How cold is it during the Everest Base Camp trek?

In the spring season (March, April, and May), the weather is mild (not so cold). Marking the end of winter, the days gradually become warmer and warmer in this season. Due to the warmer climate, this is the ideal trekking season.

You might wonder why the trekkers feel so comfortable and even trek with t-shirts. However, you should wear warm clothes as nights are still colder in the Himalayas.

The days are warmer with sunshine, with less chiller nights as compared to previous months. The average temperature during these months is 17 °C during the daytime, with a maximum temperature of 25 °C. But, at night and at altitudes above 4000 meters, temperatures can get as low as -15 °C.

March, the beginning of the spring season, opens up the sky after winter's heavy snowfall. Gradually the day becomes warmer and warmer, making it favorable for the trekkers. However, as it is the start of warmer days, you should be careful regarding the safety against coldness as nights are a bit chiller. In the Everest base camp this month, the temperature ranges from a maximum 7°C during the day to a minimum of -12°C in the morning and night.

The temperature is perfect for the trekkers during the mid-spring or the month of April. The warmer temperature during this period makes this month most preferred and busiest for the Everest base camp trekking. You might feel warm during the day while ascending the mountain, but you should also bring some extra layers for the chilly nights. An average temperature ranges from a max of 10°C in the daytime to min -5°C in the nights and early mornings during April.

The days gradually become pleasant and warmer during May. Sunlight during the day makes the trekkers feel warmer, and most of them even hike in t-shirts at lower elevations. In May, the temperature ranges between a maximum of 15°C in the daytime and a minimum of 0°C in the night and early mornings.

Summer starts from the beginning of June and lasts up to the end of August. This season is the warmest of all seasons. However, summer in the Everest region is still cooler than other summer temperatures in lower places. However, rain creates a problematic situation that makes it an unfavorable season for trekking.

June is the beginning of summer and monsoon. Although it offers good warmth in the first few days, the temperature can fluctuate with a sudden change in weather and heavy rain. However, considering the temperature, you will witness a maximum of 16°C and a minimum of -1°C while trekking.

The days get hotter and hotter in the days of July. The lower elevation is hotter than, the higher ones during the trek. Despite the hotter temperature, it is not favored to hike due to wet, muddy, and slippery paths due to frequent rain. The average temperature in Everest base camp ranges from 17°C in the daytime and decreases up to 2°C at night.

August is also hotter as like as previous months. But it is not favorable to trek due to heavy downpour, making the trail risky due to the chances of landslides. In Everest base camp, the temperature remains similar to the previous month, being a maximum of 16°C in the daytime and dropping to around 2°C in the early mornings and evenings.

After the heavy downpour, the skies became clear and stable in autumn, extending from September to November. Autumn has a moderate temperature (neither too hot nor too cold), making it favorable for the trekkers. The moderate temperature makes the trekker comfortable for trekking from every side.

The higher elevations have lower temperatures as compared to lower ones. The temperature in the Himalayas can decline to sub-zero within an hour. Therefore, you should be prepared well for cold climates and freezing temperatures (in nights and early mornings) before embarking on the Everest Base Camp trek in autumn.

With the start of September, the temperature gets moderate day by day. The days are warm and reach up to 15°C, which declines to 2°C during the nights in Everest base camp during September. The lower elevations are a bit warmer as compared to high altitudes.

During the mid-autumn or the month of October, the temperatures are most favorable, neither too hot nor too cold. Due to this, this month is one of the most preferred months for trekking in Nepal. However, the nights are still colder at higher altitudes, and you should be prepared well for that. This month, the temperature ranges from 12 °C during the daytime to the min -6 °C at night and mornings in the Everest base camp.

With the beginning of November, the temperature starts to get cooler than in previous months. Although the days are sunny, the night is chill with a soft breeze. By the end of this month, the temperature starts to decline significantly, marking the start of the winter season. During this month, the temperature ranges between a maximum of 6°C in the daytime and declines to a minimum of -12°C at night and in the mornings.

Winter (December, January, and February) is the coldest season to trek among all of the others. The temperature is very low and even declines to a minus level. The nights are chilliest as compared to other seasons. During the day, the sunshine helps the trekkers feel a bit warm and trek in the cooler climate.

Remember, as the altitude increases, the temperature is freezing, and there is frequent snowfall and extreme coldness.

So the lower elevations, such as Lukla and Namche, are a bit warmer than Base camp. Moreover, in higher regions, the temperature drops to -30°C at night in mid-winter.

Expect breathtaking and clear views; winter trekking is challenging due to snow and severe coldness.

December is the beginning 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.

In mid-January, the temperature even declines further and further. Despite the stable and precise weather for breathtaking views, the temperature is most chilling and freezing, and the surroundings are covered with heavy snowfall.

It would be best if you were extra cautious regarding protection from the extreme temperatures at night and in the early mornings that get below freezing, reaching up to -17°C in and around Everest Base Camp. The maximum temperature during this period is detected 4°C during the daytime.

By the end days of February, the temperature starts to become warmer and warmer than in previous months, with clear, bright, and sunny days. Talking about the temperatures, it witnesses a maximum of 4°C in the daytime to -15°C in the nights and mornings.

The Himalayas' temperature is always cooler and more extreme compared to Kathmandu or other regions. Therefore, it would be best if you were fully prepared to protect yourself from the cold climate whichever seasons you are trekking. Consequently, you should not take it lightly regarding the temperature factor.

Get prepared physically and mentally, get appropriate trekking gear and equipment, be close to guides, and respect the local ethics and aspects. Considering these will help make your Everest base camp trek successful even in harsh and freezing temperatures.