EVEREST BASE CAMP IN TIBET
Weather and the best time to travel
Although most travelers only visit Everest base camp for one day, it is essential to be prepared for the weather to truly enjoy your trip. Located at the sweeping 5,050 meters / 16,570 ft, Mount Everest Base Camp can take your breath away quite literary.
Such high altitude creates harsh conditions with low temperatures, high winds, and strong sunshine. Please, be prepared by bringing appropriate warm clothes and sun protection. To ensure that you are well prepared to enjoy your trip, read detailed information about the weather and our packing suggestions.
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BEST TIME TO VISIT EVEREST REGION IN TIBET
Each season is different in the Everest region, and planning the ideal time of visit depends on your interests.
EVEREST BASE CAMP SEASONS


WINTER
Winter is the coldest time of the year with freezing temperatures, but with very few tourists and with clear skies. If you want to take gorgeous photos of the mountain with deep blue colored sky on the background, it is the best time to visit.


SPRING
Spring is when most of the tourists start arriving to the base camp, and the climbing season starts. The weather is still clear, temperatures are rising, and the winds are calming down.


SUMMER
Summer offers the most comfortable temperatures, you can stay in the tent camp, but it can be cloudy and it can even snow on some days. If you want to travel during the most comfortable temperatures, summer is the best choice.


FALL
Fall brings back the colder temperatures, especially at night, at the same time sky starts to clear offering an unobstructed view of the peak.
EVEREST REGION CLIMATE


TEMPERATURES
Summer in Tibet has the most comfortable temperatures, but even in the middle of summer on some days in the Everest region temperatures can dip to freezing and you can even see some snow. On the hottest summer days temperatures in Everest region can rise to 13°C / 57°F.
In winter, the temperature rarely goes above freezing. On the coldest winter nights, it can go as low as -28°C / -20°F, with the averages being around -2 -5 °C / -23 – 28°F during daytime and -15 -20°C / 5 -4°F at night.
It is essential to be prepared and wear plenty of warm clothes and dress in layers all year round.


CLOUDS AND RAINFALL
November, December, and January have the most clear days, with clear blue sky on 27-28 days of the month, with the remaining 2-3 days having some clouds. There is very little rainfall and it is very rare to see any snow during that time.
July and August see the most clouds and have the most rain during the year. In Tibet, if it rains, it usually happens at night. That’s why despite the wet season, July and August are the most popular months to visit Tibet.
We took this photo in August, when you can often see clouds on the sky.


WIND
While the Everest region is often windy, July, August, and September have less strong wind, typically ranging from 7- 12 mp/h.
From December through March, the winds are the strongest, typically ranging from 12 to 17 mp/h, and even going above 20 mp/h on some days.
On most days we see wind directed toward North and North-West, with noticeably fewer days when it is blowing in South and Southeast direction.
Strong winds coupled with low temperatures in winter make it feel even colder. If you are planning to visit in winter and enjoy the sites without crowds of tourists, be prepared for low temperatures and dress in layers.


SUNRISE, SUNSET, AND DAYLIGHT
The shortest day of the year in the Everest region is in December when daylight lasts for about 8 hours and 30 minutes. The sun rises at about 8 am and sets at 7 pm. The longest days are in June and July with the daylight close to 12 hours, with the sunrise at 7 am and sunset at 9 pm.
The sunset is more beautiful on the Northern side of Everest, try not to miss it!
WEATHER AT THE EVEREST BASE CAMP BY MONTH
MARCH
Temperatures
Average high: -3°C / 27°F
Average low: -16°C / 4°F
Sunshine
Daylight: about 11h 30m
Sunrise: 8:21 – 7:48 am
Sunset: 7:57 – 8:14 pm
Rainfall
4mm / 0.2″
Wind speed
11-27 km/h / 7-17 mph


Advantages: Milder temperatures compared to winter months, clear sky, and winds are less strong than in winter.
Considerations: Tibet is usually closed for almost the entire month, opening again for travelers at the end of March.
Weather is finally warming up after the winter in March while remaining mostly clear with very few clouds and a very low chance of rain or snow.
Daytime temperature can go as high as +3°C / 38°F on the warmest days, averaging at -3°C / 27°F. At night, the coldest temperature can be -24°C / -12°F, while the average is -16°C / 4°F. Unfortunately, Tibet is usually closed for most of March, usually reopening only on the final week of March.
APRIL
Temperatures
Average high: 0°C / 33°F
Average low: -11°C / 12°F
Sunshine
Daylight: 11h 30m
Sunrise: 7:47 – 7:17 am
Sunset: 8:15 – 8:31 pm
Rainfall
11mm / 0.4″
Wind speed
11-24 km/h / 7-15 mph


Advantages: Springtime brings warmer temperatures, and the landscape starts to come to life with the first signs of spring, especially when you are traveling to the Everest region. The sky is still mostly clear with a low chance of rain.
Considerations: It is still quite cold, especially at nighttime.
April is a transitional month, with average daytime temperatures finally rising above freezing. On the warmest days, temperature can go up to 7 °C / 44°F, averaging + 1°C / 33°F. At night, you can expect temperatures around -11°C / 12°F on average and as low as -18°C / -1°F on the coldest nights.
April remains a very clear month with few clouds and a low chance of rain. More tourists start visiting in April and tent camp by the Rongbuk monastery is set up usually in the middle of April.
MAY
Temperatures
Average high: 6°C / 43°F
Average low: -4°C / 24°F
Sunshine
Daylight: 11h 10m
Sunrise: 7:17 – 7:01 am
Sunset: 8:31 – 8:48 pm
Rainfall
28mm / 1.1″
Wind speed
11-22 km/h / 7-14 mph


Advantages: Pleasant mostly clear weather, daytime temperatures are rising, trees are becoming green and nature looks fresh and lush.
Considerations: It starts getting more crowded with tourists, especially in the first week of May during a week-long national holiday in China.
May is one of the best times to travel to Everest. The weather is finally warming up, winds are becoming weaker, and there is still plenty of sunshine with a very low chance of rain. These conditions make it perfect for a climbing season at Everest. Currently, climbers are setting up their tents a few kilometers away from the tent camp for tourists, nevertheless, you will feel the excitement of visiting majestic Everest.
The average daytime temperature is +6 °C / 43 °F, with the highest temperature rising up to +11°C / 52°F. At night, average temperatures are slightly below freezing at -4°C / 24°F, going as low as -11°C / 12°F only on the coldest nights.
The first week of May is a very busy time, as there is a week-long holiday in China when many tourists flock to Tibet. If you plan to visit during this week, plan your trip in advance, because flights and train tickets can sell out quickly during that time.
JUNE
Temperatures
Average high: 10°C / 51°F
Average low: 0°C / 33°F
Sunshine
Daylight: 11h 50m
Sunrise: 7:01 – 7:04 am
Sunset: 8:49 – 8:57 pm
Rainfall
40mm / 1.6″
Wind speed
11-19 km/h / 7-12 mph


Advantages: The pre-monsoon period with lush, green landscapes and is still less touristy than July and August.
Along with May, June is a fantastic time to visit Everest, especially the first half of June. Weather is warming up with daytime temperatures well above freezing at 11°C / 51°F on average and reaching 14°C / 57°F on the warmest days. At night, temperatures stay around 0°C / 33°F and go down to -4°C / 24°F only on the coldest nights.
The days are long with sunrise at 7 am and sunset at 8:50 pm allowing you to enjoy the view of Everest for almost 12 hours. More tourists are coming to the Base Camp, but it is still less crowded than in July or August. It starts getting more cloudy towards the end of the month, but still with a low chance of rain.
JULY
Temperatures
Average high: 11°C / 52°F
Average low: 2°C / 37°F
Sunshine
Daylight: 11h 50m
Sunrise: 7:04- 7:19 am
Sunset: 8:57 – 8:47 pm
Rainfall
121mm / 4.8″
Wind speed
11-16 km/h / 7-10 mph


Advantages: July is one of the warmest months. It is the middle of summer with beautiful landscapes and comfortable temperatures.
Considerations: Increased chance of cloudy sky, possible rains during nighttime. It is also a peak season with more tourists and higher prices.
July is the warmest month of the year, but at the same time, it is the beginning of monsoon season in the Himalayas. It usually rains in Tibet at night and can be cloudy during the daytime. Still, because of the most comfortable temperatures July and August are the most popular months to visit Tibet and Everest regions.
Daytime temperature is reaching + 11°C / 52°F on average and can go up to 14°C / 57°F on the hottest days. Even at nighttime temperatures are finally above freezing, with + 3°C / 37°F on average. going down to 0°C / 31°F only on the coldest nights.
AUGUST
Temperatures
Average high: 10°C / 51°F
Average low: 3°C / 37°F
Sunshine
Daylight: 11h 20m
Sunrise: 7:20 – 7:35 am
Sunset: 8:46 – 8:19 pm
Rainfall
135mm / 5.3″
Wind speed
11-16 km/h / 7-10 mph


Advantages: Similar to July, temperatures remain pleasant, and the scenery as you travel is green and lush.
Considerations: Following July, the chance of a cloudy sky is still high, and there are possible rains during nighttime. It is another month with a peak touristy season with more visitors and higher prices.
Similar to July, August is very warm and still wet with rains typically at night and clouds during the day. It is another popular time to travel with many students visiting during their vacation time. The landscapes in Tibet are at their peak with lush fields, blooming flowers, and green scenery thanks to abundant water.
Daytime temperatures average 11°C / 51°F, reaching 13°C / 55°F on the hottest days. At night, you can expect 3°C / 37°F on average and -1°C / 31°F on the coldest nights.
Shoton Festival, one of the most spectacular festivals in Tibet, typically falls on one of the days in August. If you are planning to travel in August, check out our upcoming tour, as it might be a great opportunity to see the vibrant celebration in Lhasa.
SEPTEMBER
Temperatures
Average high: 9°C / 48°F
Average low: 0°C / 33°F
Sunshine
Daylight: 10h 40m
Sunrise: 7:35 – 7:49 am
Sunset: 8:18 – 7:44 pm
Rainfall
63mm / 2.5″
Wind speed
11-14 km/h / 7-9 mph


Advantages: The post-monsoon season means more clear skies and stunning views of the peaks. Fewer tourists than in summertime.
September is one of the best months to visit Mount Everest. The weather is still very warm, the sky is clearing with a lot less clouds and a much lower chance of rain compared to August.
Daytime temperatures are rising to about 9°C / 53°F on average, reaching 12°C / 53°F on the warmest days. At night, temperatures are cooling down to + 1°C / 33°F and -3°C / 26°F on the coldest nights.
As we travel through Tibet, you can see that the landscapes are still beautiful only starting to turn into the fall colors towards the end of the month.
OCTOBER
Temperatures
Average high: 4°C / 39°F
Average low: -6°C / 21°F
Sunshine
Daylight: 9h 50m
Sunrise: 7:50 – 8:07 am
Sunset: 7:43 – 7:13 pm
Rainfall
6mm / 0.2″
Wind speed
11-22 km/h / 7-14 mph


Advantages: Still warm weather, especially in the beginning of the month with clear skies, making it a good time for photography.
Considerations: The first week of October is a long holiday in China and there are many tourists visiting Tibet, making all popular sites very crowded.
The first half of October is a very popular time to travel in Tibet. Surprisingly, the weather still remains quite warm with daytime average temperatures in the Everest region at about +4°C / 39°F. On the warmest days, you can enjoy temperatures rising to 9°C / 48°F. At nighttime, temperatures drop to -6°C / 21°F on average, and to -15°C / 5°F on the coldest nights.
The weather is usually clear with stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. If you are traveling at the beginning of October, remember to book your tour in advance. The first week of October is a holiday in China and many domestic tourists are taking advantage of it to visit Tibet.
NOVEMBER
Temperatures
Average high: -1°C / 31°F
Average low: -12°C / 9°F
Sunshine
Daylight: 9h 5m
Sunrise: 8:08 – 8:30 am
Sunset: 7:13 – 7:01 pm
Rainfall
2mm / 0.08″
Wind speed
11-25 km/h / 7-16 mph


Advantages: Clear skies, less crowded, lower prices.
Considerations: Have to be prepared for lower temperatures, especially at night. There are fewer tourists, meaning fewer group tour options.
November is a cold and dry month in the Everest region, with even daytime temperatures mostly below freezing. The highest recorded daytime temperature was 4°C / 40°F, while the average daytime temperature is about -1°C / 31°F. The coldest temperature at night can be as low as -20°C / -5°F with an average nighttime temperature is about -12°C / 9°F.
The main advantage of traveling to EBC in November is the clear weather and mostly clear sky, with a very low chance of rain or snow. It is also the time with a lot fewer tourists compared to summertime and even to October. The tent camp by the Rongbuk monastery is closed for the winter, and you can stay in the monastery guesthouse.
DECEMBER
Temperatures
Average high: -3°C / 26°F
Average low: -16°C / 4°F
Sunshine
Daylight: 8h 30m
Sunrise: 8:30 – 8:48 am
Sunset: 7:01 – 7:11 pm
Rainfall
2mm / 0.08″
Wind speed
11-32 km/h / 7-20 mph


Advantages: Very clear skies, few tourists, lower prices, traveling during the Christmas season.
Considerations: Low temperatures, especially at night. Have to be prepared for lower temperatures, especially at night.
The weather becomes even colder in December with average daytime temperatures of about -3°C / 26°F and only on some days warming up to 3°C / 37°F. Nighttime temperatures can be as low as -16 C / 4°F on average and as low as -25°C / -14°F on the coldest nights. On the bright side, the weather is very clear and crisp with very little chance of clouds or rain. If you are prepared for colder weather, it can be a great time to travel to experience the beauty of the Himalayan region without crowds of tourists and take stunning photographs.
JANUARY
Temperatures
Average high: -6°C / 22°F
Average low: -19°C / -2°F
Sunshine
Daylight: 10 h 20 m
Sunrise: 8:48 – 8:45 am
Sunset: 7:12 – 7:36 pm
Rainfall
4mm / 0.2″
Wind speed
16-32 km/h / 10-20 mph


Advantages: Clear skies and crisp, dry air provide excellent visibility of the stunning Himalayan landscapes.
Considerations: Extremely cold temperatures can be challenging, so visitors should be well-prepared for subzero conditions.
January is one of the coldest months of the year. Temperatures are low and wind is usually strong. If you are visiting during January, on some days you might have the view all for yourself. You need to be prepared with warmer clothes, as even daytime temperatures are typically around -6°C / 22°F, peaking at 1°C / 34°F on the warmest days, while nighttime temperatures average at -19°C / -2°F, and can be as low as -28°C / -19°F.
FEBRUARY
Temperatures
Average high: 6°C / 21°F
Average low: -19°C / -3°F
Sunshine
Daylight: 10h 50m
Sunrise: 8:44 – 8:22 am
Sunset: 7:36 – 7:57 pm
Rainfall
6mm / 0.24″
Wind speed
19-32 km/h / 12-20 mph


Advantages: Similar to January, with clearer skies and fewer tourists.
Considerations: Still very cold, so proper cold-weather gear is essential for a comfortable visit.
February is the coldest month of the year with the strongest winds on average. The average daytime temperature is about -6°C / 33°F, while the highest daytime temperature only rises up to 0°C / 33°F. The nighttime temperatures stay way below freezing at -19°C / -3°F on average and as low as -27°C / 18°F on the coldest nights.
Tibetan New Year is celebrated according to the Lunar calendar and it often falls on February. While there are no large public celebrations and most Tibetans spend this holiday with their family and friends, some people like visiting during the New Year time to experience Tibetan culture.
PACKING FOR EVEREST TOUR AND WHAT TO WEAR


Most travelers start their journey to Everest in Tibet in Lhasa. Although Lhasa is located at a high altitude of 3, 650 meters, the climate in Lhasa is a lot milder than in the Everest region. In fact, the weather in Lhasa is quite warm even in winter, and strong sunshine makes it feel even warmer. That’s why there is always a big difference in temperatures when traveling from Lhasa to Everest and you need to be prepared for it.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR EVEREST DRIVING TOUR
Since most of the tours to Everest only spend 1 night in the Everest region, you will need warmer clothes for a short time. Not to pack too much, we recommend bringing clothes that you can layer to be comfortable in any temperature during your stay. Some essentials include:
If you are traveling from Lhasa to Everest only, not including any trekking areas or Mount Kailash, you don’t need to bring a sleeping bag. All guesthouses have enough warm blankets. You can bring a thin liner or a sheet for personal comfort to use with these blankets.
More details on what to wear and pack, including your medical kit in our article here:
WHAT TO WEAR ON YOUR EVEREST TREKKING TOUR
If you are planning to trek in the Everest region, in addition to general suggestions, we suggest packing:
More details and suggestions in our article:
POPULAR TOURS TO EVEREST IN TIBET


8 DAYS LHASA TO EVEREST TOUR
A beautiful and exciting journey, starting in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and going to the Everest Base Camp. The tour visits Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera, Drepung, and Tashilhunpo monasteries, Kumbum Stupa, Yamdrok Lake, and Karola glaciers.
Both group and private tours are available.


15 DAYS MOUNT KAILASH PILGRIMAGE TOUR
One of our most popular group tours starts in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and goes to Mount Kailash for three-days trekking around this sacred mountain. During this tour, we visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse monastery and Kumbum stupa, Mount Everest, Lake Manasarovar, Mount Kailash, and much more.


7 DAYS LHASA TO KATHMANDU TOUR
This tour starts in Lhasa. We will stay there for 2 days to explore the capital and acclimatize. After that, we will head to the center of attraction in the Himalayas – Mount Everest. We will spend a night by the highest mountain on the planet and continue driving through majestic mountain ranges, alongside rivers and waterfalls to the border between Tibet and Nepal.












