Best Time to Trek Everest Region: The Complete Month-by-Month Guide for 2025

Choosing the right time to trek the Everest region can mean the difference between crystal-clear summit views and cloud-obscured disappointment, between comfortable trail conditions and dangerous snow-covered passes, between a social atmosphere with fellow trekkers and complete solitude on empty trails.

This comprehensive guide breaks down every month of the year with specific data on temperatures at multiple altitudes, precipitation patterns, visibility conditions, trail status, crowd levels, and honest assessments of whether you should go. Whether you're planning the classic Everest Base Camp trek, the challenging Three Passes circuit, or the serene Gokyo Lakes route, understanding seasonal patterns is essential for trip success.

---

Quick Answer: When Should You Trek the Everest Region?

For most trekkers, the answer is simple: Spring (March-May) or Autumn (September-November).

These two windows offer the best combination of stable weather, clear visibility, open trails, and full teahouse services. But within these seasons, each month has distinct characteristics that may better suit your priorities.

| Priority | Best Choice | Why | |----------|-------------|-----| | Best overall weather | October-November | Post-monsoon stability, clearest skies, minimal precipitation | | Warmest temperatures | May | Pre-monsoon warmth, comfortable nights at high camps | | Fewest crowds | March, early September | Shoulder seasons with 50-60% fewer trekkers | | Best value/budget | December-February | 20-30% lower prices, negotiable rates | | Expedition atmosphere | April-May | Everest climbing season, Base Camp tent city | | Rhododendron blooms | Late March-April | Lower elevation forests in full flower | | Photography conditions | October, November | Best visibility, dramatic lighting, fresh snow on peaks |

---

Month-by-Month Breakdown: Complete Weather Data

The following analysis covers conditions across three key altitude zones in the Everest region:

• Lukla (2,860m): Trek start/end point, lower Khumbu
• Namche Bazaar (3,440m): Major hub, mid-elevation
• Gorak Shep (5,164m): Highest overnight stop, Base Camp area

---

Spring Season Deep Dive: March to May

Spring is one of the two prime trekking windows in the Everest region, offering warming temperatures after winter, blooming vegetation at lower elevations, and the exciting atmosphere of Everest expedition season. Each spring month has distinct characteristics.

March: The Awakening

March marks the transition from winter to spring in the Khumbu. Early March can still feel quite wintery at high elevations, but by late March, conditions improve significantly.

Temperature Ranges:

| Altitude | Daytime High | Nighttime Low | |----------|--------------|---------------| | Lukla (2,860m) | 12-15°C | 2-5°C | | Namche (3,440m) | 8-12°C | -2 to 2°C | | Gorak Shep (5,164m) | 0-4°C | -15 to -10°C |

March Conditions:

• Precipitation: Low to moderate; occasional snow at high elevations, rain possible at lower elevations
• Visibility: Good to excellent; some haze from valley fires, clearer toward month end
• Trail conditions: Generally clear; possible ice/snow on shaded sections above 4,500m
• Crowd levels: Moderate; significantly fewer trekkers than October, increasing throughout month
• Teahouse availability: Nearly all lodges open; some premium lodges still recovering from winter closure

Pros:

• Fewer crowds than peak season (40-50% less than October)
• Good weather stability improving through the month
• Rhododendron forests begin blooming at lower elevations (below 3,500m)
• Better prices and easier lodge bookings
• Longer daylight hours than autumn

Cons:

• Colder than April-May, especially early March
• Some lingering winter snow on high passes
• Haze from agricultural burning can reduce visibility
• Limited expedition activity at Base Camp (climbing season hasn't started)

Verdict: Recommended for experienced trekkers comfortable with colder conditions. Excellent value month with good weather. Best for late March departures.

April: Peak Spring — The Sweet Spot

April represents the heart of spring trekking season. Temperatures are warming nicely, the Everest climbing season begins, and conditions are generally excellent throughout the month.

Temperature Ranges:

| Altitude | Daytime High | Nighttime Low | |----------|--------------|---------------| | Lukla (2,860m) | 15-18°C | 5-8°C | | Namche (3,440m) | 12-15°C | 0-4°C | | Gorak Shep (5,164m) | 3-7°C | -10 to -6°C |

April Conditions:

• Precipitation: Moderate; afternoon clouds and occasional showers, especially late April
• Visibility: Very good mornings; clouds typically build by early afternoon
• Trail conditions: Excellent; snow cleared from most trails, passes generally accessible
• Crowd levels: High; peak spring month, especially mid-April
• Teahouse availability: All lodges fully operational; popular stops require booking

Pros:

• Comfortable temperatures for trekking—not too cold, not yet humid
• Everest expedition season in full swing—Base Camp becomes a tent city
• Stable weather patterns most of the month
• Rhododendrons blooming at higher elevations (3,000-4,000m)
• All services fully operational
• Good visibility, especially mornings

Cons:

• High season crowds, especially on classic EBC route
• Afternoon cloud buildup common
• Premium prices and advance booking required
• Lodges at popular stops (Namche, Tengboche) can fill quickly

Verdict: Highly Recommended for all trekkers. The best month for those wanting warmth and expedition atmosphere without extreme crowds. Book 2-3 months in advance for peak April dates.

May: Warmest Pre-Monsoon

May offers the warmest trekking temperatures but with increasing afternoon cloudiness and the approaching monsoon. The Everest summit season reaches its peak, making Base Camp particularly exciting.

Temperature Ranges:

| Altitude | Daytime High | Nighttime Low | |----------|--------------|---------------| | Lukla (2,860m) | 17-20°C | 8-12°C | | Namche (3,440m) | 14-17°C | 3-7°C | | Gorak Shep (5,164m) | 5-10°C | -7 to -3°C |

May Conditions:

• Precipitation: Moderate to high; increasing afternoon showers as monsoon approaches
• Visibility: Good mornings; significant afternoon cloud buildup, especially late May
• Trail conditions: Excellent; warmest and driest underfoot
• Crowd levels: High early May, decreasing late May as monsoon approaches
• Teahouse availability: Fully operational; easier booking late May

Pros:

• Warmest temperatures of the trekking season
• Most comfortable nights at high camps
• Peak Everest summit season—exciting atmosphere at Base Camp
• Crowds thin significantly after mid-May
• Less snow/ice concerns on high passes

Cons:

• Afternoon clouds and reduced visibility common
• Occasional thunderstorms, especially late May
• Pre-monsoon haze reduces distant views
• Early monsoon weather possible last week of May
• Hot at lower elevations (Lukla, Namche)

Verdict: Recommended with caveats. Best for those prioritizing warmth and summit season excitement. Plan for early starts and afternoon rest. Late May can be risky as monsoon approaches. Early-mid May optimal.

---

Autumn Season Deep Dive: September to November

Autumn is considered by many to be the definitive best time to trek the Everest region. The monsoon has cleared the air, peaks are freshly snow-dusted, and stable high-pressure systems dominate. Each autumn month offers slightly different conditions.

September: Post-Monsoon Transition

September marks the transition from monsoon to prime trekking season. Early September can still see monsoon remnants, but by mid-to-late September, conditions dramatically improve.

Temperature Ranges:

| Altitude | Daytime High | Nighttime Low | |----------|--------------|---------------| | Lukla (2,860m) | 16-18°C | 7-10°C | | Namche (3,440m) | 12-14°C | 3-6°C | | Gorak Shep (5,164m) | 4-8°C | -6 to -2°C |

September Conditions:

• Precipitation: Moderate early month, decreasing rapidly; last monsoon rains typically end by mid-September
• Visibility: Improving throughout month; excellent clarity once monsoon fully clears
• Trail conditions: Some muddy sections early September; excellent by month end
• Crowd levels: Moderate; building throughout month, significantly less than October
• Teahouse availability: All lodges reopening; easier booking than October

Pros:

• Fewer crowds than peak October (30-40% less)
• Fresh snow on peaks creates stunning photography
• Reasonable prices—not yet peak season rates
• Lush vegetation from monsoon rainfall
• Pleasant temperatures—not too cold
• Easier lodge bookings

Cons:

• Early September can still have monsoon weather
• Some trail sections may be muddy/slippery
• Leeches possible below 3,500m in early September
• Less predictable weather than October-November
• Some high passes may have fresh snow requiring caution

Verdict: Recommended for mid-to-late September. Excellent choice for trekkers wanting good conditions with fewer crowds. Avoid first week of September. Late September offers near-October conditions with better value.

October: Peak Season — The Gold Standard

October is unquestionably the most popular month for Everest region trekking, and for good reason. Weather conditions are at their most stable, visibility is exceptional, and the entire trekking infrastructure is in full operation.

Temperature Ranges:

| Altitude | Daytime High | Nighttime Low | |----------|--------------|---------------| | Lukla (2,860m) | 14-16°C | 4-7°C | | Namche (3,440m) | 10-12°C | 0-3°C | | Gorak Shep (5,164m) | 2-6°C | -10 to -6°C |

October Conditions:

• Precipitation: Very low; typically less than 30mm for the entire month
• Visibility: Exceptional; best of the year, 100+ km views common
• Trail conditions: Excellent; dry, well-maintained, all routes accessible
• Crowd levels: Very high; peak season, especially during Dashain/Tihar festivals
• Teahouse availability: All lodges fully booked; advance reservation essential

Pros:

• Best visibility of the year—crystal clear views of all major peaks
• Most stable weather patterns—minimal precipitation
• All trails and passes accessible
• Full teahouse services operating
• Comfortable daytime temperatures
• Perfect photography conditions

Cons:

• Very crowded—especially during Nepali festivals (Dashain, Tihar)
• Premium prices—highest of the year
• Lodges fully booked—must reserve months in advance
• Lukla flights oversubscribed—delays more likely
• Nights getting cold at high elevations
• Popular viewpoints can feel congested

Verdict: Highly Recommended if you can handle crowds and book well in advance. The definitive Everest experience. Book flights and lodges 3-4 months ahead for October. Consider mid-October to early November to avoid peak Dashain crowds.

November: Excellent Conditions, Cooling Temperatures

November maintains excellent weather stability while temperatures drop noticeably. Crowds thin after the first week, making mid-to-late November an underrated gem.

Temperature Ranges:

| Altitude | Daytime High | Nighttime Low | |----------|--------------|---------------| | Lukla (2,860m) | 10-14°C | 0-4°C | | Namche (3,440m) | 6-10°C | -4 to 0°C | | Gorak Shep (5,164m) | -2 to 2°C | -14 to -10°C |

November Conditions:

• Precipitation: Very low; driest month of the year
• Visibility: Excellent; continuing post-monsoon clarity
• Trail conditions: Excellent; dry and stable
• Crowd levels: High early month, moderate mid-month, low late month
• Teahouse availability: Improving after first week; some lodges begin closing late November

Pros:

• Exceptional visibility—among the best of the year
• Crowds thin significantly after Tihar festival (usually early November)
• Very stable weather—low precipitation
• Better prices and lodge availability than October
• Crisp, clear air for photography
• Longer trekking hours with early starts

Cons:

• Noticeably colder than October—especially nights
• Some high-altitude lodges begin closing late November
• Shorter daylight hours
• Cold can be challenging at Gorak Shep (-15°C possible)
• Some Three Passes routes may see early snow

Verdict: Highly Recommended. Many experienced trekkers consider November the best month, combining October's weather stability with significantly fewer crowds. Ideal for mid-November departures. Late November works but requires good cold weather gear.

---

Winter Trekking: December to February

Winter trekking in the Everest region is possible but demands serious preparation, appropriate gear, and acceptance of harsher conditions. For experienced cold-weather trekkers, winter offers unique rewards.

December: Early Winter

December sees a dramatic drop in both temperatures and trekker numbers. Early December can still offer reasonable conditions; late December becomes genuinely challenging.

Temperature Ranges:

| Altitude | Daytime High | Nighttime Low | |----------|--------------|---------------| | Lukla (2,860m) | 8-12°C | -2 to 2°C | | Namche (3,440m) | 4-8°C | -8 to -4°C | | Gorak Shep (5,164m) | -5 to 0°C | -20 to -15°C |

December Conditions:

• Precipitation: Low; occasional snow at high elevations
• Visibility: Generally excellent; crystal-clear when not snowing
• Trail conditions: Variable; ice common above 4,000m, snow possible on high passes
• Crowd levels: Low; dramatic reduction from November
• Teahouse availability: Reducing; some lodges above Namche close by late December

Key Considerations:

• Extreme cold at high camps: Nights at Gorak Shep regularly reach -20°C
• Shorter days: Limited daylight for trekking (approximately 6:30am-5:00pm useful light)
• Lodge closures: Some teahouses above Tengboche close late December
• Ice hazards: Frozen streams, icy trail sections common
• Lukla flights: More reliable than monsoon but fog delays possible

Who Should Consider December:

• Experienced cold-weather trekkers with proper gear
• Those seeking solitude and empty trails
• Budget-conscious trekkers (20-30% lower prices)
• Photographers seeking winter landscapes
• Trekkers with flexible schedules (weather delays possible)

Verdict: Possible for early December with proper preparation. Late December becomes challenging and is recommended only for experienced winter trekkers.

January: Deep Winter

January represents the coldest month in the Everest region. Conditions are extreme, but clear skies and complete solitude appeal to a small subset of adventurous trekkers.

Temperature Ranges:

| Altitude | Daytime High | Nighttime Low | |----------|--------------|---------------| | Lukla (2,860m) | 6-10°C | -4 to 0°C | | Namche (3,440m) | 2-6°C | -10 to -6°C | | Gorak Shep (5,164m) | -7 to -3°C | -25 to -18°C |

January Conditions:

• Precipitation: Low; snow events possible but infrequent
• Visibility: Excellent when not snowing; some of the clearest views of the year
• Trail conditions: Snow and ice on many sections; high passes may be dangerous
• Crowd levels: Very low; you may have entire lodges to yourself
• Teahouse availability: Limited; many lodges above Namche closed

Extreme Cold Preparation: At Gorak Shep in January, expect nighttime temperatures of -20°C to -25°C. Your sleeping bag rating should be -25°C or colder. Four-season mountaineering gear is not optional—it's essential.

Required Winter Gear:

• Sleeping bag rated to -25°C or colder
• Down jacket (800+ fill, expedition weight)
• Insulated boots rated for extreme cold
• Balaclava and multiple hat layers
• Expedition-weight gloves plus liner gloves
• Hand and toe warmers
• Multiple water bottles (single bottles freeze solid)

Verdict: Not Recommended for most trekkers. Only attempt if you have significant winter mountaineering experience, proper expedition-grade gear, and flexible timing. Some teahouses remain open on the main EBC route, but conditions are harsh.

February: Late Winter Transition

February sees temperatures slowly improving, especially in the second half. Conditions remain challenging but more manageable than January.

Temperature Ranges:

| Altitude | Daytime High | Nighttime Low | |----------|--------------|---------------| | Lukla (2,860m) | 8-12°C | -2 to 2°C | | Namche (3,440m) | 4-8°C | -8 to -4°C | | Gorak Shep (5,164m) | -4 to 0°C | -20 to -15°C |

February Conditions:

• Precipitation: Low; occasional snow, slightly more than January
• Visibility: Generally excellent; increasing haze toward month end
• Trail conditions: Improving; snow melting on lower sections
• Crowd levels: Low; gradually increasing toward month end
• Teahouse availability: Opening up; more lodges operational than January

Late February Advantage: By the last week of February, conditions begin resembling early March. Days are warming, lodges are reopening, and you can experience near-spring conditions with winter's solitude and pricing.

Verdict: Possible for experienced cold-weather trekkers in late February. Early February remains very challenging. Consider February 15-28 as a budget-friendly option for those comfortable with cold.

---

Monsoon Season: June to August

The monsoon season (June-August) is not recommended for Everest region trekking. Understanding why helps you appreciate the importance of timing.

Why Monsoon Trekking Is Problematic

June: Monsoon Arrival The monsoon typically arrives in the Khumbu by early-to-mid June, bringing daily rainfall that gradually intensifies.

July: Peak Monsoon July sees the heaviest precipitation—200-300mm monthly. Trails become waterlogged, streams swell to dangerous levels, and visibility drops to near zero most days.

August: Continuing Monsoon Conditions remain poor through August, though the last week sometimes sees improvement as the monsoon begins retreating.

Monsoon Conditions:

| Issue | Impact on Trekking | |-------|-------------------| | Daily rain | Trails become muddy, slippery, and dangerous | | Swollen rivers | Bridge crossings can become hazardous; some streams impassable | | Leeches | Abundant below 3,500m; attach through socks, gaiters | | Landslides | Rain-loosened slopes create trail blockages and safety hazards | | Cloud cover | Mountains obscured 80-90% of time; no views | | Flight cancellations | Lukla flights frequently cancelled for days at a time | | Lodge closures | Many teahouses close during monsoon; limited services | | Trail damage | Monsoon erosion can destroy trail sections requiring detours |

For the Adventurous: Rain Shadow Routes

If you absolutely must trek during monsoon, certain routes in the Everest region see less precipitation due to rain shadow effects:

• Upper Mustang (different region but accessible via Jomsom) is Nepal's classic rain shadow destination
• Upper Dolpo receives less monsoon rain
• Trans-Himalayan routes in general fare better

However, the Everest region itself has no significant rain shadow zones. The Khumbu receives full monsoon precipitation.

Verdict: Not Recommended. Postpone your trek to autumn or spring. If you have no schedule flexibility and must go June-August, expect very challenging conditions, limited views, and a fundamentally different (harder) experience.

---

Crowd Calendar: Planning Around Peak Periods

Understanding crowd patterns helps you optimize timing for your preferences—whether you enjoy social atmospheres or prefer solitude.

Crowd Density by Period

| Period | Crowd Level | Notes | |--------|-------------|-------| | January 1-31 | Very Low | 5-10% of peak capacity; some lodges closed | | February 1-28 | Very Low | Slightly increasing; still very quiet | | March 1-15 | Low-Moderate | Early spring arrivals; building | | March 16-31 | Moderate | Spring season establishing | | April 1-15 | High | Peak spring; expedition season begins | | April 16-30 | High | Steady high season traffic | | May 1-15 | High | Summit season peak; Base Camp busiest | | May 16-31 | Moderate | Pre-monsoon reduction | | June 1-August 31 | Very Low | Monsoon; only determined/delayed trekkers | | September 1-15 | Moderate | Post-monsoon building | | September 16-30 | High | Prime season establishing | | October 1-15 | Very High | Dashain festival peak—busiest period | | October 16-31 | Very High | Tihar festival; continued peak | | November 1-10 | High | Post-festival; still busy | | November 11-25 | Moderate | Thinning crowds; excellent conditions | | November 26-30 | Low | Late season; cold setting in | | December 1-15 | Low | Early winter; significant reduction | | December 16-31 | Very Low | Holiday closures; cold and quiet |

Strategies for Different Preferences

If You Hate Crowds:

• Best months: March, late November, December
• Avoid: October 1-31, especially during Dashain (dates vary yearly)
• Strategy: Start your trek 2-3 days before or after major holidays
• Alternative routes: Gokyo Lakes is less crowded than classic EBC; Three Passes sees far fewer trekkers

If You Enjoy Social Atmosphere:

• Best months: October, April
• Peak social periods: Dashain/Tihar festivals
• Benefits: Full teahouses mean meeting other trekkers, evening conversation, shared experiences
• Note: "Crowded" in the Khumbu isn't like crowded tourist cities—it means 50-100 people at a teahouse rather than 5-10

If Budget Is Priority:

• Best months: December-February (20-30% lower costs), March
• Negotiation possible: Guide/porter rates, lodge prices, gear rental
• Tradeoffs: Colder conditions, reduced services, some closure risk

---

Route-Specific Timing Recommendations

Different routes in the Everest region have slightly different optimal timing based on altitude, pass conditions, and specific challenges.

Everest Base Camp Classic Route

The standard EBC trek to 5,364m follows the most established infrastructure and is trekable throughout both prime seasons.

Optimal timing: October-November or April-May Acceptable timing: March, September, December (with preparation) Avoid: June-August, January-February (unless experienced)

The classic route has the best teahouse infrastructure, meaning it remains more accessible in shoulder seasons than more remote alternatives.

Three Passes Trek (Kongma La, Cho La, Renjo La)

This challenging circuit crosses three high passes above 5,300m, requiring more specific timing considerations.

Optimal timing: Late September or May Why specific timing matters:

• Early season (September, March-April): Fresh snow on passes can make crossings dangerous or impossible
• Late season (November, late May): Cold/snow accumulation on passes
• Peak season (October): Possible but crowded at key crossings

Pass-specific concerns:

• Kongma La (5,535m): Steepest; most affected by snow/ice
• Cho La (5,420m): Glacier crossing; requires stable conditions
• Renjo La (5,360m): Most straightforward but still high

Verdict: Three Passes requires more conservative timing. Late September (post-monsoon, before heavy crowds) or early-mid May (after spring snow stabilizes) offer the best windows. Always check pass conditions with your agency before departing.

Gokyo Lakes Trek

The Gokyo Lakes route follows the same general timing as classic EBC but with slightly more flexibility due to lower maximum altitude if not combining with Cho La Pass.

Optimal timing: Same as EBC (October-November, April-May) Advantage: Generally 30-40% fewer trekkers than classic EBC route Consideration: If combining with Cho La Pass crossing to EBC, see Three Passes timing notes

Island Peak Climbing (6,189m)

Island Peak adds technical climbing to EBC trekking, requiring specific summit windows.

Optimal climbing windows:

• Spring: May 1-25 (before monsoon, after spring storms settle)
• Autumn: October 15-November 15 (stable post-monsoon, before winter cold)

Why timing is critical:

• Technical climbing above 6,000m requires stable weather
• Snow conditions must allow safe crampon travel
• High winds outside optimal windows make summiting dangerous

Required lead time: Book Island Peak permits 3-4 months ahead for peak windows

Mera Peak (6,476m)

As the highest trekking peak in Nepal, Mera Peak has similar timing considerations to Island Peak.

Optimal climbing windows:

• Spring: April 20-May 20
• Autumn: October 10-November 10

The approach to Mera via the Hinku Valley sees fewer trekkers, but summit timing remains crucial for safety.

---

Weather Data Tables by Altitude

Understanding how conditions change with altitude helps you pack appropriately and set realistic expectations.

Lukla (2,860m) — Trek Start/End

| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precipitation | Conditions | |-------|----------|---------|---------------|------------| | January | 9°C | -2°C | 20mm | Cold, clear | | February | 11°C | 0°C | 25mm | Cold, occasional snow | | March | 14°C | 3°C | 35mm | Warming, occasional rain | | April | 17°C | 6°C | 55mm | Pleasant, afternoon showers | | May | 19°C | 9°C | 80mm | Warm, pre-monsoon clouds | | June | 20°C | 12°C | 200mm | Monsoon begins | | July | 20°C | 13°C | 320mm | Peak monsoon | | August | 20°C | 13°C | 290mm | Monsoon continues | | September | 18°C | 11°C | 150mm | Monsoon ending | | October | 16°C | 5°C | 25mm | Excellent | | November | 13°C | 2°C | 10mm | Clear, cooling | | December | 10°C | -1°C | 15mm | Cold, clear |

Namche Bazaar (3,440m) — Mid-Elevation Hub

| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precipitation | Conditions | |-------|----------|---------|---------------|------------| | January | 5°C | -8°C | 15mm | Cold, some snow | | February | 7°C | -6°C | 20mm | Cold, improving | | March | 10°C | -2°C | 30mm | Spring warming | | April | 13°C | 2°C | 45mm | Pleasant days | | May | 15°C | 5°C | 65mm | Warm, cloudy afternoons | | June | 16°C | 8°C | 150mm | Monsoon rain | | July | 16°C | 9°C | 250mm | Peak monsoon | | August | 16°C | 9°C | 220mm | Heavy rain | | September | 14°C | 7°C | 120mm | Clearing | | October | 11°C | 1°C | 20mm | Best conditions | | November | 8°C | -3°C | 8mm | Cold, clear | | December | 6°C | -6°C | 12mm | Cold, some snow |

Gorak Shep (5,164m) — High Camp Conditions

| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precipitation | Conditions | |-------|----------|---------|---------------|------------| | January | -5°C | -22°C | 10mm | Extreme cold | | February | -3°C | -20°C | 12mm | Very cold | | March | 1°C | -14°C | 18mm | Cold, improving | | April | 4°C | -9°C | 30mm | Manageable cold | | May | 7°C | -5°C | 45mm | Warmest nights | | June | 9°C | -2°C | 100mm | Rain/snow mix | | July | 9°C | 0°C | 160mm | Monsoon snow | | August | 9°C | 0°C | 140mm | Continued snow | | September | 6°C | -4°C | 80mm | Clearing, cold | | October | 3°C | -9°C | 15mm | Cold but stable | | November | -1°C | -13°C | 5mm | Very cold, dry | | December | -4°C | -18°C | 8mm | Extreme cold |

---

What to Pack by Season

Gear requirements shift significantly based on when you trek. Here's season-specific packing guidance.

Spring (March-May) Packing Essentials

Sleeping bag: -10°C to -15°C rated (March requires colder rating than May) Insulation: Lightweight down jacket sufficient; heavy down rarely needed Rain gear: Essential—afternoon showers common, especially April-May Sun protection: High priority; strong UV at altitude, longer days Layers: Medium-weight base layers; temperatures vary significantly day to night

Spring-specific items:

• Rain jacket and pants (waterproof, breathable)
• Waterproof pack cover
• Quick-dry towel
• Extra socks (trails can be wet)
• Lighter gloves acceptable (except March)

Autumn (September-November) Packing Essentials

Sleeping bag: -15°C rated (September), -20°C (November) Insulation: Medium-weight down jacket; heavy down for November Rain gear: Light rain jacket sufficient; precipitation rare Sun protection: Critical; intense autumn sun, dry air Layers: Full layering system; big temperature swings

Autumn-specific items:

• Warmer hat and gloves than spring (especially late season)
• Lip balm with SPF (dry air causes severe chapping)
• Moisturizer (skin cracks in dry conditions)
• Sunglasses with side shields (snow glare late season)

Winter (December-February) Packing Essentials

Sleeping bag: -25°C or colder rated—non-negotiable Insulation: Expedition-weight down jacket; multiple insulating layers Rain gear: Light; minimal precipitation, but windproof shells essential Sun protection: Critical; snow reflection amplifies UV Layers: Full expedition layering; assume conditions similar to polar environments

Winter-specific items:

• Expedition-weight gloves + liner gloves + mittens
• Balaclava and multiple head covering options
• Insulated water bottle covers (water freezes quickly)
• Hand and toe warmers (chemical heat packs)
• Vapor barrier liners for sleeping bag
• Neoprene face mask for extreme cold

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Bridge Block: Choosing a Verified Operator for Your Trek

Understanding the best time to trek is crucial, but equally important is choosing a verified trekking agency that prioritizes your safety regardless of season.

Related Planning Resources

• Compare verified operators for Everest Base Camp
• Everest Base Camp Trek — Complete Route Guide
• Everest Region Hub — All Khumbu Treks
• Three Passes Trek — Advanced Route Guide
• Gokyo Lakes Trek — Alternative Route

Safety and Preparation

• Altitude Sickness: Signs, Prevention & Turnaround Rules
• Acclimatization Best Practices for Nepal Treks
• Emergency Evacuation in Nepal: How It Works
• Teahouse Trek Safety Checklist

Permits and Costs

• Nepal Trekking Permits Explained (2025)
• Everest Base Camp Trek Cost Breakdown
• Hidden Costs on Nepal Treks

Verification Standards

• Safety-Ready Badge — What It Means
• Transparent Pricing Badge — Standards We Verify
• Porter Welfare Badge — Ethical Standards
• How HimalayanNepal Verifies Agencies

Other Seasonal Guides

• Best Time to Trek Annapurna Region
• Monsoon Trekking Nepal: What to Expect
• Winter Trekking Nepal: Routes That Work

Regional Alternatives

• Annapurna Region — Seasonal Comparison
• Langtang Region — Closer to Kathmandu
• Manaslu Circuit — Less Crowded Alternative

---

Final Recommendations: Choosing Your Window

After analyzing all factors, here are our definitive recommendations by trekker type:

For First-Time EBC Trekkers

Go in late October or early November. You'll get the most reliable weather, clearest views, and full infrastructure support. The crowds are manageable, and conditions are forgiving of minor preparation gaps.

For Experienced Trekkers Seeking Solitude

Go in late November or March. You'll experience 50-60% fewer people, excellent weather (with appropriate cold preparation for November), and a more intimate mountain experience.

For Budget-Conscious Trekkers

Go in December or late February. Prices drop 20-30%, negotiation is possible, and conditions can be excellent if you're prepared for cold. Early December is most accessible; late February begins the spring transition.

For Photographers

Go in October or November. Visibility peaks in these months, with crisp air, dramatic lighting, and snow-dusted peaks creating ideal photography conditions. November's lower crowds make getting unobstructed shots easier.

For Three Passes or Advanced Routes

Go in late September or mid-May. These windows offer the best balance of stable weather and manageable pass conditions. Avoid winter entirely for high-pass routes.

For Expedition Atmosphere Seekers

Go in late April or early May. This is peak Everest climbing season, and Base Camp transforms into a buzzing tent city with international expeditions preparing summit attempts.

---

This guide is maintained by HimalayanNepal's editorial team using data from Nepal Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Sagarmatha National Park records, and verified agency reports. Weather data represents historical averages; actual conditions vary year to year. Last updated January 2025.

Have questions about timing your specific trek? Contact our editorial team for personalized guidance.