Best Time to Visit Mount Everest
Mt. Everest is the highest peak in the world and it is at 8,848 meters above sea level. In Nepal, it is often known as Sagarmatha and in Tibet, it is known as Chomolungma. May and October are the best time to visit EBC when there are the best visibility and comfortable temperature. Spring and autumn are the ideal time for climbing Mt. Everest.
Its uniqueness and landscape attract many international sightseeing travelers to Everest Base Camp in Tibet and highly experienced mountaineers to approach the summit from the southeast in Nepal (known as the standard route) and the other from the north in Tibet. However, the weather there is extremely changeable and terrible, which undoubtedly will be a huge challenge for climbing.
The Weather on Mount Everest
Dry and Warm Spring and Autumn - April, May, October
Panorama views of Mount Everest
- May: Max 15°C (59°F); Min 0°C (32°F)
- October: Max 12°C (53.6°F); Min 4°C (39.2°F)
- Daytime temperature: 5 °C (41°F)
- Nighttime temperature: -7 °C (19.4°F)
- Wind speed: 4 kph (6 mph)
- Precipitation/month: 15 mm (0.6”)
- Sunshine hours/day: 7
The period from April to May and from September to November is when the so-called “the climbing window”, which we can say in the spring and autumn. When “the climbing window” appears, the weather will be relatively stable for 4 or 5 days, with the mild wind over the summit of Mt. Everest. Climbers could attempt an ascent to the summit. It’s relatively dry in this period as it hardly rains, suitable for hiking or camping.
During these months, the weather is not as cold as winter. These periods have the clearest days, we can get a clear view of the world’s highest peak that is not covered by mist during the monsoon season. In clear weather, the night sky will show a spectacular view of the stars.
Warm and Rainy Summer - June, July, August, September
Scenery along Mt. Everest
- June: Max 17°C (62.6°F); Min 5°C (41°F)
- July: Max 16°C (60.8°F); Min 8°C (46.4°F)
- August: Max 16°C (60.8°F); Min 6°C (42.8°F)
- September: Max 19°C (66.2°F); Min 5°C (41°F)
- Daytime temperature: 10 °C (50°F)
- Nighttime temperature: -5 °C (23°F)
- Wind speed: 8 kph (5 mph)
- Precipitation/month: up to 190 mm (7½)
- Sunshine hours/day: 4
Summer, also known as the rainy season or monsoon season, is the time when the weather is terrible with frequent rainstorms and snowstorms. It’s obviously not the best time to climb Mt. Everest, because rainy weather may cause rock or mudslides or flash floods, blocking your travel way. The summit and the sky are more likely to be hidden away by clouds and the mist. Hence it’s not recommended to summit Mt. Everest. But the relatively warm weather will be perfect to visit other places in Tibet. For those who want to spend one night to experience the high-altitude trip there, it’s also good to visit EBC.
Quiet and Cold Winter - November, December, January, February, March
- Nov: Max 10°C(50°F); Min -10°C (14°F)
- Dec: Max 4°C (39.2°F); Min -15°C (5°F)
- Jan: Max 4°C (39.2°F); Min -17°C (1.4°F)
- Feb: Max 4°C (39.2°F); Min -15°C (5°F)
- Mar: Max 7°C (44.6°F); Min -12°C (10.4°F)
- Daytime temperature: -5°C (23°F)
- Wind speed: 14 kph (9 mph)
- Sunshine hours/day: 7
During wintertime, the weather is very inclement, which is snowy, icy, and windy. The temperature can be as low as -15°C in the nighttime and the wind is very powerful. However the icy scenery is quite beautiful in the clear, dry, frigid weather, and it's less crowded. It’s cold but not yet unbeatable and usually can enjoy the discount travel service fee. Sometimes roads and tent hostels will be shut down due to terrible weather.
Best Time to Visit EBC (Everest Base Camp)
Everest Base Camp
May and October are the best time to visit EBC when there are the best visibility and comfortable temperature. Spring offers better weather and less rain. You will be able to see the mountain summit very clearly, but unpredictable winds coming from India can affect visibility at lower altitudes. Summer is the rainy season, making trekking difficult and dangerous because of slippery roads. Winter is also a good season to visit if there is not much snow and the crowds are smaller.
Best Time to Climb Mt. Everest
Spring and autumn are the ideal time for climbing Mt. Everest. During other months, the snow is too deep and the wind is too powerful for climbing. Expert climbers who want to make their way to the top usually join organized expeditions and will have to form their travel plans around expedition availability. There are not many people who can submit to the top as geological and weather conditions are too complex and unpredictable.
How Much for a Traveler to Climb Mt. Everest?
High-altitude mountaineering is a pay-to-play game. If you are going to climb, you will need to pay a minimum of USD30000 p/p. Western companies charge more expensive, around USD65000. It will be cheaper if you join a local company in Tibet. And the cost will be lower in winter when many hotels, cars and travel companies can offer a big discount.
There are lots of sights that are inaccessible nearby Mt. Everest and travel companies offer trek services in October, November, April, and May. After visiting Mt. Everest, you can stop for more time to go around and see the remote small village of Thami and Khumjung, as well as the Tengboche Monastery.