Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November is for you if you expect fewer trekkers en route and ideal weather conditions. Although the temperature drops significantly in November, it still is a perfect month for this trek. It’s the last fall month before the freezing winter from December to February kicks in.

This blog elaborates on Annapurna Base Camp Weather in November, the temperature at base camp and lower regions, rainfall, and wind speed. Also, we’ll discuss other terms like accommodation, trekkers volume, and appropriate trekking gear to carry.

Annapurna Base Camp weather in November

If there’s one rain-free month with 100% visibility, surreal panorama, and ideal conditions for ABC Trek, November is that month. Close to the weather in ABC in October, November’s weather here remains more stable.

Eleven hours of sunshine favours an all-day hike. However, even with the all-day-long sun, the drop in temperature makes you feel cold. Without woollen gloves, beanie, and neck buff, you’ll feel a freezing breeze by mid-day wind.

Let’s explore how windspeed, precipitation, and humidity affect the weather during Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November. Here we’ll cover each topic with past year statistics at lower regions and the base camp region.

Precipitation in November

November being the driest month, almost every region in Annapurna Sanctuary gets harmful precipitation. It means the evaporation rate overtakes the rainfall, which is practically zero in November.

In November 2022, the Annapurna Base Camp area experienced -11mm of precipitation. It shows that November is the only month with zero rainfall.

You don’t need to carry raincoats or water-resistant trekking boots, fearing rain in November.

Snowfall at Annapurna Base Camp in November

November’s still not a month of snowfall, but you can expect snowfall at Annapurna Base Camp in November. In November 2022, the base camp region received 18.2 inches of snowfall.

Usually, past mid-month, the snowfall starts. Typically, you can expect 0.29 inches of snowfall if it snows in November on a single day.

Please note that snowfall in November is short lives, and the faint rain showers often cause the snowflakes to blanket the region for a few hours. Even if the snow short lives, you’ll have a wonderful time at the base camp area.

After a snowfall, the mountains look even more appealing. But clouds often cover the area after snowfall.

Clouds

For any given day, except a day before snowfall, during the day, and after snowfall, the clouds often cover the mountains and landscapes.

You should expect 80-90% clouds if it snows on November days. And if it snows later, you’ll experience some spots of clouds. However, snowfall in Annapurna Base Camp in November is significantly less likely.

Windspeed

The wind picks up decent speed during November days at ABC Base Camp. Past mid-day, the windspeed can get as high as 7 mph.

Relative Humidity at Annapurna Base Camp in November

Even with a higher relative humidity of 60% on average, you’ll feel the cold of November. During the daytime, humidity averages around 50-60%. However, past 4 pm, the relative humidity levels rise to 70-80%.

The more the relative humidity, the more you’ll feel chilled. It’s because the moisture saturates your clothes. As a result, your body’s sweat cools due to external cold temperatures, making you feel even colder.

Annapurna Base Camp Temperature in November

If you prefer to avoid trekking in cold temperatures, Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November is not for you. November is when the temperature starts dropping significantly.

The first week of November is the only time that sees max daytime temperature of 5˚C. From the second week into November, the daytime temperature at the base camp area falls to 0˚C.

The early morning temperature, around 5 am, falls to -5˚C. Also, the nighttime temperature drops significantly. The minimum Annapurna Base Camp Temperature in November is -10˚C.

Temperature in lower regions

In November, the average daytime temperature of lower regions like Sinuwa and Chhomrong averages 7˚C. With the decrease in temperature, the nighttime temperature falls to 1˚C.

Pros of Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November

Those who plan and trek to ABC Base Camp experience the finest weather, rain-free days, reduced trekkers, and panoramic views of the elegant mountains of the Annapurna range.

Here are some pros of ABC Trek in November.

Beautiful Annapurna mountain scenery

Annapurna region is home to elegant mountains. And the sole purpose of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is to view mountains from a very close range, only a few kilometres away from the glacier line. And for this experience, November’s weather is one of the best times of the year.

The elegant Annapurna mountains are visible from almost every region of Annapurna Sanctuary. Whether it’s Pokhara or Jhinu, the Annapurna mountain range always remains in your sight.

On a clear weather day in November, from Annapurna Base Camp, you’ll get an unobstructed view of the Annapurna mountains all day. There are around 6-7 mountains utterly visible from the base camp. It includes Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, South, Khangsar, Himchuli, Gangapurna, and so on!

Grab some packets full of popcorn if you want to spend all day watching these mountains. And remember to rehydrate yourself!

Beautiful day, all day throughout the month

Every day on Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November becomes one of a kind. The finest weather in November lasts throughout the month. Occasionally, the snow flurries even make the mountains more fresh and lively.

Eleven hours of sunshine, a crystal clear viewing experience, a gentle breeze, and ideal trek conditions in November makes it one of the best time.

Lesser crowd of trekkers than in October

October is the busiest month for Annapurna Base Camp Trek; the trekker’s number decreases in November. Still, you’ll not get a peaceful trek experience. But, trekker’s number in November gets reduced by 70% of the number in October. You’ll still meet many trekkers en route, but trails won’t get crowded like in October.

You’ll have higher chances of finding the best accommodation with lesser trekkers. Also, you’ll get your meals quickly as tea houses get fewer meal orders with fewer trekkers.

Occasional snowfall

How beautiful would it be to witness live snowfall, glaring at the world’s 10th highest mountain, putting on a warm down jacket, sipping coffee, and living the best moment of your life?

It often snows at Annapurna Base Camp in November. However, November is not a particular month for snowfall. It’s a 50-50 chance that it may and may not snow by the time you trek there.

But if it snows, you’ll have a fantastic time. The mountains like Annapurna I, South, Machhapuchhre, and Nilgiri appear beautiful with fresh snow. Even the base camp region gets covered with snow, making the landscape more beautiful.

Cons of Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November

Only the drop in temperature in ABC in later November is only a concern for those who hate trekking in the cold.

However, you’ll be warm all day with proper trekking gear and body layering. And with a decent sleeping bag, you’ll be warm all night.

All these conditions excluding cold temperatures, are the best for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November.

Trekking gears for ABC Trek in November

You won’t need a waterproof jacket or water-resistant trekking boot for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November. But you must bring a nice, warm, and good-looking down jacket. Not to mention, a sleeping bag has to go inside your backpack for this seven-day ABC Trek from Pokhara.

Warm fleece and thermal layers are very must for this trek. Instead of wearing thick clothes, putting thin layers on a backpack is better. Also, two to three pair of trekking pants would be enough for the trek.

You should bring decent trekking boots, woollen socks, and knee warmers. During early morning and evening, you’ll experience minus temperature. And your knees might hurt when exposed to such cold.

A camel (water hydration bag) is a must, especially on November’s trek. With the drop in temperature, your water bottle often gets cold. So, a hydration bag will be in your bag, exposing it less to outside cold. And it helps you drink less cold water with a water pipe instead of taking out water bottles for rehydration.