When you're thinking about taking your trip to Everest, it's a good idea to know when the best time for trekking will be. The most popular months are between February-May and September-November when the climate remains calm without much rain or snowfall. Also, you can get the best visibility of the tall mountains. Similarly, during these months, you can have several fellow trekkers with whom you can get along and have a good companion throughout the trek making it even more memorable. Likewise, some more reasons to why it is the best time to trek Everest Base Camp during May and September are;

• The mountain views are clearer, and it's easier to spot the summit;
• The days are longer;
• You're more likely to avoid the crowds.

However, do bear in mind that temperatures can plummet at night, and it's worth packing appropriate clothing and gear for the conditions.  That said, make sure you don't overdo it as Everest is a challenging trek, and even the fittest of hikers can find themselves struggling at high altitudes. So take it easy, enjoy the scenery and acclimatize as you go. 

Everest Weather & Accessibility

The weather on Everest is highly variable and changes rapidly with altitude. Similarly, the trek to Everest Base Camp is a strenuous one, so it's important that you are aware of the weather you might encounter.  Generally, temperatures range from around -10°C at night to around 15-20°C during the day. However, it's not unheard of for it to be significantly colder or hotter than this. The mountain can also be quite windy, so it's important to pack clothing that will keep you warm and protected from the elements. It's also worth bearing in mind that visibility can be dramatically reduced during bad weather, so make sure that you have a trekking map and compass to hand. At night this can be further reduced by the heavy cloud cover, so always let your guide know where you are on the map and keep an eye out for any mountain rescue broadcasts if lost. 

Everest at spring and autumn

Spring tends to be more changeable than autumn but is generally less windy. While the days are longer during spring, the nights can still get quite cold.  Autumn is much drier than spring, which means the days are generally sunny and clear. Please note that the seasons are opposite in the southern hemisphere, so winter would be spring and summer-autumn. Therefore, the perfect time to trek Everest Base Camp for Southern Hemisphere travelers would be between April-June and September-November.

Everest in winter

Winter is generally not a popular time to trek Everest Base Camp, as temperatures can drop as low as -30°C, and the mountain is often covered in deep snow. However, for those with the appropriate gear and experience, it can be an incredibly rewarding time to visit.  The trails are much quieter than during the peak season, and you'll stand a far better chance of seeing Everest on a clear day.  The best time to travel in winter is between December and February, although flights can be canceled due to bad weather during this period so check with your guide before you go.

Everest in Monsoon

Similarly, the monsoon season lasts from June to September and is the peak trekking time. It can be warm and humid during this period. So, you may want to bring a lightweight rain jacket just in case.  The mountain is often clouded during this period, which can make visibility quite poor. A problem that will only be exacerbated by any rain. It's also worth bearing in mind that Everest is much more difficult to access during this period of the year due to the increased risk of cloud cover and poor visibility. For these reasons, it's not necessarily a good idea to travel up to Everest Base Camp during monsoon season unless you are experienced with the conditions you might encounter. 

Everest High Season Crowds & Alternate Routes

Whichever time of year you choose to trek Everest Base Camp, it's important to be prepared for the crowds. However, there are several other routes that can be taken, which might offer a bit more peace and quiet.

The North Side of Everest 

It can be reached via the Chinese town of Zhangmu, which is also sometimes known as Nyalam. This can be reached by flying into Nepalgunj (instead of Kathmandu) and then taking a short flight to the Tibetan border town of Kodari.  The trail heads through some high brush at first but soon levels out and passes beautiful alpine meadows and lakes. The trek typically takes around ten days to complete and can be done either clockwise or anti-clockwise.

The South Side of Everest

It can be reached from the Nepalese town of Namche Bazaar. This is a more popular route, as it's much easier to get to than the North Side.  The trek can be divided into two or three days of hiking, depending on the group's plans.

Monthly condition of Everest Base Camp Trek

January – Not favorable for trekking as the path might be covered with snow. So, only a few trekkers visit Everest Base Camp during the month. February and Early March – Extremely cold weather with temperatures below -20 degrees Celcius. However, during this month, you get a clear sky and an amazing view of Everest with less crowd. Late March and April – This is a popular month for trekking with warmer weather and beautiful flowers throughout the trek. May – Still a good time to trek before the starting of monsoon arrived. June, July, and August – With the monsoon, the trails become muddy and filled with leeches. September, October, and November – It is one of the best times to trek at Everest Base Camp as you get the clearest skies with a comfortable temperature. Also, most of the local tourists visit Everest Base Camp during these months. Late November and December – You can also plan for trekking during these months but it starts getting colder as the temperature drops below zero during the night.