In this article, we are going to discuss Annapurna Base Camp Temperature December.
Nepal is the only country with eight gigantic mountains above 8000m including the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha). Along with it is blessed with ineffable natural beauty all over. With its exquisite resources, it has become a popular platform for adventurous challenges.
Trekking here is one of the exciting adventures you can do. No wonder visiting high altitudes and base camps will create a lifelong experience and beautiful memories.
Annapurna is one of the massifs offering many fantastic trekking opportunities. Among them, Annapurna Base Camp is by far the popular trek in the Annapurna region.
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp offers the best panoramic views of magnificent Annapurna range like Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna South, Fishtail, Tent Peak, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Annapurna IV. The beauty of colossal and snow-capped mountains is simply indescribable.
The trail goes through many uphills & downhills, unique landscapes, incredible waterfalls, and dense forests. The lush vegetation areas include beautiful oak, bamboo rhododendrons, and many more. Here, the surroundings are fresh, pure, and far from city chaos.
Also, every village you enter will encompass awe-trucking scenes with lovable & humble locals welcoming you with a smile.
One of the significant facts about Annapurna is it remains much drier all year round than in other regions like Everest. It receives much less rain than most parts of the Himalayas all year round. This directly means a much longer season for trekking.
Before planning any trek, it is crucial to know local weather and climate. This is true they depend on the region and time of the trek. And Annapurna trek is notable for its climatic changes.
If you wish to avoid the peak season, you can come and visit some other time of the year. Due to the best Annapurna Base, Camp Temperature December is the probable best off-time to visit ABC.
How is the condition of climate and temperature at ABC during December?
Let us know in brief.
Nepal Temperature in December
Winter in Nepal happens from December to February. December marks the beginning. It starts getting cold and chilly. Days get shorter and are sunny & warm with clear skies. But, nights are chilly with strong winds and possible snowfalls at higher altitudes. From mid-December, winter will be in full force with freezing winds and snow in mountains.
Average Temperature – 15 degree Celsius
Maximum Temperature – 21 degree Celsius
Minimum Temperature -10/15 degree Celsius
Sunshine Hour – 6/7
Rainfall –
Average Rainfall Days – Not Fixed
Annapurna Base Camp Temperature December
Trekking in Nepal in December can be challenging but not impossible. Popular treks like Annapurna, Langtang, and Everest can be done. Even though spring and autumn are the most suggested seasons, trekking in winter especially December has its own advantages.
Subtropical meadows and at higher points, alpine peak section with unobstructed views, most beautiful sunrise, and sunset you will ever see.
Temperatures at the Annapurna summit are always above freezing and Annapurna Base Camp Temperature December can drop as low as -10/15℃. The coldest temperatures of the year start from mid-December onward.
Annapurna during winter can be challenging with average temperatures never much above 5℃ and often cold as -5℃.
Moreover, winter is dominated by the southward migration of the northern hemisphere jet stream which brings high winds and occasional snowfalls.
This is a very cold weather period in the ABC trek. Depending on your altitude, day temperatures and night temperatures can be determined.
Day temperatures are comfortable with sunny skies but nights & morning are extremely freezing. Some days may be cloudy with obscure views but there are frequently crystal clear days. The views are often clearer than summer/autumn.
Naturally, temperatures and climatic conditions drop the higher up you go but views are pristine. The views are perfect for stunning photography.
Likewise, there are variations upon the trek. The passes and base camps have more extreme conditions.
When it comes to temperature and weather, Nepal is known for its extremities. Whenever you choose to go remember that high mountains make their own weather.
Although cold during this period, rain can be frequent. Annapurna region, being a shadow area, there is less chance of rainfall this month. The high elevation and cold temperature act as a controlling influence on moisture amount and overall limit.
On the way to the camp, we pass through Jhinu Danda with a hot spring. In the sizzling cold of December, a bath at the hot spring will boost your tired body.
Visiting ABC in different seasons has its own specialty. Similarly, December can be a great time for trekking since there are a lot fewer people and more wildlife. You will have the whole trek all by yourself. Plus, the days are stable and clear with majestical scenes and adjustable temperatures.
Other benefits are you can live in a room of your choice, have timely & smooth services, enjoy a peaceful & serene atmosphere along with the timely flight.
Insufficient distractions make more attention to the scenery and people. You get to know your guides and porters really well. You also have an opportunity to meet and interact with lodge owners who are usually busy to spend time with their guests.
Permits, Food and Accommodation during December on ABC
Regarding permits, you need to have ACAP and a TIMS card. You can easily get them for December both in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
The prices of accommodations, food, and misc. expenses are comparatively less as compared to peak seasons. You can enjoy the winter discount offers. But you might have fewer options in food menus. Also, most lodges and guesthouses are closed due to extreme cold.
However, these days due to the rotation system at the local level, there would not be many problems.
Annapurna Base Camp Difficulty in December
Climate change in the Himalayas is a burning issue worldwide. Due to burning global-warming, climate esp. in the mountains is variably changing. This has created negative effects for trekking. Similar is the case for ABC.
This is also the time where avalanches and heavy snowfall are possible. You will need to be aware of this as you trek the higher passes in the snow.
Many passes may be closed. Even routes may be blocked due to heavy blizzards.
Annapurna Base Camp Temperature/Weather Forecasts
At various points of ABC, there are weather stations which can help you to obtain accurate forecasts. It is essential for every trekker/climber to pre-know the weather you will be trekking.
Forecasts are made by combining on the ground observations with large-scale weather models. Though the prediction can be hard as the Annapurna weather is vastly fluctuating.
Nevertheless, it will help you to be prepared and plan ahead as per the prediction. Some of the weather forecasts for the Annapurna Trekking Region are:
Dana Weather Forecast – For the western side of the Annapurna Region.
Pisang Weather Forecast – For the northern side of the Annapurna region.
Annapurna Sanctuary Weather Forecast Index – Multiple elevations to choose from based on your position.
Annapurna I Weather Forecast (3500m)
Machapuchare Weather Forecast (4000m)
Poon Hill Summit Weather Forecast
Preparations for Trekking Annapurna base Camp Temperature December
Though winter like December is a low tourist season, still treks like Annapurna Base Camp is possible. But caution must be exercised to its fullest to prepare for the winter. This cannot be done without any technical types of equipment or skills along with warm clothes. Safety and convenience must be your foremost priority.
Firstly the question is DIY or hiring guide/porter? It is completely your choice about hiring a guide while trekking in Nepal. But when it comes to trekking to high altitudes as such ABC in December is risky. Thus, you are highly recommended to go with experienced guides and porters.
You need to bring warm and comfortable trekking gear. But pack wisely and precisely. The extra loads will just exhaust you and make your journey loathsome.
Purchasing good quality layers made out of fibers with good breathability, waterproofing, and other qualities like quick-drying, odor-resistant are necessary.
A good down jacket, warm fleeces, a minus 30 sleeping bag, thermal gloves, can easily defeat the temperature issue. Always in a dress in layers.
For hiking boots, make sure they are properly broken-in. For other gears, you have the option to either buy or simply rent the other gears in Kathmandu.
This trek requires a fair level of physical fitness, so it is advised to practice some cardio exercises regularly a few months earlier.
No matter how healthy and fit you are, everyone is at the same risk of AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness). You should be careful not to avoid any symptoms like headache, vomiting, illness, etc. You should immediately come to a lower altitude and take proper rest. Also, make sure you seek professional medical advice before trekking.
On the trek, strictly remember to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Never forget to maintain your pace and walk slow.
Conclusion – Annapurna Base Camp Temperature December
Thus, Annapurna Base Camp can be fluently done if you are fully prepared. In December, you get a golden chance to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the lap of mountains. With low humidity and crystal clear views, your journey will be amazing.
Surely it is hard and it will be freezing cold, but the ravishing natural beauty of Annapurna will make your hardship more than worth it.
