If you are planning your trek to the Everest Base Camp, then you should know about the weather and the best season for the trek so that it will help you plan and prepare yourself by the weather conditions.
In general, Everest is a dry region that receives a minimum rainfall of about only 18 inches, even during the monsoon season. Mountain regions are usually never hot, including in summer. Temperatures reach a maximum of 25 Degrees Celsius during the day, while at night, it lowers to -20 degrees centigrade.
As there are different seasons in Nepal, the best season to trek Everest Base Camp is conceded to be the two seasons of Spring and Autumn. At the same time, October is considered the best month for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek Season & Weather
There are four seasons in Nepal: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each season has different weather, temperature, and experiences at Everest Base Camp, while every season has pros and cons. Yet, keep in mind that high-mountain weather at Everest Base Camp is unpredictable and can change rapidly at any time.
You should stay updated with weather updates and be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. One can have clear weather in the morning and end up with clouds at the base camp in the afternoon.
Trekking Season | Weather | Cloudiness | Crowd | Recommendation |
March-May | Clear, sunny, stable | Low | Moderate | Ideal for trekking |
June-August | Rainy, cloudy, unstable | High | Low | Not recommended due to monsoon |
September-November | Clear, sunny, stable | Low | Moderate | Ideal for trekking |
December-February | Cold, dry, clear | Low | Low | Ideal for trekking, but extremely cold |
Everest Base Camp in Spring
The early months of March, April, and May are the season of spring in Nepal. Spring is not only the 2nd most popular trekking season for the base camp but also the best time for mountaineers to climb Mt. Everest. As such, you get to meet many other Everest Climbers and EBC Trekkers on your journey.
Weather is kindest at this time of year with the generally clear sky and fewer clouds, offering you a much better view of Everest. The crowd is comparatively small, and chances of avalanches and heavy snowfall are bare to a minimum.
The temperature may not be as high as in the summer, but favorable and warm enough to be comfortable. As the days are longer, you can walk at your own pace while enjoying peace and silent serenity. Likewise, Spring is also the season of blossoms, colorful landscapes, and verdant forests.
The lush rhododendrons and many species of flowers will further add to the ambiance of the trail. The temperature in Kathmandu is 15-20 Degree Celsius. Similarly, flights to Lukla are smooth, and helicopter ride is more blissful, making spring one of the best times to visit Everest Base Camp.
Everest Base Camp in Summer
Summer monsoons in Nepal usually arrive in early June and last through early September. Nepal experiences frequent downpours and cloudy weather, making it a less favorable time for trekking to the Everest Base Camp.
Weather is more unpredictable, and the rainfall produced during the summer monsoon makes the trail muddy and slippery, raising the possibility of landslides and avalanches in lower and higher mountain regions. As a result, trekkers usually avoid this season, leaving the trail almost empty.
On the flip side, this is the best time to study flora and fauna as the vegetation is alive and green with astounding forest views. But if you plan a trek in the monsoon, good-quality boots, waterproof clothes, and strong grips are a must.
Since this is the off-season for trekkers, most teahouses remain closed. However, you can have more room availability and expect discounts and more facilities. However, trekking in monsoon season is less recommended.
Everest Base Camp in Autumn
Autumn initiates the end of the summer monsoon. Heavy clouds are gone, and the summit is once more clearly visible. Landscapes are still verdant and lush, and waterfalls in the lower region are still alive. And, the best season has arrived! September, October, and November are autumn in Nepal.
Autumn is also the season of the verdant Nepalese festivals of Dashain and Tihar. The weather is the most stable and pleasant during this time, so your trekking will go smoothly and on schedule. The sky is clear after the monsoon rain, allowing you to enjoy Everest’s spectacular mountain views and surrounding peaks. This is undeniably the best and most comfortable trekking weather.
However, this also means a fair amount of crowd. However, you can choose the lesser-known Everest Base Camp Routes like Everest Gokyo Trek to avoid traffic. The temperature is not too hot, nor too cold. But of course, the temperature in the higher region is lower than in the lower regions.
As the days pass, they are comparatively warmer, while mornings and nights get colder. We must keep in mind that mountain weather is still unpredictable, so we must always be ready with our gear to face unforeseen weather circumstances.
Pre-booking is a must, especially for the Everest Flights, as it is also the peak season. Consider trekking in Autumn if you are confused about choosing between the seasons of Everest Base Camp.
Everest Base Camp in Winter
The view in winter is crystal clear Winter. If you are ready to endure the freezing weather and well prepared, then you can have an excellent view of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks. Have a pretty good experience in Winter. Winter begins early in November and stays till February.
The weather is stable and dry except for the morning mist and sometimes snowfall. Trails get less crowded with all the places covered with thickly layered snow. As the weather in the mountains can still not be predicted, a sunny day could turn later into a snowstorm. The routes on high passes of the Gokyo trail and Mera peaks are closed.
On a clear day, you get the clearest and best view all year round. As days are much shorter, you get fewer trekking hours than in other seasons. Also, the nights are much colder and can lower to -30 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature in the Kathmandu Valley remains moderate.
Most tea houses are vacant during these freezing months of Winter. You can also enjoy discounts and more facilities. If you are well prepared and geared up well, trekking in winter is Certainly one of the best seasons you can choose.