the Dhaulagiri range with sharp edges. In winter the air is cold and still, with the best contrast. In spring there is a soft haze, and the golden light is warm. In the monsoon the view is usually lost. The sunrise time varies from about five thirty in summer to six forty in winter.
Layering and gear by month
March and April: light layers, a warm jacket for dawn. October and November: warm fleece, hat and gloves. December to February: down jacket, thermal base layers and a warm sleeping bag. June to September: waterproof jacket, leech socks and quick-dry clothes.
Choosing
Choose April or late October for the best mix. See the difficulty guide.
Common questions
- When is it quietest? Early December and late February are quiet but cold.
- Is it good in March? Yes, with rhododendrons and warm days.
- Will I see snow? Possibly at Poon Hill and Ghorepani in winter.
