Best Time to Trek in the Everest Region — Weather, Seasons, and Tips
The Everest region is one of the world’s most renowned trekking destinations in the world, which welcomes adventurers who want to witness snowy mountains, encounter rich Sherpa culture, and enjoy spiritual renewal. It is a memorable Himalayan experience that every traveler will remember with dramatic landscapes and the heritage of the Sherpas.
Choosing the right trekking season is a key factor for a safe and pleasing experience in the high Himalayas. Weather conditions influence visibility, comfort, accessibility, and even your possibility to access major viewpoints such as Kala Patthar or the Everest Base Camp.
Nepal has four trekking seasons, which include spring, summer (monsoon), autumn, and winter. Each of them provides amazing scenery, starting with flowering rhododendron forests, to snow-trodden and snow-covered trails with empty and quiet ways.
This guide describes the weather and conditions of trails as well as the main characteristics of each season. There are also tips from experts to plan your visit to Everest at the best times of the year.
Overview: Climate of the Everest Region
The climate of the Everest region changes vastly with a change in altitude. The areas below the altitude of 2860 m, like Lukl, are warm compared to areas like Everest Base Camp, which is at 5364 m, with thin air and erratic weather conditions.
Lower altitudes are pleasantly warm during the day, while high altitudes remain cold and windy. Nights can be freezing even in peak seasons, temperatures dropping below zero above 4,000 meters.
Mornings are clear, offering spectacular views of the peaks, but afternoons can have clouds or wind. The wind in upper Khumbu often reaches 30-40 km/hr, and there is the possibility of some snowfall, especially in the winter season or at the higher levels all year round.
Spring Season (March–May):
The season of spring is among the favorable seasons to explore the Everest region. It presents favorable, stable weather conditions, and a clear view of the mountain that can be used in long trekking days and for photography of the mountains. However, Late May can bring increasing haze and occasional pre-monsoon showers.
The paths are colorful with rhododendron blossoms all along the hillsides. This makes an incredible contrast against snow-capped mountains such as Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse, which are glittering with crystal-clear skies.
The weather in the day is pleasant with a cool evening that is bearable by wearing some warm clothes. Long daylight hours give ample time to acclimatization walks, exploring, and doing things at an own pace between the teahouse stops on the trail.
Since this is also the season of the mountaineering expeditions, trails and lodges are crowded more than ever. Early reservation of rooms and carrying versatile layers and reliable gear would make the spring trekking experience more productive and enjoyable.
Autumn Season (September–November):
Autumn is considered the best season for trekking in the Everest region. Clear weather typically begins from late September onward. The sharp blue skies, snow-whitened mountains, and clean trails are perfect for long scenic hiking days.
The weather is not too hot or cold, making it pleasant and palatable to walk around throughout the day and during the night. The weather is also stable, and the visibility is good, so the trekkers can have a panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Autumn also coincides with festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Mani Rimdu (October-November), festivals take place in Tengboche. These festivals will add rich trekking and cultural experiences to your trekking journey through Sherpa villages and mountain monasteries.
Because it’s the busiest season of the year, trails and lodges are filled within a short period of time with trekkers from different parts of the world. Prior reservation, early arrival, and light scarves or buffs help to prevent dust and provide an easier and more comfortable trekking process.
Winter Season (December–February):
Winter in Everest is characterized by fresh air, clear skies in the early morning, and cold. The area is ideal for those who want to enjoy the snow-capped Himalayas and wilderness without the throngs of other trekkers.
Daytime temperatures at Base Camp may be around -10 °C, while nighttime temperatures may be -20 °C or lower. Despite the cold, and thanks to the dry conditions, the visibility is fantastic, allowing spectacular views of Everest and the surrounding peaks in spectacular winter light.
Usually, high passes like Cho La or Kongma La are closed due to snow and ice. However, trails and routes at lower elevations, such as Tengboche, Khumju, or the Everest View Trek, will be open and safe for moderately-fit hikers.
You must have good quality winter gear (thermal, down jackets, gloves, and good boots) to be comfortable and safe. Travelers can also experience quiet teahouses, warm hospitality, and discounted rates in this wonderful trekking season.
Monsoon Season (June–August):
The monsoon rains bring life to the Everest region. The area becomes a verdant paradise of greenery, flowering plants, and roaring waterfalls, enlivening the trails. Flights to Lukla are often canceled due to low visibility.
While it rains a lot below 3,500 meters, higher altitudes are less rainy and trails are often muddy up to 4,000 m. Days are humid, and clear mornings are possible, and leeches are possible along forested lower trails.
The trekking conditions may be difficult due to slippery and muddy pathways, frequent delays in flights at Kathmandu to Lukla, and the problems. The landscape, nevertheless, is tempting to those adventurous hikers who want to stay solitary.
The equipment that is required to be safe and comfortable is good-quality waterproof gear, trekking poles, and quick-dry clothes. The monsoon season is most suitable for experienced trekkers or those who are trying to explore the lower areas of Solukhumbu, like Junbesi or Phaplu, where there is light to moderate rainfall.
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Month-by-Month Weather Snapshot
| Month | Conditions | Ideal For |
| March – April | Blooming forests, mild temperatures, excellent visibility | Scenic rides, mid-altitude trails, photography |
| May | Warmer days, dusty afternoons, start of pre-monsoon | High-altitude routes before the rains |
| June – August | Rainy, humid, and lush green landscapes; occasional landslides | Solitary rides in rain-shadow regions like Upper Mustang & Dolpo |
| September – November | Clear skies, stable weather, and stunning mountain views | Classic Himalayan rides – Mustang, Manang, Annapurna Loop |
| December – February | Cold mornings, crisp air, and quiet roads | Short lowland tours – Chitwan, Lumbini, Kathmandu Valley |
Best Time by Trek Type
The classic Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek should be done in spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November). These months are considered the best times because of good weather, great views of the mountains, and a comfortable temperature, all ideal conditions for high altitude trekking and acclimatization.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is at its best in April-May and October-November when the turquoise lakes perfectly reflect the surrounding peaks, including Cho Oyu and Everest. Clear skies and still winds provide the best environment for photography and reflections.
For the adventurous ones, the Three Passes Trek, crossing Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La, is safest in April or early October. These are periods of stable high passes, little snow, and excellent views along this vast Khumbu landscape.
Shorter routes such as Everest View or Tengboche Treks are best in winter or early spring. However, snow may limit access to higher viewpoints after heavy snowfall. During these months, there is peace in the trails, the sky is clear, and the fresh air in the mountains adds to the panoramic view of Everest and Ama Dablam.
Conclusion
There is no wrong time to trek in the Everest area, as each season has its own peculiarity and challenges. If you want flowers blooming, snow-covered solitude, or a sunny, clear view, there is a time for you.
Ultimately, your time of trek depends on your personal interest or the level of crowd, and the adventure that you prefer. Once you are sure about your priorities, you will be able to make an informed decision, if you prefer quiet paths of solitude, lively celebrations, or stable conditions to move through the high passes.
Whenever you decide to trek, be prepared and trek responsibly to have a safe and enjoyable journey. If you prepare carefully and trek responsibly, the Everest area will not fail you in any season.
