This article is going to discuss Everest Base Camp Weather and Climate in a detailed manner.
Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most desired treks of the Everest region. Hikers from the different parts of the world visit Nepal to make it to this base camp.
This trek provides a unique opportunity to witness outstanding scenery and explore Himalayan trails.
Everest base camp trek starts with a scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. From Lukla, the trek starts to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain Mt. Everest following the Dudh Koshi River valley.
The weather and climate play a crucial role in your success on the Everest Base Camp trek.
The weather and climate of the Everest Base Camp is the most unpredictable element that can neither be ignored nor can be relied upon.
Everest Base Camp is situated 28 degrees north of the equator. Everest Base Camp weather and climate is very changeable.
Generally, the weather differs on Everest Base Camp by seasons and altitudes. Everest Base Camp weather is relatively temperate and flows around 0℃. There is a huge difference between daytime and night. Normally, the nights are much cooler than daytime hours.
During the day, the thermometer could reach as high as 25℃ and within 24 hours it can dip down as low as -20℃. Thus, you might get surprised to learn about that incredible temperature change that may occur on a given day.
The Everest Base Camp region is quite dry with a regular of 18 inches of rainfall received at base camp. The best trekking season is stuck between the spring and autumn seasons. From March to May and October to November the climate is moderate.
There’s is no exact way to learn about the weather and climate ranges in the mountains in the future. But somewhat you can predict based on the month and season.
A few facts about Everest Base Camp
- The Everest Base Camp is 5,545 meters.
- It is one of the most popular base camp treks as more than 40,000 people trek this route every year.
- There are multiple trekking routes to the base camp. The shortest route takes you there and back in 12 days and the longest route takes 17 days.
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Now, let’s check the Everest Base Camp weather and Climate on the basis of season.
Spring Season – Everest Base Camp Weather and Climate
In Nepal, the spring season lies between March to May. In this time many climbers come to make the Everest expedition in this season.
In the spring, there is more color on the route to Everest Base Camp. Especially because of the rhododendron and other flowers are full bloom and decorate the lower hill region.
April and May are the most popular time of spring months on the trail to Everest. During this period of time, it’s not that chilly and not that warm.
During springtime, the average temperature is 17℃. During sunny days the temperature goes up to 25℃ and it may go down -15℃ in morning and night time. You are bound to enjoy 7 hrs of sunshine on average daily.
If you’re seeking more solitude March is a good option. However, early March can be a bit chilly cold after that it gets warmer.
In high elevation like Gorak Shep and Lobuche, the temperature varies greatly. The temperature ranges from zero degrees during the night and 20℃ during the sunny day.
Before the monsoon season, during spring trekking to EBC is suitable without being affected by excessive temperature.
In spring, you can catch a beautiful glimpse of the Himalayan peaks in really suitable temperatures.
As a whole the temperature is very pleasant you can simply trek on the T-shirt on a sunny day. In spring, the wind speed also drops down to 14 km/hr.
This is a second popular trekking season in Nepal, which why you’ll encounter lots of trekkers.
Summer Season -EBC Weather and Climate
In Nepal, the summer season is basically accompanied by the monsoon season and lies between June to August. The rainfall is maximum during this time with the hot weather.
Although, the Everest Base Camp weather and climate are not hot and the intenseness of coldness is dropped to some extent.
During monsoon seasons at the high altitude areas above 4,000 m remain occasionally dry. While in the low altitudes area rainfall occurs frequently. But it doesn’t seem that bad as after the rain the weather clears and you’ll get breathtaking views of mountains and waterfalls.
During the monsoon, the daytime temperature goes up to 25℃ and it may go down to -15℃ in the night time. The average temperature during the monsoon is 18℃. The wind speed is normal 16 km/hr. You can enjoy 5 hours of sunshine daily with precipitation per month 190 mm.
If you’re planning to trek in this season then you need to be mentally, physically, and technically prepared for unexpected rainfall.
Besides this, if you’re planning to trek from Jiri to camp then you need to be aware that the trail will be very muddy, slippery, and full of leeches up to Phakding.
Despite these things, there are some advantages too. Although it is not suggested the time to trek to Everest Base Camp. As it rainfalls in lower elevations below 3000 m and snowfalls in the high elevations.
As I said before the weather of the Everest region can’t be easily determined. It depends on your luck too. In the high elevation, it stays dry too.
You need to bring a rain jacket and also a thick layered jacket. However, at the end of this season, it starts to get cold. The main benefit of trekking in the monsoon is you’ll get less busy trial.
Autumn Season – Everest Base Camp Weather and Climate
In Nepal, the autumn seasons lie between September to November. This is the most popular time because the weather is at its best, particularly in October and November.
Although this is not the warmest time of the year, but also this period provides a pleasant temperature for trekking. The nights are pretty cold but don’t get super cold like they do in the winter.
The average temperature during autumn is 15℃. During the sunny days, the temperature reaches 20℃ and -10℃ in the morning and at night.
Though high altitude trekking can’t be predicted due to changing weather conditions. There is a high chance of seeing a clear sky that paves way for a better view of the mountains. But sometimes in this period, you may encounter with plenty of showers and snowfalls.
By November the weather in the trekking areas usually brings sunny and mild afternoons.
Generally, by late September and early October, there is less moisture and reasonable summit winds.
Thus, the flights are harder to get even though the weather conditions are good. But don’t worry there are several flights each day even up to 5 pm in the afternoon.
During this time, the trails and teahouses are very crowded. However, you can take lesser-known routes that will get you off the beaten track and away from the crowds.
In this time many of the high passes will be closed and trials from above Namche Bazaar will be covered in snow.
During this season, the weather is usually clear, storm occasionally hit and you should bring suitable gear in this case.
Winter Season – Everest Base Camp Weather and Climate
Winter from December to February are the coldest days of the year in Everest Base Camp. As we all know that the Everest Base Camp weather and climate are extremes.
During this season, the area is mostly dominated by the jet streams coming in from the Northern hemisphere. It is also responsible for high winds and cold temperatures.
The average temperature of Everest Base Camp could drop to as low as -17℃. During winter, beside temperatures wind play a crucial role as it fluctuates from 8 to 12 mph at base camp.
Although trekking in winter can be great as the crowds trying to avoid the cold clear out. Day temperatures are comfortable but it can get well below freezing at night.
The days will be shorter and there is a lot more snow. Thus, the trekking routes that involve crossing high passes are usually closed.
The weather is fairly stable and dry. It means that it is possible to trek the classic route to Everest Base Camp in these months.
Generally, you are not advised to hike Mt. Everest during this season as conditions are hazardous. But during winter, Everest Base Camp is still accessible with its milder wind and temperatures.
Make sure that you need to bring the correct gear with yourself as the temperature can get down as -30℃ at night at high altitudes. If cold doesn’t bother you and you want to avoid crowds, then this season is the best option for you.
Travel Tips
- If you want to do the Everest Base Camp trek then you’ve to pay close attention to the weather of the Everest region. So, you’ve to select a good time for going there. As the actual weather is changeable and complex.
- Due to the high altitude and thin air, this region has harsh weather. So, you need to prepare yourself with correct and essentials trekking gears. Things such as oxygen bottle, altitude sickness medicine, warm clothes, sturdy hiking boots, and sunblock items.
Conclusion
You should be aware that while trekking the weather can make or break your whole trekking trip. Thus, it is supposed to be planned at the right time.
Hopefully, you’ve got some idea of Everest Base Camp weather and climate. This article will surely help you to plan your trip to the base camp of Mt. Everest at the right time of the year.
Lastly, whatever time of year you do the Everest Base Camp trek you need to prepare yourself properly. As you need to be ready to face any weather and climate condition which may occur in this region.
Happy Trekking !!!!
