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When to visit Everest Base Camp?

01 July 2024

Planning a Trip to Nepal?

Nearly every season has seen successful treks to Everest Base Camp. Nonetheless, there is undoubtedly a peak season for one of the world's best treks. March, April, and May in the spring and the second half of September, October, and November in the fall are the best seasons to explore Everest Base Camp Trek.

Nepal's peak seasons are spring and fall, and as the Everest Base Camp Trek is Nepal’s most popular trek, these are also the times when trekking trails are crowded. Furthermore, May through early June is peak season for climbing Mount Everest, so even if you don't plan to climb the mountain yourself, these days will see a lot of expedition activity in the Everest region.

Here are a few things to think about while contemplating a trip to Everest Base Camp.

Spring Season (March-May)

Spring is arguably the most popular season. Late winter or early February may bring sporadic snow showers, but otherwise, the weather should be dry and stable, making it ideal for trekking and high-altitude climbs. The stunning mountains are seen in a clean, unobstructed panoramic vista throughout the springtime. Filled with red blooming rhododendrons amidst the dense green forest, the trail takes you along gushing rivers.

Another fascinating aspect of undertaking the Everest Base Camp Trek during spring is the opportunity to witness mountaineering expeditions in action. As this season marks the primary mountaineering window when climbers make their bid for the Everest summit, the Everest Base Camp is filled with colorful expedition tents and echoes of thrilling summit stories.

Monsoon Season (June- August)

The monsoon season, stretching from June to August is typically less favored by trekkers on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Characterized by frequent rainfall, overcast skies, and slippery trails, this period can present several challenges for the unprepared trekker. However, for the adventurous soul willing to face these trials, the monsoon season reveals a unique and rich side of the Everest region.

During the monsoon, the Khumbu region is transformed into a green paradise. The valleys, forests, and hills are lush and vibrant, and the air is fresh and filled with the scent of wet earth. This is also the time when the region's fauna is most active, providing opportunities for wildlife spotting.

While the mountain vistas are often obscured by the clouds during this time, the occasional clear days provide strikingly crisp and stunning views of the Himalayas. The trails are also less crowded, giving a sense of tranquillity and exclusivity to your journey.
Despite its challenges, the monsoon season can be a rewarding time to trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp with careful planning and preparation.

Autumn Season (September – November)

The autumn trekking season kicks off in late September as the monsoon dissipates. Clear skies and fresh air characterize this time of year, with October to early November particularly great for trekking. Temperatures are comfortable, although the weather is colder now than during the spring season (around -10°C at Base Camp during the day), days are dry and views are perfect. The landscape has been washed clean by the monsoon rains, too, and looks particularly lush and verdant.

The Everest region unveils its finest vistas in autumn, with panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayan range at almost every turn of the trail. The trails are also relatively dry, making the trek less strenuous. This season is ideal for the Gokyo Lakes Trek, where the serene blue lakes stand out beautifully against the golden hues of the autumn landscape.
Autumn is also the season of festivals in Nepal, with events like Dashain and Tihar, as well as the unique Sherpa celebration of Mani Rimdu in the Everest region. Participating in these local festivals can add a whole new cultural dimension to your trek.

Winter Season (December – February)

December to February is winter season in Nepal, a quiet time in the Himalayas for trekking. You will only meet a few trekkers on the EBC trail. The cold and extreme weather conditions of winter make it a low time. Yet, you will meet some ardent adventurers. Everest Base Camp Trek is doable in winter, though.

The temperature during winter in Everest is around 5 degrees during the day and -20 degrees at night. You have to pack some really warm clothes for winter. Likewise, the trail, mainly higher ones, gets snowy. You need snow gear like crampons and gaiters.

However, Everest Region is breathtaking during winter. The brand new snowfall makes it a heaven on earth. Snow Clad peaks and landscapes are at their best. For that, you have to take against all the odds. We do not strongly recommend winter, as safety is a major concern. But, it is possible to do. We need to plan it accordingly.

The Everest Base Camp trail is so serene during this season, which does not happen normally. Many travelers choose either spring or autumn for better weather. Thus, one who chooses to do winter Everest Base Camp Trek can experience that. You can enjoy your trek without much disturbance.

Everest Base Camp Weather Chart

The weather on the Everest Base Camp trek is subject to drastic changes, depending on the season. Here's a rough idea of what you might expect in terms of temperature and precipitation:

Spring (March to May)

Daytime Temperature: 15°C - 20°C
Night-time Temperature: -6°C - -1°C
Precipitation: Low

Summer/Monsoon (June to August)

Daytime Temperature: 18°C - 25°C
Night-time Temperature: 2°C - 7°C
Precipitation: High

Autumn (September to November)

Daytime Temperature: 12°C - 16°C
Night-time Temperature: -8°C - -2°C
Precipitation: Low

Winter (December to February)

Daytime Temperature: 6°C - 10°C
Night-time Temperature: -14°C - -8°C
Precipitation: Moderate to Low

If you are looking for a partner to make sure your jouney to EBC is best for every season you can choose us as your guide. We, at Himalayan Trips are always ready to guide you on your memorable journey to the himalayas. Contact us to book for this season.