When to Visit Mount Everest: The Two Climbing Windows

Mount Everest (8,848.86 m / 29,031.7 ft) is only safely climbable during two narrow weather windows dictated by the Asian monsoon and jet stream.

Pre-Monsoon (Spring) — Primary Season

• Window: Late April – Late May (peak summit push: May 10–25).
• Conditions: Jet stream shifts north, reducing summit winds to 20–40 knots (vs. 100+ knots in winter). Temperatures: -20°C to -30°C at summit; Base Camp (5,364 m) days 0–10°C, nights -10°C.
• Advantages: More stable weather, longer daylight, established fixed ropes/ladders (Icefall Doctors), massive support infrastructure (Sherpa teams, base camp services).
• Crowds: 600–800+ climbers attempt; traffic jams on Hillary Step / balcony common.

Post-Monsoon (Autumn) — Secondary Season

• Window: Late September – Late October.
• Conditions: Monsoon ends, air clears (spectacular visibility), jet stream returns south but often calm periods. Colder: summit -30°C to -40°C; Base Camp nights -15°C. Higher snow accumulation (fresh monsoon snow), avalanche risk on slopes.
• Advantages: Fewer climbers (~100–200), quieter Base Camp, stunning post-monsoon clarity.
• Disadvantages: Shorter window, less infrastructure, colder, higher avalanche danger, no Icefall Doctors maintenance (ropes degrade).

Off-Season (Not Recommended)

• Winter (Nov–Mar): Jet stream on summit, hurricane-force winds, -40°C to -60°C, extreme avalanche risk. Only elite alpinists attempt (e.g., 2021 winter first ascent by Nepali team).
• Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Heavy snow/rain, zero visibility, lethal avalanches, leeches at lower elevations. No commercial expeditions.

Trekking Only (No Summit)

Everest Base Camp Trek is popular March–May and September–November. Spring = rhododendron bloom, more trekkers. Autumn = clearest skies, best views. Winter = cold, quiet, some teahouses closed.

Permits & Logistics

• Nepal (South Side): $11,000/person permit (2024) + liaison officer + insurance + operator (~$40K–$100K total).
• Tibet (North Side): Chinese permit, stricter quotas, political access risk.

Spring = standard. Autumn = connoisseur. Winter = elite. Monsoon = never.