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The Annapurna Circuit is a legendary trek around the Annapurna massif in Nepal. June marks the start of Nepal’s monsoon season, so at first it might seem like a wet time to hike. In reality, trekking the Annapurna Circuit in June has unique advantages. The recent spring rains turn the forests and fields a brilliant green, and mountain peaks often emerge clear after showers. With fewer trekkers on the trail, you can enjoy more quiet time and better chances to spot wildlife. In this blog, we explore June weather, trail conditions, and why this off-season trek can still be rewarding.
Highlights of Annapurna Circuit in June
June’s combination of fewer visitors and vibrant landscapes makes the Annapurna Circuit an exciting trek to consider. The path changes rapidly with altitude, so it helps to be ready for both warm, rainy days and crisp clear nights.
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Fewer crowds: Annapurna Conservation Area recorded about 26,000 trekkers in June 2025, compared to 34,716 in May. This means many trails feel spacious and peaceful.
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Lush scenery: Early summer monsoon brings vivid greens to valleys and forests. Rhododendron blooms and orchids appear along the route, and melting snow feeds active waterfalls
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Clear mountain views: Storms wash away dust, leaving dramatic clear skies. You often see Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and Dhaulagiri standing sharply against the skyline.
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Rain-shadow north: Most rain falls on lower southern slopes; the northern Manang area lies in the rain shadow. The high trail stays mostly dry, so conditions are relatively easy.
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Warm days, cool nights: Expect daytime highs around 20–25°C at lower elevations (Pokhara averages ~23°C in June). Nights and mornings above 3,000 m drop to near 5°C or lower.
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Budget-friendly: Local teahouses and lodges offer off-season rates. Travelers report discounts on lodging and food in June.
Weather on the Annapurna Circuit in June
June brings the monsoon to Nepal. Heavy rain is typical in the lower hills and the Pokhara valley. For example, Pokhara sees around 693 mm (27.3 in) of rain in June (up from 393 mm in May). After these rains, the forests and fields come alive. However, early June often starts with only light showers.
Higher parts of the circuit are largely spared from heavy rain. The trek climbs into Manang and Mustang regions, which lie east of the high Himalayas and receive almost no monsoon showers. Trekkers report that the first week of June can have very little rain high above 3,000 m. That means mornings can clear up beautifully, revealing sharp mountain peaks.
The temperature remains mild. In sunlit valleys, days warm up to around 20–25°C (about 70°F). The air is humid but not oppressively hot. When you climb above 4,000 m, the air cools quickly at night. In Manang village (3,500 m), average lows are only about 5°C (41°F). Pack layers: a light jacket is usually enough in the day, but be prepared for frost at high camps by dawn.
Rain does make the lower trails wet and muddy. Good waterproof boots and rain gear are recommended. You may encounter leeches and mosquitoes in the forests. On steep downhill stretches, the path can be slippery. But many trekkers find that the frequent rain showers give way to clear afternoons. Those clear breaks often offer stunning Himalayan views. With patience, you could hike through mist and emerge at a perfect panorama.
Trails and Scenery in June
One of the joys of the Annapurna Circuit is its variety of landscapes. At the start, around 1,000 m elevation, you pass through terraced rice fields and subtropical villages. By Pisang (3,300 m) and beyond, the vegetation changes to pine and rhododendron forests. In June these forests are especially lush. You may spot monkeys or colorful pheasants in the trees.
As you push higher, above 3,500 m the terrain becomes arid. The hills take on a desert appearance. Red cliffs and sparse shrubs replace the green woods. This is the Trans-Himalayan zone that leads into Mustang. A highlight is the Kali Gandaki gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons. Looking over its edge, you see the river far below and Annapurna I on one side and Dhaulagiri on the other.
Views in June can be spectacular. After rain, the air is especially clear. On a sunny afternoon you might catch sunlight glinting on a snowy peak. Mornings often bring mist in the valleys, then sun breaking through the clouds. Adventure seekers enjoy hiking to Thorong La Pass for an early sunrise. If you climb in darkness and reach the pass by dawn, you often see the sunrise illuminating Annapurna South and the sky turning golden.
Staying on the trail is comfortable in June. With fewer trekkers, even higher tea houses often have rooms available. You can pick a nice spot and relax with a view. The sounds of rivers and wind replace the crowd noise of the busy season. Hot meals of dal bhat (rice and lentils) and mugs of tea await each night, making it easy to refuel.
Why Trek the Circuit in June
Choosing June means trekking in Nepal’s off-season, and that has perks. Many parts of the circuit will be quieter, giving you a sense of wilderness. As one guide notes, the routes will be “less crowded,” which makes the trek feel peaceful. With fewer hikers, you can take it slower, watch wildlife undisturbed, and even sit alone at viewpoints.
Cost is another advantage. During the off-season, lodges often drop their prices. Plane tickets to Kathmandu or Pokhara may be cheaper. Tea houses will welcome you with special offers and discounted rooms or meals. If you have bargaining skills, you can use them here. Many trekkers note that travel in June is surprisingly budget-friendly.
Finally, there is the unique atmosphere of the season. The rains bring life to the landscape, wild flowers bloom and waterfalls thunder down the hills. Then, just as quickly, the sun can emerge. Imagine standing on a ridge where the valley is filled with mist and the peaks of the Himalayas glow at sunrise. It is a special sight with few experiences. For many trekkers, this mix of solitude and green scenery makes June a hidden gem for the Annapurna Circuit.
Ready to plan your Annapurna Circuit trek in June? Contact Mountain Delights Treks & Expedition to book your adventure.
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