The weather is one of the most important factors to consider when planning any trekking destination in Nepal. Everest Base Camp is not exceptional. Spring (March-May) and Autumn( September – October) are typically the best times to trek Everest Base Camp.
Now, assuming you would like to travel during the spring season. But among the three, which month is the ideal time to plan your trek? And why should you choose the spring season, not any other season?
Don’t worry! I am here to answer all of your queries here.
All three month is the ideal time to trek to Everest Base Camp, and there is no doubt about that. But let’s discuss the advantages and challenges of trekking to Everest Base Camp in March, April, and May, based on weather conditions, crowds, costs, and attractions, so that you will have more ideas of what you can expect and cannot during your trek.
Contents
- Weather Conditions in March, April, and May
- Difficulty Level for Each Month
- Everest Base Camp Trek
- Crowds and Costs in March, April, and May
- Main Attractions and Events in March, April, and May
- Conclusion
- Ready to Book Trips Now?
- Everest Base Camp Trek
- Everest Base Camp Luxury Heli Trek
- Everest Base Camp Charity Yoga Trek
- Everest High Passes Trek – 20 Days
- Everest Panorama View Trek
- Mount Everest Expedition (8,848 M)
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Weather Conditions in March, April, and May
Weather in March
March signals the arrival of spring and the beginning of the trekking season in the Everest region. As a result, the weather starts to get warmer, and the days are longer. Because of this, snow on the north-facing slopes starts melting. Therefore prepare for slush.
| Lukla (2,860m) | Namche (3,440m) | Lobuche (4,950m) | |
| Max Avg Temp | 13° C | 10° C | -1° C |
| Min Avg Temp | 3° C | -1° C | -13° C |
| Precipitation | 16 mm | 16 mm | 4 mm |
| Precipitation Days | 9.4 days | 9.4 days | 2.6 days |
| No. Sunny Days | 19.5 days | 19.5 days | 23.3 days |
Weather in April
April is the dry season, and the climates become neither too cold nor too hot. The temperatures start to rise even at higher altitudes, and the weather becomes even more favourable for trekking. Because of the stronger sun and extended daylight, most winter snow has now melted, and fresh snow clears up quickly.
Precipitation in April is erratic rather than sustained. Thunderstorms are very likely, and so are hailstones. But this sudden flurry of rain and snow disappears quickly, sometimes in a few hours.
| Lukla (2,860m) | Namche (3,440m) | Lobuche (4,950m) | |
| Max Avg Temp | 17° C | 13° C | 3° C |
| Min Avg Temp | 5° C | 2° C | -9° C |
| Precipitation | 20 mm | 20 mm | 11 mm |
| Precipitation Days | 14.9 days | 14.9 days | 5.6 days |
| No. Sunny Days | 14.9 days | 14.9 days | 20.4 days |
Weather in May
May is one of the warmest months for trekking in the Everest region. The days are hotter, and the temperature rises up to 22° C, while at night, the temperature falls dramatically and reaches almost 0° C in Everest Region.
Although being just a few weeks away from the start of the monsoon in June, the weather in the Everest region in May is still favourable for trekking.
| Lukla (2,860m) | Namche (3,440m) | Lobuche (4,950m) | |
| Max Avg Temp | 19° C | 15° C | 8° C |
| Min Avg Temp | 8° C | 4° C | -2° C |
| Precipitation | 35 mm | 35 mm | 28 mm |
| Precipitation Days | 20 days | 20 days | 10.4 days |
| No. Sunny Days | 10.6 days | 10.6 days | 17.2 days |
Difficulty Level for Each Month
In March, the trek can be more challenging due to the colder temperatures and occasional snowfall. However, the crowds are generally smaller during this month, making it a good option for those who prefer a quieter trek.
In April, the difficulty level of the trek becomes slightly easier due to the warmer temperatures and clearer skies. The trails are also less icy, making it easier to trek. However, this is also the busiest month for trekking, with many people choosing to trek during the peak season.
May can be a challenging month for trekking due to the occasional rain and snowfall, making the trails more slippery and muddy. However, the temperatures are still relatively warm, and the trails are less crowded compared to April.
If you’re planning to go on the Everest Base Camp Trek but want to know more about it first, we have a detailed Everest Trekking guide that can help. It has all the information you need to know from routes to necessary permits and so on. Check it out and learn from our expertise to make your trip a success.
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Crowds and Costs in March, April, and May
As mentioned earlier, April is the peak season for trekking to Everest Base Camp. This means that the trails can get quite crowded, and you may have to wait in line at some of the popular landmarks, such as suspension bridges and tea houses. Accommodation can also be harder to find, and prices tend to be higher during this month.
In March, the crowds are smaller, and you’re more likely to find accommodation easily. The prices for accommodation and food are also slightly lower during this month.
May is the right balance between pleasant weather and crowded trails. Undoubtedly, the weather isn’t as good as in April, but you can expect to find accommodation easily. However, some of the tea houses and lodges may close early in May due to the upcoming monsoon season. After the busy month of April, you will find lodge owners much more receptive to conversations.
Main Attractions and Events in March, April, and May
March: Clear Skies and Sherpa’s Losar Festival
During March, the skies are clearer, and you can expect to see panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. While not the best time for birds and flowers, it is one of the better times, especially at the lower altitudes. Expect the tree rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal, to light up the way towards the end of the month.
Another attraction of the Everest Base Camp Trek is the unique Sherpa culture. You will get a chance to witness the Sherpa’s Losar festival, which marks the Tibetan New Year. This festival is celebrated with traditional dances, music, and food.
Some other events that occur in March:
- Ghode Jatra: A Kathmandu-specific festival where the Nepal Army performs horse races at the parade ground (Tundhikhel) to ward off the demon Gurumapa.
- Maha Shivaratri: Particularly lively at Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath Temple, where thousands of sadhus (Hindu holy men) gather to worship Lord Shiva.
- Holi: The festival of spring, where water and colored powders are thrown around in celebration.
April: Stunning Views and Mani Rimdu Festival
During April, you can witness spectacular mountain views. Morning skies are usually squeaky clean, but the landscape starts to take on a different personality as the day progresses and clouds build up. The birds are also back in Everest for the breeding season.
In April, you can witness the Mani Rimdu festival, which is a three-day festival celebrated in the Tengboche Monastery. This festival involves colorful masked dances, music, and chanting.
May: Planting Season and Preparations for Monsoon Season
May is the planting season when the people of the Sherpa community start planting crops in the fields. You can see the fields come to life with the planting of potatoes, barley, and buckwheat. The big rhododendrons are spectacular at this time of the year. The colorful blossoms of these flowers add a vibrant and beautiful touch to the trek. You can also witness the preparations for the upcoming monsoon season.
Billed as ‘the world’s highest marathon,’ the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon is held every year on May 29th, the anniversary of the first Everest summit in 1953. Participants can choose to run a 60 km, 42 km, or 21k m trail starting from EBC through the Khumbu Valley. Not one to be taken lightly!
Conclusion
In conclusion, trekking to the Everest Base Camp in March, April, and May provides an unforgettable experience for adventure enthusiasts. The weather during these months is generally pleasant and stable, making it an ideal time to embark on this journey.
Additionally, trekkers can enjoy the blooming of colourful rhododendrons and clear views of the majestic Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Cultural festivities, such as the Mani Rimdu festival and Sherpa’s Losar festival, also offer an opportunity for a unique cultural experience.
While April is the peak trekking season, the relatively fewer crowds in March and May provide an opportunity for a more peaceful and intimate experience with nature. Overall, trekking to the Everest Base Camp in March, April, and May is a must-try for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in Nepal.
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