The autumn season is among the best season to trek anywhere in Nepal, including treks to Everest Base Camp. After the hot and rainy summer, nature comes alive for the fall season. You can enjoy perfect and stable weather conditions. Trekkers can have a great and adventurous time on the trails.
A trek to the base camp of Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain the world is a destination not to be missed. The trek gives you the chance to explore the beautiful village life and culture of the world famous ‘Sherpa’ people. Plus, the closer views of the giant snow-covered peaks.
Trek to the EBC is possible throughout the year but it is best to organize your treks during the autumn months. It is that time of the year when the weather will be in your favor. This way you get to enjoy the trek and not worry about the weather-related issues like clothing, gear, and so on. It is always easier this way, isn’t it?
Well, the autumn season lasts for three months in Nepal. Each month have their own unique features. Allows us to guide you through the best these autumn months have to offer.
Autumn Season
Late September, October, and November are the autumn months in Nepal. These months see the most stable weather conditions in the high altitudes of Nepal. You can enjoy the crisp weather during these months.
The temperatures also range from a cool 6-22 degrees Celsius during this season.
The weather conditions of the trails are perfect. You can get a well-rounded trekking experience. And, during this time of the year, you can enjoy the beauty of the trek to its fullest.
Some of the best treks of Nepal is also possible and in high demand in autumn, including the Everest Base Camp trek.
Although the same season, the temperatures and weather conditions do differ slightly between the three months.
Everest Base Camp Trek Weather in September
September is the beginning of the autumn season. You can enjoy the last traces of monsoon in early September.
You may encounter some short bursts of rain during the first two weeks of September. The average number of cloudy days is 8-12 for September. Most of these occur during the first two weeks of the month.
The average temperatures during the first half of September range from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius.
By mid-September, autumn settles in. The average temperatures drop by 3-4 degrees Celsius. The nights are colder. The temperatures can drop to 4 degrees Celsius during the nights.
You can enjoy long, bright days during September. The average daylight hours are 8 during September. You can enjoy the beautiful sunsets from the comforts of the tea houses along the trails.
September is the beginning of the best season for the trek. The number of trekkers is not as high yet. You will get your choice of rooms and tea houses without booking.
You can also enjoy the calm and tranquillity of the trails at your own pace during September.
Highlights of the Everest Base Camp trek in September
- Opportunity to witness two distinct seasons of Nepal
- Hundreds of small streams and waterfalls along the way
- Quieter and less crowded trails, tea houses
Everest Base Camp Weather in October
October marks the best time of the year for trekking in Nepal. It neither has the hang of monsoon not the hint of winter sweeping in. It is just perfect. The weather is neither too cold nor too hot.
It has all the favorable conditions for the best treks in Nepal. The days are warm and bright. October also offers the great visibility.
No wonder October is the busiest month to trek in Nepal. Thus, you may need to book everything in advance. This includes your flights, tea houses, rooms, guides.
With the least chances of clouds, you are almost guaranteed clear skies during October. This means you get great views of the mountain peaks and the landscapes very early on your treks. You can meet like-minded people on the trails.
During October, the average temperature is 12 degrees Celsius during the day. It can drop to -6 degrees Celsius during the night. The average sunshine hour is 6/7 hours per day.
You will be trekking in warm weather while enjoying the great, clear scenery around you. You can also enjoy fabulous sunrise and sunsets during October. No clouds will block your views.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp trek in October
- Perfect and stable weather conditions
- The cloudless sky in October gives you an exceptional view of the mighty mountains and surrounding landscape
- Incredible sunrise and sunset views from the comforts of your tea house
Everest Base Camp Weather in November
November is the last month of the beautiful autumn season in Nepal. The perfect weather conditions of October continues to November as well.
During early November, you can enjoy warm temperature. And the temperature is around 12 degrees Celsius. The average temperature does decrease to 6 degrees Celsius by the end of November. The nights are colder with average temperatures of -12 degrees Celsius.
You can expect similar daylight hours of 6/7 hours per day. The days do get shorter by the end of November. This month is perfect for those who prefer cooler temperatures for treks. The temperatures are neither too warm or too cold.
If you are lucky, you may get to enjoy some light snowfall during the last week of November. Be sure to pack some well-insulated jacket and waterproof boots. This will come handy during your Everest Base Camp trek on the last week of November.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp trek in November
- Cooler days for comfortable treks
- Light snowfall during the end of November
Things to consider for Everest Base Camp trek during Autumn
Wind Speed
After you reach the higher altitudes, you must consider the wind chill factor. The average daily wind speed is around 8-11 km/hr (roughly 5-7 mph) in September. You must prepare for this.
Having a good quality windproof jacket, a buff is great. It protects you from getting cold. It is also great to prevent dry skin, throat ailments.
Alternative trails to Everest Base Camp Trek
These three months are the best months to do treks in Nepal. You will see a large number of trekkers, travelers, and climbers on the popular treks in the Everest region like the Everest Base Camp trek.
As Everest Base Camp is one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal, there are many routes to reach this destination. You can avoid the crowds and still reach Everest Base Camp during these months.
Some of the most popular ones are the direct routes to Everest Base Camp. To avoid the crowds try the Jiri-Everest Base Camp trek, Luxury lodge-Everest Base Camp trek.
These are longer and take you off-the-beaten-path. You get to experience the classic Himalayan trekking experience on these routes.
Festivals
Some of the biggest festivals in Nepal occur during the autumn season. The dates of the festivals do vary from year to year. Nepalese follows the Lunar calendar and celebrate different festivals like:
Dashain
This is the biggest festival of the Hindus. It is celebrated throughout the country. Nepalese from all over the world and country return home.
Family gatherings and parties take place. It is a festival that celebrates the victory of the good over evil. The festival spreads its charm for 15 days.
Tihar
The festival of lights, Tihar is a colorful festival. The shops and homes are decorated with colorful rangolis and ferry flights. It is a five-day festival, each day has a unique representation.
Mani Rimdu festival
This is the major festival celebrated by the Sherpa in the Everest region. It takes place in Tengboche Monastery, at 3,867 meters. The festival celebrates the victory of Buddhism over Bon religion.
You can see the locals of Khumbu region decked in their best enjoying the events of empowerment and religious functions. You can enjoy the masked dances and dramas enacted by the monks of the monastery.
Packing for Everest Base Camp Trek in Autumn
Make sure you do a checklist of your packing essentials for your Everest Base Camp trek in autumn. Do not forget to include suitable gear adjustable for all kinds of weather.
Though the weather is generally clear in autumn, it is always safe to walk prepared. The weather in the Himalayas could change anytime.
Final Say,
The weather and climate of the Everest Base Camp like any other mountain treks are uncertain. They change in every hour. This is a good thing, you will get to experience the varying environment. The only thing you need to consider is the gear that you choose.
Well, the weather during autumn tends to be the most well-behaved. It is quite calm this time of the year and the changes are very small. If you want to be on a safe side, opt for Everest Base Camp during autumn.
Please feel free to contact us in case of any further queries about the trek.
