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Best Time To Trek To Everest Base Camp 

The Everest Base Camp Trek runs through the Khumbu region of Nepal, typically starting at Lukla and ended up at the Everest Base Camp.

While the higher sections of the region are known for extremely cold and adverse weather conditions, there are times throughout the year where the weather stabilises and tends to be very mild, making it great for trekking.

It is important to understand the weather patterns of the region when planning your trek to ensure you get the most out of your time spent in the area.

A few considerations must be taken into account when deciding on the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp.

Broadly these are the weather conditions, busyness of the routes and the availability of guided tours.

This article provides an overview of the seasons in Khumbu region of Nepal and how they affect the Everest Base Camp Trek so that you can better decide on when to visit the area and take on one of the world’s most iconic treks.

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EBC Trek Weather

Peak Season

Contrary to what you might think, the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is not during the height of Summer. Rather, large window periods on either side of summer provide the best conditions for the trek.

February – May

The spring months are probably the most popular in the region as a whole. You might be caught in the occasional snow showers if you catch the end of the winter season, but the weather should be largely stable and dry – perfect for trekking and high altitude climbing.

The ideal weather comes at a price as the routes during this time will be at their busiest. Most Everest summits occur during these months so you will likely come across many climbers, summiteers and their support crews!

The region is also the most vibrant at this time of the year, with many of the routes flanked by flowering rhododendrons.

September – October

Clear days are characteristic of this popular trekking period. Although colder days (and colder nights) are to be expected, this is a small price to pay for the wonderful vistas and perfect views of the regions peaks. The odd snowstorm has been known to hit the region during this time so be sure to pack correctly!

An added bonus of trekking during this time is the option to choose some other, less well-known routes in the area that still offer amazing views but without the hustle and bustle of the more popular routes. The Gokyo Lakes Trek to the Everest Base Camp is a perfect example.

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EBC Trek Weather

Off Season

November – January

The region during this period can best be described as being very cold but still able to be trekked. The days will be shorter and there is a lot more snow, thus routes that involve crossing big passes like the three passes trek are usually closed.

The weather will be fairly stable and dry, meaning it is entirely possible to trek the classic roite to Everest Base Camp in these months.

Expect temperatures as cold as -30°C at night higher up the route so be sure to bring the correct gear.

If the cold doesn’t bother you and you want to avoid the crowds, trekking at this time may be just right for you. Why not even consider a Christmas Everest Base Camp Trek as a festive alternative to the more typical Christmas activities?

June – August

Rain, rain and more rain. The monsoon season is in full swing during this time of year as the warm, moisture laden water from the Indian Ocean causes rapid downpours. The routes tend to be very empty with only high-altitude die-hards braving the rains.

Slippery trails, leeches and the lack of mountain views seems to be sufficient in off-putting most trekkers from visiting.

There are a few areas, called rain-shadows, that provide good trekking conditions even during the monsoon months. The Annapurna Circuit is a good example of one of these rain protected areas.

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EBC Trek Weather

Our Advice

Stay away from the monsoon months of June through August. The trail conditions are not the safest, the trek will be wet and unenjoyable and you won’t even be able to get any great pictures of the beautiful mountain peaks.

Aim to trek in the peak months of February through May and September through October as you are guaranteed stable and mild weather. The classic route will be busy but this will do little to detract from the natural beauty of the area.

If you really want to avoid the crowds and are prepared to invest in some proper cold-weather gear, trekking during the winter months may be for you.

Keep in mind that many tour operators will not offer guided tours during the off-peak months and that many of the usual routes will be closed. Be sure to check before booking your flights!

For a live weather forecast of Nepal, click here.

Tags: EBC trek weather, Best time to trek to Everest Base Camp, Everest Base Camp when to trek, Everest Base Camp weather

Mark Whitman


Hi, I'm Mark! Welcome to EBC Trek Guide - the Web's No.1 Trekking Guide to Everest Base Camp. I have trekked all over Nepal, but the Everest region remains my favourite. I hope you find all the answers you are looking for on this site. If you have any questions don't hesitate to drop a comment below! Happy Trekking!

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  1. hi!! I am currently booked to trek to EBC March 15-30. I am a little concerned about the cold temps and am considering going mid to end of April or into first 2 weeks of MAy. What is your favorite 2 weeks and what are the temps like??

    1. Hi Kim, that is a tough one to answer. April and May do tend to have more stable weather that is slightly warmer than March, but there is not a huge difference in temperatures. Lower down the trail you will find the temperatures are quite warm during the day, but cold at night and in the early mornings. As you get higher up the daytime temperatures drop and you will need to layer up. Nighttime temperatures are also cooler. You will notice the biggest differences between March / April vs April / May in temperatures at night. But as I said this won’t be significant. The real difference is in terms of number of trekkers on the path. There will be many more people on the trail from April through to the end of May as the Everest climbing season kicks off around the beginning of the 2nd week of April. March will be quieter, with fewer trekkers on the trail and quieter / less busy teahouses. If you are looking to experience the EBC with fewer people around I would say go for March. If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the Everest climbing season and see some activity at EBC, then mid April through to mid May is the time to go. Hope this helps!

    2. We will be there on the 14-28, taking the basic same route to Lobuche, then climbing it. Three years ago I was there during these dates and here is what you can expect. Warm during the day in KTM, Lukla and Phakding. Once you start the climb to Namche, you will notice a difference. When you in sunlight, you will feel warm and remove layers. Once in the shadow of a mountain, you will be putting the layers back on. My advise is layers and you’ll need a good down coat for the higher altitudes. Also, bring you favorite spices and a solar pack charger for your batteries. Enjoy! You will love it!

  2. Hi Mark
    We are planning on a trip upto Tengboche (most of hiking will be from Lukla with stops over Phakding and Namche) during the first half of June (1-14). This is the only time we could due to other commitments. I know this is probably the shoulder period of the monsoon or pre-monsoon, but i was curious how bad the visibility and trail crowd could be in this period. Thanks for your input

    1. Hi Neelam, in terms of weather it could be a little hit and miss. The likelihood of rain and poor visibility is higher than in April or May, but you may get a great week! In terms of crowds the trail will be a lot quieter than April / May. All the best!

  3. Hi Mark,

    I’m planning to go for EBC and chances upon your site. You seem to be very ecperienced. Appreciate if you can help me please.. I know you mentioned best time in an article but which will be the warmest month to go for. I’m just concerned about cold weather.. i have low blood pressure and my extremities get numb and tingly even with proper gloves on in europe’s winter right now. So, just want to check the temperature ranges.. it’s all relative and dressing well (layering) but numbers might help me decide! 🙂 or maybe i should do Annapurna!! Any input/tips will be great help!

    Many thanks,
    Payal

    1. Hi Payal, appreciate your concern about temperatures. It’s a difficult thing to advice you on as the temperature fluctuates so much as one ascends in altitude. The warmer months are however – April-May or September-October. If I was pushed to give you a month I would say September, just after the monsoon season. Hope this helps.

  4. Hi Mark,

    My husband and I are hoping to trek to EBC this December. While doing some research, I stumbled across your incredibly informative site! I’m wondering if it is difficult to find guided treks during this month, because it is off-season and colder than many people might find comfortable. We like the idea of a less crowded trip, and since my husband is a photographer, the clearer views during the dry winter months are very appealing to him. Aside from the climate, what else should off-season trekkers consider?

    1. Hi Kimberley, thanks for getting in touch. You shouldn’t have a problem finding guided trips. A good number of people trek over the winter season, some try to time there visit to EBC with Christmas! Many teahouses in other regions of Nepal close during the winter season, but in the Everest region most stay open. So nothing to worry about in terms of accomodation. Apart from that, make sure to take a warm four season sleeping bag, and lots of warm layers. It can get really cold at night and in the early hours of the morning. Hope you have a great trip!

  5. Hi Mark
    Heading off on the EBC trek in early September 2019. I’m a bit concerned about the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back being delayed due to bad weather, looking at the whole trip at about 17 days door to door, do you feel this is sufficient time as some of the guys I’m with have limited holiday allowance.
    Regards
    Mick

    1. Hi Mick, 17 days if you take the classic / standard route is more than enough time. If you decide to do a variation route, like the Gokyo Lakes trek, then you will be pushed for time. Hope this helps!

  6. Hi Mark,
    My girlfriend and I are planning to visit EBC and originally had planned to go in late october-November. We are now considering April. What month do you suggest is the best do to in terms of views? We are okay with the hustle and bustle.
    Thank-you,

    1. Hi Laura, April is a great month for the trek and visibility is usually excellent. April / May coincides with the climbing season so there is a lot of activity on the trail, in the teahouses and on the surrounding peaks.

  7. Hi Mark, thanks fot yhe information. I am still not able to make my mind, as to whether to go for the trek to EBC on Dec 22nd this year or not. I am might afraid of cold. I cant tolerate it. I want to go but never stayed in sub zero temperatures. Also i am not well equipped with cold weather clothing and gear. Kindly advise.

  8. Hi Mark, thanks for the great advice on your website. We are planning on EBC trek Oct/Nov 2019. Apart from the cold weather is it safe to trek so late in the season. We’d love to experience snow but not to the extreme. We’re looking for a camera to hopefully capture some amazing shots of our adventure. Any tips on what type of camera we should buy? something capable of taking good movies.
    Many thanks

  9. I did around Annapurna many years ago and have wanted to return to Nepal to do the three pass loop with my adult son. I am interested in an April trip, without sherpas or guide, as this worked well before. Are there plenty of tea houses, so we needn’t carry tents or cooking stuff?
    And how much does a helicopter flight run back to Luckla at the end of the trek?
    Thank you.

    1. Hi Robin, yes, there are plenty of tea houses, so no need to carry tents / cooking gear etc. Just make sure you plan your route well so that you can make it to the best villages / tea houses each day. Helicopter flights vary, we took one from Dingboche to Lukla about 4 years ago and it costs $1000 I think.

  10. Thanking you very for the ample infos i received from you! i will follow the advises when ready to adventure up the high slopes!
    Cheers

    Erwin Walther

  11. Hello Mark,

    I am scheduled to spend 4 days in Bhutan (partial acclimatization?) then start the EBC 3 Passes on Nov.1, 2019 @ 19 days and my 2 main concerns are: Weather temps and Altitude sickness. We are scheduled to do the counter-clockwise route as I hear it has a better acclimatization opportunities. We will have 3 acclimatization days on the trek and am interested in your opinion on the 2 issues. Additionally, would you suggest Diamox for the trek?

    Thank you much – Greg

    1. Hey Greg, sounds awesome. Your itinerary sounds good as well. In terms of altitude sickness it is so hard to predict how you will respond to the altitude. It sounds like you have plenty of good acclimatisation built into your itinerary so I would expect you to fair just fine. Counter-clockwise is also the better approach to the three passes. The good thing with the 3 passes trek is it provides loads of opportunity to walk high and sleep low, which is great for acclimatisation. As for weather early November is still a good time to trek. Snow at the higher altitude and on the passes around this time is likely though. Make sure to bring a pair of crampons or yak tracks for additional grip on the passes as they can get icy. Generally the low winter temperatures start to kick in from mid November onwards but by then you should be on the home straight. I hope you have a blast!

  12. Based on your article, Now I plan to trek in early Oct (the rainfall chart was quite useful) instead of Jul 2019. But my children (15 and 11 yrs old) want to trek with me. I have 2 questions.
    1) Is it safe and fine for children to trek?
    2) We plan to trek on our own but may be will hire a porter atleast. Would the restaurants be working in Oct for we do not plan to carry any cooking material or do not have plans to hire a cook.
    3) Do we need to make night stay arrangements for the porter?
    4) We plan to sleep in our tent (single tent may be). Is it safe everywhere along the trek?

    1. Hi Jaspreet, it is safe for children to trek to EBC but I wouldn’t take a child younger than 10 on the trek. Almost all teahouse will be open in October so you shouldn’t have a shortage of options for food. It is customary to sleep in the teahouses too. Camp sites are available throughout the route too though. Your porter will be able to help you find accomodation and food each day, you won’t need to make arrangements for him.

  13. Hi,

    I’m interested to do EBC trekking in October maybe next year. I’ve been interested in visiting that place for years. At the meantime, I’m still worried on these things listed below:

    1. High altitude: I never ascend high altitude mountain before. (I mostly climbed small hills 😐 ). Thus, would the EBC trekking a problem to me?
    2. How do I know whether I’m fit enough to do the trekking? I do daily basic workout and have no problem in walking for a far distance even though I don’t walk much daily. My biggest concern in this point is my knee joints as I used to have problem with it (not severe though).
    3. Security: Is it safe for me to go there alone like during the whole trekking even in group?

    Looking forward to your advice.

    Many thanks,

    1. Hi Kanika, Thanks for getting in touch.

      To answer your questions:

      1. If you take a slow ascent profile with adequate rest acclimatisation days then you should be just fine. See our guide on altitude sickness and acclimatisation: https://ebctrekguide.com/altitude-sickness-everest-base-camp-trek

      2. If you are able to hike for 4-6 hours a day back to back for 12 days then you should be fine. Most people with a average fitness level can complete the trek. To help with protecting your knee joint I recommend using trekking poles (see gear recommendations here: https://ebctrekguide.com/everest-base-camp-trek-packing-list). You can also find out more on training and fitness here: https://ebctrekguide.com/best-training-program-everest-base-camp-trek

      3. Yes, Nepal is relatively safe in terms of crime etc. Your biggest safety risks are altitude sickness, airline flights in the country and potentially earthquakes. All, except altitude sickness are relatively rare though.

      All the best!

      Mark

      1. Dear Mark,

        Thank you very much for your fast response. It was really helpful!! I will keep that in mind and will follow it. : )

        Can’t wait to see myself there at EBC!! ^__^

        Best regards,
        Kanika

  14. Hi , i’am planning to to trek over everest mountains :-
    can you suggest me what to bring and what to not?
    how many days it will take as i’am a working person ?
    what are the difficulties we will face there?
    whats the budget ?
    6394240711 is my no .if anyone have experience then directly you can tell me . thank you

  15. Little confusion to choose the month (either September or November) for EBC Trek via gokyo ri route.
    Can you suggest me ?

    1. Hi Manich, both months are possible although I would go for September as snow fall on the Cho La can be high in November, making the passage through challenging. All the best!

  16. Hi. What is the situation on the EBC trek with Covid right now? I am hoping to come from Canada in March/Early April. I know that is 203 months away but I'm concerned about the impact of COVID. Thanks.

    Paul Millington

  17. Hi Mark,
    Am 50+ & planning to do solo trek from Jiri to EBC & back in September.
    Wanted to check with you if I can get a Porter cum Guide from Jiri and do I need to book or can get when I am in Jiri.

    Thanks.

    1. Hi Dorothy, people in there 60s and 70s can complete the EBC trek. If you’re in good health and relatively fit I wouldn’t let age be your limiting factor.

  18. HI Mark.
    Hope you doing well

    I want to have expedetion for EBC from 30th aug to 12th sep in 2024. Due to you have so experience in this field, I wanna know your suggestion an recommendation for that time.

    Thank you.

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