The best time to trek to the EBC – Everest base Camp is obviously when it is not actually raining or snowing for that matter. Trekking via the Khumbu region of Nepal, the Everest Base Camp Trek normally begins in Lukla and ends at the Everest Base Camp. This trek is known as the Everest Base Camp Trek.
From March until May, or from the middle of September until November, is the ideal time of year to embark on a trip to Everest Base Camp. In these seasons, there are neither enormous snowfalls like there are in the winter, nor are there any monsoon rains like there are in the summer. The benefits and drawbacks of each season are discussed here.
Despite the fact that the highest parts of the region are notorious for having weather conditions that are exceedingly cold and unfavorable, there are periods of time throughout the year when the weather maintains its stability and tends to be fairly moderate, making it an ideal time for trekking.
Before beginning your journey, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the weather patterns that are typical of the area. This will allow you to make the most of the time you spend in the location.
When trying to choose the most suitable time to hike to Everest Base Camp, there are a few factors that need to be taken into mind.
These factors include, in general, the weather conditions, the level of activity on the routes, and the availability of guided tours.
In spite of the fact that this may come as a surprise to some, the path that leads to Everest Base Camp in Nepal has been successfully traversed during practically all of the seasons. However, it is evident that there is a peak season for one of the most popular hikes in the world. When it comes to visiting Everest Base Camp, the months of spring (March to May) and fall (October to November) are generally considered to be the most favorable dates.
There are a variety of advantages to trekking on one of the top trek trails in the world throughout other seasons as well, despite the fact that the high seasons are the most popular. With the help of this blog, you will be able to navigate through a seasonal guide to Everest Base Camp during each of the distinct seasons. You could also take into consideration the recommendations of other prominent treks in Nepal, such as the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, to name just a few.
This article gives you an overview of the seasons in the Khumbu region of Nepal and how they effect the Everest Base Camp Trek. With this information, you will be able to make a more informed decision about when you should visit the region and go on one of the most famous treks in the world.
EBC Trek Weather
Peak Season
Despite what you would believe, the greatest time to hike to Everest Base Camp is not during the height of summer. This is contrary to what you might imagine. Rather, the greatest conditions for the trek are observed during big window periods that occur on either side of the summer season.
February – May
It is likely that the months of spring are the most favorable for tourism over the entire region. There is a possibility that you will see snow showers on occasion if you happen to catch the end of the winter season; nonetheless, the weather is expected to be mostly stable and dry, making it ideal for hiking and climbing at high altitudes.
Even when the weather is perfect, there is a fee associated with it because the routes will be at their busiest during this time. During these months, the majority of Everest summits take place, which means that you will most likely come across a large number of climbers, summiteers, and their support teams.
At this time of the year, the landscape is also at its most bright, with many of the pathways being flanked by rhododendrons that are in full bloom.
September – October
This most popular time of year for hiking is characterized by days that are clear. In spite of the fact that cooler days (and colder nights) are to be anticipated, this is a relatively minor inconvenience in exchange for the breathtaking panoramas and unobstructed views of the mountains in the vicinity. The region has been known to see the occasional snowstorm around this time, so make sure that you pack your belongings appropriately.
One additional advantage of going on a trek during this time of year is that you will have the opportunity to select from a variety of other, less well-known routes in the region. These routes still provide breathtaking vistas, but they are not as crowded as the more famous ones. As an illustration, the trek from Gokyo Lakes to Everest Base Camp is an excellent example.
EBC Trek Weather
Off Season
November – January
An accurate description of the location during this time period would be that it is extremely cold, yet it is still possible to hike across it. The days will be shorter, and there will be a significant increase in the amount of snow; hence, routes that require traversing large passes, such as the three passes trek, are typically closed.
Due to the fact that the weather will be quite consistent and dry, it is absolutely feasible to hike the traditional route to Everest Base Camp during these months.
Be sure to have the appropriate gear with you because the nighttime temperatures higher up the road can drop to as low as -30 degrees Celsius.
In the event that you are not bothered by the cold and wish to avoid the crowds, trekking during this time of year can be the perfect activity for you. Rather than participating in the more traditional Christmas events, why not even think about going on a Christmas Everest Base Camp Trek as a festive alternative?
June – August
Rain, rain, and much more than that. As a result of the warm, moisture-laden water coming from the Indian Ocean, the monsoon season is in full swing during this time of year. This is because the water is causing rapid downpours. In most cases, the routes are completely deserted, with only devoted high-altitude hikers bravely enduring the weather.
Trails that are prone to slipping, the presence of leeches, and the absence of mountain views appear to be sufficient to discourage the majority of trekkers from going.
Even when the monsoon season is in full swing, there are a few places known as rain-shadows that offer favorable circumstances for hiking and trekking. A notable example of one of these rain protected places is the Annapurna Circuit, which is located in Nepal.
EBC Trek Weather
You should avoid going during the monsoon months, which are June through August. In addition to the fact that the route conditions are not the safest, the hike will be rainy and unpleasant, and you won’t even be able to take any amazing shots of the breathtaking mountain peaks.
You should try to go on your hike during the prime months of February through May and September through October because the weather will be consistent and moderate during those months. Despite the fact that the historic route will be crowded, the natural beauty of the region will not be impaired in any significant way.
It is possible that trekking during the winter months is the best option for you if you are willing to make an investment in appropriate cold-weather gear and if you are truly interested in avoiding the crowds.
Remember that during the off-peak months, many tour operators will not offer guided tours, and that many of the typical routes will be closed. This is something you should keep in mind. It is imperative that you check before you book your travels!
Rainfall
During the summer months, when monsoons arrive in India, the moisture-laden systems also migrate north across land and arrive in Nepal from the continent of South Asia. When monsoon rains and thunderstorms arrive in the east of Nepal, which is where the Everest Base Camp route is located, they can occur at any time between the end of May and the end of June. In most cases, monsoon rains begin to fall around the middle of June and continue until the middle or late of September.
The Everest Base Camp track is virtually a no-go zone during the summer months due to the huge rainfall that occurs in the lower half of the trek route. This is in contrast to the upper regions of the Everest Base Camp trek, which receive comparatively little rainfall during the summer months. Not only does the monsoon season bring forth extremely heavy rains, but it also causes mountainside paths to become extremely muddy and slippery, which can be extremely hazardous. Moreover, the likelihood of landslides occurring is excessively great. If that weren’t enough, the trek’s temperate zone may be a very humid place during the summer, which can be very uncomfortable.
Rains in Lukla and Gorakshep
To illustrate the significant disparity in rainfall levels between Lukla, which is located at the beginning of the EBC trek route, and Gorakshep, which is located at the finish of the trail, we have compiled the graph that can be found below.
With the exception of the summer monsoon season, the Everest Base Camp trek route experiences a relatively low amount of precipitation. However, this does not necessarily imply that the remaining months of the year are our playground. Temperature is another significant aspect of the weather that needs to be taken into consideration.
Temperature
We are all aware that the cold that prevails in the Himalayas is a significant problem. There is no requirement to climb Mount Everest in order to acquire frostbite; it is also possible to acquire frostbite when trekking to Everest Base Camp if the temperature drops significantly and you are not well prepared. You also run the risk of developing pneumonia, which is a common respiratory illness. The temperatures in the temperate zone aren’t very harsh when you first start out on the hike, but as you progress further up the trail, they will start to become increasingly difficult to bear.
Temperatures in Lukla
The village of Lukla, which is located on the mountainside, is where we start our journey adventure to Everest Base Camp. The climate in Lukla, which is located 2,680 meters above sea level, is classified as temperate. The graphs below illustrate that the temperatures are pleasant, with nighttime temperatures only slightly falling below the freezing point during the winter months. The graphs are in Celsius and Fahrenheit systems.
Temperatures in Gorakshep
When compared to Lukla, the temperatures of Gorakshep are completely different from one another. On the Everest Base Camp journey, the highest settlement is Gorakshep, which is 6,164 meters above sea level. Next, we make our way back to Lukla after spending the night in this location. The figures below, which are presented in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, illustrate the monthly average temperatures for Gorakshep.
In spite of the fact that you will be staying in teahouses and lodges rather than tents during the Everest Base Camp trip, it is essential to pay close attention to the temperatures throughout the nighttime hours. The bedrooms are not heated, and the majority of the accommodations have a rustic feel to them. In point of fact, the presence of a single pane of glass for windows is common in many bedrooms. It is not uncommon for trekkers to wake up to find their water bottles frozen solid. And this is not limited to the winter season; it can also occur in the fall and spring.
Wind
When it comes to planning a hike, not everyone puts forth the effort to investigate wind speed and wind chill factor. Error made by a novice. Having said that, certain regions of the world experience the most intense and frigid winds throughout the winter season. Consequently, low temperatures are frequently an indication of strong winds. It is because of the migration of the northern jet stream southward during the winter months that the Himalayas experience this phenomenon. This migration brings with it strong winds.
The winds kick up in late September along the portion of the Everest Base Camp route that is located in the temperate zone. They are at their most vicious during the month of March. In 2019, which was a very windy year, wind speeds and wind gusts in the first half of the Everest Base Camp trek route can go above 20 kilometers per hour. This is the case throughout the month of March.
Between the months of late November and March, the winds in the mountainous regions that are colder and higher are at their greatest. As a result of the fact that these winds are transported by air streams from Mongolia and Siberia, they are extremely chilly. Wind gusts frequently reach speeds of thirty kilometers per hour. It should be noted that 2019 was an especially unfavorable year for high winds and sustained gusts of wind.
While the cold is a perfectly strong deterrent in and of itself to not walk the Everest Base Camp route during the winter, the winds also keep the majority of us away during this time of the year. We are unable to trek at this time of year. Strong winds are a serious risk on the EBC journey, which features a number of paths that are extremely exposed to the elements.
Snowfall
There is not much snowfall during the winter months in the Himalayas, which are extremely high. On the other hand, the lower Everest Base Camp trek path is subject to freshly fallen snowfall throughout the winter months, which typically begin in November. Even though you are still able to hike the Everest Base Camp path when there is snow, blizzards and heavy snowfall can sometimes cause higher passes to be closed, which might cause you to be delayed indefinitely more than you would otherwise be.
In addition, during the winter months, several really high passes, such as the Gokyo path, which we will hike on our way back, are permanently blocked. If you want to go to Everest Base Camp during the winter, you will have fewer alternatives for routes.
To put all of that into perspective, this is the Himalayas, and snow may fall whenever it pleases. There is a need for us to keep a close check on the weather prediction. In addition, we have to be prepared for the possibility that snow will be a part of our Everest Base Camp expedition, regardless of the month that we select.
Best months to trek Everest Base Camp
You can see why the first peak season on the Everest Base Camp trek is from late March to mid-May and the second is from late September to November, considering the information on rainfall, temperature, winds, and snowfall provided above.
March to May trekking season
Every season comes with its own set of advantages. For example, the months of March through May have an above-average number of bright days and some of the highest visibility out of all periods. There will also be displays of spring flowers for you to enjoy. Particularly brightening the environment are the large canopies of rhododendrons that are crimson and pink in color. Additionally, Everest Base Camp comes to life during the months of April and May; therefore, if you are interested in experiencing the hustle and excitement of a base camp that is fully operating, this is the time to go. As for the negatives, by the end of April and the beginning of May, you might start to experience some heat haze. May is also a foggy month, which means that the likelihood of discovering hidden mountain summits is increased during this month.
September to November trekking season
On the other hand, the period from late September to November is also a popular season due to the moderate temperatures that are experienced during the day. In particular, the months of late October and November are most popular among many people since the weather is typically more consistent during these months, and visibility is excellent. During certain months, the temperature may be lower, but many people consider this to be a reasonable trade-off given the beautiful skies and expansive vistas that are available.
The table below summarises the weather conditions and the crowds in the Everest Region in any given month.
| Month | Weather | Cloudiness | Crowd | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold | Medium | Very Low | Can Consider |
| February | Cold | Medium | Very Low | Can Consider |
| March | Slightly warm | Low | Medium | Recommended |
| April | Warm | Low | High | Highly Recommended |
| May | Warm | Low | High | Highly Recommended |
| June | Rainy | High | Very Low | Not Recommended |
| July | Rainy | High | Very Low | Not Recommended |
| August | Rainy | High | Very Low | Not Recommended |
| September | Moderate | Medium | Medium | Recommended |
| October | Pleasant | Low | High | Highly Recommended |
| November | Pleasant | Low | High | Highly Recommended |
| December | Start Snowing | Low | Low | Recommended |
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