Mount Everest Climate

The information on Mount Everest climate could be helpful for preparing a travel to Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Due to the high altitude, there is snow at Mount Everest throughout the year, and the weather is awful. Perhaps the most striking feature of Everest base camp's climate is the large temperature difference between day and night. Since the weather is changeable at high altitudes, be sure to pay close attention to chnages in the weather if you want to climb the mountain.

Mount Everest Climate Features

Due to its high altitude and unique geographical environment, Mount Everest has a typical alpine climate. There is snow on the mountain all the year round, glaciers, ice slopes and serac bands can be seen anywhere. The air at the summit is thin, with only a quarter of the oxygen content of the eastern plains, and there are often strong winds. The weather at mount Everest and the surrounding mountains is changable and unpredictable. Considering the cold weather and harsh geographical conditions, many tourists have to choose the best time to challenge the highest mountain.

Temperature

Due to the extremely cold climate, Mount Everest is also called the third pole of the world. According to the radio sounding data of the Tingri weather station at the foot of the Mount Everest, at an altitude of 7500 meters, the coldest month is February, the average temperature is -27.1℃, and the hottest month is August, the average temperature is -10.4℃, and the annual average temperature is -19.6℃. The lowest temperature on the top of the mountain is -30°C to -40°C (22-40°F), but cold winds can make you feel even colder. And the oxygen content of the top of the mountain is only 25% of the sea level. The strong winds blow the snow into drifts, making the mountain more deadly. Everest Base Camp is not so cold, and not that desolate, with an altitude of 5200 meters, under the snow line. The daytime temperature from spring to autumn is above zero.

Precipitation

Generally speaking, the rainy season is from early June to mid-september every year. The strong southeast monsoon causes the harsh climate of frequent heavy rain, fog and snow. From mid-November to mid-February of the following year, the lowest temperature can reach -50℃ and the average temperature is around -30℃ due to the strong northwest cold current. From the beginning of March to the end of May is the spring when the wind season transitions to the rainy season, and from the beginning of September to the end of October is the autumn when the rainy season changes to the wind season. During these two seasons, better weather is likely to occur, which is the best season for mountaineering.

Mount Everest Weather and Climate by Month

What to Pack for Mount Everest Travel

The temperature at Everest base camp at night is below 0℃ all year round. Even in July, temperatures can reach near 0°F(about -18°C). In the coldest January, the temperature can drop to -76°F (-60°C). The temperature varies throughout the day, rising to 10°C during the daytime and falling below freezing at night. As the temperature varies greatly throughout the day, you should be prepared for dramatic weather changes.

  • While climbing Mount Everest, you need to stay warm, eat, and possibly get oxygen, which is an important part of the kits for Everest expeditions. Since many tour operators offer Everest expedition tours, they will handle the technical equipment like tents, sherpas and oxygen tanks.
  • The most important thing for you is to get yourself the right equipment for climbing, such as a down jacket, boots, thermal wear, gloves, sleeping bag, hat, goggles, snow glasses, crampons, sticks, etc. It's a good idea to make sure your equipment is of good quality.

Best Time to Visit Mount Everest

The time suitable for climbing Mount Everest is short. The best time to visit Mount Everest is from late April to early June, and from early September to late October. Because the deadly monsoon in summer and the harsh climate in the winter make it extremely difficult and dangerous to climb Mount Everest, you should choose a proper time to visit Mount Everest in spring or autumn. Because during these months, temperatures are relatively high, as well as the blue sky and clear weather allow you to enjoy the magnificent views of Mount Everest well.

Four Seasons of Mount Everest

  • January to March: Mount Everest enjoys a clear view at this time, but a bit cold. There may be snowy, so make sure you bring warm clothes and watch out for slippery roads.
  • April to mid-June: Because of the relatively warm weather, this will be the best time to visit Mount Everest. Many climbers choose to climb Mount Everest at this time.
  • Mid-June to August: There will be a lot of rain in these months. Mount Everest may be covered by mist, so you probably won't be able to see it clearly. And even in Summer, the temperature is low at night. 
  • September to November: Winter comes. The weather on mount Everest is harsh. You may not be able to see the summit of Mount Everest because of the cloudy weather.

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