Best Time For Everest Base Camp Trek
The best times for the Everest Base Camp trek are the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (Mid-September to November) seasons. The spring and Autumn seasons are favorable for trekking with fairly stable weather conditions and good visibility. At Everest Base Camp, you might also encounter groups of climbers in late April or early May preparing for their Everest summit attempts.
You should only do the Everest Base Camp trek during specific times of the year. This probably doesn’t surprise you. The weather in the Himalayas can be very harsh, so it’s not a trek you can take whenever you feel like it.
It is important to understand the weather patterns of the region when planning your trek to ensure you get the most out of your time spent in the area. The Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty level also depends upon the weather you choose to trek. The winter and summer seasons can be difficult and more challenging as compared to the peak seasons.
Get some insightful knowledge on the best time for Everest Base Camp Trek, including what each season offers and the temperature at Everest Base Camp.
When is the Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek Weather Wise?
The two best seasons for trekking to EBC to enjoy good weather conditions are:
- Springtime (March to May).
- Autumn (September to November).
Spring Season (March, April, May)
Spring season from March to May is considered one of the best times for the Everest Base Camp Trek. The spring season is probably the most popular time to trek in the Everest region. The weather is favorably stable and perfect for a high-altitude trek.
The Spring season welcomes trekkers with a spectacular display of seasonal flowers, including the national flower of Nepal, the Rhododendron, locally known as “Laliguras.” The vibrant blossoms add an enchanting touch to the trekking experience.
One of the primary advantages of Everest Base Camp Trek in the Spring Season is the exceptionally favorable weather. The average temperature during this time at day time ranges around 20°C (68°F), with clear days offering highs of 25°C (77°F). However, at nighttime and higher altitudes above 4000 meters, temperatures can drop significantly to as low as -15°C (5°F).
Overall, the weather conditions are quite pleasant, making it an ideal period for hiking Everest Base Camp and climbing Mt. Everest and other neighboring peaks like Lobuche Peak, and Island Peak in the Everest region.
Another benefit of EBC trek during the spring season is the regular and reliable flights. Lukla is the gateway to the Everest region and flights operate daily, providing easy access for trekkers.
Spring marks the beginning of the trekking season in Nepal, and therefore, it presents an exciting and lively atmosphere. Days are beginning to stretch out to provide lots of daylight for exploring, too, with good visibility in the early mornings.
However, it is important to consider the potential disadvantages of Everest Base Camp trekking in the spring season. The popularity of this period leads to overcrowding on the EBC trekking trails. This can sometimes result in accommodation problems and make the trek more challenging.
Autumn Season (September, October, November)
The Autumn season from September to November is considered the best time for Everest Base Camp Trek. The season offers pleasant weather with clear skies, fresh air, breathtaking views, and less chance of problematic rains or snowfall. The Everest region experiences a significant flow of tourists during this season, making it somewhat crowded compared to other times and seasons.
The average temperature during the autumn season is around 17°C (62.6°F), reaching up to 20°C (68°F) on clear days. At higher altitudes, temperatures can drop as low as -15°C (5°F) overnight.
One of the advantages of trekking in the Autumn season is the opportunity to experience the biggest festivals in Nepal, Dashain, and Tihar. These festivals bring a vibrant atmosphere to the country, with a sense of cultural celebrations, joy, and togetherness. Participating in these festivals can give you a unique cultural experience in your trekking adventure.
The Everest base camp trek in the autumn season is a popular and favorable time for trekkers from around the world. You will have opportunities to meet and connect with fellow travelers with different backgrounds.
Summer and Winter Seasons: Off-Season Trek
Summer / Monsoon Season (June, July, August)
The Monsoon Season from June to August is not the best time and is considered off-season for the Everest Base Camp Trek. The season brings its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
The monsoon season in Nepal is characterized by heavy rainfall, resulting in muddy and slippery trek routes throughout the region. Despite the challenging trail conditions, the monsoon season offers a unique experience than any other season.
One of the advantages of EBC trekking in monsoon season is the reduced number of trekkers on the trails. You can enjoy a more peaceful trekking experience, with fewer fellow trekkers around.
Moreover, the Everest base camp trek in the monsoon season creates a lush green landscape with vibrant and blooming wildflowers along the trail. The blooming flowers create a picturesque landscape.
The average temperature during the monsoon season is around 22°C (71.6°F), reaching up to 30°C (86°F) on clear days. However, at higher elevations, the temperature can drop to as low as -5°C (23°F) overnight. Therefore, it is crucial to stay alert and pack all the necessary trekking equipment and gear to stay comfortable and safe in varying weather conditions.
There are certain disadvantages of the Everest Base Camp Trek in Monsoon season. The monsoon season often results in flight delays and cancellations, particularly in Lukla, the starting point of the Everest Base Camp trek. So, be prepared for the Everest Base Camp Trek in the Monsoon season with additional days in the itinerary.
Generally, Everest Base Camp Trek during the monsoon season is a challenging task and is not recommended for trekking. During the rainy season, the trails are often muddy and you will find rife with leeches along the trail, the mountains are often covered with thick clouds, and landslides are common and disruptive to travel.
Winter Season (December, January, February)
Everest Base Camp Trekking in the winter season, which spans from December to February, presents a unique and challenging adventure amidst the snowy and vibrant beauty of the mountains.
The average temperature in the Everest region during winter is around 10°C (50°F), which reaches up to 17°C (62.6°F) on clear days. However, at night and higher altitudes, temperatures can drop as low as -20°C (-4°F).
Despite the challenges, the Everest Base Camp Trek in the winter season offers some advantages. One of the benefits of winter season trekking is fewer trekkers compared to other seasons, providing a more solitary trekking experience and allowing you to connect with nature uniquely.
The snowfall transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. The pristine white snow adds a magical touch and beauty to the surroundings, creating a breathtaking and unique experience.
While spring and autumn are the most popular times for the Everest Base Camp trek, winter, particularly December, offers a completely different experience. The crowds are thinner, the skies are clear, and the snow-covered landscapes are stunning.
However, trekking in December also brings challenges, such as freezing temperatures and the potential for snow-blocked trails. For more detailed insights into trekking during this season, check out my guide on Everest Base Camp Trek in December to ensure you're fully prepared.
Since it is considered off-season, the Everest region gets fewer visitors during the winter. You must be well-prepared and fit with suitable warm clothing and layerings, footwear, and equipment to withstand the cold and protect yourself.
Weather Conditions and Crowds in the Everest Base Camp Trek Throughout the Year
| Months | Weather Conditions | Crowd Levels |
| January | Daytime max 5°C, nighttime min -15°C. Clear skies, very cold. | Very low, trails are less crowded. |
| February | Daytime max 6°C, nighttime min -12°C. Cold but sunny. | Low, slightly more trekkers than January. |
| March | Daytime max 8°C, nighttime min -10°C. Snow begins to melt. | Low, slightly more trekkers than in January. |
| April | Daytime max 12°C, nighttime min -4°C. Clear views, moderate temperatures. | High, popular month for trekking. |
| May | Daytime max 16°C, nighttime min 0°C. Warm, end of spring. | Very high, peak trekking season. |
| June | Daytime max 16°C, nighttime min -1°C. Start of the monsoon. | Low, beginning of the off-season. |
| July | Daytime max 16°C, nighttime min 2°C. Hot and humid, heavy rain. | Very low, due to monsoon. |
| August | Daytime max 16°C, nighttime min 3°C. Wettest month. | Low, end of monsoon. |
| September | Daytime max 15°C, nighttime min -1°C. Clearer skies post-monsoon. | Moderate, the start of the autumn season. |
| October | Daytime max 12°C, nighttime min -6°C. Stable weather, clear views. | Very high, most popular month. |
| November | Daytime max 6°C, nighttime min -12°C. Cold, clear skies. | High, second peak season. |
| December | Daytime max 4°C, nighttime min -14°C. Very cold, stable weather. | Moderate, less crowded than peak seasons. |
Conclusion
The Best Time for the Everest Base Camp trek depends on the preferences of the trekkers.
Whether one seeks solitude in the less crowded seasons or loves to trek with other fellow trekkers, both choices offer unique opportunities and experiences for awe-inspiring encounters with the majestic Himalayas.
Stay away from the monsoon months from June to August. The trail conditions are not the safest, as the trails are slippery with risks of landslides. The trail trek will be wet and unenjoyable and you won’t even be able to get any great pictures of the beautiful mountain peaks.
It is better to aim to trek in the peak months from March to May and September to November as the weather conditions are good and stable with great views.
The classic route of Everest Base Camp Trek will be busy throughout the peak months but this will do little to detract from the natural beauty of the area.
If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy nature with cold temperatures, then trekking during the winter months may be for you.