How cold is Annapurna Base Camp in April?

In April, Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) is warm during the day with temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, but it drops to freezing at night, usually between -5°C and 0°C. This makes April one of the best times for the trek because the weather is very stable and the mountain views are sharp and clear.

One of the best parts about April is walking through the rhododendron forests (Lali Gurans) along the Modi Khola valley. The hills turn bright red and pink, making the trail look like a real-life painting.

When the sun goes down, the cold bites fast. But trust me, the chilly nights are worth it! April offers the clearest views of Annapurna I, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Annapurna South. The sky stays deep blue, and the peaks look so close you feel like you could touch them.

In this blog, we will discuss the Annapurna Base Camp weather in April, ABC gear for cold weather, and daytime vs nighttime temperatures ABC.

Pro tip from your local guide: April is peak season in the Himalayas. Book early with Nepal Gateway Trekking for cozy accommodations and a safe journey. We handle your permits and safety, allowing you to enjoy the trek.

Quick Temperature Overview: How Cold Is ABC in April?

In April, the Annapurna region trek is like a bridge between the warm valleys and the icy peaks. Here is what you need to remember:

• Days are cool but manageable: while you’re moving, the sun feels strong and the air is refreshing.
• Nights drop below freezing: once the sun hides behind the mountains, the temperature plummets. You will need your warm gear!
• Rapid weather changes: The Himalayas are unpredictable. A sunny hour can turn into a chilly breeze in minutes, making it feel colder than it is.
• Base Camp vs. Lower Trail: ABC is at 4,130 m, so it is significantly colder than the starting villages like Ghandruk.

If you’re ready for the Annapurna adventure, our local guides are ready for you. Get in touch today.

How cold is Annapurna Base Camp during the day in April?

During the day at the Annapurna Base Camp trek, the average temperature usually stays around 10°C to 12°C. The sun feels extremely warm against your skin because of the thin air. You might even feel at ease walking in just a light shirt on a clear, windless day!

As soon as you stop for a break or a cloud blocks the sun, you will feel the chill. Along the lower parts of the trail, the weather is much toastier, often ranging from 15°C to 22°C.

Trekking Tips for Daytime:

• Use light thermal layers: wear moisture-wicking shirts that keep you dry when you sweat.
• Keep a windproof jacket handy: The wind in the Annapurna Sanctuary can be sharp. A light shell will protect you from the "bite" of the breeze.
• Don't forget the sunscreen: The April sun at high altitude is very strong—it can burn you even if the air feels cool!

Want to know why trekkers trust Nepal Gateway trekking? Learn more about our team, values, and safety-first approach.

How cold does it get at Annapurna Base Camp at night in April?

This is where the real adventure begins! While the days feel like a warm spring hug, the nights at Annapurna Base Camp are a different story. In April, the temperature usually drops between -2°C and -6°C (19–28°F).

Since our mountain teahouses are built from local stone and wood, they don't hold heat like a modern house. You might wake up and see white frost on the inside of the windows or even a little "sparkle" on your top blanket! The air is also very dry at 4,130 metres, which can make your throat feel scratchy: we locals call this condition the "Himalayan hack”.

The "Guide's Secret" for a Warm Night:

• The Sleeping Bag is Your Shield: Don’t just rely on the teahouse blankets. I recommend bringing or renting a -10°C (14°F) rated sleeping bag. It’s better to be too warm and unzip it than to spend the night shivering!
• The Bottle Trick: Before you go to bed, fill your Nalgene bottle with boiling water and wrap it in a sock. Stick it at the bottom of your sleeping bag. It acts like a little heater for your feet all night long!
• Protect Your Throat: Wear a buff or a light scarf even while you sleep. It keeps the cold, dry air from irritating your throat.

Want a trek that fits your pace and style? Nepal Gateway Trekking can customize your trip.

April Temperature Cheat Sheet (ABC vs. The Trail)

One mistake many trekkers make is packing only for the cold. But remember, your journey starts in the lush, green lowlands of the Annapurna Himalayas! You will walk through different "climate zones" in just a few days.

Use this table to visualize the massive temperature shift as we climb higher, including daytime vs nighttime temperatures ABC.

Ever wondered how cold Mount Everest gets? Read our blog for real temperature facts and tips.

Why Does Base Camp Feel Colder Than the Trail in April?

In the Himalayas, the weather has a "split personality". Here is the local secret: the higher we climb into the Annapurna Sanctuary, the thinner the air becomes.

Thinner air is like a thin blanket: it cannot hold onto the sun's warmth. Once the sun dips behind the giant peaks of Annapurna South or Machhapuchhare, that warmth vanishes instantly.

Quick Facts: The April Temperature Gap

• The Altitude Rule: In Nepal, the temperature drops by about 6°C for every 1,000 metres you climb.
• The Big Jump: Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) is roughly 3,300 metres higher than Pokhara. This means it is naturally about 20°C colder than where you started!
• The Wind Factor: ABC is a giant bowl surrounded by ice. In April, dry winds of 8–10 mph often blow through. This "wind chill" can make a 10°C afternoon feel like it’s near freezing.
• Thin Air: Because there is less oxygen and water vapour at higher altitudes, the sun feels very hot on your skin, but the air around you stays cool.

Not sure when to go? Read our blog about the best time for the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

Base Camp vs. Trail Temperatures

Your journey is a walk through different worlds. When you start in lower villages like Tikhedhunga or Ghandruk, you are in the lush "subtropical" zone. Here, in the Annapurna trek climate April, the sun is strong, and temperatures often hit a balmy 25°C (77°F).

But as we move into the "Alpine" zone and past the teahouses and Himalaya Hotel, the temperature drastically drops. By the time we reach the ABC temperatures April, the air changes completely.

Temperature Comparison Table: April (Celsius & Fahrenheit)

Local Tip: Don't be fooled by the initial warmth! Keep your down jacket accessible in your backpack. It's better to have an extra layer than to lack one when the mountains surprise you.

Travel in confidence. Our ABC packages include ABC trek permits, such as ACAP and TIMS permits, allowing you to begin your trek with no permit stress.

How to Stay Warm at Annapurna Base Camp in April?

In my years of guiding through the Annapurna Conservation Area, I’ve seen many trekkers bring heavy bags but still feel cold in spring trekking Himalayas Nepal. The secret isn't more clothes: it’s the right layers and ABC gear for cold weather.

Here are the packing list guidelines and ABC gear for Annapurna Base Camp weather April:  

1. The 3-Layer Clothing System

• The Foundation (Base Layer): Use high-quality thermals. I always suggest merino wool, as it stays warm even if you get a little sweaty walking up those 3,000 stone steps to Ulleri. Plus, it doesn’t get "stinky" after a few days!
• The Walls (Mid-Layer): This is your insulation. A thick fleece or a light down "puffer" jacket traps your body heat. In April, you’ll likely wear this as soon as we stop for a tea break.
• The Outer Shell: You need a windproof jacket. Even on a sunny April day, the wind inside the Annapurna Sanctuary can be sharp. This layer keeps the "mountain breath" out.
• Protect the "Hot Spots": We lose most of our heat through our heads. Bring a warm wool beanie, insulated gloves, and thick wool-blend socks.

2. Sleeping Gear for Freezing Nights

• 4-Season Sleeping Bag: Don't gamble with your sleep! Even in April, I tell my guests to use a bag rated for -10°C (14°F).
• Liners: A silk or fleece liner is a "life-saver". It adds about 5°C of extra warmth and keeps your rented sleeping bag clean.

Want to trek ABC in spring,  January or May? Read our detailed guides to plan your trip.

3. Essential Accessories for April

• Polarized Sunglasses: The April sun reflects off the white snow near Machhapuchhare Base Camp (MBC). Without good glasses, you can get snow blindness.
• Trekking Poles: These are your best friends on the descent. They also give you balance if we find icy patches on the trail near Deurali.
• Skin Protection: The Himalayan air is very dry. Bring lip balm and moisturizer, or your skin will feel like sandpaper by Day 5!

Not sure what to bring? Check our EBC, Manaslu, and Makalu base camp packing guides.

April vs. Other Months: How Cold is ABC?

Many of the trekkers ask, "Is April better than October?" While both are great, Annapurna Base Camp weather in April has a special magic. You get to see the mountains through a "frame" of red flowers.

Here is how the ABC temperatures in April compare:

The Bottom Line: April gives you the "best of both worlds". You get the high-altitude thrill and clear views without the bone-chilling cold of winter.

For the latest rules and safety tips for the Annapurna region, visit the Nepal Tourism Board.

Final Thoughts: Is the ABC Trek in April Worth the Cold?

So, after all this talk, how cold is Annapurna Base Camp in April? Well, by now you can see the mountain has two sides. It’s a mix of warm spring sun that makes you smile and freezing alpine nights that make you huddle up. Even though the ABC weather forecast for April sits between -4°C and 12°C, you shouldn't let that stop you.

There is honestly nothing like the feeling of walking through a forest of bright red flowers in the morning and then standing under a giant sky of stars at night. Yes, the nights at the Annapurna trek climate April  are very chilly! But trust me, the sight of the sun hitting those white peaks will stay with you forever. April really is a special time for an Annapurna Base Camp trek in Nepal.

Standing in that giant bowl of mountains at 4,130 meters is pure magic. Don’t let a bit of frost keep you away. With the right jacket and a warm heart, the cold at ABC in April is just a small part of an amazing story you’ll tell for years.

Namaste, and I hope to see you on the trail very soon!

FAQs: Annapurna Base Camp Weather in April

How cold does it get at Annapurna Base Camp at night?

In April, the night temperature at base camp usually falls between -2°C and -6°C. It is definitely freezing! You’ll want a heavy down jacket and a warm sleeping bag to stay cozy once you get to your teahouse.

Can I rent trekking gear for cold weather in Nepal?

Yes, you can! You don't have to carry everything from home. You can rent a warm sleeping bag or a down jacket in Kathmandu or Pokhara for about $1 to $3 a day. It’s a great way to save space in your bag.

What is the daytime temperature at ABC in April?

During the day, the Annapurna Base Camp temperature stays around 10°C to 12°C. When the sun is out and the wind is calm, it feels wonderful. You might even find yourself hiking in just a light fleece!

Is there a lot of snow on the ABC trek in April?

Most of the main walking trails are clear of snow by April. You will still see plenty of white snow at the base camp and on the peaks around you, though. It makes for the best photos of the Himalayas in spring!

Is April a safe month for trekking despite the cold?

Yes, April is generally a very safe and great month for trekking in many places, including Nepal. It offers a great balance of warm days, clear skies, blooming flowers, and stable weather. However, higher altitudes remain cold with the possibility of snow or ice, necessitating the use of appropriate gear and awareness of wind and crowds.