Mount Everest Weather & Climate: Best Time for Climbing Weather-wise

Written by Natalia | Updated August 30,2025

Located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (the roof of the world), Mount Everest is widely known as the highest peak in China and even on earth. Each year, numerous adventurers make pilgrimage to this mountain to conquer its towering height of 8,848.86 meters. However, they all face great challenges posed by the extreme climate conditions. You may wonder how harsh it is. Well, let me give you a brief introduction about the weather in Mount Everest.

It is biting cold all year round and the average temperature can be as low as -30°C (-22°F). In some extreme cases, the temperature can even dramatically drop to -50°C (-58°F). For climbers, such freezing cold weather poses one of the greatest dangers on their trip. Therefore, a complete guide on Mount Everest’s climate is critical for your safety and planning as it matters your survival.

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• Mount Everest’s Climate Zones – Vary With Altitudes
• Mount Everest Weather by Season
• Mount Everest Temperature: How Cold Does It Get?
• Weather Challenges for Climbers and Trekkers
• Best Time to Visit Mount Everest (Weather-Wise)
• Additional Permits You May Need for Tibet Travel
• Essential Packing List for Everest Weather
• FAQs about Weather Condition around Mt. Everest
• EBC tour with Chinaxiantour

Mount Everest’s Climate Zones – Vary With Altitudes

The climate in Mount Everest is very complex. It cannot be classified into a single climate zone according to common practice. In fact, the climate changes significantly as the altitude rises.

The Arctic Climate of the Summit

When it finally reaches the top of Mount Everest, there presents the arctic climate or ice cap climate. You will experience an unprecedented extreme environment that can never be found in any other places of earth. Some scholars even compare it to the surface of Mars so it’s not hard to imagine how severe the climate is.

You can’t see any vegetation except perpetual ice there! The average temperatures of all months are below the freezing point, even though in summer. Strong west jet streams prevail on the summit all the year round, resulting in devastating hurricanes that can exceed force five. What’s worse, air becomes very thin at an altitude over 8,000 meters. Because human can hardly survive for a longtime stay on the summit, it is also called the Dead Zone.

The Alpine Tundra of Base Camp

In contrast with the summit, the climate of Mount Everest Base Camp is milder. Geographically, it belongs to the typical alpine plateau climate at a height of about 5,300 meters. The most notable character is the intense sunlight. The ultraviolet index persists above 11 throughout the year, which means you may get sunburn in 15 minutes without proper protection. An interesting phenomenon is that you may feel warm or hot in the sun regardless of the surrounding low temperature. Once you step into the shady spots, you will feel cold.

As the thin air cannot preserve heat, the temperature drastically decreases at night. Due to the consistent wind and little rainfall, the weather in Mount Everest Base Camp is rather dry and climbers may dehydrate very quickly. Another threat comes from the rapid and unpredictable weather changes, which usually occur in the afternoon.

Seasonal Shifts and the Monsoon’s Role

The climate change on Mount Everest in different seasons is indeed a battle of two forces: the jet stream and the Indian monsoon. They open and shut down the windows for climbing Mount Everest like invisible hands. From October to May, the jet stream gains the upper hand, bringing bitter cold and terrifying fierce wind. At the beginning of June, the Indian Monsoon dominates the match and begins to dictate the weather in Mount Everest. From then on, it becomes warm, humid, and snowy with gentle. In October, the jet stream takes over the position again. Fortunately, climbers can grasp the fleeting gaps in May and April, a quiet period when the two forces shift.

Mount Everest Weather by Season

Spring (Pre-Monsoon: April – May) – The Prime Climbing Season

It’s getting warm day by day after the winter cold snap. During this time, Mount Everest’s weather is generally stable with clear skies. The temperature around the EBC rises up to 5 – 10°C (41 – 50°F) in daytime, while it plunges to -10 – -20°C (14 – -4°F) at night. Relatively speaking, it is dry, but sometimes it may snow in the afternoon.

Thanks to the weakening jet stream, there comes the window for climbing. Experienced guides will take advantage of this period and set out as soon as the wind speed declines to the minimum in the latter half of May.

What to wear:

The principal dressing code is wearing multiple layers. As for the base layer, quick-drying thermal wool or polyester sweaters and long johns are suggested. Remember not to choose cotton layers absolutely because they may get wet in case you sweat. Fleece jackets and down jackets work well as the mid-layer. You can prepare at least one fleece for proceeding and one down jacket worn at break. The outer layer is the most important for your survival, especially when you marching forward to the summit.

If the weather in Mount Everest is tough with wind and snow, wear a professional hardshell jacket and pants. When it gets warm, waterproof and breathable softshell windbreaker and pants are the best. To avoid frostbite, wear two layers of socks. Mountaineering boots compatible with crampons are also demanded.

In addition, you need to prepare accessories such as balaclava, helmet, snow goggles, sunglasses, and windproof gloves.

Summer (Monsoon: June – September) – The Least Favorable Season

Summer is the rainy season of Mount Everest and a disadvantaged time for mountain climbing. With a temperature over 15°C (59°F) during the day and 5°C (41°F) at night, summer sees the warmest days in Mount Everest. Dominated by the warm and humid Indian Monsoon, it snows crazily.

As the mountain covered by a mass of fresh snow, the risk of snowslides soars to the peak of the year. The powder snow at the depth of an adult’s waist consumes even more strength, making your way particularly difficult. Consistent snow together with mists and clouds, leads to poor visibility, so that visitors may lose their way easily. Windstorms are also frequenters because of rapid climate changes. Therefore, some even joked that it was kind of committing suicide if climbing Mount Everest in summer.

What to wear:

Travelling in this season, you had better wear breathable and quick-drying clothing because of the rising temperature. Wool and polyester sweaters are regular choices for the base layer. Plus, it is advised to prepare a couple of shorts or long-sleeved T-shirts for change. A fleece and a light-weight down jacket are enough as your mid layer. A professional hardshell jacket and pants that can resist water, wind, and snow are essential. To avoid sunburn, a quick-drying floppy hat is necessary and you may take an extra fleece headgear for the cold in morning and evening. Waterproof climbing boots, wool socks and thin gloves are also perfect matches.

Autumn (Post-Monsoon: October-November) – The Secondary Season

It’s actually a gap period when the monsoon has already left while the jet stream is still on the way. During this time, the weather in Mount Everest is stable, sunny and dry. Compared with spring, the temperature is lower. At EBC, it is around 0°C (32°F) on sunny daytime, but rushes down to -10 – -15°C (14 – 5°F). Owing the clear air, autumn in Mount Everest is endowed with high visibility. Visitors can appreciate the shockingly amazing scenery of the Himalayas at the most extent.

What to wear:

Two suits of long-sleeved T-shirts and wool pants are recommended as the inner layer, one thin suit for daytime and another thick one for nighttime. For the mid-layer, the combination of a fleece + a light-weight down jacket + a thick down jacket is very practical and flexible. You can choose according to the real-time weather forecast.

Most travelers wear a softshell windbreaker and pants for daytime activities. However, don’t forget to prepare a hardshell one as well to guard you against the bad weather. Thermal hats, sunglasses, gloves, and wool socks are also indispensable. Last but not least, prepare a pair of comfortable waterproof climbing shoes.

Winter (December – March) – Extreme Cold

In winter, the fatal jet stream sweeps over the top of Mount Everest, transforming it into a giant mountain fraught with wind and snow. The weather is intensely cold with frequent high winds and extreme wind chill. In short, the winter climate in Mount Everest is the most close to alien planets. With a short duration of sunshine, the ground receives very little heat. The temperature at Mount Everest Base Camp can be as low as -10°C (14°F) in the day and descends to -25°C (-13°F) at night.

What to wear:

To fight against the extreme wind chill, you should be armed to the teeth. Thermal wool T-shirts and long johns that can still keep warm when wetted by sweat are primary choices for the inner layer. You need to prepare at least three layers for the mid part, including thick fleeces, down liners, and thick down jackets and pants. A hardshell windbreaker of the highest professional level is necessary for extreme weathers. It’s also recommended to take a hardshell pants with zippers for side opening. Inside your two-layer mountaineering boots, wear a pair of down liners. Of course, snow goggles, wool socks, windproof face masks, and thick down gloves are standard accessories.

Recommended Everest Tour: 8 Days Classic Tibet Tour from Lhasa to EBC

Mount Everest Temperature: How Cold Does It Get?

Average Temperatures at Everest Base Camp (5,364m / 17,598ft)

Summit Temperature Extremes (-16°C to -60°C)

According to the existing records by climbers, the lowest temperature on Mount Everest is -41°C (-41.8°F) in February of 2003. Nevertheless, it is estimated that this value can reach -60°C (-76°F) actually, far beyond human limits. Why? The air on the summit of Mount Everest is too thin to preserve heat. Meanwhile, the wind chill accelerates the loss of heat. All these factors lead to the brutal cold on the summit.

Even in summer, when it gets warm, the temperature on the summit is well below the freezing. Up to now, the highest temperature ever recorded on Mount Everest is -16°C (3.2°F).

Why Water Boils at a Lower Temperature on Everest？

If you heat up water on Everest, you may notice that the water boils soon, but is it hot enough to stew noodles? I’m afraid not. The atmospheric pressure on Mount Everest is extremely low, so that the water vapor can easily overcome it to form bubbles. In fact, the boiling point of water is merely 71°C (160°F) on Everest. Climbers have to cook with the help of special cookers and fuel.

Weather Challenges for Climbers and Trekkers

Wind Speeds and Jet Stream Effects

The top of Mount Everest just sits on the track of the notorious jet stream, where the wind speed is over 100km/h all the year round. In winter, the violent winds can speed up to 120km/h and upgrades to destructive hurricanes. Walking against the heavy wind requires strong strength. Sometimes, it can even blow your tent away. Besides, the wind chill may cause sudden change to your shell temperature. It’s very dangerous as you may get hypothermia.

Snowstorms and Avalanches

Avalanche is a major cause of death in Mount Everest second to hypothermia. Snowstorms often occur in summer. The new snow, powder snow blown up by wind, and unstable glaciers may trigger snowslides without any prior warming.

Visibility and Oxygen Levels

When a snowstorm comes, it may cut the visibility down to zero in just a few minutes! Soon you will be unable to see roads and direction signs, in turn you may get lost.

As the oxygen content on the summit is only one thirds of that at the sea level, climbers suffer from severe oxygen deficit. If overtaken by bad weather, they need to consume much more oxygen and energy than usual. This may cause fatal diseases like HACE and HAPE.

Best Time to Visit Mount Everest (Weather-Wise)

It depends on where you plan to go. If you are determined to conquer Mount Everest and ascend to the summit, the latter two weeks in May is the golden window for climbing with clearer sky and less snowfall.

If you intend to trek to EBC, the window for climbing is much bigger. You can either choose the pre-monsoon months from April to early May or the post-monsoon months from October to the mid of November. Autumn is better for high visibility.

Related reading: Tibet Everest Base Camp Elevation and Tips to Prevent Altitude Sickness

Additional Permits You May Need for Tibet Travel

Alien’s Travel Permit (for destinations outside Lhasa)

It is the key for foreigners travelling outside Lhasa. Most travel agencies will help you get the Alien’s Travel Permit as well based on your detailed itinerary when applying for Tibet Travel Permit. Your tour guide usually keeps the permits for inspection at checkpoints.

Military Permit & Border Pass (for remote areas like Mount Kailash or Nyingchi)

In the event that your itinerary covers military sensitive areas like EBC, Mount Kailash, Nyingchi, Ngari, Nagqu, Shigatse, and Shannan, a military permit or border pass is required. Again you have to apply for it through a qualified travel agency.

Tibet Group Visa (for travelers from Nepal)

As is regulated by Tibetan Government, all international travellers, entering Tibet from Nepal either by air or by land, need to apply for a group visa at the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. Even if you have a normal Chinese visa at hand, it must be cancelled and taken place by the group visa. To apply for Tibet Group Visa, you have to book a tour at least one month in advance. The travel agency will assist you to get this visa.

Recommended Tibet Tour: 10 Days Tibet In-depth Adventure: Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-Damxung

Essential Packing List for Everest Weather

Layering System Fundamentals

Travellers to Mt. Everest usually adopt the three-layer strategy for dressing, namely the inner layer, mid-layer, and outer layer. An ordinary inner layer may be a thermal wool T-shirt and long thermal pants. Insulated fleece and down jackets and pants are excellent options for mid layers. For the outer layer, you need to prepare hardshell or soft shell windbreakers and pants in accordance with the weather conditions.

Gear for Extreme Cold: Sleeping Bags, Boots, and Down Suits

High-performance sleeping bags are essential for overcoming extreme cold. Before starting your trip, keep an eye on the weather forecast and buy a sleeping bag that can resist the lowest temperature predicted. Waterproof mountaineering boots with a high insulation rating are also fundamental. Down suits such as jackets, pants, socks, and boot liners work well as the mid-layer to maintain heat.

Sun Protection at High Altitude

• For EBC: sunglasses of UV400; sunscreen marked with SPF50+, PA++++ or Broad Spectrum; wide-brimmed hat; and sunscreen lip balm.
• For the Summit: enclosed goggles of UV400; balaclava; sunscreen of high SPF (at least 50+); and sunscreen lip balm.

FAQs about Weather Condition around Mt. Everest

Does it snow year-round on Mt. Everest?

It may snow at any season on Mt. Everest, but mostly in summer from June to September.

How does the climate at Everest Base Camp differ from the climate at the summit?

Comparatively, the climate at EBC is much better than that on the top. The temperature is averagely 20°C (80°F) higher and the wind is gentler. The oxygen content around EBC is about 50% of that at sea level and 17% higher than the summit.

How does climate change affect the weather and climbing conditions on Mount Everest?

Global warming and the greenhouse effect have expedited the shrinking of glaciers on Mount Everest. As the melting of glaciers breaks the regional water balance, extreme weather occurs frequently. The risk of avalanches also rises. As a result, the classic climbing window in May is shortened and the routes for climbing may require adjustments to avoid avalanches.

Can sudden storms occur on Mt. Everest?

Of course. Sudden storm is not rare on Mt. Everest. The sharp change in weather is one of the most dangerous factors for your climbing. Therefore, you had better wait the window for climbing and make the right decision based on real-time weather forecast.

EBC tour with Chinaxiantour

Do you want to trek to the Mount Everest Base Camp? Hmm, it might be mission impossible by yourself. Contact Chinaxiantour and we will tailor a hassle-free itinerary for you. With over 15 years of experience, our professionally arranged tours will be your best bet.