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.
January – The Heart of Winter
- Weather:ย 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):ย 8ยฐC to 18ยฐC (46ยฐF to 64ยฐF)
- Mid-Hills (Jagat – 1,300m):ย 2ยฐC to 12ยฐC (36ยฐF to 54ยฐF)
- High Altitude (Samdo – 3,800m):ย -10ยฐC to -2ยฐC (14ยฐF to 28ยฐF)
- Larkya La Pass (5,160m):ย -15ยฐC to -8ยฐC (5ยฐF to 18ยฐF)
February – Cold but Improving
- Weather:ย 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:ย 10ยฐC to 20ยฐC (50ยฐF to 68ยฐF)
- Mid-Hills:ย 4ยฐC to 14ยฐC (39ยฐF to 57ยฐF)
- High Altitude:ย -8ยฐC to 0ยฐC (18ยฐF to 32ยฐF)
- Larkya La Pass:ย -13ยฐC to -5ยฐC (9ยฐF to 23ยฐF)
March – The Spring Begins
- Weather:ย 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:ย 12ยฐC to 23ยฐC (54ยฐF to 73ยฐF)
- Mid-Hills:ย 8ยฐC to 18ยฐC (46ยฐF to 64ยฐF)
- High Altitude:ย -5ยฐC to 5ยฐC (23ยฐF to 41ยฐF)
- Larkya La Pass:ย -10ยฐC to 0ยฐC (14ยฐF to 32ยฐF)
April – Prime Trekking Season
- Weather:ย Arguably theย best monthย 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:ย 15ยฐC to 25ยฐC (59ยฐF to 77ยฐF)
- Mid-Hills:ย 10ยฐC to 20ยฐC (50ยฐF to 68ยฐF)
- High Altitude:ย -2ยฐC to 8ยฐC (28ยฐF to 46ยฐF)
- Larkya La Pass:ย -5ยฐC to 5ยฐC (23ยฐF to 41ยฐF)
May – Pre-Monsoon Warmth
- Weather:ย 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:ย 18ยฐC to 28ยฐC (64ยฐF to 82ยฐF)
- Mid-Hills:ย 12ยฐC to 22ยฐC (54ยฐF to 72ยฐF)
- High Altitude:ย 0ยฐC to 10ยฐC (32ยฐF to 50ยฐF)
- Larkya La Pass:ย -2ยฐC to 8ยฐC (28ยฐF to 46ยฐF)
June – Monsoon Arrives
- Weather:ย 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:ย 20ยฐC to 30ยฐC (68ยฐF to 86ยฐF) – Humid
- Mid-Hills:ย 15ยฐC to 23ยฐC (59ยฐF to 73ยฐF)
- High Altitude:ย 3ยฐC to 12ยฐC (37ยฐF to 54ยฐF)
- Larkya La Pass:ย 0ยฐC to 10ยฐC (32ยฐF to 50ยฐF)
July – Peak Monsoon
- Weather:ย 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:ย 21ยฐC to 30ยฐC (70ยฐF to 86ยฐF) – Very Humid
- Mid-Hills:ย 16ยฐC to 24ยฐC (61ยฐF to 75ยฐF)
- High Altitude:ย 5ยฐC to 13ยฐC (41ยฐF to 55ยฐF)
- Larkya La Pass:ย 2ยฐC to 10ยฐC (36ยฐF to 50ยฐF)
August – Late Monsoon
- Weather:ย 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:ย 21ยฐC to 30ยฐC (70ยฐF to 86ยฐF) – Humid
- Mid-Hills:ย 16ยฐC to 24ยฐC (61ยฐF to 75ยฐF)
- High Altitude:ย 5ยฐC to 13ยฐC (41ยฐF to 55ยฐF)
- Larkya La Pass:ย 2ยฐC to 10ยฐC (36ยฐF to 50ยฐF)
September – Monsoon Retreats
- Weather:ย 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 theย autumn season, the other premier trekking window. Views are spectacular.
- Temperatures:
- Lowlands:ย 19ยฐC to 28ยฐC (66ยฐF to 82ยฐF)
- Mid-Hills:ย 14ยฐC to 22ยฐC (57ยฐF to 72ยฐF)
- High Altitude:ย 3ยฐC to 12ยฐC (37ยฐF to 54ยฐF)
- Larkya La Pass:ย 0ยฐC to 8ยฐC (32ยฐF to 46ยฐF)
October – Prime Trekking Season
- Weather:ย Theย most popular and best monthย 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:ย 15ยฐC to 24ยฐC (59ยฐF to 75ยฐF)
- Mid-Hills:ย 10ยฐC to 18ยฐC (50ยฐF to 64ยฐF)
- High Altitude:ย -2ยฐC to 8ยฐC (28ยฐF to 46ยฐF)
- Larkya La Pass:ย -5ยฐC to 5ยฐC (23ยฐF to 41ยฐF)
November – Late Autumn Cool
- Weather:ย 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:ย 11ยฐC to 20ยฐC (52ยฐF to 68ยฐF)
- Mid-Hills:ย 6ยฐC to 15ยฐC (43ยฐF to 59ยฐF)
- High Altitude:ย -5ยฐC to 5ยฐC (23ยฐF to 41ยฐF)
- Larkya La Pass:ย -8ยฐC to 0ยฐC (18ยฐF to 32ยฐF)
December – Winter Sets In
- Weather:ย 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:ย 8ยฐC to 18ยฐC (46ยฐF to 64ยฐF)
- Mid-Hills:ย 2ยฐC to 12ยฐC (36ยฐF to 54ยฐF)
- High Altitude:ย -8ยฐC to -1ยฐC (18ยฐF to 30ยฐF)
- Larkya La Pass:ย -12ยฐC to -6ยฐC (10ยฐF to 21ยฐF)
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
