The weather on the Manaslu (Circuit) Trek is highly variable due to its altitude range of 730 m to 5160 m. In the Manaslu region, the weather can swiftly change from sunny to rainy to severe winds. The trekking route passes through six climatic zones. Beginning in a tropical climate, you will go through sub-tropical, temperate, sub-alpine, alpine, and arctic climatic zones.
This pristine region, like most of Nepal, has four seasons.
Spring (March, April, and May)
It is one of the best seasons for trekking in Nepal. This season features quite stable weather with clear views and the lowest risks of landslides, avalanches, and other climatic disasters. The days are warm, but the nights are still cold.
March
- Average Temperature Range: -6 °C to 10 °C
- Early March feels still cold. In higher sections, the temperature drops up to -6 °C at night.
- From the second week on, the days start to get warmer.
April
- Average Temperature Range: 4°C to 15°C
- It is the best spring month for trekking in the Manaslu region.
- As the nights are not very cold, it is pleasant to sleep.
May
- Average Temperature Range: 4 °C to 18 °C
- It is the warmest of the three spring months.
- Stable weather conditions make May suitable for the Manaslu trek.
Summer monsoon (June, July, and August)
During summer, the temperature ranges from 12°C to 25°C during the day and decreases to 8°C at night. In lower regions, the temperature can even reach 30 °C. With the rain, this season also offers some occasional chances for beautiful rainbows. If it continues to rain, snowfall can occur in regions above 4500m.
June
- Average Temperature: 25 °C
- In regions above 4000 m, the temperature can reach up to 10 °C.
- In June, the lower region receives 460 mm of rain, while the higher region up to 4000 m receives only 30 mm. Above 4000 m, the chances of rainfall are even lower.
- Early June is the safest time during the monsoon for Manaslu treks.
July
- Average Temperature Range: 8°C to 22°C
- Rainfall occurs almost daily, especially in the lower region. However, it rains mostly during the evening and nighttime and does not rain all day long.
- Weather during Manaslu Trek is unpredictable at higher elevations.
August
- Average Temperature Range: 25°C (similar to June)
- However, August sees more rainfall than June.
- Forests, vegetation, waterfalls, streams, and rivers are thriving due to constant rain.
Autumn (September, October, and November)
Autumn has the most stable weather in the higher regions of Nepal, including Manaslu. Hence, it is the most favorable time for Manaslu trekking. For most parts of the trek, the temperature ranges from 8°C to 20°C. It is neither too hot nor too cold. However, temperatures can drop to 0°C at night. Especially during the nights of October and November, the temperature can drop below -3 °C.
September
- Average Temperature: 7°C in the upper region and 21°C in the lower region
- Slight rainfall can occur until the middle of September.
October
- Average Temperature: 15 °C
- Temperatures can drop below -2 °C in places above 4,000 m and rise to 20 °C in the lower region.
- October has the best weather for Manaslu Circuit Trek or any other trek in Nepal.
November
- Average Temperature: 12°C in lower regions like Arughat, whereas -3°C to -6°C in higher regions like Samagaon
- The environment is similar to that of October, with a slight drop in temperature.
- It is the coldest month in the autumn months.
Winter (December, January, and February)
During winter, the lower areas will have bearable cold weather, whereas the higher regions will be ice-cold. From late December to January, the lakes and even some trails are frozen in ice. During January and February, occasional and sudden winter storms are also possible. The daytime temperature ranges from 4°C to 12°C. On the other hand, nights are severely cold with temperatures dropping up to -10°C, especially during January.
December
- Average Temperature: -8°C in upper areas like Samagaun and Samdo, and 8°C to 12°C in lower regions.
- The weather is quite similar to November until mid-December. After that, it starts to get colder.
January
- Average Temperature: 6°C to 8°C in lower regions, whereas -10°C to -6°C in higher altitudes
- It is the coldest month of the year.
- This month sees occasional snowfall, yet skies remain mostly clear.
February
- Average Temperature Range: 8°C to 15°C
- Early February has wintery weather with occasional snowfalls and slippery trails from melting snow.
- From mid-February on, the weather during Manaslu Trek is cool and springlike, with flowers starting to bloom in the lower regions.
