The experience of Manaslu Circuit Trek is something you cannot miss, each month providing a different experience to make your time enjoyable and unforgettable. Trail conditions, scenery, and weather change with the season, so there are opportunities to adventure according to your preference for the trek.
The Himalayas offer something for everyone, whether you like quiet paths, clear skies, or colorful landscapes, there’s a time for each of them. Knowing what season you are going on makes it easy to adjust your trek according to your choices, and have a great time exploring Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Temperature
Months | Daytime Temperature | Nighttime Temperature |
January | -2°C to 6°C (-28°F to 43°F) | -15°C to -20°C (-5°F to -4°F) |
February | 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F) | -10°C to -18°C (14°F to 0°F) |
March | 4°C to 12°C (39°F to 54°F) | -6°C to -12°C (21°F to 10°F) |
April | 6°C to 16°C (43°F to 61°F) | -2°C to -8°C (28°F to 18°F) |
May | 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) | 0°C to -5°C (32°F to 23°F) |
June | 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) | 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F) |
July | 14°C to 24°C (57 to 75°F) | 4°C to 10°C (39 to 50°F) |
August | 14°C to 23°C (57°F to 73°F) | 4°C to 9°C (39°F to 48°F) |
September | 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F) | 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F) |
October | 10°C and 16°C (50°F to 61°F) | -2°C to -6°C (28°F to 21°F) |
November | 6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F) | -5°C and -10°C (23°F and 14°F) |
December | 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 40°F) | -10°C to -18°C (14°F to 0°F) |
January (Winter: Cold and Snowy)
January is considered the time of peak winter in Manaslu Circuit Trek with cold and snowy weather. You will face constant freezing temperatures in daytime temperatures ranging from -2°C to 6°C (-28°F to 43°F) while nights are even colder, between -15°C to -20°C (-5°F to -4°F). It is extremely cold in January, snowfall is so heavy at higher altitudes that the region becomes one winter wonderland.
At higher altitudes such as Larkya La Pass, the trails often become inaccessible, covered fully in snow and harsh cold temperatures. With trekking routes fully under the snow, navigation is very difficult and requires tremendous skill and endurance.
Trekking in January is tough, especially with the trails completely beneath the snow. As the trail conditions in the winter are icy and slippery particularly, at higher elevations, it can be dangerous to those not accustomed to winter conditions. Winter temperatures can be freezing and trekkers need to wear insulated clothing, gloves, and warm boots and protect themselves in clothing layers.
It is not recommended to trek in January, especially for beginners or inexperienced trekkers as you face the most challenging conditions. Hiking in these tough trail conditions with extreme cold is recommended to only those with winter trekking experience.
If you do go trekking in January, then you must equip yourself with all the right gear, such as sleeping bags and layered clothing that will insulate you through even the most extreme cold and keep you safe in frigid temperatures.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in January does have good scenery and snow covered landscape but it is only for experienced trekkers. It’s certainly quieter, but the trails are extreme in winter, and even inaccessible at altitudes of Larkya La Pass.
February (End of Winter: Cold but Clearer)
While the Manaslu Circuit Trek in February is still filled with peak winter cold, the weather begins to warm up. Daytime temperatures range from 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F) and nighttime temperatures remain quite cold, dipping to between -10°C to -18°C (14°F to 0°F).
In comparison to the weather in January, the weather settles down to clearer skies and fewer snowstorms. Though snow still lingers on the trails, especially in altitudes like Larkya La Pass, trails aren’t the deadliest and most dangerous like peak winter.
The situation is less dire than in January, as the trails start to open and are accessible. In February, you have to be properly geared up so you don’t get too cold while doing the trekking. Proper gear means insulated clothing, waterproof boots, and gloves, to keep you warm. Days could be warmer, with some clear skies, but you’d better be ready for cold nights and early mornings.
While the conditions are easier, February is not ideal for all trekkers. This trail can be trekked only if you’re an experienced trekker or a person equipped with winter gear. The trail is not a place for hikers in search of a gentle atmosphere and socialization with like minded souls. You are going to only face harsh environments, but the reward is worth to pay, with fewer people on the trail, peaceful surroundings, and stunning snow covered landscapes.
February is a peaceful off-peak season for Manaslu Circuit Trek. This month is also less popular with trekkers, making for solitude and natural beauty. If you are an experienced trekker, February is one accessible and less crowded trekking adventure that is doable with proper preparation.
March (Spring Begins: Warmer and Clear)
The best time of the year for Manaslu Circuit Trek begins in March when the weather becomes much more suitable for trekking. You will have temperatures that range from about 4°C to 12°C (39°F to 54°F) during the day, and cool temperatures at night, between -6°C to -12°C (21°F to 10°F).
With the weather being stable, it is a lovely time of year, perfect for viewing the stunning mountain views and colorful countryside. The trails covered in snow from the past month begin to melt, making the paths more easy to walk through.
The altitude is definitely warmer, and the trail conditions are much better than in winter. The warmer weather is good for trekkers to be enjoying the scenery without having to endure the extreme cold of winter. The skies also are way more visible, especially with clearer skies to view the surrounding mountains like Manaslu (8,163m), Himal Chuli (7,893), Annapurna II (7,937m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871m).
As March is one of the best times to trek, most tourists find it suitable to trek. It’s a fantastic time to go trekking if you prefer your treks a little less grueling than you would in the winter months. Moderate temperatures and dry trails, both make it comfortable and a little adventurous.
If you want a more serene Manaslu Circuit Trek, opt for March where the views are still undisturbed. With the first signs of snow melting, it’s a great time for photography and soaking in the natural beauty of Manaslu Circuit Trek.
April (Spring Peak: Ideal Weather)
Manaslu Circuit Trek is best during April, when you get great weather conditions and a comfortable trek. The weather is warm, the skies are mostly clear, and there are good views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is dry and has perfect conditions for trekking, resulting in April being the peak trekking season. Temperatures during the day will be from 6°C to 16°C (43°F to 61°F) and the nights are cool between -2°C and -8°C (28°F to 18°F).
Dry and easygoing trails make it a good time for trekkers of all levels, from a beginner to a very experienced one. You can have light clothing through the day in comparison to the thick layers of winter, but the evenings and early mornings are still pretty cold to wear too light. As April is the month of the blooming spring, you can see flowers such as the rhododendrons sprout in bright red, adding more beauty to the trekking experience.
April is an appealing month to trek, but the trails will be packed more than in previous off-peak months. If you are interested in a social trekking experience, this month is worthwhile. There are a lot of tea houses along trails that are open to trekkers who can get warm food and shelter. To
to avoid disappointment over limited space we recommend you book your accommodation in advance, especially if on one of the more popular trekking routes.
During April, the weather is mild with beautiful scenery and endless miles of well maintained trails, which makes it the best time to hike. You will get to see the beautiful rhododendrons blooming in Manaslu Circuit Trek, while also appreciating the scenery of the Himalayas.
May (End of Spring: Warm and Pre-Monsoon)
Spring time is still in the air during the month of May with the weather getting a little bit warmer. It gets hot at lower altitudes, but at high altitudes temperatures are comfortable. Even if it’s warmer, you will need to cloth in layers, especially for the cooler evenings and mornings. Temperatures during the day can run from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) and during the night from 0°C to -5°C (32°F to 23°F).
May brings you warmed temperatures at lower altitudes, but also occasional pre-monsoon rain. Some parts of the trail can be slippery when there’s rain so you may want waterproof gear and sturdy boots. The scenery is impressive with dense forests of pine and oak and flowers like rhododendrons that are still in bloom. The trails are mostly dry, so walking is easier, but you can face immense heat at lower altitudes.
While April has high tourist traffic, the trails during May are quieter and offer a quieter trekking experience. If you’re after a less busy trek, this can be a great choice for you. However, to ensure you get all the accommodations and permits you need, it is still important to book in advance, especially for the popular trekking routes like Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Trekking in May can be a more relaxed experience, due to the combination of warmer weather, fewer crowds, and gorgeous scenery. This is the best month to take in the beauty of the mountains before the monsoon season kicks in.
June (Monsoon Begins: Wet and Humid)
In Manaslu Circuit Trek, June is the start of the monsoon season. It brings totally unexpected heavy rain, high humidity as well as cloudy skies. It is not the hottest, but the high humidity along with the rain all day does make it feel almost as hot and uncomfortable. Temperatures are milder at night, between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F), and hot during the day varying from 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F).
The rain ruins the trails by turning them into treacherous, muddy lands. This is usually a high risk time in any area that has steep terrain as the risk of landslides lurks.
Leeches are also brought by the monsoon to some areas making trekking unpleasant. The heavy rainfall also causes the trails to be difficult to navigate, due to poor visibility.
During June, trekking is not recommended due to torrential rains followed by difficult trail conditions. The weather isn’t safe and the trails themselves are hard to walk on and the added danger of landslides.
The rain brings greenery to the lands but it remains simply too risky and not a recommendable time to trek. You can go on a safer and more enjoyable trek after the monsoon season.
July (Monsoon Peak: Rain and Risks)
Manaslu Circuit Trek’s peak monsoon season begins in July, making it a completely wet month. Constant and heavy rain does not make it a great time to trek. Trails become muddy and slippery, and even simple walking becomes much harder and more dangerous. The hike is not safe because landslides are a high probability at this time, especially if you’re on steep terrain.
Visibility is also forced down and it’s even harder to navigate the paths in the rain. Your wish to see the beautiful scenery of the Himalayas like Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Annapurna, is obstructed by the dark rain clouds.
You will be in daytime temperatures of 14°C to 24°C (57 to 75°F), and nighttime of around 4°C to 10°C (39 to 50°F). It’s not unbearably hot from the intense sun, but the humidity, and the constant rain make it incredibly hot and unpleasant.
Trekking in July, with the heavy rain, muddy trails, and a high risk of landslides is not advisable. It is dangerous and the weather doesn’t give any chance to trek peacefully. July is usually best avoided and you should wait until after months of drier weather conditions to trek.
It is smarter to wait until after the monsoon is over for your trip to Manaslu Circuit Trek, if you are planning on trekking. With the risk of accidents in July being too high, to be safe, and have a pleasant trekking experience, it’s really not worth it.
August (Monsoon Ends: Gradual Improvements)
The monsoon season starts to wind down, and the weather is about slightly better in August. Rainfall is still common, but less so than in July, and skies begin to clear away at the end of the month. Temperatures at daytime are around 14°C to 23°C (57°F to 73°F), and at night 4°C to 9°C (39°F to 48°F). While it’s still humid, the rain isn’t as constant, it’s just enough to make the weather better than it has been in previous months.
Though the rain is down, the trails remain muddy and slippery, including a few spots like Soti Khola and Jagat, where the ground still hasn’t dried out. This can still make walking difficult and unsafe during the trek. Towards the end of August, conditions change to be good enough to allow you to trek but it’s still quite risky.
For those who are thinking of trekking in August, it’s best to hold off until the end of the month. It’s not as bad as July, but the trails are still a bit wet and some areas aren’t stable. The key is patience, waiting for the weather to improve will drastically reduce the chance of an accident and give you a much more enjoyable experience instead.
While August conditions are better than the peak monsoon months, trekking is still open with challenges and should be taken with caution.
September (Autumn Begins: Clear and Mild)
September marks the start of the autumn season in Manaslu Circuit Trek, the skies become much clearer and it becomes milder. As the monsoon rains begin to taper off, the weather definitely improves and it’s much easier to get out for trekking. Over days, the temperatures reach from 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F) during the day, and 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F) at night. Trekking is a perfect activity with the air feeling fresher and crystal clear views of the surroundings.
As the monsoon rainwater dries, so do the trails, and the paths become easier and safer to walk on. With the post-monsoon season, you avoid the risk of landscapes and leeches, getting the greenery in the landscape which adds to the beauty of the route.
The land is very beautiful as there you get some of the beautiful and astounding views of mountains like Annapurna, Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and cultural valleys like Sama Gaun, and Samdo. Trekking conditions are better than the treacherous wet, slippery trails, and snow covered trails of previous months.
Mild temperatures and excellent trail conditions make it one of the perfect times to trek. The mountains and surrounding nature with its views are amazing, and also comfortable with stable weather and clear sky.
If you’re going on Manaslu Circuit Trek, then September is just the perfect month to start. The weather and trail are good, and it is a safe and pleasant period to trek. The views of mountains, valleys, and wildlife (red pandas and snow leopards) you came for are easily visible during this month.
October (Autumn Peak: Perfect Conditions)
The autumn season in Manaslu Circuit Trek is at its peak in October and you have the perfect conditions to trek. The weather is stable, with clear skies and interesting crisp fresh air which makes for great trekking.
Temperatures in the daytime are between 10°C and 16°C (50°F to 61°F), and at nightfall to -2°C to -6°C (28°F to 21°F). The temperatures are pleasant, and hikes tend to be comfortable during these months so trekkers get to take in the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, generally without obstructing clouds.
In October, you can trek in perfect condition as the trails are dry and easy to walk, with magical greenery of the surroundings. Unfortunately, it is also the busiest time of year for trekkers, likely because the weather is suitable for all trekkers.
Trekking in peak season like October can have fully occupied teahouses and accommodations. It is a good piece of advice for you to book in advance as trails are busy. Both the weather and the trail trail conditions are safe and enjoyable, making it a wonderful time to visit for experienced trekkers as well as beginner trekkers.
October would undoubtedly be one of the best times for Manaslu Circuit Trek. It’s a perfect choice for a trekking adventure due to pleasant weather, dry trails, and stunning views.
November (End of Autumn: Cool and Dry)
The end of the autumn season is in November. While the temperature goes cooler, it is still a pleasant time for trekking with clear skies. During the daytime, temperatures range from 6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F), and at night temperatures, it can fall between -5°C and -10°C (23°F and 14°F).
Trekking days are uncomfortable due to the crisp air and sunshine, and the clear skies provide the trekker has stunning views of the mountain peaks like Manaslu, Ganesh, Himal Chuli, Annapurna, Shringi, and the surrounding valleys such as Samagaon, Samdo, Jagat.
The trails are in great shape, the dry paths being safe and easy. Most trekking routes won’t be affected by snow, but at higher altitudes, there are some possibilities for it. Since the trails are less crowded than during October, you avoid the interaction of meeting the crowd of trekkers on the trail, making it a better trekking experience.
A trek in November is not only popular for fewer crowds but also great conditions that still remain after the peak Autumn. It’s cooler than October, but it’s still a great time to explore Manaslu Circuit Trek. The weather is great, and the mountain views are beautiful. It is a fantastic time for those wishing to trek in a quieter place but without giving up on the quality of the experience.
With cool temperatures, dry trails ,and mountain views that take your breath away, November is a great month for Manaslu Circuit Trek.
December (Winter Begins: Cold and Snowy)
Manaslu Circuit Trek goes into winter during the month of December, which brings freezing temperatures as well as snowfall at higher altitudes. Temperatures vary from less than 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 40°F) in the day, and nighttime temperatures can fall to as low as -10°C to -18°C (14°F to 0°F). The air gets a little crisp and chilly and beautiful snow begins accumulating on the trails, often at the higher.
Trail conditions during December start to become challenging. Trekking is difficult with snow on the routes, and some routes are even inaccessible, in particular at higher altitudes, such as the Larkya La Pass. The trek becomes even harder in the cold weather and snow, but trekkers have to be prepared with enough clothing like insulating clothes, boots, and gloves.
If you’re not an experienced trekker accustomed to winter conditions, it is not advisable to hike in December. For those not well rested and prepared for it, the trek can be cold, and even dangerous easily.
But for seasoned trekkers who are up for a challenge, December provides a wonderful opportunity to continue trekking in amazing snow surrounded by quieter trails with fewer people trekking during this time of year. After December 15 however, it is a warning on Manaslu Circuit Trek, as the temperature is extremely low, easily below the moderate zone (-15°C).
Trekking in December requires you to be very well equipped for cold and snow. Manaslu Circuit Trek is very challenging this month and most likely you need to be ready to cope with these extreme conditions to be safe.
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Tips for Each Month
For an unforgettable experience during Manaslu Circuit Trek, March to May and September to November are fine choices.
If you are a photographer, you get to capture blooming rhododendrons and clear views of mountains like Manaslu, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, and so on. The weather and the route are safest, assuring you a comfortable and peaceful trek.
Trekkers should avoid the period from June to August (monsoon’s heavy rain) and January to February (winter’s extreme cold). Monsoon brings you slipper trails, with leeches all over, and the lurking danger of landslides blocking routes, while in winter, trails are dangerous or inaccessible by snowfall.
For Gears, Always have equipment that’s specific to the season for a safe comfortable trek. In spring and autumn, you need to cloth in layers for changing temperatures, and at high altitudes you’ll need sunblock to protect yourself from the UV rays.
For monsoon trekking, gear has to be waterproof, gear needs to be quick drying, and leech repellents are a must. During winter, get properly insulated jackets, thermal layers, and a sleeping bag designed for sub-zero temperatures.
Trekking poles are useful all year round especially while walking on uneven trails for stability. Sturdy hiking boots and a reliable backpack are both essential for all seasons.