Weather in Everest Base Camp

About Everest Base Camp

The Everest Base Camp trek winds through rhododendron forests where Sherpa villages cling to 3,000-metre slopes—the highest inhabited region approaches earth and sky equally. Prayer flags flutter in rarefied air; yaks laden with cargo trains ascend endless switchbacks. Sagarmatha (Everest) remains hidden until the final stage reveals it perfectly framed.

Country

Nepal

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

NPR

Language

Nepali, English

Things to do in Everest Base Camp

Trekking to Everest Base Camp in 12-14 days through Khumbu region Summiting Island Peak or Lobuche East while on the trek route Visiting Tengboche Monastery for evening prayers and mountain views Acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar's bustling Sherpa trading town and markets Meeting Sherpa communities and staying in family-run teahouses Achieving extreme altitude while remaining on safe routes avoiding technical climbing

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

-37C

Cold, with occasional showers.

February

-35C

Cold, with occasional showers.

March

-34C

Cold, with occasional showers.

April

-29C

Cold, with occasional showers.

May

-24C

Cold, with occasional showers.

June

-19C

Cold, with some rainy days.

July

-18C

Cold, with regular rainfall.

August

-18C

Cold, with regular rainfall.

September

-20C

Cold, with some rainy days.

October

-26C

Cold, with occasional showers.

November

-31C

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

December

-34C

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

The trek to Everest Base Camp is the classic high-altitude pilgrimage through the Khumbu region, climbing from the dramatic airstrip at Lukla through Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche before reaching the rocky moraine at the foot of the world's highest mountain. It's less about the base camp itself, a fairly nondescript spot of rock and ice, and more about the two-week journey through some of the most spectacular high mountain scenery on earth, with Kala Patthar offering the classic Everest viewpoint.

Best areas to stay in Everest Base Camp

Lukla

The mountain airstrip town where most treks begin and end, with basic lodges and last-minute gear shops.

Namche Bazaar

The main Sherpa hub of the Khumbu, with the widest range of lodges, bakeries and an acclimatisation stop.

Tengboche

Home to a famous monastery with dramatic views of Ama Dablam and Everest, a popular overnight stop.

Gorak Shep

The last settlement before Base Camp itself, and the starting point for the Kala Patthar viewpoint hike.

Getting to Everest Base Camp

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Flights

Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla take about 30 minutes on small aircraft, weather-dependent and often delayed.

⏱

From London

The trek itself typically takes 12-14 days round trip including acclimatisation days.

🚕

Getting around

All travel is on foot along well-established trails; yaks and porters carry baggage between lodges.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?

Pre-monsoon (March-May) and post-monsoon (late September-November) offer the clearest skies and most stable weather; winter is very cold and the monsoon brings cloud and rain.

How long does the trek take?

Most itineraries allow 12-14 days round trip from Lukla, including acclimatisation days, to manage the altitude safely.

How do I get to the start of the trek?

A short, scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla's mountain airstrip is the standard starting point, weather permitting.

Do I need a guide or porter?

Not strictly required, but a guide and porter are widely used, support the local economy, and help with navigation, permits and altitude monitoring.

What should I know about altitude sickness?

Acclimatisation days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche are built into standard itineraries, and a slow ascent with attention to symptoms is essential above 3,000m.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Reaching Kala Patthar at sunrise and seeing Everest itself glow gold was the moment that made every freezing morning worth it. The teahouses along the way were simple but always welcoming.

Daniel S. · October 2023

★★★★★

Namche Bazaar is a great place to rest and acclimatise — proper bakeries and coffee at 3,400 metres feels surreal. The whole route through Sherpa villages is as memorable as the destination.

Ngima D. · April 2024

★★★★☆

Tougher than I expected, mostly because of the altitude rather than the walking itself. Tengboche monastery with Ama Dablam behind it was one of the most beautiful spots on the whole trek.

Claire O. · November 2024