How Cold Is It on Mount Everest?

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world—and it’s not just known for its height, but also for how incredibly cold it can get. Every year, many people dream of visiting or climbing this famous peak. One of the most common questions they ask is: How cold does it get on Mount Everest? The truth is, the temperature can change a lot depending on things like how high you are, the time of year, the weather, and even what time of day it is. In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about how cold it gets on Everest—from the base camp all the way to the top—and what that means for anyone planning to go there.

Mount Everest Temperature Overview

Mount Everest is one of the coldest places on Earth, and its high altitude is the main reason. The higher you go, the thinner the air gets—and that means it can’t hold heat very well. Even when the sun is out, it can still feel extremely cold, especially because of the strong wind.

At Everest Base Camp, which is about 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) high, daytime temperatures in spring and autumn are usually between -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F). But at night, it can drop to -15°C (5°F) or even lower. That’s cold enough to freeze water bottles inside your tent!

If you go all the way to the summit, it’s much colder. In winter, the temperature can fall to -60°C (-76°F). Even in summer, it stays around -20°C (-4°F). That kind of cold can be dangerous. There’s a real risk of frostbite and hypothermia if you’re not dressed properly.

So, if you’re planning to sleep at Everest Base Camp, make sure you’re well-prepared. Bring the right clothes, sleeping bag, and gear to keep warm, because the nights are freezing—even if the days feel sunny.

Climbing or trekking around Everest is an amazing experience, but the cold is one of the biggest challenges. Knowing what to expect will help keep you safe, warm, and ready for the adventure.

How Cold Is It on Mount Everest?

The weather on Mount Everest can be extremely cold, and it changes a lot depending on how high you go and what time of year it is.

Most visitors only stay at Everest Base Camp, where it’s already chilly. But for those who try to climb all the way to the top (the summit), the cold becomes much more serious.

At higher altitudes, the air gets thinner and much colder. During the popular climbing seasons (spring and autumn), temperatures near the summit can drop to -20°C to -35°C (that’s -4°F to -31°F). Strong winds—sometimes over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h)—can make it feel even colder. In winter, the summit can reach a freezing -60°C (-76°F). That’s so cold it’s almost impossible for humans to survive for long.

Because of this, climbers need very special clothing and gear to stay safe. This includes warm thermal layers, thick down suits, proper gloves, and boots. Without this gear, a person can get frostbite in just a few minutes.

If you’re thinking about climbing Everest, it’s very important to understand just how cold it gets up there. Being prepared can keep you safe—and might even save your life.

Mount Everest Temperature by Season

The weather on Mount Everest changes a lot depending on the season. Knowing what to expect in each season can help you plan your trek or climb more safely and comfortably.

🌸 Spring (April to May)
Spring is the most popular time to climb Everest. The weather is more stable, and temperatures are easier to handle.

• At Base Camp: Around -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F) during the day
• At the Summit: About -20°C (-4°F)
  This season gives you the best chance of good weather and success.

🌧️ Summer (June to August)
Summer is monsoon season. It’s warmer but very wet and cloudy.

• Heavy rain and snow make trails slippery and dangerous.
• Avalanches and landslides happen more often.
• Summit temps: Around -15°C to -25°C (5°F to -13°F)
  Not a good time for climbing due to poor visibility and storm risks.

🍁 Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is the second-best time to go. The weather is dry and clear.

• Temperatures are like spring.
• It’s great for trekking and climbing, with fewer people on the trail.

❄️ Winter (December to February)
Winter is freezing cold and very quiet. Only expert climbers try Everest in winter.

• Summit: Can drop to -60°C (-76°F)
• Base Camp: Often -20°C (-4°F) or colder
  It’s the toughest time to be on the mountain.

Everest Summit Temperature vs Base Camp Temperature

One of the most amazing things about Mount Everest is how much the temperature changes from the bottom to the top. The base camp and the summit are over 3,500 meters (about 11,500 feet) apart in height, and the weather at each place is very different.

At Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters high), it’s cold, but not too bad if you have the right clothes and sleeping bags. In the spring and autumn, daytime temperatures can be between -5°C and 10°C (23°F to 50°F). At night, it gets colder—around -15°C (5°F). With good gear like warm tents, thick jackets, and hot meals, most trekkers can stay comfortable.

But up at the summit of Everest (8,848.86 meters), it’s a very different story. It’s one of the coldest places on Earth. In spring, the temperature is usually around -30°C (-22°F), and in winter, it gets even colder. The air is very thin, and the wind is extremely strong, which makes it feel even worse. This kind of cold can quickly cause frostbite or hypothermia if you’re not fully prepared.

This big change in temperature isn’t just something to read about—it can be a matter of life and death. Many accidents on Everest happen because climbers don’t realize how fast the weather can change near the top. There are sad stories, like “The Sleeping Beauty of Everest,” that remind us how dangerous it can be if things go wrong.

Knowing how different the temperatures are from base camp to the summit helps trekkers and climbers prepare properly. With the right clothing and equipment at each stage, the journey can be safer and more successful.

How Wind Chill Affects Climbers on Everest

When people think about how cold Mount Everest is, they usually think about the actual temperature. But there’s something even more dangerous—wind chill. Wind chill is how cold the air feels on your skin when strong winds blow. On Everest, the wind can blow really hard—sometimes over 160 km/h (100 mph). So even if the air temperature is -30°C, the wind can make it feel like -50°C or colder.

This makes Everest feel much colder than it already is. That’s one big reason why many climbers get frostbite (when your skin freezes) or hypothermia (when your body gets too cold). Even if they wear warm clothes, any exposed skin or weak gear can lead to serious injury in just a few minutes.

It’s even more dangerous in the “Death Zone,” which is above 8,000 meters. There’s very little oxygen up there, and even small movements feel exhausting. The wind and cold are brutal.

One sad reminder of Everest’s dangers is the body known as “Green Boots.” It lies near the summit and is believed to be a climber who died from the cold and exhaustion many years ago. His body is still there, frozen by the mountain’s extreme cold and wind.

So, wind chill isn’t just about feeling cold—it can be deadly. That’s why climbers need the right gear and good preparation before heading into Everest’s high altitudes.

Dangers of Cold on Everest: Frostbite, Hypothermia & Altitude

The cold on Mount Everest isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be extremely dangerous. If you stay in freezing temperatures too long, you can get very sick. Two of the biggest risks are frostbite and hypothermia, and both can be life-threatening.

Frostbite happens when your skin and the tissue under it freeze. It mostly affects fingers, toes, ears, and your nose—parts that are more exposed. On Everest, frostbite can happen in just a few minutes, especially if you take off your gloves or boots, even for a short time. In bad cases, it can cause permanent damage or even lead to amputation.

Hypothermia is when your body gets too cold and can’t warm itself up. This affects how your brain and heart work. Signs include shivering, feeling confused, and slurred speech. If not treated quickly, hypothermia can be deadly.

These dangers get worse at high altitudes like Everest, where the air has less oxygen. Your body has to work harder to stay warm and think clearly. Even a small mistake in cold weather up there can turn serious very quickly.

Many people ask: “What if I get sick on the Everest Base Camp trek?” If something goes wrong, the usual steps are a helicopter rescue, using oxygen, or going down to a lower altitude as fast as possible.

To stay safe:

• Wear warm, proper gear
• Walk slowly
• Drink lots of water
• Always listen to your body

Most importantly, respect the cold and know your limits. Staying safe is more important than reaching the top.

How to Prepare for the Cold on Everest

Getting ready for the cold on Everest isn’t just about packing warm clothes. It takes smart planning, practice, and understanding how your body reacts in freezing temperatures.

1. Wear the Right Gear
You need good-quality clothes made for the cold. Start with warm inner layers (called thermals), a thick down jacket, and a waterproof outer jacket. Don’t forget warm gloves, a face mask, and goggles to protect your skin from wind and snow. Good boots are very important, especially for high altitudes. Many trekkers also use heated insoles and hand warmers during really cold days.

2. Train Your Body
Your body needs time to get used to the cold. Try to spend time in cold places before your trek — it helps you adjust. Also, work on your fitness. The cold and thin air at high altitude are tough on your heart and lungs, so being in good shape will help a lot.

3. Dress in Layers
Wearing clothes in layers is smart. You can take off or add layers depending on how cold or warm you feel. This helps prevent sweating (because sweat can freeze and make you colder) and keeps you from overheating. Pay attention to how your body feels and make changes quickly.

4. Be Mentally Ready
Staying strong in your mind is just as important as being physically ready. The weather can be tough, and things won’t always go as planned. If you stay calm, patient, and focused, you’ll be able to handle challenges better.

What Is the Temperature at Night on Everest?

Nighttime on Mount Everest is extremely cold—colder than almost anywhere else in the world. When the sun goes down, the temperature drops very fast.

Everest Base Camp, nights can get as cold as -20°C to -25°C (that’s around -4°F to -13°F). But higher up the mountain, like at Camp IV or near the summit, it can drop to -60°C (-76°F) or even lower. That kind of cold is hard to even imagine.

This is because, at high altitude, there’s less air, strong winds, and no warmth from the sun at night. It all adds up to freezing conditions.

For trekkers and climbers, the nights are the hardest part. If you’re sleeping in a tent, you must have a very warm sleeping bag, a thick mat, and lots of warm clothes. Even stepping outside for a short moment—like to use the toilet—can be dangerous without the right gear.

One of the coldest experiences for most trekkers is the early morning hike to Kala Patthar, the famous viewpoint for Mount Everest. You start in the dark, hours before sunrise, and the wind makes it feel even colder—sometimes colder than -30°C (-22°F).

That’s why many people go with local trekking companies, like Nature Heaven Trek and Expedition, who know the area well and help keep you safe and comfortable in these extreme conditions.

To stay safe during these cold nights, preparation is everything. If you know what to expect and bring the right gear, you can enjoy the adventure and stay safe—even in the freezing cold.

How Climbers Survive the Freezing Temperatures on Everest

Climbing Mount Everest isn’t just about being brave—it’s also about being smart and well-prepared. The mountain is extremely cold, especially in the “Death Zone” above 8,000 meters, where there’s very little oxygen and the body gets weaker with every step.

To stay safe, climbers wear thick down suits, warm layers of clothes, and special boots made for freezing weather. They also use oxygen tanks to help them breathe in the thin air. Without these, there’s a real danger of frostbite (when your skin freezes) or hypothermia (when your body gets too cold).

It’s also important to avoid getting too sweaty. If your clothes get wet, they can freeze, which makes it even harder to stay warm.

Other important gear includes windproof jackets, heated gloves, face covers (like balaclavas), and snow goggles to protect your eyes. At night, climbers sleep in high-altitude tents with special sleeping bags and sometimes use small heaters to stay warm.

Before trying to reach the top, climbers spend weeks slowly getting used to the high altitude. They move up and down the mountain several times to help their bodies adjust. Eating lots of high-energy food and drinking enough water also helps them stay strong.

Even with all these challenges, many climbers still reach the summit. Some have even taken amazing photos of Everest from space—showing how huge and beautiful it really is.

Mount Everest is one of the coldest, toughest places on Earth. Whether you’re just visiting base camp or climbing to the top, you need to understand the cold, the wind, and how to stay safe. With the right gear, planning, and respect for nature, you can enjoy this incredible mountain—and live to share your story.