# Everest Base Camp Weather by Month

_Published 14 September 2026_

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

MonthsConditions at EBCJanuary–FebruaryVery cold, clear, few trekkers; some high lodges closeMarchWarming, still cold nights; spring season beginsApril–MayWarmer days, some afternoon cloud; Everest climbing season at base campJune–AugustMonsoon: cloud, rain lower down, snow higher up, few views, flight delaysSeptemberMonsoon ending; views improve late in the monthOctober–NovemberClear, stable, the clearest views; cold nightsDecemberClear 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](/blog/nepal-trekking-packing-list).

Read [best time for the Everest Base Camp trek](/blog/best-time-for-everest-base-camp-trek) and our [EBC guide](/blog/everest-base-camp-trek-guide).

## Temperatures along the trail

PlaceAltitudeAutumn day / nightSpring day / nightWinter day / nightLukla2,860 m15 °C / 4 °C16 °C / 5 °C8 °C / −4 °C[Namche Bazaar](/places/namche-bazaar)3,440 m12 °C / 0 °C13 °C / 1 °C5 °C / −10 °C[Dingboche](/places/dingboche)4,410 m8 °C / −6 °C9 °C / −5 °C0 °C / −15 °C[Lobuche](/places/lobuche)4,940 m5 °C / −10 °C6 °C / −8 °C−3 °C / −20 °C[Gorak Shep](/places/gorak-shep)5,164 m3 °C / −12 °C4 °C / −10 °C−5 °C / −22 °CThese 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](/blog/mani-rimdu-festival-tengboche).

### 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](/blog/lukla-flight-guide) and [EBC without the Lukla flight](/blog/everest-base-camp-without-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

SeasonKey itemsAutumn (Oct–Nov)Sleeping bag rated to about −15 °C, down jacket, warm hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreenWinter (Dec–Feb)Sleeping bag rated to −20 °C or lower, heavy down jacket and trousers, thick gloves, microspikes, thermosSpring (Mar–May)Sleeping bag rated to about −10 °C to −15 °C, light down jacket, rain shell for afternoon showersMonsoon (Jun–Sep)Good waterproofs, pack cover, quick-dry clothes, leech socks for the lower trail, warm layers for altitudeSee [packing list](/blog/nepal-trekking-packing-list) and [sleeping bag guide](/blog/sleeping-bag-guide-nepal-trekking).

## 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](/blog/altitude-sickness-nepal-trekking).

## 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](/blog/best-time-for-everest-base-camp-trek) and [spring vs autumn](/blog/everest-base-camp-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.

## Frequently asked questions
### How cold is Everest Base Camp?
Nights are about −10°C to −15°C in the main seasons, and colder in winter.

### What is the best month for EBC?
**October** or **November**, then April–May.

### Does it snow at Everest Base Camp?
Yes, it can snow in any season, especially in the monsoon and winter.

### Can I trek to EBC in the monsoon?
Yes, but expect cloud, rain and flight delays.

### How cold is Gorak Shep at night?
Around −10 °C to −12 °C in spring and autumn, and around −20 °C or lower in winter.

### Which month has the clearest views?
October and November usually have the clearest, most stable skies.

### Can storms happen in autumn?
Yes. Cyclones from the Bay of Bengal occasionally bring heavy snow in October or November.

### When do rhododendrons bloom on the EBC trek?
From March to April, in the forests between Lukla and Tengboche.

### Do Lukla flights get delayed by weather?
Often, especially in spring afternoons and the monsoon; keep at least two spare days.

### What sleeping bag do I need for EBC?
Rated to about −15 °C in spring and autumn, and −20 °C or lower in winter.

### Are weather forecasts reliable for Everest?
They help, but are less precise than at home; combine them with your guide's local knowledge.

### Is it windy at Everest Base Camp?
Often, especially in the afternoons; wind makes it feel much colder.

### Is December a good month for EBC?
For prepared trekkers, yes: clear skies and quiet trails, but nights below −15 °C at Gorak Shep.

### When does the monsoon end in the Khumbu?
Usually in mid to late September.

### What is the warmest month at Everest Base Camp?
Usually July and August, but this is the monsoon, with cloud and snow; May is the warmest month in the main trekking season.

### Is March a good month for EBC?
Yes, as spring begins: temperatures rise and lodges reopen, though nights are still cold and snow is possible early in the month.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/everest-base-camp-weather-by-month