As the organizer of the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal, one of the most common questions we hear from our guests is, 'What is the best time for the Everest Base Camp trek?'
In this blog, we will answer that question in detail. You will learn about weather, climate, and trail conditions in all seasons. Along with that, we will also share tips for the Everest Base Camp trek in the offseason and many other helpful seasonal information.
The Everest Base Camp trek is a high-altitude walk in the Himalayas, one of the greatest mountain ranges on Earth. Trekking to Everest Base Camp is not the same as climbing Mt. Everest. The EBC trek is achievable for most humans and can be done under USD 1,500 per person.
We, Adventure Magic Treks, welcome many travelers from around the world who dream of completing the Everest Base Camp trek. This trek is possible throughout the year, but there are two seasons that are more favorable than the other, i.e., spring and autumn.
Although the mountains and villages remain the same, the overall trek experience differs in each season. So, picking the right time to trek to meet your expectations is important.
Nepal has four distinct seasons, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You have to make some compromises in every season. But the question is, what are you ready to compromise and what not?
We will provide all the information on the Everest Base Camp trek weather, temperature, climate, and trail conditions in each season in this blog.
Let's start with the basic information…
Must know:
Spring and autumn offer favorable weather and climate to trek to Everest Base Camp. Clear skies, stable weather, and pleasant climate make trekking less challenging in these two seasons. You will enjoy a comfortable temperature for trekking long hours and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Spring brings life back to the Himalayas. The snow fades away from the trails, and the foothills of the Everest region bloom with rhododendron and many other wild flowers.
The mountain views are crystal clear, and the climate begins to warm up. Trekkers begin to return to the Everest Base Camp trail at the start of March.
The crowd remains less in March, but with April and May, thousands of travelers from all around the world visit the Everest region to do the EBC trek and other treks.
The visibility is great in spring. The mountains look especially stunning in this season because they are well covered with a thick blanket of snow, thanks to the winter season.
In March, there can be occasional rainfall, which indicates winter is coming to an end and the climate will warm up slowly. The temperature ranges between -15°C and 25°C.
In March, the temperature stays around 15°C. By April, the temperature increases to an average of 18°C to 22°C. In May, the temperatures rise up to 25°C. Lower elevations are warmer than the upper altitudes.
Autumn usually begins towards late September in the hills and plain parts of Nepal, but the Himalayas begin to settle down from the beginning of September.
This post-monsoon period is great to enjoy a fresh environment, crisp air, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Rivers, streams, and waterfalls are in the best condition.
The greenery is also excellent, but as November starts, the green leaves turn yellow and orange. It creates a magical landscape all over the Himalayas.
Another great thing about trekking to Everest Base Camp in autumn is that trekkers get to experience the biggest Nepalese festivals. Dasihain, Tihar, and Chhath, all three big Nepali festivals, are celebrated in autumn.
You just have to align your trekking dates to experience the festivals firsthand. The mountain views and the daylight hours are also fantastic in autumn.
There can be occasional rainfall till the mid of September in the lower altitudes. The temperature ranges between 17°C and 20°C at lower elevations.
As you ascend over 4,000 meters, the temperature may drop as low as -15°C, especially in November. Overall, the temperature stays around 10°C to 15°C during the daytime, which is great for trekking.
Night and morning will be comparatively colder. As November approaches, the temperature begins to drop, signaling that the winter season is around the corner.
Although spring and autumn are the peak trekking seasons, there are also a few drawbacks to trekking in these two seasons. And one of the biggest drawbacks is the crowd.
You cannot comprehend how famous the Everest Base Camp trek is and how many people aspire to do this trek worldwide. The highest number of trekkers visit the Everest region to do the EBC trek in spring and autumn.
There can be 200 trekkers or more at a time all over the EBC trail. Accommodation gets overpacked, and some trekkers end up spending nights in dining areas.
There can be occasional snowfall in early March and late May. Likewise, the region may see rainfall during early September. It happens because the seasons are in a transition period.
The offseason is the time when the weather in the Himalayas is very unpredictable and unfavorable for trekking. The views are not clear in the offseason, and the trail is also not in good condition for travel.
There can be a sudden change in the weather anytime. You may experience snowfall or rainfall out of nowhere. Some days can be gloomy, too.
The Lukla flights and the helicopter flights are also highly affected due to unpredictable weather in winter and summer/monsoon.
Winter is the coldest time of the year in the Himalayas. With the beginning of December, the climate begins to cool down. The temperature drops significantly as the days pass by. Winds get stronger, and snow falls all over the region.
The cold climate in winter can be challenging for many travelers. But if you love traveling in winter, the Everest Base Camp trek will be a magical experience in this season.
The biggest advantage of trekking to Everest Base Camp in winter is the empty trails. You do not have to worry about pre-booking the accommodation.
If you love peaceful trails, winter is the best time of the year to trek Everest Base Camp. The landscapes and mountain vistas are also mesmerizing in the winter season.
The Everest Base Camp trek in winter is possible, but there will be added challenges like cold, strong winds, gloomy days, and unclear views. But not every day is like this. Sunrises on most days, offering excellent views.
Winter is a cold time, but the visibility is great. Fog may decrease visibility at lower elevations in the morning, but the upper part of the trail remains clear.
The sun keeps the daytime warm and comfortable, but you still need to dress well to bear the cold climate. As the sun sets, the temperature begins to drop. But you will be in the lodge by late afternoon, resting by the chimney, enjoying the warmth of the woodfire.
In winter, the temperature drops as low as -20°C at Everest Base Camp. In Lukla and Namche Bazaar, the temperature may fall to -8°C at night.
The summer and monsoon seasons coincide with each other. In June, the temperature is the highest. It is the peak of the summer season. Rain begins towards mid-July. There can be occasional rainfall in June as well if the climate warms up too much.
Between mid-July and August, rain falls frequently. The lower trails are ruined due to heavy rainfall. The trails become muddy and slippery. Landslide risks increase all over the hilly region.
Likewise, there is a high leech infestation on the trail. The climate is too hot and humid these months. On the good side, rivers, waterfalls, and streams are gushing with water, and the region is teeming with vegetation.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp between June and August is possible, but you need to be more strategic with your itinerary and departure date.
In Kathmandu and the lower part of the trail, the temperature increases significantly. Likewise, rainfall is also highest in Kathmandu and lower trails. In the upper region, rainfall decreases, but clouds dominate the sky.
The temperature rises up to 38°C in Kathmandu. In the lower part of the trail, the temperature ranges between 22°C and 30°C. Above 4,000 meters, the temperature may drop to -5°C at night.
Trekkers need to carry sturdy waterproof boots, waterproof layers, gaiters to protect from mud/leeches, and other rain gear.
Below, we have shared the weather and climate conditions in each month.
Month | Trekking Conditions |
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November |
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Every trekker has a different expectation of the Everest Base Camp. So, the best time for Everest Base Camp trek may differ from one person to another depending on their preferences.
Ask yourself the following questions:
By answering the above questions, you can find out which season best meets your requirements and book the trek accordingly. Note that trekking in the peak season is not mandatory.
Although peak seasons mean you will enjoy the finest weather, climate, and views, there will also be crowds and overused services along the trail. You have to trade wisely.
The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons.
Spring and autumn are both the best times for the Everest Base Camp trek. Spring carries the essence of flowers and life in it. Autumn is the season of festivals in Nepal. Both seasons offer excellent weather and climate.
Yes, you can trek to Everest Base Camp in March. The crowd is smaller in March, especially during the first week of the month. So, you will enjoy stunning mountain views and excellent weather with less crowded trails.
April has the best weather and climate conditions with very little chance of rainfall or snowfall. By April, flowers bloom all over the trail, so the trekking route is exceptionally pretty.
The first two weeks of May are bust. Towards the third week, most trekkers begin to leave the Everest region, so the trails get lighter.
Yes, you can do the Everest Base Camp trek in September. Note that there is a chance of rainfall in September, so Lukla flights may get disrupted.
Yes, October is the best month for the Everest Base Camp trek. The daylight hour is longest in October (up to 8-9 hours). Likewise, the views and weather are incredible.
Yes, you can trek to Everest Base Camp in November. It is one of the best months to do this trek. November has good weather, a pleasant climate, excellent visibility, and comparatively less busy trails.
December is also a great time for the Everest Base Camp trek, even though it is the beginning of the long winter in the Himalayas. The climate slowly gets cold, but the sky is mostly clear with bright sunny days (most of the month). There can be a few delays in the Lukla flight, but you will be on your schedule.
Winter is the coldest time of the year in the Himalayas. The temperature goes below the freezing point. Snow falls in the upper part of the region, and there is also a chance of a storm. During the peak winter period, the temperature drops as low as -20°C.
Monsoon season has weather nuisances such as rain, poor visibility, and muddy trails. It is not the best time of the year to do the EBC trek because of added weather challenges, but it is also not a bad time, especially if you are fine with the rainy season and love the greenery.
April and October have the clearest mountain views on the Everest Base Camp trek. But you will also enjoy stunning mountain vistas in March, May, early June, late September, November, and early December.
Offseasons, winter, and summer/monsoon are definitely the least crowded times for the Everest Base Camp trek. You can also trek at the start or end of the peak trekking season to avoid crowds.
The Lukla flight rates and accommodation rates along the Everest Base Camp trek route are lowest in winter and summer/monsoon. So, these are the cheapest times to trek to EBC.
The standard Everest Base Camp trek is safe during the winter months, but you need to wear proper clothes to insulate yourself. However, if you are doing the 3 passes trek or the EBC trek with any pass, you have to check the pass condition before embarking on the journey.
All seasons are best for Everest Base Camp trek photography. It depends on what type of landscape you want to capture.
If you do not want to deal with Lukla flight cancellations or delays, consider trekking in the spring or autumn seasons.
Yes, the Everest Base Camp trek is open all year round.
The best time for a solo Everest Base Camp trek is spring and autumn because you will have the company of travelers from all around the world. There will be people on trails to help you if you get sick or hurt.
There is no such thing as the worst time to trek to Everest Base Camp. Your trek experience can get worse even during the peak trekking season if you are not well prepared and supported by an expert team.
You can trek to Everest Base Camp pretty much any time of the year with us. We, Adventure Magic Treks, handle everything related to the Everest Base Camp trek in all seasons. So, you can trek safely and hassle-free.
Whatever month you choose to do the Everest Base Camp trek, we will help you. We have tried our best to answer most queries about the Everest Base Camp trek best time through this blog.
But if you have any questions related to the best time for Everest Base Camp trek or want to book the EBC trek, feel free to contact us.
