The weather at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) shapes your trek more than anything else. Here's what to expect through the year. Temperatures are approximate and can vary greatly from day to day.
Quick answer: the best months are October–November (clear, stable, cold nights) and April–May (warmer, busy climbing season). Expect daytime temperatures around freezing to about 10°C in sunshine, and nights from about −10°C to −15°C in the main seasons, and −20°C or colder in winter.
Month by month
| Months | Conditions at EBC |
|---|---|
| January–February | Very cold, clear, few trekkers; some high lodges close |
| March | Warming, still cold nights; spring season begins |
| April–May | Warmer days, some afternoon cloud; Everest climbing season at base camp |
| June–August | Monsoon: cloud, rain lower down, snow higher up, few views, flight delays |
| September | Monsoon ending; views improve late in the month |
| October–November | Clear, stable, the clearest views; cold nights |
| December | Clear and cold; quieter trails |
Wind and sun
Afternoons are often windy, and the sun at altitude is very strong. Wear sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat even when it's cold.
What to pack
A four-season sleeping bag, down jacket, warm layers and gloves. See our packing list.
Read best time for the Everest Base Camp trek and our EBC guide.
Temperatures along the trail
| Place | Altitude | Autumn day / night | Spring day / night | Winter day / night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lukla | 2,860 m | 15 °C / 4 °C | 16 °C / 5 °C | 8 °C / −4 °C |
| Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m | 12 °C / 0 °C | 13 °C / 1 °C | 5 °C / −10 °C |
| Dingboche | 4,410 m | 8 °C / −6 °C | 9 °C / −5 °C | 0 °C / −15 °C |
| Lobuche | 4,940 m | 5 °C / −10 °C | 6 °C / −8 °C | −3 °C / −20 °C |
| Gorak Shep | 5,164 m | 3 °C / −12 °C | 4 °C / −10 °C | −5 °C / −22 °C |
These are approximate averages. In direct sunshine and without wind, it can feel much warmer; in wind or cloud, much colder. Wind chill at Kala Patthar at dawn can make it feel like −20 °C or below, even in autumn.
Month by month in detail
January
The coldest month. Skies are often very clear, with excellent views, but nights at Gorak Shep can drop to around −20 °C or lower. Snowfalls are possible. Few trekkers, and some lodges above Dingboche close. For experienced, well-equipped trekkers only.
February
Still very cold, but days lengthen and the weather is often stable. Late February brings the first signs of spring. Trails are quiet.
March
The spring season begins. Temperatures rise, rhododendrons flower in the lower forests from Lukla to Tengboche, and lodges reopen. Occasional snowfall, especially early in the month.
April
One of the best and busiest months. Warmer days, generally clear mornings and some afternoon cloud. Expedition teams arrive at base camp, which becomes a busy tented village. Rhododendrons in full bloom lower down.
May
Warm by Khumbu standards, with clear mornings and more afternoon cloud and showers as the monsoon approaches. The Everest summit season peaks in mid to late May. Late May can bring the first monsoon weather.
June to August
The monsoon. Rain in the lower valleys, cloud and drizzle higher up, and snow at base camp. Views are rare, trails can be slippery, leeches appear below Namche, and Lukla flights are frequently delayed. On the plus side: green landscapes, wildflowers and very few trekkers.
September
The monsoon retreats, usually in mid to late September. Early September is often wet; by the end of the month the skies clear and the autumn season begins.
October
The most popular month, with stable weather, crisp clear skies and the best mountain views. Nights are cold. Book flights and lodges early.
November
Excellent, with clear skies and fewer trekkers than October, but colder, especially in the second half of the month. The Mani Rimdu festival at Tengboche often falls in October or November. See Mani Rimdu.
December
Clear and cold, with quiet trails and spectacular light. Nights below −15 °C at Gorak Shep. A good month for those who prefer solitude and are prepared for the cold.
Snow, storms and unusual weather
Even in the best seasons, the Himalaya can produce surprises. Cyclones from the Bay of Bengal occasionally bring heavy snow to the Khumbu in October or November, closing trails and grounding flights for several days. Spring storms can also dump snow at higher elevations. Always check the forecast, listen to your guide, and keep spare days in your itinerary.
Lukla flights and the weather
Flights to Lukla operate only in good visibility, usually in the morning. Cloud, wind and rain can stop them for hours or days, especially in spring afternoons and in the monsoon. In peak seasons, many flights leave from Ramechhap (Manthali) rather than Kathmandu. Keep at least two spare days at the end of your trek. See Lukla flights and EBC without the Lukla flight.
Daylight and timing
In the Khumbu, the sun rises behind high mountains, so valleys may be in shade until mid-morning, and the temperature drops sharply as soon as the sun disappears in the afternoon. Start walking early, aim to reach your lodge by early afternoon, and keep a warm layer handy for the moment the sun goes behind a ridge.
What to pack by season
| Season | Key items |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | Sleeping bag rated to about −15 °C, down jacket, warm hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Sleeping bag rated to −20 °C or lower, heavy down jacket and trousers, thick gloves, microspikes, thermos |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Sleeping bag rated to about −10 °C to −15 °C, light down jacket, rain shell for afternoon showers |
| Monsoon (Jun–Sep) | Good waterproofs, pack cover, quick-dry clothes, leech socks for the lower trail, warm layers for altitude |
See packing list and sleeping bag guide.
How weather affects acclimatisation
Cold, wind and storms make it harder for your body to cope with altitude. You use more energy staying warm, may drink less because water is cold, and may sleep badly. In cold seasons, drink plenty of hot fluids, eat well, sleep warm and allow extra acclimatisation days. Remember that symptoms of hypothermia and altitude sickness can overlap; tell your guide if you feel unwell. See altitude sickness.
Our recommendation
For most trekkers, the best time for Everest Base Camp is mid-October to mid-November for clear views, or April to early May for warmer days, rhododendrons and the excitement of the climbing season at base camp. If you prefer quiet trails and can handle the cold, December and February are rewarding. See best time for EBC and spring vs autumn.
Weather forecasts and local knowledge
Mountain weather forecasts for the Khumbu are available online, but they are less reliable than forecasts at home, especially for precise timing. Guides, lodge owners and pilots combine forecasts with years of experience of local patterns: the clouds that build up the valley by late morning, the wind on the ridges in the afternoon, and the signs of an approaching storm. Trust your guide's judgement if they suggest an earlier start, an extra rest day or turning back.