Annapurna Conservation Area

Climate

Two climatic regions within a span of 120 km (75 mi) and an elevation of 1,000 to 8,000 m (3,300 to 26,200 ft) are distinguished. Rainfall in the southern part of the Annapurnas is higher than in the rain shadow to the north of the peaks. Annual precipitation is highest during the Asian monsoon between June and September ranging from 5,032 mm (198.1 in) on the southern slopes at 2,950 m (9,680 ft) elevation to 1,099 mm (43.3 in) in rain shadow areas at 2,760 m (9,060 ft) elevation. Snow accumulates between 2,000 and 3,000 m (6,600 and 9,800 ft). In the winter of 1999–2000, areas above 3,000 m (9,800 ft) were snow-covered until the end of March, and until May above 4,400 m (14,400 ft). At this elevation, winter air temperatures range from −4.65 to −6.06 °C (23.63 to 21.09 °F).