Standing at 8,848.86 metres above sea level, Mount Everest isn’t just the world’s highest peak; it’s also one of the coldest places on Earth. In December 2004, a record low temperature of -41°C (-42°F) was recorded on the peak, though some sources report even colder conditions. If you’re planning to trek to Everest Base Camp or simply curious about the mountain’s extreme climate, understanding how cold Mount Everest truly gets will give you a profound respect for this Himalayan giant.
The temperature at Mount Everest varies dramatically by season and altitude, but one fact remains constant: it’s always below freezing at the summit. During the coldest months, the Everest winter temperature can plummet to bone-chilling levels that challenge human survival. Combined with hurricane-force winds and thin air, the mountain creates one of the most hostile environments on the planet.
Quick Overview of Temperature at Mount Everest:
- Summit winter temperature: -36°C to -60°C (-33°F to -76°F)
- Base Camp winter temperature: -17°C to -22°C (1°F to -8°F)
- Coldest months: December through February
- Wind chill can drop temperatures to -70°C (-94°F)
- Best viewing season: October-November and March-April
What Makes Mount Everest So Cold?
Several factors combine to create the extreme temperatures on Everest, turning it into a frozen fortress where even summer feels like winter elsewhere.
Altitude’s Relentless Grip
The higher you climb, the thinner the air becomes and the colder it gets. At Everest’s summit, you’re breathing air that contains only one-third the oxygen found at sea level. This thin atmosphere cannot retain heat effectively, which is why the temperature at Mount Everest remains frigid year-round. The air pressure drops so dramatically that your body struggles to generate warmth, making every degree feel even colder than the thermometer suggests.
Trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres will experience cold conditions, but nothing compared to what awaits at higher camps. Every thousand metres of elevation typically brings a temperature drop of about 6.5°C, creating a dramatic gradient from the relatively warmer base areas to the summit’s frozen peak.
The Jet Stream’s Fury
The summit of Everest might be the windiest place on earth, with hurricane-force winds buffeting the summit on over 50% of days during the windiest months. From mid-October through April, the mountain sits directly in the path of the subtropical jet stream, which brings sustained winds exceeding 74 mph, equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane.
These powerful winds create a wind chill effect that transforms already brutal temperatures into something far more dangerous. During the winter, chill-adjusted temperatures at the summit are as low as -70 °C (-90°F), and exposed skin would be frostbitten almost instantaneously at this temperature. The jet stream’s position determines when climbers can attempt the summit, typically shifting north in May to create a brief window of relatively calmer weather.
Geographic Location and Weather Patterns
Mount Everest sits at the junction of two major weather systems, the Indian monsoon from the south and the dry Tibetan high-pressure system from the north. This positioning creates rapidly changing conditions that can shift from clear skies to violent storms within hours. The mountain lies at 28° north of the equator, subjecting it to typical northern hemisphere seasonal patterns that bring the coldest conditions during winter months.
How Cold Does Mt Everest Get in Winter?
Winter on Everest represents the mountain’s most extreme and unforgiving season. If you’ve ever wondered exactly how cold mt everest gets during the harshest months, the answer might surprise you.
December Through February: The Freezing Peak
The coldest months on Everest begin in mid-December and extend through February. The coldest temperatures of the year occur from the 15th of December onward until the end of January, with temperatures at the summit averaging -37C (-35F) while those at Everest Basecamp average -17C (1.4F). These are average temperatures; actual readings can drop significantly lower.
January claims the title as the coldest month, when summit temperatures regularly reach -60°C (-76°F). At these temperatures, breath freezes before you can exhale, and any exposed skin develops frostbite within seconds. The air becomes so cold that it feels like inhaling shards of ice, burning your throat and lungs with each breath.
For those visiting Everest Base Camp during winter, expect daytime temperatures around -5°C to -10°C, dropping to -20°C or lower at night. While manageable with proper gear, these conditions still demand respect and careful preparation.
Why Winter Climbing Remains Exceptionally Rare
Only a handful of mountaineers have successfully summited Everest in winter since the first winter ascent in February 1980 by Polish climbers Leszek Cichy and Krzysztof Wielicki. Fewer than one percent of all Everest ascents occur in winter, and for good reason, the combination of extreme cold, violent winds, and unpredictable weather creates conditions that push human endurance to its absolute limits.
Winter expeditions face temperatures that can drop below -40°C at base camp, while summit attempts must contend with the full fury of the jet stream. Climbers might wait six weeks and never get a safe opportunity to ascend. If a window does appear, it may last less than 24 hours. The brief weather windows that make spring climbing possible simply don’t exist with the same reliability during the coldest months.
Winter Risks Beyond Temperature
The Everest winter temperature tells only part of the story. Heavy snowfall can dump over a metre of snow at base camp during winter storms, often catching trekkers by surprise. The extreme cold compromises equipment performance, batteries die quickly, fuel doesn’t vaporize properly for stoves, and ropes become stiff and difficult to handle. Even the most experienced climbers face dramatically increased risks of frostbite, hypothermia, and high-altitude illness when the thermometer plummets.
Temperature Variations Across Different Altitudes
Mount Everest’s temperature profile changes dramatically as you ascend, creating distinct climate zones that trekkers and climbers must navigate.
Everest Base Camp (5,364 metres)
At base camp, temperatures remain cold but survivable with appropriate gear. During spring trekking season (April-May), daytime temperatures hover around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F), though nights still drop to -5°C or lower. Autumn brings similar daytime warmth but colder nights around -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F).
Winter transforms base camp into a frozen landscape where temperatures average 17°C during the day, plummeting to -25°C at night. Many trekkers successfully visit base camp during these months, though proper clothing and acclimatization become even more critical. The tea houses that operate during peak season close in winter, forcing visitors to stay at the Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse or retreat to nearby villages.
The Climbing Route: Camp 1 to Camp 4
As climbers ascend through the camps, temperatures drop progressively. Camp 1 (6,065 metres) experiences temperatures similar to base camp but with stronger winds. Camp 2 (6,500 metres) sits in a relatively sheltered location, though nights remain brutal. Camp 3 (7,162 metres on the Lhotse Face) exposes climbers to full mountain winds and temperatures well below freezing.
Camp 4 (7,920 metres) marks entry into the Death Zone, where the temperature at Mount Everest becomes life-threatening without supplemental oxygen. Here, even in the relatively mild spring season, temperatures hover around -30°C to -40°C. In winter, the thermometer can plunge below -50°C, creating conditions where survival time without shelter measures in hours, not days.
The Summit: Earth’s Frozen Crown
At the summit, temperatures never rise above freezing throughout the entire year. The average temperature at the Everest summit during winter, from December until February, is -36°C (-32.8°F), though individual days regularly see much colder readings. Even during the warmest month of July, summit temperatures average only -19°C (-2°F).
The summit’s extreme exposure to winds amplifies the cold’s effects. With wind speeds regularly exceeding 200 km/h during winter, the wind chill creates equivalent temperatures that match the coldest places on Earth, including interior Antarctica. Standing on top of the world means standing in one of the coldest spots humans can reach.
Seasonal Temperature Patterns on Everest
Understanding Everest’s seasonal temperature changes helps visitors and climbers choose the optimal time for their Himalayan adventure.
Spring (March-May): The Climbing Window
Spring brings the warmest and most stable conditions Everest experiences. As winter’s grip loosens, temperatures gradually rise, though “warm” remains a relative term at extreme altitude. Summit temperatures during May, the prime climbing month, average -20°C to -30°C (-4°F to -22°F), while base camp enjoys pleasant days around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).
The crucial advantage of spring isn’t warmth but rather the northward shift of the jet stream. This movement creates brief windows of calmer weather when summit winds drop below hurricane force, making ascents possible. Most successful Everest summits occur during a narrow window in mid-May when conditions align favourably.
For trekkers visiting base camp, spring offers comfortable hiking temperatures with clear morning skies that reveal stunning mountain views. Nights remain cold but manageable with proper sleeping bags rated for -10°C to -15°C.
Summer/Monsoon (June-August): The Wet Season
The summer monsoon brings warmer temperatures but terrible climbing conditions. At base camp, daytime temperatures can reach 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), making it theoretically pleasant. However, heavy rainfall, thick clouds, and increased avalanche danger make this the worst season for Everest expeditions.
The temperature at Mount Everest summit remains cold even during summer months, averaging -18°C to -20°C (-0.4°F to -4°F). The monsoon moisture creates unstable conditions with frequent snowstorms, poor visibility, and wet, slippery slopes that dramatically increase danger.
Autumn (September-November): The Second Window
Autumn provides a second climbing window with conditions similar to spring. As the monsoon retreats, skies clear and temperatures stabilize. September can still see warmer base camp temperatures around 10°C to 15°C, gradually cooling through October and November.
Autumn brings a rapid cool, dropping to -27°C to -30°C (-16.6°F to -22°F) in October and November at the summit. While colder than spring, autumn offers fewer crowds and stunning visibility. The post-monsoon atmosphere becomes crystal clear, creating perfect conditions for photography and scenic flights.
Trekkers find autumn particularly rewarding for base camp visits, with stable weather, clear skies, and comfortable daytime hiking temperatures before the freezing level drops too severely in December.
Comparing Everest’s Cold to Other Locations
To truly grasp how extreme Everest’s temperatures are, comparing them to Earth’s coldest inhabited places provides perspective.
Mount Everest’s winter summit temperatures of -60°C match the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth—Oymyakon, Russia, where temperatures occasionally reach -67.8°C. However, Oymyakon sits at just 750 metres elevation with full atmospheric pressure, while Everest combines brutal cold with oxygen levels only one-third of sea level.
Antarctica’s interior research stations have recorded colder absolute temperatures, including the world record -89.2°C at Vostok Station. Yet these locations lack Everest’s hurricane-force winds and vertical terrain that make survival even more challenging. The combination of altitude, wind, and cold makes Everest’s summit environment uniquely hostile.
For travellers from temperate climates, Everest Base Camp’s winter temperatures of -20°C to -25°C might seem extreme, but they’re comparable to winter conditions in places like Fairbanks, Alaska, or Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The difference lies in the altitude’s effects on your body and the remoteness from medical facilities if problems arise.
Preparing for Everest’s Extreme Cold
Whether you’re trekking to base camp or attempting higher elevations, proper preparation makes the difference between an amazing adventure and a dangerous ordeal.
Essential Clothing and Gear
Layering forms the foundation of cold-weather survival on Everest. Your system should include a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layers (fleece or down), and a windproof, waterproof outer shell. For winter base camp treks, your sleeping bag should have a comfort rating of at least -20°C, with -30°C ratings providing better security during the coldest months.
Down-insulated jackets become essential above base camp, where temperatures rarely rise above freezing. Climbers heading into higher camps require expedition-weight down suits rated for extreme cold, insulated boots rated to -40°C, and multiple pairs of gloves, including shell gloves, liner gloves, and heavy mittens.
Don’t overlook smaller items that protect vulnerable areas. A good balaclava protects your face from windburn and frostbite, while goggles with full side protection prevent snow blindness. Hand warmers and foot warmers provide emergency backup when your body’s heat generation can’t keep pace with the cold.
Physical and Mental Preparation
Your body’s ability to generate heat decreases at altitude as your cardiovascular system struggles with reduced oxygen. Arriving in excellent physical condition gives you the best chance of staying warm and healthy. Include regular cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and cold weather exposure in your training regimen.
Mental preparation proves equally important. The relentless cold can wear down even experienced adventurers. Understanding what to expect, the frozen mornings, the ice in your water bottle, the burning sensation in your lungs when you breathe, helps you maintain perspective and avoid panic when conditions turn harsh.
Acclimatization and the Cold
Proper acclimatization to altitude doesn’t just reduce your risk of altitude sickness; it also improves your body’s ability to stay warm. As you acclimatize, your body produces more red blood cells to carry oxygen more efficiently, improving your metabolism and heat generation.
Take your time ascending, following the mountaineering principle of “climb high, sleep low.” This gradual approach gives your body time to adapt to both the altitude and the progressively colder temperatures you’ll encounter as you move higher.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Everest?
Choosing the right season determines whether you’ll experience Everest at its most beautiful or its most brutal.
For Base Camp Trekkers
The optimal seasons for trekking to Everest Base Camp are October-November and March-April. These months offer stable weather, clear mountain views, and temperatures that remain challenging but manageable with proper gear. Daytime hiking stays comfortable, though mornings and evenings require warm clothing.
October and November provide the best visibility after the monsoon clears the atmosphere. Morning temperatures start below freezing but warm to pleasant levels by midday. The landscape transitions from post-monsoon greenery to winter’s stark beauty, creating dramatic photographic opportunities.
March and April bring longer days and gradually warming temperatures as winter releases its grip. You’ll encounter more trekkers during these months, but the social atmosphere at tea houses and the increasingly reliable weather make it worthwhile. Rhododendron blooms begin appearing at lower elevations, adding colour to the rugged terrain.
For Climbing Expeditions
Summit climbers have two realistic windows: spring (late April to May) and autumn (late September to October). Spring remains the overwhelming favourite, with more than 90% of summit attempts occurring during the brief May window when the jet stream shifts northward.
Spring, April, and May, specifically, are the prime climbing seasons for Mount Everest. It’s not warm, with temperatures at the summit ranging between -20°C and -30°C (-4°F to -22°F), but more stable weather conditions make it favorable for climbing. The slightly warmer temperatures and crucially important wind reduction create conditions where human survival at extreme altitude becomes possible.
Winter: For Experts and Observers Only
Winter climbing attempts remain the domain of elite mountaineers with extensive high-altitude experience. For most visitors, winter offers a different way to appreciate Everest, from a respectful distance. The mountain wears a pristine coat of fresh snow, and clear, cold air creates visibility that can extend for hundreds of kilometres.
If you’re considering a winter base camp trek, understand you’ll face significant challenges, including colder temperatures, higher avalanche risk, and limited facilities. Only attempt this with experienced guides and exceptional cold-weather gear.
Staying Safe in Everest’s Cold
The extreme Everest winter temperature and year-round cold at altitude demand respect and proper safety practices.
Recognizing Cold-Weather Injuries
Frostbite occurs when tissue freezes, most commonly affecting fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Early signs include numbness and white or greyish-yellow skin. If you notice these symptoms, rewarm the affected area gradually, never with direct heat. At altitude, even minor frostbite can become serious without proper treatment.
Hypothermia develops when your core body temperature drops below 35°C. Initial symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, confusion, and loss of coordination. Advanced hypothermia brings paradoxical warmth sensations and erratic behavior. Prevention through proper clothing, adequate nutrition, and staying dry far exceeds treatment options in remote mountain environments.
Cold Weather Emergency Protocols
Always travel with partners who can recognize and respond to cold-weather emergencies. Carry emergency bivvy sacks or space blankets that weigh almost nothing but can save your life. Know your evacuation options; helicopter rescue becomes increasingly difficult at higher elevations and may prove impossible during winter storms.
Keep communication devices charged and protected from cold. Battery performance drops dramatically in freezing temperatures, so carry backup power sources close to your body where they stay warmer.
Working With Local Guides
Experienced Sherpa guides possess invaluable knowledge about Everest’s weather patterns and safe practices in extreme cold. They recognize dangerous conditions before they become critical and know when to turn back despite summit ambitions. Their expertise often makes the difference between a successful adventure and a tragedy.
The Science Behind Everest’s Extreme Cold
Understanding why Everest remains so cold requires examining several interconnected factors that create its unique climate.
The Freezing Level Phenomenon
On most mountains, there exists a clear freezing level, an altitude where temperatures transition from above to below 0°C. On Everest, this level stays remarkably low throughout the year, typically between 4,000 to 5,000 metres even during summer. This means everything above base camp remains in a perpetual frozen state, preserving the mountain’s massive ice and snow coverage.
The freezing level drops even lower during winter, sometimes descending below 3,000 metres. This explains why snow covers even the approach routes and why the entire mountain transforms into an ice fortress during the coldest months.
Why Temperature Matters Beyond Comfort
At extreme altitude, temperature affects far more than just comfort; it determines survival. Cold air holds less moisture, creating the severe dehydration that plagues high-altitude climbers. Your body expends enormous energy staying warm when you should conserve strength for climbing. Equipment fails in ways it wouldn’t at sea level, metal becomes brittle, plastic shatters, and electronics malfunction.
The Everest winter weather creates a cascade of challenges where each cold-related problem compounds others. Frozen water means melting snow for every drink, consuming fuel, and time. Stiff ropes move slowly through carabiners, slowing progress. Frost forming on oxygen masks reduces their efficiency when you need oxygen most.
Final Thoughts: Respecting the Cold
Mount Everest’s extreme temperatures represent one of the mountain’s most formidable defenses against human ambition. Understanding how cold mt everest gets provides crucial context for anyone planning to visit, whether you’re trekking to base camp or attempting the summit.
The temperature at Mount Everest challenges even the most prepared adventurers, demanding respect, proper equipment, and realistic self-assessment. But for those who prepare carefully, the reward is experiencing one of Earth’s most magnificent environments, a frozen kingdom where the sky meets the earth and every breath reminds you of your incredible human capacity for adventure.
Whether you visit during the relatively mild conditions of spring and autumn or observe from afar during the brutal winter months, Everest’s cold will leave an impression. It’s a cold that transforms water into ice instantly, which makes steel brittle and breath visible. It’s a cold that has shaped explorers for generations and continues to draw those seeking to test themselves against nature’s ultimate challenge.
Ready to experience the Himalayas? Explore our comprehensive Nepal trekking guides and start planning your Everest adventure with proper preparation and expert guidance. The mountain isn’t going anywhere. Take the time to prepare properly, and when you’re ready, Nepal’s magnificent peaks await.