The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp depends on your preferences and activities. Generally, spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) are the most popular seasons for trekking, as they offer clear skies, mild weather and colorful scenery. However, these are also the busiest months, so you may encounter more crowds and higher prices. If you want to avoid the peak season, you can also consider trekking in winter (December-February) or summer (June-August), but be prepared for more challenges such as cold temperatures, snow, rain and clouds
When to trek Everest Base Camp
There are a couple of things to consider when choosing the best time of year to trek to Everest Base Camp, namely weather and crowds. The weather along the trail alters greatly over the year, as do the numbers trekking the Everest Base Camp route. By considering both you’re better able to choose a time of year that suits you and your preferences.
Let’s take a look at the different seasons in Everest Base Camp
Spring: March to May
This is the busiest time for trekking as well as climbing in the Everest region. Because of clear skies and fair weather most of the trekkers want trek during this time.
Temperature: The temperature during spring season can vary from 20 degrees centigrade during the daytime and around 5 degrees at night. In the mornings when you start your trek for the day and evenings will be cold, but during the day, you may want to trek only in single layer
And the weather is not guaranteed, so don’t prepare only for those 20-day time degrees – it may be much cooler!
Benefits of spring: Like spring in many places, at the lower altitudes, this is the time to appreciate the lovely flowers and perhaps spot some. The sky will be blue, and the snowy mountains will glow against this clear backdrop. The Rhododendrons will be in full bloom in the month April. Sometimes the whole mountain slope There will be less likelihood of flight cancellations or delays due to bad weather.
Disadvantages of Spring: The major disadvantage is the number of trekkers on the trails. Sometimes it can be difficult to get accommodation for the night unless you are traveling with a guide who has pre-booked for you. On the other hand, there will be plenty of company to share your stories in the evenings.
Monsoon: June to August
June to August is the monsoon period in Nepal. In some of the area’s pre-monsoon rain can cause just as much problem as the monsoon. On the other hand, some areas, such upper Mustang, fall in the rain shadow, so rainfall is extremely low at any time of year.
In the Everest Region, you should expect rain at the lower altitudes (below 3,500m) and some at higher altitudes.
Temperature: it can be quite warm (18 degrees centigrade) in the daytime. But if it rains, the temperature will drop considerably. Early mornings and nights will be very cold, and you should be prepared for it to drop well below freezing.
During monsoon you should definitely carry waterproof trousers and a waterproof jacket. You should also carry waterproof cover for your backpack and for your day pack. And your trekking shoes should be waterproof.
Benefits of monsoon: the only advantage is very few trekkers on the trail. So there should be plenty of choice regarding accommodation. At lower altitudes, the forests will be washed clean, and the rivers running fast, forming waterfalls in various places. The skies will be very atmospheric – white fluffy clouds, then dark, threatening rain clouds.
The disadvantage of monsoon: the weather! Very few people enjoy walking in the rain or climbing over slippery trails. The biggest disadvantage is that flights are often delayed due to the weather. But if your schedule is flexible this can be turned into an advantage of another couple of days in the mountains
Autumn: September to November
This is the second most popular time in the Everest region. This season also has clear blue skies and wonderful mountain views. During this season, the trails will be busy again, and tea houses will be pretty full.
Temperature: It will be warm in the daytime and cold in the mornings and nights. However, the October and November months will be a bit colder. There are high chances of snowfall during these two months.
Advantages of autumn: the beautiful clear mountain views and the relatively warm days. It is festival time in Nepal this season so everyone will be in an even more jolly mood than usual.
Disadvantages of autumn: As this is busy season trekkers you will meet lot of trekkers and trail will be a lot busier As it is festival time, many porters and guides will be taking leave, so at this time, it is very wise to book your trek well in advance. At the beginning of the season, rain in the lower altitudes is still possible. Rain in the lowland areas of the country can also cause flight delays. At the end of the season, there is the possibility of snowfall. Both rain and snow will make the trails more slippery. But the major portion of this season is just wonderful.
Winter: December to February
December to February is not the ideal to be in the mountains. Especially if you are inexperienced and/or hate the cold. Days are short, and nights are long. The way may be misty and the cold bone-chilling. But if you don’t mind the cold, you will have most of the trails to yourself.
Temperature: nights can drop down lower than -20 Celsius, and days will only rise to around 5 degrees.
Make sure you have a good sleeping bag for this time of year. Waterproof trousers and jackets should protect you from falling snow and snow underfoot. Remember to bring waterproof trekking shoes. Consider bring micro spikes and gaiters in case of snowfall which more likely to happen during this winter season.
Advantages of winter: unless you are experienced in hiking in snow and cold conditions – and remember this is not a place where teahouses will have heated sleeping rooms or a sauna to warm you at the end of the day .But the trails and lodges will be empty, and you may feel like you have the whole countryside to yourself – a definite and wonderful advantage. If you want challenge yourself physically then you may prefer to trek during winter season.
Disadvantages of winter: those empty trails mean there are fewer people around to ask directions, and snow can quickly cover the trails, making them hard to see. Some lodges close as the owners go to lower places to spend the winter. It can be hard going on the trails, so you should consider your physical ability
