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A seasonal guide on the best time to hike to Everest Base Camp

Well, this may come as a surprise, but the trail to Everest Base Camp, in Nepal has been trekked successfully in almost all the seasons. However, one of the best treks in the world obviously has a high season. The months of spring (March-May) and fall (October- November) are considered the best time to visit Everest Base Camp.

Despite the high seasons, there are different perks of trekking in one of the world’s best trek trails in other seasons as well. This blog will take you through a seasonal guide to trek to Everest Base Camp in different seasons. You can also consider the other recommendations of other popular treks in Nepal such as Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, to name a few.

The table below gives you a general view of the weather conditions and the crowds in the Everest Region in different months.

MonthWeatherCloudinessCrowdRecommendation
JanuaryColdMediumVery LowCan Consider
FebruaryColdMediumVery LowCan Consider
MarchSlightly warmLowMediumRecommended
AprilWarmLowHighHighly Recommended
MayWarmLowHighHighly Recommended
JuneRainyHighVery LowNot Recommended
JulyRainyHighVery LowNot Recommended
AugustRainyHighVery LowNot Recommended
SeptemberModerateMediumMediumRecommended
OctoberPleasantLowHighHighly Recommended
NovemberPleasantLowHighHighly Recommended
DecemberStart SnowingLowLowRecommended
Weather conditions and the crowds in the Everest Region throughout the year


Spring Season (March-May)

The months of spring are considered the best months for Everest Base Camp Trek. In spring, the weather is pretty favorably stable and perfect for high altitude climbing.

On top of the favorable weather conditions, alluring views with clear sky and colorful rhododendrons along the trail are definitely plus points. However, the best season with the perfect weather comes at a price. Since it’s the high season, the region gets reasonably crowded. 

Trekking in Everest Region during Spring Season;  one of the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp
Trekking in Everest Region during Spring Season

Moreover, the month of May is the best time to climb Mt. Everest and the surrounding mountains like Lobuche Peak and Island Peak. Naturally, the summit season brings in a lot of climbers and their support crew members. So, if you trek to Everest Base Camp in spring, let’s just say you’ll get to meet many companions along the way.

This might pique your interest: Himalayan Glacier Adventure and Travel Company has started offering sleeping experience at Everest Base Camp from 2021. Whereas, previously trekkers had to trace back to Gorak Shep for the night’s sleep.

Monsoon Season (June- August)

Generally, trekking during the monsoon season is a challenging task. In the rainy season, the trails get muddy and even slippery at times. 

However, there tends to be less rain at higher altitudes. So, if you are well prepared and the wet weather doesn’t pester you, Everest Base Camp Trek is not exactly few and far between. But, you have to be a little extra careful.

Everest Base Camp trek during Monsoon Season;  also a best time to trek to Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp trek during Monsoon Season

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.

But, if you don’t fancy getting drenched in the rain and still wish to trek during the monsoon, then we have another option for you known as the rain shadow trek, in areas that receive very little rainfall. Upper Mustang Trek, Dolpo Treks, and Simikot to Mount Kailash trek in Tibet are the most rewarding rain shadow treks. 

Fall Season (September- November)

After spring, the fall season is also a good time to trek to Everest Base Camp. The months of fall from September to November also offer moderate temperatures, clear skies, and less chance of problematic rains or snowfall.

It gets a little chillier in the fall than during the springtime. But that’s a fair trade for the mesmerizing views of the surrounding peaks that you get to see during this season. Also, you may get to experience light rainfall in the early days of autumn. But the views after those unannounced rainfalls are definitely threats to keep an eye on.

Everest Base Camp during Fall;  one of the best times to trek to Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp (Altitude: 5364 meters)

Further, since fall is also one of the best seasons, you will get to interact with many fellow travelers from all around the world.

Winter Season (December- February)

Winter season is considered an off-season for Everest Base Camp Trek. During the winter season, the region sees its coldest days with temperatures as low as -17⁰C (1.4⁰F). 

Everest Base Camp Trek may seem daunting at this time of the year, but it is not precisely impossible. Many enthusiastic trekkers have trekked the trail even during winters. 

Beautiful photo of Everest Region during Winter Season;  which can be a best time to trek to Everest Base Camp if you enjoy snow
Everest Region during Winter Season

As long as you are well prepared for the cold weather, winter is actually a good time for true adventure. You get to treat yourself to excellent mountain views and clear skies. All you need to do is gear up properly. Also, winter is just the right time if you want to avoid hustling for space with other travelers. Since it is considered off-season, the Everest region gets fewer visitors during the winters.

In addition to all that, Nepal’s tourism industry has introduced many winter sports in recent years. Sports like ice-skating and skiing in Gokyo lake and Mera Peak are the new attractions in Nepal’s winter wonderland. 

Fun Fact: You can’t see the famous Mt. Everest from its Base Camp. To treat yourself with the view of the majestic mountain, you have to take another day to climb Kala Patthar (5, 643 m/ 18,513 ft).

Rare view of Mount Everest hidden in clouds
Mount Everest hidden in clouds

Frequently Asked Question

How Difficult Is Everest Base Camp Trek?

Naturally, Everest Base Camp Trek sounds intimidating since it is literally the feet of the tallest peak in the world. However, the difficulty level to complete the trek up to the Base Camp is fairly moderate.

Having said that, the trek is also not the easiest since the trail to the tallest peak of the world goes through the rocky paths of hills for multiple days.

Apart from that, the biggest hurdle is the altitude. The trek starts at the height of 3,000 m/ 9,842 ft from sea level and ends at Base Camp, which is 5,400 m/ 17,716 ft. A suitable itinerary is planned with proper acclimatization points to tackle the altitude problem, where you get time to adjust yourself.

How Can You Prepare for Everest Base Camp Trek?

Everest Base Camp Trek may seem challenging, but it is definitely not back-breaking for sure. To be more precise, the trail is more like a long hike at a high altitude.

Since the trek ends at the Base Camp, it does not really require specific mountaineering skills or technical expertise. But, the trekkers do need to be physically fit and determined. 

To prepare for Everest Base Camp Trek, you can start basic physical activities a few weeks earlier. Some goods options could be hitting the gym, running tracks, or even going for short hikes.

How is the weather at Everest Base Camp? 

At an altitude of 5,364m/ 17,599ft from sea level, it’s a given fact that the region sees extreme weather conditions, both in terms of winds and temperature.

The table below gives an overview of temperature and wind in the Everest region throughout the year. 

MonthsMinimum
Temperature (°F)
Maximum
Temperature (°F)
Wind Speed
(miles/hr)
January1.439.27.4 – 11.8
February539.27.4 – 11.8
March10.444.69.3
April23508.7
May32599.3
June30.260.89.9
July35.6599.9
August35.660.89.9
September35.6594.9 – 6.8
October21.253.64.9 – 6.8
November10.442.84.9 – 6.8
December6.839.211.8
Temperature and wind in the Everest region throughout the year


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 Himalayan Glacier who will help plan a custom-made trip for you.

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