Best Season For Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest base camp trek is truly a remarkable experience anyone could ever ask for. Nestled in the lap of the tall mountain of the world knowns as Everest, this trek to its base camp offers once-in-a-lifetime memory for travelers of all kinds. The Everest base camp trek is a dream come true for many travelers, but what they should consider before embarking is the best Season for the Everest base camp trek.

This may seem like an unbelievable answer, but many travelers have trekked to Everest base camp successfully in almost all seasons. However, this does not mean all seasons can be considered the best ones to trek for EBC. With this in mind, the best Season for the Everest base camp trek would be spring (March-May) and Autumn (September- November), also known as Nepal’s peak trekking seasons.

The main attraction of this trek is focused Everest Peak itself, which holds the reputation of being the tallest mountain in the world, 8848 m. Likewise, other highlights besides Everest are the Khumbu glacier, Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, kala pather, Namche Bazaar, Sagarmatha national park, etc.

For the EBC trek, trekkers must pass through the challenging route of sloppy hills, slippery pathways, rough roads, and high-altitude places. And to navigate the path with ease, climate, and weather play a huge role. If you choose an unfavorable season to trek on, your entire trek will become more challenging. Therefore selecting the best Season for the Everest base camp trek will make your whole trek unforgettable.

Spring and autumn are the best time for treks, including the Everest base camp. We will discuss the best time for the Everest base camp trek with other possible seasons you can trek on. And you can also consider other recommended treks like Annapurna Base Camp, Gokyo Valley Trek, and Annapurna circuit trek, which Great Adventure Trek can organize.

Understanding the Best Season for Everest base camp trek

Everest base camp lies at a very high altitude of (17,600 feet/5380 meters). So it’s never generally warm at EBC and Everest region, but still, there are many differences between the best seasons and other seasons throughout the year. So what actually is the best time for an Everest base camp trek?

Spring (March to May): The Climbing Season

Spring is known as the month of colors, and hiking is special, whether it’s an Everest base camp trek or summiting Everest itself. Most plants, birds, and animals are more visible, along with the rhododendrons blooming on the trailside to Ebc trek.

Besides the Everest base camp trek, the spring season from March to May presents an ideal time for the climbing expedition. Moreover ver there is less possibility of precipitation and lousy weather in the region suitable for other Everest region treks and EBC treks.

Considering its title as one of the best seasons for trekking in Nepal, many people flock to the Everest base camp trek, so it is overcrowded. Likewise, compared to other seasons, there are more sunny days in spring with dry, warm weather, so the views and mountain scenery are clearer here. The nights around the Everest base camp are generally colder due to the occasional snowfall, but the days are warmer.

The main attraction during the spring month is the route filled with Nepal’s national flower called, the Rhododendron or Laliguras, and the clear views of the 8000 er, and 6000er peaks like Mt Makalu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Cho oyu, and more.

Autumn (September to November): The Post-Monsoon Trekking Season

While spring is the first in the list of the best season for the Everest base camp trek, Autumn is no less favorable as it stands second. Also known as the post-monsoon season, the autumn months (September to November) features perfectly align with trekkers’ and mountaineers’ preferences and expectations.

Regarding the surrounding of the Everest base camp route in terms of weather, the skies are generally clear with fewer clouds allowing trekkers to enjoy the views of the peaks. In addition, the panoramas of the Khumbu Glacier and many high-altitude places like Kala Patthar are worth visiting.

Moreover, the post-monsoon season just before the Autumn creates a more relaxing soundtrack while hiking as the rivers across the trek are filled with summer monsoon rainfalls. And then, due to almost calm rains, there is less dust on the trails making the season ideal for travelers who feel discomfort in hiking on dustier trails.

As the clouds depart, you’ll be rewarded with clear and crisp views of mountains rising above 8000m, 7000m, and 6000 m. The surroundings with the ideal weather conditions are great for birds waiting here.

Besides the vegetation, the rich Sherpa cultural communities come to life with Autumn Harvest Festivals. Trekkers hiking to the Everest base camp trek in the Autumn season get to experience the beauty of the surrounding at its finest, along with the small sherpa villages lit up in festivals celebrations.

Summer Monsoon (June to August): The Green Season

Sir Ranulph, a famous British explorer, says, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing,”and trekking during the summer is the best example. The summer season is considered the off-season trek for the Everest base camp trek as it marks the arrival of the Monsoon during June. The monsoon season peaks in July and ends in August. Summer trekking to Everest base camp has charms.

If you place comfort at rock bottom, summer monsoon can be your best season for Everest base camp trek due to its green vegetation that meets the eye. In fact, you do not have to sacrifice your comfort as the region will be less crowded with many options available for accommodations and tea houses.

The routes of the Everest base camp trek will differ from the dries like spring and autumn seasons, but still, it’s easy to walk. And if you are picturing a slushy-muddy trail during the summer monsoon season, then you are not so totally wrong either. And for the scenery, the peaks might occasionally greet you, so don’t expect to look for a clear view during the whole trekking duration.

The Winter Season- (December to February)

Winter season is another off-season for the Everest base camp trek. During the winter, the Everest base camp experiences the coldest as the highest temperature you will encounter here will go no more than -2 degrees.

Everest base camp trek in winter months generally seems impossible. But as long as you are fully prepared with gears and all, you are also good to go during the winter seasons. Many enthusiastic trekkers and mountaineers have trekked to the base camp and summited Everest, even during winter.

Winter can be the best time for the Everest Base Camp trek, mainly for those travelers who want to take a chance and experience something different than what spring and autumn months offer. Moreover, the winter month treks bring the best vibrant views of snow-capped peaks and snowy landscapes, thrilling landings at Lukland, and so on.

Though there will be a high chance of snowfall, the views after the snowfall offer clear skies and excellent peaks all in their glory.

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Temperature and Weather Conditions in Spring and Autumn

We have covered the features of the best season for the Everest Base camp trek- spring and autumn and another possible season. Now let us focus more on the best time for the Everest base camp trek and know about their average temperature, precipitation, and more.

Spring Season

The spring season starts in March, lasts till May, and has mild to moderately cold temperatures. This helps trekkers to hike through Everest’s rugged route more conveniently.

Everest Base Camp trek in March

Temperature: Temperature ranging between 7°C to -10°C

Precipitation: 4mm

Sunny Days: 20 fully sunny days

Sunrise: 6:07 am

Sunset: 6:07 pm

The days during the beginning of March are generally shorter as the weather starts to warm. The ice begins to melt at the end of March, and the weather becomes warmer.

All the lodges that had remained closed in winter started to get opened. And all the locals open their businesses and prepare to welcome new travelers and mountaineers here.

Th weather in March is far better than that in January and February. However, there might be little chance of snowfall. The temperature around Everest is moderate so the trails will be overcrowded.

The daytime surrounding will be more favorable, with temperatures ranging from 8°C. But the nights and mornings will be colder with a minimum temperature of -10°C.

In addition, the climate around the Lukla and Namche Bazaar will not be as cold, with temperatures ranging from 13° C- 3° C and 10° C- 1° C.

Everest Base Camp Trek in April

Temperature: Temperature ranging between 34°F (1°C) to 53°F (12°C).

Precipitation: 11 mm

Sunny Days: 20 fully sunny days

Sunrise: 5:33 am

Sunset: 6:23 pm

Weather conditions in April bring out the ideal trekking condition in the Everest region. Kathmandu may get a little bit uncomfortable for all of us. Still, the trekkers embarking on the Everest base camp trek are on a treat as the temperature in the Everest region in April is cooler compared to Kathmandu.

The average temperature in Namche Bazar and Lobuche ranges between 17° C- 5° Cand 3° C, and -9° C. Moreover, the Everest base camp trek that lies above 5000 m has a cold climate compared to Namche Bazaar and Lukla, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 12°C during the daytime and a minimum of -4°C at night.

April month provides stable weather conditions along with the features like low rainfall chances, accommodation options, longer days, crystal views, favorable temperatures, etc. Therefore, it has been gaining more popularity compared to March.

Everest Base Camp Trek May:

Temperature: Temperature ranging between 16 °C to 0°C or less

Precipitation: 28 mm

Sunny Days: 18 fully sunny days

Sunrise: 5:08 am

Sunset: 6:40 pm

The Everest region is just a month away from the monsoon season, which starts in July. But still, the climate and temperature conditions are favorable for trekking and nearby peak climbing. The weather will be a bit warmer than April’s, with an average temperature of 57°F/14°C in Namche Bazaar.

Also, the rainfall chances get higher compared to April and March.

The temperature will range between 19° C to 8° C in Lukla at (2,860m), which is more favorable than the Everest base camp temperature ranging from 16 °C during the day to a minimum of 0°C at nighttime.

At the end of the month, humidity starts to build up, which invites the monsoon season in June, so the view of the mountains may be obscure at times. Likewise, trekkers may also encounter brief thunderstorms at the end of May.

Autumn Season

Autumn, the second-best season for Everest base camp treks, is characterized by its mild temperatures, low rainfall, low snowfall, and low avalanche risks. So the trekking trails will be smooth, even if they have to walk for around 5-6 hours a day. Now let’s look at the temperature by each month in Autumn.

Everest Base Camp Trek in September

Temperature: maximum temperature of 16°C and minimum of 2°C

Precipitation: 63 mm

Sunny Days: 10.5 days

Sunrise: 5:42 am

Sunset: 6:03 pm

The monsoon season has just ended at the start of September, but there may still be chances of rainfall during the first weeks. Trails will not be as wet as in July and August but still expect minimal rainfall changes from time to time. If you travel during the middle of September, there will be little rainfall; if the end of the Spencer, there will be almost no rainfall possibility.

Everest is a mountainous region. There is no such thing as hot, but September is a more comfortable month than winter, where the climate will be freezing only if you trek above 4000m or more. This being said the surrounding Namche Bazaar has an average low temperature of 42°F (6°C) and a high peerage temperature of 59°F (15°C) in September. Regarding the temperature of the Everest base camp, the days are warm, with m maximum temperature of 10°C and a low temperature of -1°C at night.

Everest Base Camp Trek in October

Temperature: maximum temperature of 12°C and minumim tempartire of -1°C

Precipitation: 6 mm

Sunny Days: 27.6 days

Sunrise: 5:58 am

Sunset: 5:30 pm

October is the best time for Everest Base Camp trek out of all three months of the autumn season. The monsoon will generally end during October, so there will be no rain, clouds, or fog, plus it will provide great visibility.

The rainfall generally stops by mid-to-late September, so there will only be clear and humidity-free skies to accompany you through the trek.

The temperature in Kathmandu will still be a little hot in October, but the Eevers region will be much colder than Kathmandu. The temperature at lower areas, like Namche Bazaar, sits at an elevation of (11,290 feet/3440 meters) and Lukla (2,860m) will range around 13°C to 2°C and 17°C to 6°C. The Everest base camp will be colder than lower ones, with temperature ranging from 12°C to -1°C.

Everest Base Camp Trek in November

Temperature: 6°C at daytime to -10°C at night

Precipitation: 62 mm

Sunny Days: 27.6 days

Sunrise: 6:18 am

Sunset: 5:06 pm

October is the busiest month among the three in the Autumn season, though November is a close second here. But the weather conditions are better than in November in the Evers region.

November is characterized by its low rainfall chances, low humidity, high crisp mountain views, etc. The temperature will be cooler compared to October as the winter just starts after the end of November here.

In the lower region like n Namche Bazaar may exercise c the temperature is an average low of 26°F (-3°C) to an average high of 48°F (9°C). However, the high altitude temperature will be colder, with temperatures ranging between 6°C in the daytime to -10°C at night in Everest base camp.

Getting There in Spring and Autumn Seasons

The easiest way to start your Everest base camp trip from Kathmandu in the Autumn and spring seasons is the same as other seasons- fly to Lukla from Kathmandu. Kathmandu’s climate is a bit smoggy and dusty. Therefore, there may be slight delays to Lukla.

Moreover, the rainfall possibility during Autumn and spring is very low, so you are good to go. These two seasons are the peak seasons for any trekking, so that the flights might get filled up quickly, so book as far ahead before the trek.

If you are not into flights, you can choose an alternative option to reach Lukla without booking any flight through Jiri. This route is famous for its name, ‘Pioneers’ Route,’ as this was the trail used by the early Western mountaineers to reach the Everest region.

In addition, you can choose another alternative option besides Jiri with Kathmandu Flight to Phaplu and a trek to Lukla for the Everest base camp trek. This is not a popular starting point but is best for travelers who are more into nature and appreciate the gradual ascent to the Everest region.

Weather Considerations and Gear Essentials

We have discussed the best season for the Everest base camp trek: spring and autumn. Now let’s explore the Weather Considerations and Gear Essentials required for the Everest base camp trek below.

Layering for Everest base camp trek

As we mentioned earlier, there is no such thing as hot in the Everest region. Simply put, the Everest base camp trek will be generally cold no matter which season you choose. For both spring and autumn seasons, the best season for the Everest base camp trek, packing and layering correctly means gold. Trekkers should focus on packing the base layers ( moisture-wicking, insulating mid-layers, and outer Layer (waterproof). Moreover, here are some clothes you can consider before your trekking begins.

Base Layer: For the base layer, you can start with packing a Merino Wool top as it is lightweight and does not weigh your backpack. Also, it does not smell as it wicks away moisture.
Mid-Layer – For your mid-layer clothing, pack some Fleece pants.
And a fleece jacket with zip-ups. And if you feel cooler during your trek, add one extra Layer of a lightweight down jacket.
Outer Layer:- For the outer Layer, choose waterproof and breathable clothes made of either polyester or Nylon. Breathable outer layer jackets are very important, and if you don’t get one, you will set it while trekking, and it will not let go of the moisture.

Required Trekking gears

The Everest base camp trek is challenging, so every trek needs good quality trekking gear. Many shops in Kathmandu sell the necessary gear for the best season of the Everest base camp trek, but most are fake, with well-known names like The North Face.

If you don’t want to spend much while buying gear, renting is a good option in Thamel. Some of our recommended trekking gear you can consider either buying or renting are as follows-

Hiking Boots: Hiking boots are the most important things you need to buy as you will be hiking for around 5-6 hours daily for almost ten days unless you choose a direct helicopter tour to Everest base camp. Get comfortable boots in the right sizes, which is probably most important than getting yourself branded.

Trekking Shoes / Sandals- we usually recommend trekkers hike in boots as it provides more support compared to shoes. But if buying Trekking Shoes / Sandals does not break the bank, you can surely go for them as you can use them around the teahouses.

Gaiters: Gaiters are one of the important gear you should consider buying. It covers your ankle-high opening to your boots and prevents rocks, water, and mud from entering it.

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Conclusion

If you are searching for the best season for the Everest base camp trek, probably up to the end, you may have understood that spring and autumn are the best and why. The Everest region’s seasons offer stable and favorable weather with less chance of rainfall and snowfall. During these months, trekking trails are very comfortable to hike as they are relatively dry compared to the summer and winter.