Weather expectations.
Contrary to what you might think, the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is not during the height of Summer. Rather, large window periods on either side of summer provide the best conditions for the trek.
February – May
Hiking almost anywhere in the world in spring is special. Plants, animals and birds dormant all winter spring back to life feeding and breeding in the warming temps. In Nepal spring is especially rejuvenating with colorful trailside rhododendrons blooming. Treks have been blessed with daytime temps in the 50s with mostly dry conditions which lead to solid trail conditions. Hillsides are verdant below tree line and the trails are not overcrowded.
The mostly clear skies mean fewer chances of flight cancellations getting into Lukla – the departure point for the trek.
Be aware that afternoon clouds can lead to showers. Also spring haze is not uncommon and can detract from visibility especially below 10,000 feet
You might be caught in the occasional snow showers if you catch the end of the winter season, but the weather should be largely stable and dry – perfect for trekking and high altitude climbing. Most Everest summit attempts occur during these months so you will likely come across many climbers, summiteers and their support crews!
October and November
Perhaps the prime reasons fall is a busy season in the Khumbu Valley are the views. After the summer monsoons, the skies are crisp and blue offering many photo moments of the sparkling white-capped Everest massif. Trail dust is at a minimum and fall migrating birds will likely be flitting across the trail on their way back to Africa at the lower elevations. Rivers will be running full with the monsoon’s largesse and this sound of mountain music helps you dance across the hanging bridges and up the Khumbu Valley.
Fall harvest festivals of Nepal Dashain and Tihar enliven several of the small towns on route to Everest Base Camp – and these are great opportunities for you to mingle with the Buddhist monks and Sherpa people. In Tengboche, the Mani Rimdu Festival is a chance for the largest and usually somber Buddhist monastery to celebrate. At 12,600 feet it also is one of the best places to see the Everest massif thanks to the azure skies.
Also, there are few chances of rainfall during this season making the atmosphere dry and clear. So, the routes are packed with trekkers visiting to see the beautiful landscape and mountains. You will meet many fellow companions and make new friends along the way. The magnificent mountains look mesmerizing below the clear sky. The temperature is also mild ranging from 50 to 65 degrees.