Best Month-by-Month Manaslu Circuit Trek Weather and Temperature Guide

Manaslu Circuit Trek Weather and Temperature guide,Trekking the Manaslu Circuit is a journey through dramatically different climate zones. From the subtropical lowlands to the high-altitude arctic environment of the Larkya La Pass (5,160m), the weather can change in an instant. Choosing the right month is crucial for your safety, comfort, and enjoyment.

This guide provides a detailed overview of what to expect each month, including average temperatures at different altitudes and key weather considerations.

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January – The Heart of Winter

• Weather: This is the coldest month. Skies are often perfectly clear, offering stunning, unobstructed mountain views. However, it is extremely cold, especially at night and high altitudes. The Larkya La Pass is typically covered in deep snow, making it challenging and often closed to trekkers due to avalanche risk. Tea houses are fewer and may have limited amenities.
• Temperatures:
  • Lowlands (Soti Khola – 700m): 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F)
  • Mid-Hills (Jagat – 1,300m): 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F)
  • High Altitude (Samdo – 3,800m): -10°C to -2°C (14°F to 28°F)
  • Larkya La Pass (5,160m): -15°C to -8°C (5°F to 18°F)

February – Cold but Improving

• Weather: Similar to January but with slightly longer, marginally warmer days. It remains very cold, and the high pass is still snow-bound and risky. A good month for experienced winter trekkers who are well-prepared for severe cold, but not recommended for most.
• Temperatures:
  • Lowlands: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
  • Mid-Hills: 4°C to 14°C (39°F to 57°F)
  • High Altitude: -8°C to 0°C (18°F to 32°F)
  • Larkya La Pass: -13°C to -5°C (9°F to 23°F)

March – The Spring Begins

• Weather: A fantastic transition month. The days become noticeably warmer and longer. While nights are still cold, the daytime hiking is pleasant. The rhododendron forests begin to bloom, adding incredible color to the landscape. There’s a slight chance of afternoon showers, but generally stable.
• Temperatures:
  • Lowlands: 12°C to 23°C (54°F to 73°F)
  • Mid-Hills: 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F)
  • High Altitude: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
  • Larkya La Pass: -10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F)

April – Prime Trekking Season

• Weather: Arguably the best month for the Manaslu Circuit. The weather is stable, with crystal-clear skies and outstanding mountain views. Days are warm, and the snow on the pass is manageable. The trails are busy, so booking tea houses in advance is advised.
• Temperatures:
  • Lowlands: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
  • Mid-Hills: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
  • High Altitude: -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F)
  • Larkya La Pass: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)

May – Pre-Monsoon Warmth

• Weather: The last month of spring. It is the warmest month before the monsoon, especially in the lowlands which can be hot and humid. As the month progresses, clouds build in the afternoons, and there is a higher chance of rain showers. Views are still good, but haze can start to develop.
• Temperatures:
  • Lowlands: 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F)
  • Mid-Hills: 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F)
  • High Altitude: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)
  • Larkya La Pass: -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F)

June – Monsoon Arrives

• Weather: The beginning of the monsoon season (typically from mid-June). Expect frequent, heavy rainfall, especially in the afternoons and nights. Trails become muddy and slippery, and leeches are prevalent in the lower forests. Cloud cover obscures mountain views, and the risk of landslides increases. Trekking is generally not recommended.
• Temperatures:
  • Lowlands: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) – Humid
  • Mid-Hills: 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F)
  • High Altitude: 3°C to 12°C (37°F to 54°F)
  • Larkya La Pass: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)

July – Peak Monsoon

• Weather: The wettest month. Consistent rain, clouds, and fog make for challenging and less scenic trekking. Landslide risk is at its highest, and river crossings can be dangerous. Most teahouses close, and trekking is strongly discouraged.
• Temperatures:
  • Lowlands: 21°C to 30°C (70°F to 86°F) – Very Humid
  • Mid-Hills: 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F)
  • High Altitude: 5°C to 13°C (41°F to 55°F)
  • Larkya La Pass: 2°C to 10°C (36°F to 50°F)

August – Late Monsoon

• Weather: The monsoon begins to wane in the second half of the month, especially in the higher, rain-shadow areas like Manaslu. It remains rainy and cloudy in the lowlands, but there can be brief windows of clearer weather higher up. Still a risky and muddy time to trek.
• Temperatures:
  • Lowlands: 21°C to 30°C (70°F to 86°F) – Humid
  • Mid-Hills: 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F)
  • High Altitude: 5°C to 13°C (41°F to 55°F)
  • Larkya La Pass: 2°C to 10°C (36°F to 50°F)

September – Monsoon Retreats

• Weather: A superb month. The rains clear, leaving behind lush, green landscapes and crystal-clear air. The weather is stable, warm, and perfect for trekking. This is the start of the autumn season, the other premier trekking window. Views are spectacular.
• Temperatures:
  • Lowlands: 19°C to 28°C (66°F to 82°F)
  • Mid-Hills: 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F)
  • High Altitude: 3°C to 12°C (37°F to 54°F)
  • Larkya La Pass: 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F)

October – Prime Trekking Season

• Weather: The most popular and best month to trek. The weather is perfect: dry, stable, with minimal cloud cover and the best mountain visibility of the year. Days are pleasant, but nights begin to get cold, especially at high altitude. Trails are busy; book everything in advance.
• Temperatures:
  • Lowlands: 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F)
  • Mid-Hills: 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
  • High Altitude: -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F)
  • Larkya La Pass: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)

November – Late Autumn Cool

• Weather: An excellent alternative to October. The skies are still very clear, but the temperatures drop significantly, especially at night. Days are cool and sunny, perfect for hiking. The crowds thin out, but you must be prepared for serious cold, particularly crossing the pass.
• Temperatures:
  • Lowlands: 11°C to 20°C (52°F to 68°F)
  • Mid-Hills: 6°C to 15°C (43°F to 59°F)
  • High Altitude: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
  • Larkya La Pass: -8°C to 0°C (18°F to 32°F)

December – Winter Sets In

• Weather: Very cold and dry. Days are often sunny and clear, but the short daylight hours and freezing temperatures make this a challenge for all but the most experienced and well-equipped trekkers. The high pass becomes treacherous with snow and ice, and many tea houses at higher elevations close for the season.
• Temperatures:
  • Lowlands: 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F)
  • Mid-Hills: 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F)
  • High Altitude: -8°C to -1°C (18°F to 30°F)
  • Larkya La Pass: -12°C to -6°C (10°F to 21°F)

Best Times to Trek

• Best Seasons: April-May (Spring) and October-November (Autumn). These windows offer the ideal balance of stable weather, clear skies, and manageable temperatures.
• Shoulder Seasons: March (end of winter) and September (end of monsoon) can be excellent with a bit more unpredictability.
• Not Recommended: June, July, August (monsoon) and January, February (deep winter). These periods present significant safety and comfort challenges.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Weather Chart