Trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is one of the most iconic adventures in the world, but knowing when can you trek to Everest Base Camp is equally essential to ensure a safe, scenic, and successful trip. Selecting the right month and the right time can make or break your trekking experience, as the weather changes dramatically in different seasons.
Undoubtedly, the best time for trekking to Everest Base Camp is Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). This season offers the most stable weather, even temperature, with crystal clear mountain views, and safer trail conditions. However, each season and time offers a unique experience depending on your preferences.
Below is a detailed breakdown of what to expect in each season and an Everest Base Camp Trek month-by-month guide to help you decide when to plan your trek. This will help you get all the insights to choose the best time of the year for Everest Base Camp Trek based on temperature, visibility, crowds, and trail conditions.
Everest Base Camp Trek in Spring (March - May)
Spring is one of the peak trekking and climbing seasons in the Everest Region. The overall weather is stable with clear skies and rhododendrons bloom. The Everest Base Camp during Spring is ideal for photography, first-time trekkers, and those people who prefer milder temperatures. The Spring Season in Nepal is from March to June and July, offering its own pros and cons for the trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek March
March marks the beginning of the spring season. The Everest Base Camp in March is a popular time for trekking with daytime temperatures ranging from 5°C to 7°C and nighttime temperatures around -7°C to -9°C, which is considered stable. As the weather starts getting dry and improving, the forests start getting covered by rhododendron, adding color to the trails, and the skies are clear, offering excellent mountain views. As the spring begins, the crowd starts to build but the crowd are still low compared to the peak time. Hence, the Everest Base Camp Trek in March is great for photography with shifting weather condition and a perfect month for the first time trekkers.
Everest Base Camp Trek April
April is one of the best month to start Everest Base Camp Trekking. The Everest Base Camp in April has warm and stable weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from 7°C to 10°C and nighttime temperatures ranging around -5°C. The trail condition is excellent and lively, with vibrant and blooming flora, offering the best mountain views. The Everest Base Camp Trek in March is one of the best months to start your trek, but since it is a peak season for trekking and climbing, the trails and teahouses will be relatively crowded with minimal precipitation.
Everest Base Camp Trek May
May offers warm temperatures, making the trek comfortable. The Everest Base Camp Trek weather in May is best if you start early in the month because, as the month progresses, pre-monsoon showers become more frequent, especially in the afternoons, making the lower trails dusty. The daytime temperature reaches 15°C, whereas the nighttime temperature is around 0°C. So, the Everest Base Camp in May is preferable to go during early times for clearer skies and better visibility.
Everest Base Camp in Summer/ Monsoon (June - August):
Monsoon in Nepal is the least popular time due to heavy rainfall, leech-infested trails, landslides, and frequent flight delays. Everest Base Camp Trek in Monsoon is the same; the days are often cloudy, with the trails being slippery and muddy due to heavy rain in the lower regions and very low visibility. However, if you are a keen botanist or someone who seeks solitude and enjoys rain, you can go on a try for adventure, yes, with proper gear and preparations. This time is also ideal for experienced trekkers and adventurers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path trails and travels. Contact us if you are planning to go for the Everest Base Camp Trek during Monsoon, our experienced experts will guide you for the best adventure of your life at the base of the highest mountain.
Everest Base Camp Trek June
June month of Nepal, marks the beginning of the monsoon season. Monsoon begins from the later part of May, so the month of June has increased rainfall, leading to slippery trails that might eventually lead to the potential risk of landslides. Everest Base Camp in June is very challenging and is generally not recommended. The temperature ranges from 17°C to 18°C during the day and around 5°C at night with poor visibility, frequent Lukla flight delays and cancellations, and leeches waiting on the trail. So, the Everest Base Camp Trek in June is not recommended to first-time trekkers, but if you are an experienced you can go for the challenge.
Everest Base Camp Trek July
July experiences the heaviest rainfall in Nepal compared to June. Most of the roads are inaccessible due to heavy rains. The flights are mostly cancelled and delayed. Everest Base Camp in July is very challenging with very frequent rain, fog, and a huge risk of landslides. The trails are slippery, and persistent cloud cover limits mountain views, but you will get a discount on the extra services. The temperature fluctuates from 2°C at night to 20°C during the day. So, the Everest Base Camp Trek in July is only recommended to experienced trekkers and even then, with caution.
Everest Base Camp Trek August
August is still monsoon season in Nepal. Everest Base Camp in August has improving weather conditions, but the trails might remain wet and slippery. The rainfall might decrease towards the end of the month, making late August a potential window for trekking. The weather remains unpredictable, so please trek with caution.
Everest Base Camp in Autumn (September - November)
Autumn in Nepal is considered the best overall season for trekking to EBC. As the Autumn starts right after the monsoon, clearing dust and haze, you get the crystal clear views of the Himalayas. Everest Base Camp Trek in Autumn is cool and dry, making the sky clear most of the day. The condition of the trails is excellent with superb visibility, making the time ideal for cultural travelers and photographers looking for pristine conditions. However, being the peak season, Everest Base Camp Trek during Autumn in Nepal invites a high number of trekkers, limiting the availability of lodges. So, if you are preparing to visit EBC in Autumn, booking priorly is the steal.
Everest Base Camp Trek September
September marks the end of the monsoon season. The early month of September still might have a little precipitation, the latter half of September is best for better views and dry trails. The Everest Base Camp in September will have improving trail conditions, better sky views after rain, lush greenery vibrant nature. The temperature ranged from 0°C to 15°C, making it a stable weather to go for the Everest Base Camp Trek in September.
Everest Base Camp Trek October
October is considered one of the best months for the Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal. The temperature is very moderate with clear skies and stable weather conditions. As it is one of the peak trekking seasons, the trails are bustling with trekkers, which is incomparable considering the unparalleled views you will get of the mountains. The Everest Base Camp in October is covered with a festive atmosphere, with excellent trail conditions. So, Everest Base Camp Trek in October is unarguably the best time for EBC, so booking early is advised due to high demand.
Everest Base Camp Trek November
The starting time of November is also considered the best time for trekking, whereas later November sees a drop in temperatures, especially during the night. The Everest Base Camp in November offers excellent visibility as the skies remain clear and there are fewer crowds after mid-November. The temperature ranges from -8°C at night to 10°C during the day. Hence, Everest Base Camp Trek in November is a great month with ideal conditions and less rush.
Everest Base Camp in Winter (December - February)
Winter in the Everest region is challenging, but something you can try to go for. It is very cold, but at the same time, magical. The visibility is excellent on clear days, covered by magical whites in the mountains. The condition of the trail can be icy above 4,000 m as the temperature ranges from 5°C during the daytime and decreases up to -20°C during the nighttime. As the cold increases, the teahouses are closed, deterring many trekkers and also increasing the risk of AMS due to fast elevation gain. However, the trails to reach Everest Base Camp are quieter, with snow-covered landscapes offering a stunning, surreal experience for those who can brave the cold. So, Everest Base Camp Trek in Winter is ideal and recommended to seasoned trekkers with proper winter gear and high-altitude experience.
Everest Base Camp Trek December
December brings the cold temperature and the possibility of snowfall. Everest Base Camp Trek in December is very peaceful and quiet, offering solitude to the trekkers as compared to other peak seasons. The temperature can fluctuate between -10°C and to 5°C. The trails can be slippery at higher altitudes due to snowfall, so make sure to carry crampons and be prepared for the cold. The services can also get limited later part of the month, so we recommend you go for Everest Base Camp during Early December.
Everest Base Camp Trek January
January is the coldest month in the Everest Region. The trails are very less to no crowd due to the cold, offering solitude to trekkers. However, Everest Base Camp in January has extreme cold and snow-covered paths, making trekking challenging with the risk of frostbite. Some lodges at higher altitudes can be closed due to extreme cold, and trails can be steep and snowy. So, it is recommended for you to challenge the Everest Base Camp Trek in January, only by using proper winter gear and having prior experience of cold-weather trekking. This month is quite hard for first-time trekkers and is not recommended at all.
Everest Base Camp Trek February
February remains cold, but the weather is improving, making it doable to trek in the latter part of the month. The Everest Base Camp in February has clear lower trails but is snowy on the higher altitudes, but it is manageable with proper preparation and gear. The nights can still be cold, but you can enjoy the clearer mountain views. So, the Everest Base Camp Trek in February is recommended to those trekkers who have high-altitude trekking experience.
Note: The temperatures can vary based on specific locations along the EBC trail and yearly weather patterns. We recommend you always check current forecasts and consult with local trekking agencies before planning your trip.
Conclusion
The ideal time for the Everest Base Camp trek largely depends on your goals, experience level, and tolerance for weather extremes. For most trekkers, April and October (i.e., Spring and Autumn) stand out as the most balanced and scenic months, offering the best blend of comfort, views, and safety.
If you prefer fewer crowds and are prepared for unpredictable weather, early March, late November, or even February can be great alternatives. Adventurous and experienced trekkers may even explore the monsoon or winter months, though these come with added risks and challenges.
No matter when you choose to go, preparation is key. Always check up-to-date weather forecasts, pack appropriate gear, and consult with local experts or trekking agencies to ensure a safe and memorable journey to the base of the world's highest peak.
