Everest Base Camp Trek Weather

The weather and Temperature at Everest Base Camp are always unpredictable and ever-changing.

Everest is considered the third polar pole where the utmost ice surface on the earth shelters. The temperatures in the uppermost part of Everest are never above 0° C and can decrease up to -60° C in the mid-winter periods.

The weather is highly changeable throughout the Everest (popular as Khumbu) region and one of the extremes. Thus the weather and temperatures at Everest Base Camp also keep changing all around the year.

Weather and temperature conditions play a vital role in your Everest Base Camp Trek. Trekkers are suggested to pay attention, check the weather forecast, and choose the best seasons when deciding to trek Everest Base Camp. Pack the appropriate gears, equipment, and clothes, and be well prepared for all types of weather, even extreme conditions as well.  

While ascending towards the base of Mt. Everest, trekkers will gain significant altitude. Trekkers shall begin the journey from Kathmandu-1350m and reach 5545m above sea level. Within 8-9 days’ trek, they will gain a total of 4000m elevation.

Mount Everest Base Camp (southern side) sits at Lat 27° 59' 9.8340'' N and Long 86° 55' 21.4428'' E on the world’s map. Nepal, in total, witnesses four seasons in a year; spring, summer, autumn, and winter, each having three months.

Although Everest Base Camp Trek is possible throughout the year, autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the choicest months. However, stable weather conditions, unobstructed mountain views, and green fresh nature make the journey easier, more comfortable, and enjoyable.

During Monsoon/Summer season (June to August), trekking to the Everest Base Camp is not recommended due to heavy rainfalls and clouds that may obstruct your views. In this season, you might be lucky if you get to see once the mighty Everest due to fog and clouds all around, not to mention the difficulties caused by moistness while hiking as the trail gets wet, slippery, and muddy.

 In the winter months from December to February, trekking the Everest region is still possible despite the lower temperature and often chill winds and snowfall in the trekking route with the right preparation. In this period, short and lower elevated like Everest View Trek is highly advised. The advantage is that you will see very few trekkers on the trail, and you will have the trails all for yourself.

In this article, I have explained every possible weather condition and temperature of each season and month in the Everest Base Camp Trekking trail.

Everest Base Camp Weather and Temperature in Spring

The months of March, April, and May fall under the spring season in Nepal. These are the choicest months for trekking in the High Himalayas, mountaineering, and completing the high Himalayan passes, i.e., Everest High Passes Trek, Manaslu Circuit, Annapurna Circuit, Dhaulagiri Circuit, etc.

Because of the stable weather and temperature, plenty of the teahouses can be seen around Everest Base Camp occupied by the adventurers wishing to step on the top of Mt. Everest. What an enthralling journey!

You will find numerous fellow trekkers from different countries throughout your trial, and sometimes it can be a bit crowded. It is because of the numerous trekkers and peak summiteers during this season.

On the trekking trails, enjoy the different species of flowers along the trail as spring is the season of blossoms, especially in the lower elevations (around Lukla, Phakding, Monjo, and Benkar). Plus, the blooming rhododendron flower will offer you a pleasurable sensation and add to the atmosphere of the trail.

 As spring is favorable for biodiversity, trekkers can enjoy some of the rarest animals and birds along the way. The sky looks crystal in this season. The days get warmer each day. The days are sunny, warm, with beautiful views. Nights are chill and a bit colder.

Everest Base Camp in March

A beginning month for the spring season, March opens up with the beautiful mountains just after the heavy snowfall of the winter months. The days are still shorter, and the temperature begins to warm up each day.

The snow in the trail, lakes, passes, base camps and valleys begin to melt from the beginning of this month, making it comfortable to walk. Teahouses closed in the winter months are now opened. Locals migrated to the lowlands to escape freezing winter begin to get back to their place and prepare for the peak season.

Obviously, the weather is far better than in January and February; still, there are chances of occasional snowfalls in the higher elevations.

In Everest Base Camp, the temperature ranges from a maximum of 7°C during the day and a minimum of -12 °C in the mornings and nights during this month.

Everest Base Camp in April

April is mid-spring and one of the most preferred months for trekking in the Himalayan sections, including Everest Base Camp. Due to the stable weather conditions, favorable temperatures, fewer chances of snowfall even in the high elevations, available accommodation choices, longer days, sunny days (but not hotter), crystal views, trekking in Everest has become more and more popular in April.

Standing at the different viewpoints (especially Everest View Hotel, Nagarjun Hill, and Kala Patthar), you will have the clearest view of the exquisite Himalayan ranges of the Everest region.  

An average temperature ranges from max 10°C in the daytime to min -5°C in the nights and early mornings during April. 

Everest Base Camp in May

The last month of the spring season-May is the choicest month for climbing mountains, including Mt. Everest and other high pinnacles. However, the days are long, warm, and sunny, making it comfortable to walk even in the high elevations.

Everest Base Camp looks full of tents accommodated by the Everest summiteers. You will get an opportunity to see and interact with the climbers who kiss the top of Mt. Everest on the trail.

The temperature ranges between a maximum of 15°C in the daytime and a minimum of 0°C in the night and early mornings.

Everest Base Camp Weather and Temperature in Summer

Just after the spring seasons, it is summer in Nepal that ranges from June to August. The trekking trails in the Everest region will be wet, sometimes slippery, and muddy due to the heavy precipitation of the monsoon.

This period is assumed to be a less auspicious time to trek the base of Mt. Everest due to the high possibility of frequent downpours and cloudy weather. And the weather and temperature in the high Himalayas can rush in harsh quickly, making it uncomfortable to walk. Moreover, near Everest Base Camp, there is even a risk of avalanches during summer periods.

There could be the chance of landslides in lower mountainous regions and avalanches in the higher elevated lands. But if you are a wishful botanist, this might be the best time to study the flora and creatures of the region.

Only some teahouses on the route remain in this season. As a result, only a few trekkers are seen on the way, and trails will be almost empty throughout the summer.

Note: Trekking in the rain shadowed areas of Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Nar-Phu Valley, Tsum Valley are still possible in summer periods as they receive less or no rainfall at all.

Everest Base Camp in June

At the beginning of the rainy season, June generally offers good weather for the first 15 days. Trekking Everest is possible till mid-June, and it does not receive heavy rainfall. However, you might see clouds in the sky and listen to thunderstorms generally after mid-day.

With the dramatic decline in trekkers and climbers, this month makes for a quieter, peaceful trek. However, considering the temperature, you will witness a maximum of 16°C and a minimum of -1°C while trekking.

Everest Base Camp in July

Another monsoon month-July receives more precipitation, and days get hotter than in June. The weather during this month is humid and hot in the lower elevations.

The number of tourists continues to decline in the Everest region; however, in Upper Dolpo, Rara Lake, Upper Mustang, the number of trekkers increases this month.

Despite some disadvantages caused by the monsoon, July offers exceptional sceneries of nature. Almost all sorts of vegetation grow during these months, and their entire hills, valleys, and forests look like lustrous greeneries. After the rainfall, the sky becomes clear, and mountains show their gleaming fresh face. What amazing views!

The average temperature in Everest Base Camp ranges from 17°C in the daytime and decreases up to 2°C at night.

Everest Base Camp in August

Despite being the last month of the monsoon season, August still receives rainfall making the trekking trail wet, muddy, and slippery. The rivers and streams are full of water; there is still a chance of landslides that can obstruct the trails in the hills. So again, trekking in the rain shadowed areas is possible and recommended too.

Alike June, entire nature, including mountains, lakes, jungles, settlements, rice fields, farmlands, look crystal after the rainfall.

In Everest Base Camp, the temperature remains similar to the previous month, being a maximum of 16°C in the daytime and dropping down to around 2°C in the early mornings and evenings.

Everest Base Camp Weather and Temperature in Autumn

Another choicest season for Everest Base Camp Trek is autumn which extends from September to November. During these months, the weather becomes most stable and crystal clear.

The sky is cloudless, and the mountains are unobstructed, nature is refreshed, the valley looks as if they are painted, the hills are full of greeneries along with several autumn flowers, the wildlife enjoys the dry nature, and landscapes look spectacular during autumn months.

Despite being clear weather, favorable climate, the temperatures are moderate, neither too hot nor too cold. These all make it comfortable for trekking from every side. The temperature at the higher elevations is lower compared to the lower elevations.

This is a favorable season for trekking all sorts of trekking routes from high passes to the lower viewpoints filled with trekkers, hikers, and mountaineers. Choosing the alternative/off-the-beaten routes will be the best option to get a lesser trekker traffic.

Plus, pre-booking is absolutely advantageous. The teahouses and lodges in the trekking trails are filled with trekkers. As the agencies and trekking leaders have good connections with the teahouse owners, they can book the needed rooms for you earlier, making your accommodation more comfortable.

Always follow your trekking leader. Buy/ hire needed trekking gears and equipment and carry needed clothes. The temperature in the Himalayas can decline to sub-zero within an hour. Therefore, be prepared well for high elevations, freezing temperatures (in nights and early mornings), and strong winds (sometimes higher elevations) before embarking on Everest Base Camp Trek in autumn.

Everest Base Camp in September

Known as the end of monsoon and beginning of the autumn month, September witnesses both seasons; monsoon and autumn. Usually, for the first 15 days, there are chances of occasional rainfall. After that, the weather begins to be clearer each day, and the temperature remains almost stable with a slight decline at the end of the month.

Nature gets rid of long monsoon periods, and the trekking routes start to be drier, making it comfortable to walk. The mountains uncover their hidden face after a long time. The valleys, mountains, villages, and entire surroundings look awe.

The days are warm and reach up to 15°C, which declines up to 2°C in the nights in Everest Base Camp during September. The lower elevations are a bit warmer.

Everest Base Camp in October

No fog, no clouds, no mist, no dust particles in the air, neither hot nor cold, amazing visibility, unobstructed mountain sceneries, stable weather conditions, fewer chances of rainfall or snowfall, drier trekking trails, lush vegetation everywhere, seasonal flowers, amazing landscapes, photogenic waterfalls, exotic wildlife inside Sagarmatha National Park are some of the salient features of October-one of the most preferred month for trekking in Nepal. 

Some things to consider- the trail may get busy as many trekkers choose this month for trekking Everest Base Camp. Flights schedules are busy, and prices may go up for some services. Teahouses may be full of trekkers, and you may need to share a room with fellow trekkers. But be sure that you should not compromise dormitory sleeping accommodation. However, get prepared for larger crowds than normal if you choose to go to Everest Base Camp this month.

The temperature ranges from 12 °C daytime to the min -6 °C at nights and mornings in Everest Base Camp this month.

Everest Base Camp in November

November is the mark of the end of the autumn period. The days are sunny and bright; the nights are chill with a soft breeze. You will still enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest.

From the half of this month, the temperature begins to decline. It is a little cold, especially at night and at high altitudes. During this month, the temperature ranges between a maximum of 6°C in the daytime that declines up to a minimum of -12°C at night and dawn. There is also a little chance of snowfall in late November in the higher elevations.

So, be well-prepared with proper trekking gear, equipment, and clothing. Getting a sleeping bag that covers even in the negative temperatures.

Everest Base Camp Weather and Temperature in Winter

The days are shorter than the nights, the weather is stable and dry, the temperature is freezing, there is frequent snowfall in the higher altitudes, most of the tea houses and lodges will be vacant, and some are closed too, the days are a bit warmer making comfortable for walking, the views are snowy everywhere; these are the salient features of winter (the months from December to February) in Nepal.  

Trekking in Everest Base Camp is still possible with the right gears and preparations where trekkers will have a pretty awesome experience during this season.

In the mid-winter, the temperature may decline up to -30 degrees Celsius at night. The lower elevations are a bit warmer. It sunshine most of the areas in the daytime and makes the temperature even deeper, making contented to walk.

For the adventurers seeking low traffic and less crowded trails, this season is the best choice as it is off-season. You can enjoy the great hospitality, quick and discounted services in the teahouses as they have only a few to handle.

The alternative routes as Everest High Passes Trek, Mera Peak Climbing, Gokyo Lakes Trek might get closed because of the fewer tourists, heavy snowfall, and extreme cold.

During winter entire Everest region will remain dry and crystal except for the morning mist and occasional snowfall. In the high elevations, most of the places encircling the peak will be covered with thickly layered snow deposits during this period. In the daytime, you will have spectacular views of snow.

Trekking in Everest Base Camp certainly will be adventurous in winter with a lot of snow and chill.

Everest Base Camp in December

December- the beginning month of the winter season, the temperature decreases each latter-day and reaches up to -14°C, especially in the nights and early mornings around Everest Base Camp.

The days are generally warmer and sunny that reaches up to 4°C in the Everest Base Camp. However, in the early mornings and evenings, the foggy and cloudy weather may obstruct the clear sights of the snow-clad peaks.

Everest Base Camp in January

In the mid-winter month of January, you will witness the blue skies and landscape views, and mountains are breathtaking despite freezing temperature and chill atmosphere. But, unfortunately, the entire surrounding looks covered by heavy snowfall, and some higher elevated trekking routes are blocked by it.

Trekkers need to be careful enough as the temperatures during the nights and in the early mornings get below freezing, reaching up to -17°C in and around Everest Base Camp. The maximum temperature during this period is witnessed 4°C during the daytime.

Everest Base Camp in February

At the end of the winter month in Nepal, February has a warm temperature than the previous month. The frequency of rainfall also decreases, and the lower elevations are mild and humid. During your trek, you can walk comfortably at moderate temperature in those lands. At the end of this month, the days are sunnier, brighter, and clearer.

So, the visibility is perfect. There will be a high chance of getting the breathtaking sceneries of the snow-clad mountains. Talking about the temperatures, it witnesses a max of 4°C in the daytime to -15°C in the nights and mornings.

Final Say

You need to be safe rather than sorry. You need to look out for the best weather for hiking Everest Base Camp. Thus it is wise to do some research about what kind of weather you are comfortable in.

You can trek Everest Base Camp in all seasons. However, you need to know well which one would be the best season for trekking Everest because it will give you the best in every season, and indeed, the experience in every season varies.

Work on yourself, get proper training, learn about the food and accommodation available during the trip, collect some ideas about cultural ethics and religious aspects during the trip, get appropriate trekking gears and equipment for the trip, be physically fit and mentally determined before embarking the actual hike to Everest Base Camp. Further, if you still have some confusion regarding the Everest Base Camp Trek, don't hesitate to contact us. We will assist you from the very beginning.