The Sagarmatha National Park, home to the world's tallest peak, Mount Everest, is a dream destination for trekkers and climbers from around the globe. Nestled in the heart of the eastern part Himalayas, this region offers a breathtaking mix of awe-inspiring landscapes and challenging terrain.
Understanding the weather and temperature conditions is crucial for a successful trek or summit attempt. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the climate and weather patterns of the Everest region throughout the year, including the best months for trekking and summiting.
Image: Early morning Mt. Everest from the International Space Station (2002-NASA)
At the summit, the temp mount everest can plummet to an astonishing -60°C (-76°F) or even lower. This frigid environment presents a severe threat to climbers, with hypothermia being a constant danger.
The temp of Mount Everest at Base Camp, situated at an altitude of around 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), is considerably milder than at the summit. However, it still remains extremely cold, typically ranging from -15°C to -30°C (5°F to -22°F).
The drastic difference in temp mount everest between the summit and Base Camp highlights the extreme conditions climbers face on their ascent. While Base Camp provides a relatively sheltered environment, the summit remains a harsh and unforgiving environment, demanding exceptional physical and mental fortitude.
The Everest Region Climate Overview
The Everest region experiences a unique climatic pattern influenced by its high-altitude location. This region has four distinct seasons, each offering different experiences for trekkers and climbers. Here's a month-by-month breakdown:
January:
January is one of the coldest months in the Everest region. Daytime temperatures at lower elevations like Lukla hover around -6°C to 4°C (21°F to 39°F). Higher up, like at Everest Base Camp, temperatures can drop to well below freezing, often reaching -20°C (-4°F) or lower.
The region experiences clear skies, but the harsh cold and heavy snow at higher altitudes can make trekking and climbing challenging.
February:
February marks the end of the winter season. Temperatures begin to rise slightly, but it remains cold, especially at higher altitudes.
Lower elevations see temperatures ranging from -2°C to 6°C (28°F to 43°F), while higher altitudes like Everest Base Camp remain well below freezing.
The weather starts to clear, offering good visibility, but the trails are still covered in snow.
March:
March signals the beginning of the spring season. The weather gradually warms, melting some of the snow at lower altitudes.
Daytime temperatures at lower elevations range from 4°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F). At higher altitudes, temperatures start to climb above freezing during the day but remain cold at night.
The region sees longer daylight hours and clearer skies, making it a popular time for trekkers.
Image: Morning at Lobuche on the way to Everest Base Camp during Spring
April:
April is peak springtime with moderate temperatures and generally clear skies, ideal for trekking and climbing.
Lower elevations experience daytime temperatures between 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F), while at higher altitudes, temperatures are milder but can still dip below freezing at night.
This is one of the most popular months for summit attempts on Everest due to the stable weather.
May:
May continues the favorable conditions of April, with even warmer temperatures. It's the last month before the monsoon season starts.
Daytime temperatures at lower altitudes can reach up to 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), while higher altitudes experience a significant but manageable drop in temperature at night.
May is the last month before the rainy monsoon season begins in the Everest area.
June:
June marks the beginning of the monsoon season. The region experiences significant rainfall, especially in the afternoons and evenings.
Temperatures are warm at lower elevations, ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), but the rain can make trails slippery and challenging.
Higher altitudes, including Everest Base Camp, can still have cold nights, but the days are warmer, albeit wet.
July:
July is in the heart of the monsoon season, with frequent and heavy rains, particularly in the afternoons.
Daytime temperatures at lower elevations range from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). The heavy cloud cover and rain can obscure views of the mountains.
Higher altitudes see less rain but more cloud cover, with temperatures slightly cooler than in June.
August:
Image: Namche Bazaar on the way to Everest Base Camp in August
August continues the monsoon pattern with substantial rainfall and cloudy skies, making this a less popular month for trekking.
Temperatures at lower elevations are similar to July, warm and humid. Rainfall can cause landslides and trail blockages in the region.
The weather starts to transition towards the end of the month, with a decrease in rainfall.
September:
September marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of autumn. The weather clears up significantly, offering excellent trekking conditions.
Daytime temperatures at lower elevations range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). The skies are generally clear, offering stunning views of the mountains.
Higher altitudes experience cooler temperatures, especially at night, but the days are pleasant and suitable for climbing.
Image: Tengboche on the way to Everest Base Camp in September
October:
October is one of the best months for trekking in the Everest region. The weather is stable with clear skies and moderate temperatures.
Lower elevations see daytime temperatures between 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F). Nights are cooler, but not as cold as in winter months.
Higher altitudes offer clear skies and relatively warmer temperatures, ideal for trekking and climbing.
November:
November continues the favourable conditions of October, although temperatures start to drop as winter approaches.
Daytime temperatures at lower elevations range from 6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F). The weather remains clear, but nights begin to get colder.
At higher altitudes, temperatures during the day are comfortable for trekking, but nights can be very cold.
December:
December is the start of the winter season. The region experiences colder temperatures and shorter days.
Lower elevations have daytime temperatures around -4°C to 6°C (25°F to 43°F), with very cold nights.
Higher altitudes, including Everest Base Camp, see extreme cold, often with temperatures dropping below -20°C (-4°F) at night.
The weather is generally clear, but the cold and snow can make trekking and climbing more challenging.
Best Time for Trekking and Summiting
The Everest region's weather and temperature conditions vary significantly throughout the year, and choosing the right time for your trek or summit attempt is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons for trekkers, while spring is the optimal time for climbers.
Trekking:
The best time for trekking in the Everest region is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and stunning views of the mountains.
Summiting:
For those aiming to summit Mount Everest or other peaks in the region, the primary climbing season is in the spring (April to May). During this time, the weather conditions are relatively stable, and the chances of a successful summit attempt are higher.
Spring (March to May):
- Spring is highly popular for visits to the Everest region, with weather warming post-winter and days growing longer.
- Lower elevations, like Lukla, see daytime temperatures between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), with cooler nights ranging from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F).
- Higher altitudes, such as Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters/17,598 feet), experience daytime temperatures around 0°C to -10°C (32°F to 14°F).
Summer (June to August):
- Summer brings monsoon rains, making trekking possible but often obscuring mountain views with heavy rainfall and cloud cover.
- Daytime temperatures at lower elevations are warmer, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with cooler nights.
- At Everest Base Camp, daytime temperatures can vary from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F).
Autumn (September to November):
- Autumn, ideal for trekking and summiting, offers stable weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures.
- Temperatures at lower elevations range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) during the day, with colder nights, especially at higher altitudes.
- Daytime temperatures at Everest Base Camp range from -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F).
Winter (December to February):
- Winter, the coldest season, is less favoured for trekking and climbing due to severe cold and shorter days.
- Daytime temperatures at lower elevations hover around -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F), with sub-zero temperatures at night.
- Everest Base Camp sees extreme cold, with daytime temperatures rarely above -10°C (14°F) and night temperatures falling between -20°C to -30°C (-4°F to -22°F).
Temp on Top of Mount Everest is influenced by several factors, including:
- Altitude: As altitude increases, air pressure decreases, leading to a significant drop in temperature.
- Wind Chill: Strong winds, which are common at the summit, dramatically increase the perceived cold, making the temp mount everest feel even colder.
- Solar Radiation: While the sun's rays are strong at high altitudes, they provide minimal warmth due to the thin atmosphere.
Himalayan Precipitation Patterns
The Everest Base Camp region experiences a relatively monotonous climate, with an average annual precipitation of approximately 18 inches. Eighty percent of the precipitation occurs during the monsoon season, typically from June to September. During the remaining months of the year, the region remains relatively dry.
The moisture that fuels the monsoon season originates from the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. As a result, the Everest Base Camp region often experiences a rain shadow. This phenomenon occurs as the moisture-laden clouds encounter the southern slopes of the Himalayas, leading to significant precipitation on those slopes. Consequently, a substantial portion of the moisture is depleted before the clouds reach the Everest Base Camp, resulting in lower precipitation levels in the region.
The high altitude and low temperatures within the Everest region significantly constrain moisture availability. This is evident when comparing the annual precipitation at Everest Base Camp (approximately 18 inches) with that of Lukla (approximately 70 inches), the starting point of the base camp trek.
The relentless winds that buffet the summit of Mount Everest act like a giant broom, sweeping away any moisture before it can accumulate as precipitation.
While uncommon, winter snowstorms can impact the Everest Base Camp region. Powerful mid-latitude storms occasionally traverse the area, capable of depositing over a meter of snow at the base camp, often catching trekkers unprepared.
Image: Everest Base Camp in Winter
Despite these challenges, winter treks to Everest Base Camp are still possible. However, meticulous planning and appropriate gear are essential. Windproof clothing and gaiters are highly recommended to protect against the harsh weather conditions.
Temperatures at Everest Summit and Base Camp
The frigid grip of winter tightens its hold on Mount Everest from mid-December to the end of January.During this period, the summit temp averages around -37°C (-35°F), while Everest Base Camp experiences an average temperature of -17°C (1.4°F).
However, a dramatic shift occurs in the spring months of April and May. Temperatures rise significantly, creating conditions warm enough for t-shirt weather during the day. While nights remain cool, it's not uncommon to see climbers wearing t-shirts even as high as Camp 3 during this time.
Cloud Formations of Everest
Mount Everest's distinctive pyramidal shape, coupled with the strong winds that constantly sweep across its summit, contributes to the formation of a rare cloud type known as a 'banner cloud'.
These distinctive cloud formations, known as banner clouds, typically unfurl on the downwind side of Mount Everest against a backdrop of clear blue sky. This formation is attributed to strong winds that flow around the mountain, creating a temporary low-pressure zone. This low-pressure area draws moisture upwards, forming a characteristic banner-like cloud.
While not exclusive to Everest, these dramatic cloud displays can also be observed near other towering peaks, such as the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps, it was previously believed that Everest's unique position within the jet stream was the primary factor.
However, recent research suggests that the combination of high winds and the mountain's specific shape and orientation are more likely the key contributors to the formation of banner clouds on Everest.
Weather Forecasting Station near Everest
The closest weather station to Mount Everest's summit is Lobuche, operating at an elevation of 5,079 meters. Known as the "Piramide Observatory Laboratory project," this station has been collecting data since 2006.
Image: Pyramid International Laboratory-Observatory by Evk2cnr
The safety and success of an Everest expedition hinge on the accuracy of weather forecasts. To this end, many expedition teams employ professional meteorologists to provide daily, highly specific weather predictions. These forecasts are generated by integrating on-the-ground observations from the Lobuche station with sophisticated large-scale weather models.
As one ascends the slopes of Everest, the air grows progressively colder, with a general decrease of about 1°C for every 150 meters of elevation gain.
Despite its proximity to Everest Base Camp, the Everest Pyramid is not situated directly on the standard trekking route. The paths diverge near the small village of Lobuche, a mere day's journey from Base Camp.
Approximately 20 minutes after departing Lobuche, trekkers should deviate left, entering a short, narrow valley. This valley eventually opens up, revealing the impressive sight of the Everest Pyramid.
For those trekking to Everest Base Camp, including a short detour to the Pyramid can be a rewarding addition, providing an opportunity for extra exercise and a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Everest and Climate Change
Like much of our planet, Everest is increasingly vulnerable to climate change's impacts.
Image: Mount Everest lost 2000 years’ ice in just 3 decades. Source: Alaina Ali Beg
The warming climate is wreaking havoc on the delicate balance of the Himalayan ecosystem. The majestic glaciers that have sculpted the landscape of the Everest region are now shrinking at an alarming pace. This accelerated melting not only contributes to rising sea levels but also threatens the water security of communities that rely on glacial meltwater for their agricultural and domestic needs.
The changing conditions present heightened dangers for mountaineers and their Sherpa guides. Melting ice and snow create unstable slopes, increasing the risk of avalanches and crevasses. Unpredictable weather patterns further complicate expeditions, making ascents more challenging and potentially life-threatening.
Beyond the immediate risks to climbers, climate change profoundly impacts the lives of the Sherpa people who inhabit the area. Traditional agricultural practices are disrupted by erratic weather patterns, and water scarcity threatens their livelihoods and way of life.
Mount Everest's fate is inseparably connected to the health of our planet. By acknowledging the impact of climate change and taking decisive action, we can help preserve this iconic mountain for generations to come.
