Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September- Weather and Temperature
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September can be one of a kind for many. The lush green forest, voluminous streams, cascading falls, and fewer trekkers make September a good time for this trek. Moreover, the stable Annapurna Base Camp weather and warm temperature in September make it a suitable time for this trek.
Here, we’ll discuss the weather, temperature, rainfall, humidity, sunshine hours, risks on the trek, appropriate trek gear, and more topics related to Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September.
Annapurna Base Camp Weather in September
September in Nepal is the first fall month with little remnant rain showers of August, the last rainy month. Thus, the frequent rain showers in the base camp region continue till mid-September in Annapurna Sanctuary.
The clear weather remains relatively short during the rainy days till mid-September, usually from early morning to midday. And from the base camp, you’ll have quite a good view of mountains, including Annapurna South and Annapurna I. But past mid-day, the clouds start overcasting the mountains and decrease the temperature. Also, the rain showers start past 1 pm.
However, Annapurna Base Camp weather in September gets more pleasing, crisp, and stable around the last week of the month. Thus, plan your Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 days around mid-September. You can message us on WhatsApp at +977-9818553880 or an enquiry at mailtoneptrek@gmail.com to book this trek.
Mountains panorama on a clear weather day
On a clear weather day in September, you’ll get awe-struck by the surreal prospect of mountains from the base camp. The 360-degree panoramic views of mountains make you feel like you’re in heaven. You can capture quality reels or even pose for photographs in front of these mountains.
On a clear weather day, you’ll see Annapurna I, South, Machhapuchhre, Himchuli, Singu Chuli, and Gangapurna. Annapurna I being an 8,000-meter tall mountain; other mountains are 7,000 meters and 6,000 meters tall.
Weather in Pokhara and lower regions of Annapurna Sanctuary
Throughout September, the lower regions like Chhomrong and Sinuwa remain warm. Also, places like Pokhara and Nayapul remain warmer with high humidity, frequent rainfall, and bright sun.
However, once the rain stops, the outlook becomes magical. As rain washes the dust and pollutants from the air, the environment gets crispier. Moreover, you’ll see paddy terrace farmlands at Chimrung, Birethanti, and Chhomrong.
Humidity and precipitation in September
While on Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September, you’ll experience the warmth at lower regions due to high humidity. Throughout the month, the relative humidity averages 90% in the region. During evening nighttime, with this humidity, you’ll feel chilly instead of cold, even at the base camp.
With more humidity and lesser dry winds, it rains during the day at the base camp and lower regions. It rains around 68 mm in Annapurna Sanctuary in September, including the base camp region. But most of the rainfall happens before mid/late September.
At lower region places like Jhinu, Sinuwa, and Bamboo, the precipitation in September is roughly 90 mm.
Wind Speed in September
September is the calmest month in the Annapurna sanctuary. Annapurna Base Camp in September remains gentle with just 3 mph wind. It’s because most days in the month remain wet with drizzles.
Annapurna Base Camp Temperature in September
September days are pretty humid and warm. Thus, the average daytime temperature in Annapurna Base Camp is 7-8 ˚C. The nighttime temperature at the base camp averages around freezing, with a minimum temperature of -3˚C to -4˚C.
However, the temperature starts to drop in October. The temperature gets colder in higher and lower regions with no rain and dry air.
The daytime temperature in September in lower regions like Sinuwa and Bamboo averages 12 ˚C. The minimum temperature in September in these places is 6˚C.
Jhinu Danda and Chhomrong, the starting place of this trek, remain warm with a maximum daytime temperature of 16-19 ˚C. The temperature decreases to 9˚C during nighttime at Jhinu and Chhomrong.
Place | Altitude | Avg. Daytime Temp | Avg. Nighttime Temp | Precipitation |
Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130 meters | 7-8 ˚C | -3˚C to -4˚C | 68 mm(overall month) |
Sinuwa | 2,360 meters | 12 ˚C | 6˚C | 90 mm(overall month) |
Jhinu/Chhomrong | 1,780/2,150 meters | 16-19 ˚C | 9˚C | 90 mm(overall month) |
Pokhara | 822 meters | 23˚C | 15 ˚C | 23.7 mm (per day) |
Benefits of Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September
September is the first post-rainy month, and with frequent rain showers, only a few trekkers plan to trek to ABC. However, there’s no such thing as continuous rainfall throughout the month.
The weather clears past mid-September, rain flurries decrease, the landscape becomes lush green, and the sun brightens again. And the snow-occupied mountains around the base camp ornate the region magically.
Those planning Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September get a picturesque glimpse and surreal experience of the trek.
Here are some plus points you’d get if planning this trek in September, past mid-month.
Unobstructed Viewing
It can be ideal for unobstructed viewing with a rain-washed landscape, bright sun overhead, and cool breeze in September. Even during the first half of the month, the weather remains clear and stable till mid-day. And in this weather window, you’ll get adequate time to view, capture, and embrace the panorama.
During the second half of September, particularly from last week, the weather becomes crisp. With no rain, 12 hours long sunshine, greenery everywhere, mountains covered in snow, oh! How amazing would it be standing at Annapurna Base Camp, viewing 5-6 beautiful mountains, and sipping a cup of tea, sitting close to your loved one?
Lush greenery everywhere
With three months of continuous rainfall, the landscape looks thick green in September. Even the barren high-altitude landscape past Machhapuchhre Base Camp to the base camp of Annapurna appears lively. With colorful flower blossoms, the landscape of Annapurna Base Camp looks like an alpine garden.
Himalayan Aster, Himalayan Rosa, Primulas, Iris, Horned Lousewort, Pinnacle Yellow poppy, etc., are popular alpine flowers blooming while on Annapurna Base camp Trek in September.
The trail passes through the lush green Oak, Birch, Bamboo, and Rhododendron forests in lower regions.
If you plan your Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill, you’ll experience the best of this trek. Trekking through stone-paved alleys of Gurung hamlets at Ghandruk and Ghorepani, washed clean by rain, with grown millet plants on the terrace and paddy, and smoke oozing from chimneys gives you the unblemished touch of culture, tradition and natural aesthetic.
Further, viewing the Annapurna range on sunrise from Poon Hill Vantage point, with few spots of clouds ornate by golden rays, you can only imagine the magical moment unless you book your Annapurna Base Camp Trek with us. Experience the Annapurna region in September with us.
Fewer trekkers on the route
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is Nepal’s most trekked destination—more than 10,000 trekkers trek here annually.
Usually, the mid and last months of Spring, April and May, and Autumn, October and November see a record number of trekkers. Although the weather remains pretty good, many trekkers fear the rainfall and poor weather conditions in September. Thus, only a few trekkers trek to ABC this month.
With fewer trekkers, you’ll get a peaceful trek throughout. With very few trekkers, it gets easier for anyone to get the desired accommodation at the tea houses.
Thus, if you’re considering Annapurna Base Camp Trek to be peaceful, September can be an ideal window.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September- Gear List
You’ll need rainproof gear as it rains in Annapurna Sanctuary during early September. Thus, a decent breathable GoreTex wind and rainproof jacket is a must. Also, the waterproof pant is most important to put in your backpack.
Instead of regular trekking boots, you should carry waterproof trekking boots. And for your backpack, you should bring a rainproof backpack cover.
Annapurna Base Camp Temperature in September remains around freezing at nighttime. Also, the daytime temperature averages 7-8˚C, which is warm. Thus, with a down jacket, fleece, and several body layers, you’ll be warm throughout.
Trekking poles, water bottles, sunglass, personal hygiene, and skin protection are necessary.
Downside of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September
While trekking to the base camp of Annapurna in September, there are some downsides you should be well aware of. With frequent rainfall during the first half of the month, bugs, leeches, and landslides can be trouble.
Here are some cons you should be well prepared for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September of 2023.
- Several days of continuous rainfall
- Overcast and poor visibility
- Landslides at some places, particularly the area past Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- Leeches and bugs in lower regions
- Slippery trails
- Obstructed Kathmandu to Pokhara flight if you’re planning to fly Pokhara
Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight in September
Even with slight changes in weather on any given day, a couple of flights make it to Pokhara and Kathmandu. However, if it continuously rains for a few days, the flights are often delayed, postponed, or even cancelled. But in September, flight delay happens more than cancellations.
If you plan to start your Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara, you’ll take a drive or a flight. We recommend you take a flight because the Prithvi Highway, from Kathmandu to Pokhara, is now under renovation. Thus, you’ll drive for 8 hours on bumpy and muddy roads. Not to mention the Prithvi Highway’s notorious all-day-long traffic jams.
Please consider one or two buffer days if you plan to take Kathmandu to Pokhara flight in September. Fly Pokhara a day or two early to avoid potential flight cancellations and delays. With an early flight to Pokhara, you’ll get a fantastic time touring around the beautiful city.
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