It may come as a surprise, but the Everest Base Camp route in Nepal has been successfully trekked in almost all seasons. However, one of the best treks in the world has a distinct high season. The months of spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are considered the best times to visit Everest Base Camp.
Despite the high season, other seasons also offer different advantages to trekking on one of the best trekking routes in the world. This blog will take you through a seasonal guide to trekking to Everest Base Camp in different seasons. You may also want to consider other recommendations for other popular treks in Nepal such as Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek.
For example: The table below gives you a general view of the weather conditions and crowds in the Everest region during different months.
| Month | Weather | Cloudiness | Crowd | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold | Medium | Very Low | Can Consider |
| February | Cold | Medium | Very Low | Can Consider |
| March | Slightly warm | Low | Medium | Recommended |
| April | Warm | Low | High | Highly Recommended |
| May | Warm | Low | High | Highly Recommended |
| June | Rainy | High | Very Low | Not Recommended |
| July | Rainy | High | Very Low | Not Recommended |
| August | Rainy | High | Very Low | Not Recommended |
| September | Moderate | Medium | Medium | Recommended |
| October | Pleasant | Low | High | Highly Recommended |
| November | Pleasant | Low | High | Highly Recommended |
| December | Start Snowing | Low | Low | Recommended |
Weather conditions and the crowds in the Everest Region throughout the year
Spring (March to May):
Spring is considered the best month for trekking to Everest Base Camp. During spring, the weather is very stable and ideal for high altitude climbing. In addition to the favorable weather, the attractive views along the trek, including clear skies and colorful rhododendrons, are definitely plus points. However, with the perfect weather comes a price. Since it is the high season, the area is reasonably crowded.
Furthermore, May is the best time to climb Everest and the surrounding mountains like Lobuche Peak and Island Peak. Naturally, the peak season brings in a lot of climbers and their support crew members. So, if you trek to Everest Base Camp in spring, expect to meet a lot of friends along the way.
Monsoon Season (June to August):
Trekking during the monsoon season is usually a challenging task. During the rainy season, the trails become muddy and sometimes slippery.
However, there is less rainfall at higher altitudes. So, if you are well prepared and the rainy season does not bother you, the trek to Everest Base Camp is not too short and not too far. However, you need to be a little more careful. Also, in the bargain, the monsoon season is considered off-season in general, which allows you to trek more peacefully with fewer disturbances. Further, the monsoon mornings treat you with the most spectacular views of the Himalayas.
However, if you do not want to get wet and still want to trek in the monsoon, we have another option for you known as rain shadow trekking, which takes place in areas with very little rainfall. Upper Mustang Trek, Dolpo Trek and Mount Kailash Trek in Tibet are the most fruitful rain shadow treks.
Fall Season (September to November):
After spring, autumn is also a good time to trek to Everest Base Camp. The autumn months from September to November also bring moderate temperatures, clear skies, and a lower chance of troublesome rain or snowfall.
It is a bit cooler in autumn than in spring. But that is a fair trade-off for the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks that you can see during this season. Also, you may experience light rain in the early days of autumn. But those unannounced showers are definitely a hazard to watch out for.
Moreover, since autumn is also one of the best seasons, you will get to interact with many fellow trekkers from all over the world.
Winter Season (December to February):
Winter season is considered the off-season for the Everest Base Camp trek. During the winter season, the region experiences its coldest days with temperatures as low as -17⁰C (1.4⁰F). The Everest Base Camp trek may seem daunting at this time of year, but it is not exactly impossible. Many avid trekkers have even done the trek during the winter.
As long as you are well prepared for the cold weather, winter is actually a great time for true adventure. You can enjoy the magnificent mountain views and clear skies. All you have to do is prepare well. Also, winter is the perfect time if you want to avoid jostling for space with other travelers. Since it is considered the off-season, the Everest region sees fewer visitors in winter.
Fun fact: You cannot see the famous Everest from its base camp. To enjoy the magnificent mountain view, you should take another day to climb Kala Patthar (5,545 meters / 18,193 feet).
Frequently Asked Question
How Difficult Is The Everest Base Camp Trek?
Naturally, the Everest Base Camp trek sounds daunting as it is literally the foot of the world’s highest peak. However, the difficulty level to complete the trek to the base camp is quite moderate. That being said, the trek to the world’s highest peak is not the easiest as the route to it takes several days to traverse rocky mountain passes.
Apart from that, the biggest obstacle is the altitude. The trek starts at an altitude of 3,000 meters / 9,842 feet above sea level and ends at the base camp, which is 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). A suitable itinerary is planned with appropriate acclimatization points to address the altitude issue, where you get time to adjust.
How Can You Prepare for The Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp trek may seem daunting, but it is definitely not a backbreaker. To put it more bluntly, the trek is like a long hike at high altitude. Since the trek ends at the base camp, it does not require any special mountaineering skills or technical expertise. However, hikers should be physically fit and determined. To prepare for the Everest Base Camp trek, you can start with basic physical activities a few weeks in advance. Some of the options include going to the gym, running on tracks, or even going for short hikes.
What Is The Weather Like At Everest Base Camp?
At an altitude of 5,364 meters / 17,599 feet above sea level, it is a given that the area experiences extreme weather conditions, both in terms of wind and temperature.
The table below gives an overview of temperature and wind in the Everest region throughout the year.
| Months | Minimum Temperature (°F) | Maximum Temperature (°F) | Wind Speed (miles/hr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.4 | 39.2 | 7.4 – 11.8 |
| February | 5 | 39.2 | 7.4 – 11.8 |
| March | 10.4 | 44.6 | 9.3 |
| April | 23 | 50 | 8.7 |
| May | 32 | 59 | 9.3 |
| June | 30.2 | 60.8 | 9.9 |
| July | 35.6 | 59 | 9.9 |
| August | 35.6 | 60.8 | 9.9 |
| September | 35.6 | 59 | 4.9 – 6.8 |
| October | 21.2 | 53.6 | 4.9 – 6.8 |
| November | 10.4 | 42.8 | 4.9 – 6.8 |
| December | 6.8 | 39.2 | 11.8 |
Temperature and wind in the Everest region throughout the year
During the coldest months, from December to February, temperatures drop below freezing and average -10°C/14°F. However, during other seasons, the temperature at Everest Base Camp rarely rises above freezing.
Apart from the temperature, what makes this region so cold is the strong winds that blow across the Himalayas. Even with strong winds and cold temperatures, the weather at Base Camp is bearable with the right weather gear, so you should be smart with your packing list for the Everest Base Camp trek.
This seasonal guide on the best time to trek Everest Base Camp will give you a basic idea of when to pack your bags for the Himalayas. But planning an entire trip on your own is quite a hassle and there are a lot of things you need to consider.
During the coldest months, that is December to February, the temperature drops below freezing with an average of around -10°C/ 14°F. However, in other seasons, the temperature at Everest Base Camp rarely gets above freezing.
Apart from the temperature, what makes the region so cold is the strong winds that blow across the Himalayas. Even with strong wind and cold temperatures, the weather at the Base Camp is bearable with proper warming gears, so you need to be smart with your packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek.
This seasonal guide on the best time to trek Everest Base Camp will give you a basic idea of when to pack your bags for the Himalayas. But planning the whole trip on your own is a lot of hassle and there are many things you need to consider.
So, if you have made up your mind, and the travel preparations are getting out of your hand, you can always get in touch with our experts at AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions who will help plan a custom-made trip for you.
