Planning your Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek means understanding how weather, rainfall, and temperatures change throughout the year. At 5,364m (17,598 ft), the conditions at EBC are very different from Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,600 ft) or Namche Bazaar (3,440m / 11,286 ft). The right timing can mean the difference between crystal-clear mountain views or days of rain and cloud.
Everest Weather Summary – Best Months to Trek
- Spring (March–May): Blooming rhododendrons, stable weather, Everest climbing season.
- Autumn (Late Sept–Nov): Clear skies, best mountain views, cultural festivals.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Solitude, but very cold and limited services.
- Monsoon (June–Aug): Lush landscapes but poor visibility and flight risks.
Here’s a month-by-month weather and climate guide for the Everest region:
January – February (Winter on Everest)
- Temperature: -15°C to 5°C (EBC often drops below -20°C at night). Kathmandu averages 2°C – 15°C.
- Rainfall: Dry season, <20mm on average.
- Weather: Extremely cold, occasional heavy snow, shorter daylight (9–10 hours).
- Pros:
- Almost no crowds on the trail.
- The Khumbu Valley feels peaceful and untouched.
- Crystal-clear skies when storms pass.
- Cons:
- Bitter cold, frozen water pipes in teahouses.
- Many lodges close at higher altitudes.
- Higher risk of altitude sickness due to colder, drier air.
Best for experienced trekkers who can handle extreme cold.
March (Start of Spring)
- Temperature: -10°C to 10°C in higher altitudes; Kathmandu ~15°C.
- Rainfall: Around 30–40mm, snow still possible above 4,000m (13,123 ft)
- Weather: Snow lingers in upper regions, valleys warming.
- Pros:
- Beautiful contrasts of snow and spring flowers.
- Fewer trekkers compared to April/May.
- Cons:
- Weather remains unpredictable.
- Nights still very cold at EBC.
Great month if you want early-season trekking with fewer crowds.
April – May (Spring Peak Season)
- Temperature: 0°C to 15°C at high altitude, up to 20–25°C in Kathmandu.
- Rainfall: Low (30–50mm).
- Weather: Long, sunny days with stable conditions.
- Pros:
- Best time for rhododendron blooms (April).
- Exceptional visibility of Everest and surrounding peaks.
- Climbers attempt Everest in May, creating a lively atmosphere in base camp.
- Cons:
- Heavier foot traffic – tea houses fill quickly.
- Prices slightly higher during peak.
One of the very best times to trek EBC.
June (Start of Monsoon)
- Temperature: 5°C to 15°C.
- Rainfall: 120–150mm in lower regions, less at higher altitudes but cloudy.
- Weather: Humid and wet in valleys, occasional rain or snow at higher points.
- Pros:
- Green valleys, waterfalls, fewer trekkers.
- Cons:
- Trails muddy and slippery.
- Mountain views often obscured.
- Flight delays to/from Lukla more common.
Not recommended unless you want solitude and lush greenery.
July – August (Monsoon Peak)
- Temperature: 5°C to 15°C (humid in valleys).
- Rainfall: 200–300mm, heaviest of the year.
- Weather: Persistent rain, cloudy skies, landslide risks below Namche.
- Pros:
- Stunning greenery in lower Khumbu.
- Very quiet trails.
- Cons:
- Leeches, muddy paths, dangerous landslides.
- Minimal views of Everest.
Best avoided – but good for cultural treks in Mustang or Dolpo instead.
September – October (Autumn Peak Season)
- Temperature: 0°C to 15°C at altitude; 18–22°C in Kathmandu.
- Rainfall: 50–70mm in early September, drying through October.
- Weather: Clear skies, dry and stable – perfect trekking.
- Pros:
- Widely considered the best trekking season in Nepal.
- Crisp mountain views, Greener hill sides, stable weather, ideal photography.
- Cultural festivals (like Dashain & Tihar) add vibrancy in villages and Kathmandu.
- Cons:
- Busy trails and teahouses.
- Advance booking required for lodges.
Best balance of conditions, scenery, and culture.
November (Late Autumn)
- Temperature: -5°C to 10°C at altitude; ~15°C in Kathmandu.
- Rainfall: Very low (<20mm).
- Weather: Stable, dry, but colder at night.
- Pros:
- Excellent visibility of Himalayan peaks.
- Fewer trekkers compared to October.
- Cons:
- Nights can be very cold above 4,500m (14,764 ft)
- Some lodges begin closing late in November for winter.
Perfect if you want great views without October’s crowds.
December (Early Winter)
- Temperature: -10°C to 5°C (down to -18°C at night at EBC).
- Rainfall: Very dry (<15mm).
- Weather: Short days, snow possible.
- Pros:
- Quiet trails, peaceful experience.
- Clear skies when weather is stable.
- Cons:
- Very cold nights.
- Limited teahouse facilities.
Good for hardy trekkers who enjoy solitude and don’t mind the cold.
Tips for Trekking Everest with Changing Weather
We are drawing on decades of experience including over 500 Everest Base Camp treks. Ian Taylor Trekking offers you a trusted guide to trekking safely at high altitude. With emphasizes on acclimatization being fundamental—skipping or rushing this step risks serious altitude sickness.
Hydration, tailored physical training, and managing altitude gains carefully. Once above 2,500m (8,200 ft), you should not increase your sleeping altitude by more than about 600m (2,000 ft) per day to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Ian also underscores the importance of being self-sufficient. Choosing the right gear, and follow a slow pacing keeping your heart rate in zone 1 and zone 2 while on the trek.
In short: with smart preparation, responsible pacing, and respect for the mountain’s demands, trekkers can dramatically increase their chances of a safe, successful high-altitude adventure. Check out our TOP 50 TIPS.
- Layer your clothing: Expect 20°C warmth in the valleys and -15°C cold at night near EBC.
- Account for altitude: The higher you go, the colder and drier the air becomes.
- Expect flight delays: Weather affects Lukla flights year-round, especially in monsoon.
- Book early for peak months: October and April are extremely popular.
Join the Experts
We have full time staff on the ground in Kathmandu year round and we can manage any trek across Nepal no matter when you would like to join. We manage private group, individuals and group treks. Get in touch today and learn more about our service and award winning team.