How Cold Is Mount Everest? Temperature, Weather & Survival Guide

Mount Everest is extremely cold and windy all year round. Even at Everest Base Camp, it does drop below freezing at night, and the farther up the mountain you go, the colder it gets. Even during summer, the peak does not warm up.

In the warmest month, the average temperature on the summit is about minus nineteen degrees, and in winter, the average is around minus thirty-six degrees, with extremes near minus sixty degrees. Powerful winds carry the cold even more harshly, and the wind chill can make it feel like minus fifty or even, in some extreme instances, minus seventy.

There are strong winds that are in the way of the mountain, and safe climbing can only occur within brief calm spells. These periods of calm are referred to as summit windows, and they are typical in May and early autumn. Short periods of calmer wind and stable weather, although still extremely cold, are what make safe climbing possible for trekkers and climbers as they progress on their expedition.

Temperature on Everest by Elevation

Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

Everest Base Camp sits on the Khumbu Glacier and serves as the starting point for many climbers and trekkers. The temperature here changes quickly throughout the day as the sun moves across the valley.

In the early morning, the air is cold, and frost covers the tents and the rocky ground. As the sun rises over the tall peaks, the glacier reflects bright light and warms the area. Trekkers often remove layers while walking during midday.

By late afternoon, the sun disappears behind the ridges, and the temperature falls immediately. Nights drop to around minus five to minus ten in the main trekking seasons, and can be even colder in early spring or late autumn. Trekkers use warm jackets, gloves, hats, and sleeping bags to stay comfortable.

Camp I (6,065 m)

Camp I lies at the top of the Khumbu Icefall and marks the entrance to the Western Cwm. The tall walls of snow around the Cwm trap sunlight and create a warm environment during midday. Climbers often enjoy rare moments of comfort here. Inside the tents, the temperature can feel mild enough to relax.

But after the sun disappears, the heat escapes quickly. Nights fall to minus fifteen or lower, creating very hard ice and uncomfortable sleeping conditions. Frost forms inside the tent walls, and water bottles freeze unless kept close to the body.

Wind can enter the valley from above and remove warmth instantly. Camp I teaches climbers how important it is to manage body heat and clothing at all times.

Camp II (6,400 m)

Camp II is deeper inside the Western Cwm and is one of the most important camps for acclimatization. Climbers spend several nights here to prepare for higher altitudes. The strong sunlight reflects off the tall snowy walls, and the camp becomes warm in the afternoon.

Climbers often enjoy resting in their tents in comfortable temperatures. But nights at Camp II fall to minus twenty or minus thirty. Snow melts slightly in the day and freezes hard at night. Boots, ropes, and equipment must be protected so they do not freeze.

Occasional wind from the Lhotse Face can sweep across the camp and make conditions very cold. Camp II is a temporary oasis of warmth during the day and a harsh environment at night.

Cold in the Khumbu Icefall

The Khumbu Icefall is one of the most famous and dangerous sections of Everest. It lies between Base Camp and Camp I, and is made of deep crevasses, moving ice towers, and unstable blocks. Cold in the Icefall is a special challenge. At night, the ice becomes extremely hard, and the temperature falls to around minus fifteen or lower.

The surface becomes slippery, and climbers must move carefully. Early morning is the best time to pass through because the cold keeps the ice stable. As the sun rises, the top layers start to melt slightly, increasing movement and danger.

Even on warm days, the Icefall remains cold because it is a frozen river of ice. Climbers wear warm layers and stay alert as they move between ladders and ropes.

Camp III (7,200 m)

Camp III stands on the steep and icy Lhotse Face. The camp is carved into hard blue ice that receives sunlight for only a short part of the day. Even when the sun shines, the air stays cold. Afternoon temperatures remain around minus fifteen, and nights drop to minus twenty-five or lower.

Climbers wear thick down clothing at all times here because the cold feels stronger with the thin air. Wind is another major concern because it cuts through clothing layers and increases the risk of frostbite. The Lhotse Face has no natural barriers, so even a small breeze becomes strong.

The cold affects breathing, movement, and sleep, making every simple task feel slow and exhausting. Camp III marks a point where the human body begins to struggle with the combination of thin air and freezing temperatures.

Camp IV (7,900 m)

Camp IV lies on the South Col, a wide, flat platform between Everest and Lhotse. This camp sits in one of the coldest locations where humans can stay, even if only briefly.

The wind here is constant and powerful, often shaking tents and throwing loose snow across the camp. Afternoon temperatures may remain around minus twenty or minus twenty-five, while nights fall to minus thirty or lower.

Winter temperatures drop even further, pushing conditions close to the limit of what gear and people can handle. Climbers use bottled oxygen because the air pressure is too low for safe breathing.

The cold makes every movement slow, and climbers must conserve energy. Tents shake all night from strong winds, so climbers often sleep lightly and keep their gear well secured.

Staying too long at the South Col can be dangerous, so climbers arrive, rest for a short time and prepare for the final climb. These temperatures describe typical climbing season conditions and not the very coldest winter storms, which can be much lower.

Everest Summit (8,849 m)

The summit of Everest is the highest point on the planet and one of the coldest places a human can visit. The temperature never rises above freezing at any time of the year. In the warmest month, the average stays near minus nineteen. In winter, it remains close to minus thirty-six. The air is extremely thin, and the wind increases the cold dramatically.

Even a light wind can create a chill near minus fifty. Climbers must reach the summit early in the morning when the weather is calmest. They stay only a short time because the cold drains strength quickly. The summit is beautiful but demands complete focus, preparation, and respect.

Everest Weather by Season

Winter (December–February)

Winter is the coldest season on Everest. The jet stream moves south and sits directly above the mountain. This brings continuous strong wind that batters the ridges and strip away any small pockets of warmth.

Summit temperatures stay around minus thirty-five to minus forty. Wind chill feels much colder and can reach minus seventy. The sky is clear on many days, but the cold is still too severe for safe climbing.

Equipment becomes brittle, and slopes become hard and icy. Only very few climbers attempt the mountain in winter because the cold tests every part of the body. Winter Everest is known for its fierce wind, deep frost, and near-impossible conditions.

Spring (March–May)

Spring is the most popular season for Everest expeditions. In March, the air remains cold, but the wind slowly begins to calm. By April weather becomes more stable, giving expeditions a better chance to move safely between higher camps. The jet stream moves north, and calm days appear more often. These calm days allow climbers to move to higher camps and complete their acclimatization.

In May, the summit window arrives, and most teams try to plan their final push during this short period. This short period brings slower wind at the summit and creates the safest chance to reach the top. Base Camp becomes warm during the day, though nights remain cold. Spring offers the best balance of clear skies, predictable weather, and moderate cold.

Summer (June–August)

Summer brings the monsoon, which covers Everest in clouds, heavy snowfall, and sudden, dangerous storms. Wet air from the Indian Ocean comes and forms rain in the lower valleys and snow at higher altitudes. Everest is cloudy, wet, and unsteady, with slopes that feel loose underfoot and visibility that changes quickly.

Snowfall adds avalanche risks and obscures climbing paths. There is low visibility, and storms can develop in a short time. Although temperatures are warmer, the mountain becomes dangerous due to unstable snow and wet terrain.

Climbers avoid this season completely because the unstable snow and frequent storms make safe movement almost impossible. Trekkers also prefer not to visit during this time because the trails become muddy and slippery. The monsoon brings life to the forests but makes Everest unsuitable for safe climbing.

Autumn (September–November)

Autumn is the second climbing season. After the monsoon ends, the sky becomes clear and views across the Himalaya improve. September offers fresh air and moderate temperatures, creating pleasant walking conditions for trekkers and base camp staff. Base Camp feels pleasant during the day and cold at night. The summit is colder than in spring but still manageable in early autumn.

Some teams attempt the summit in late September or early October when wind speeds remain low. By November, the jet stream returns, and the wind increases across the mountain. Late autumn becomes too windy for climbing. Trekkers enjoy this season because the trails are dry and the weather is calm.

How Weather Changes During the Summit Push

The weather changes very quickly during the summit push. Climbers leave Camp IV late at night or early in the morning. At this time, the air is extremely cold, the sky is dark, and the wind is usually calm. Wind speeds are lowest during the early hours of the day.

As the sun rises, the sky becomes brighter, but temperatures remain low because the thin air cannot hold heat. By midday wind often increases, forcing climbers to hurry their descent back toward the safety of lower camps. This is why climbers aim to reach the summit early and descend before the wind becomes dangerous.

If clouds form unexpectedly, visibility drops quickly. Temperature also changes with wind direction, so a small shift can suddenly make the air feel much colder. A small shift in wind can turn safe climbing conditions into a risky situation. Climbers must make decisions based on weather updates and their own condition.

Everest Weather Patterns: Why It Is So Cold

Extreme Altitude and Thin Air

The great coldness on Everest is mainly caused by altitude. The air pressure is lower and the atmosphere thinner as an individual ascends. Heat cannot be retained in thin air and therefore, the warmth is lost fast. The sun is powerful during the day, but the ground cools immediately when the sun goes down.

During the night, the temperatures are very low because the thin, dry air lets heat escape quickly to space, so the ground and air cool very fast. The human body also loses heat faster at high altitude because each breath releases warm air.

The summit lies in a zone where the air is too thin for the body to maintain normal function without protection. This extreme altitude creates conditions similar to those found near space.

Jet Stream Winds

The jet stream is a strong band of wind that flows high in the atmosphere. During winter and early spring, it moves south and passes directly over Everest. When it does, the summit experiences powerful wind that removes any warm air. This constant wind creates a dangerous wind chill that can freeze exposed skin in a very short time.

Even on clear days, the wind can freeze exposed skin within seconds. Climbers watch jet stream forecasts very carefully so they can choose summit days with lower and safer wind speeds.

When the jet stream moves north for a short time, a summit window appears. This window allows climbers to reach the top safely. Without this shift, the strong wind makes climbing impossible.

Himalayan Geography

Everest stands above all surrounding peaks and receives wind from all directions. The south col is similar to an open field that directs a strong wind through Everest and Lhotse. The chilled air at night in the Khumbu Valley makes the Base Camp and the nearby places chilly.

To the north, there is the Tibetan Plateau, which is cold all year round, and its cold air blows towards Everest. During snowy seasons, sunlight is reflected off the ground, and the ground will not warm. The distinct form of the mountain invites storms and lets the wind escalate rapidly along the slopes. All these together make the environment very cold.

Snow, Ice, and Reflective Surfaces

Most of Everest is covered in snow and ice. These surfaces reflect sunlight and prevent heat from entering the ground. Even on bright days, the snow stays cold. A thin layer may melt slightly in the afternoon, but it freezes again at night.

The reflective surface also increases sunlight on the climber, creating mixed sensations of heat and cold at the same time. Snow hides deep crevasses and creates slippery surfaces, forcing climbers to move slowly. The constant presence of snow and ice helps keep the mountain cold throughout the year.

Low Oxygen & Atmospheric Pressure

Low oxygen at high altitude has a direct effect on body warmth. The human body needs oxygen to create heat, and when oxygen levels drop, the body cannot produce heat normally. At high altitudes on Everest, the oxygen level is only about one-third of the amount found at sea level.

Because of this, the body reduces blood flow to hands, feet, and skin to save heat for vital organs like the heart and brain. This increases the risk of frostbite and numbness. The cold, dry air also removes moisture from the lungs with each breath.

Every breath carries heat out of the body. Fatigue also increases because the body works harder to breathe. When a climber becomes tired, their ability to stay warm becomes even weaker. Low oxygen and freezing temperatures combine to create a severe challenge for anyone on Everest.

Cold-Related Health Risks on Everest

Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when the skin and tissue become frozen because of extreme cold. The threat of frostbite is severe on Everest at higher camps where the wind blends with the freezing temperature. It infects fingers, toes, nose, and cheeks initially. The symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pale skin.

Exposure to cold causes the skin to get hard or waxy with the continuation of exposure. Extreme frostbite may lead to permanent damage, sometimes resulting in the loss of fingers, toes, or parts of the face. There were a lot of climbers who lost their fingers or toes due to spending too much time in the wind.

To avoid frostbite, climbers cover all the skin, wear warm gloves, move their fingers often, and examine them regularly and often. Serious injury can be prevented early on by warming the area and treating it gently. One of the most common cold-associated risks on Everest is frostbite.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can replace it. The core temperature begins to fall, and the climber may start to shiver. Early signs include slow speech, confusion, clumsy movement, and tiredness. On Everest, hypothermia can start quickly, especially if a climber becomes tired, gets wet, or stops moving.

Wind increases the risk because it removes heat rapidly. If hypothermia becomes severe, the person may stop shivering and become unconscious. Treatment requires warmth, dry clothing, and rest, ideally in a sheltered camp where the person can be monitored. Climbers prevent hypothermia by wearing layers, staying hydrated, eating warm food, and avoiding long rest periods in the cold.

Snow Blindness

Snow blindness occurs when strong ultraviolet light reflects off snow and damages the eyes. At high altitude, the sun’s rays become stronger because the atmosphere is thinner. Without proper eye protection, the surface of the eye becomes irritated.

Symptoms include redness, pain, tearing, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light. Snow blindness makes climbing dangerous because the person cannot see clearly. Climbers prevent this by wearing goggles or glacier glasses with strong ultraviolet protection.

If snow blindness occurs, resting the eyes in darkness helps them recover within a day or two. Carrying spare eyewear is important because losing glasses in the wind can become a serious risk.

High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

High altitude pulmonary edema refers to a life-threatening disease in which the lungs fill up with fluid. It primarily happens because low oxygen at high altitude triggers high pressure in the lung blood vessels. Fast climbing, hard exertion, and cold stress increase the risk.

The symptoms may appear at an early stage with difficulty breathing during even rest, a chronic cough, and tiredness that cannot be explained. In case it is a serious condition, the climber might experience the inability to get sufficient air. The immediate descent and oxygen support are the only safe treatment.

Climbers monitor one another closely due to symptoms, since prevention of serious complications is possible in the early stage. The condition serves as a reminder to the climbers that cold and altitude interact to cause hazardous situations.

High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

High altitude cerebral edema is a life-threatening kind of condition in which the brain swells up because of insufficient oxygen. Symptoms include confusion, impaired balance, lack of poor coordination, and bizarre behavior. A climber with this condition may act unusually or struggle to walk. If untreated, it can become fatal, which is why teams are trained to spot symptoms and respond immediately.

The only safe solution is immediate descent and oxygen. Medicine may help reduce swelling, but rapid descent is essential. Cold conditions make symptoms harder to notice because climbers already feel tired and mentally slow. Climbers stay aware of each other’s behavior because quick decisions can save lives in this situation.

How Climbers Survive Everest’s Extreme Cold

Layered Clothing System

Climbers make use of a layered system of clothes to keep themselves warm under various conditions. The lower strata draw away the sweat by separating it through the skin. The mid layer is warm with fleece or light down. The outer coating is protective of wind and snow. At high altitude, climbers wear a full-body down suit that traps warm air around the body.

This suit protects against strong winds and freezing temperatures. Climbers adjust their layers throughout the day, adding or removing clothing to avoid both sweating and getting too cold.

They remove layers during warm periods to prevent sweating and add them when the temperature drops. Proper layering helps climbers stay comfortable, reduce energy loss, and stay safe in changing weather.

Boots, Gloves, and Face Protection

Climbers take off layers on hot days to avoid sweating and bring them back when it gets colder. The appropriate layering allows climbers to be comfortable and minimize energy waste, and remain safe when the weather changes. Feet and hands are extremely sensitive to cold.

Climbers use high-altitude boots that have thick insulation and a robust outer cover. With these boots, one can keep the feet warm even during freezing winds. Climbers usually use two types of socks, a skinny one and a warm one, to keep themselves warm. There is also the wearing of gloves in layers. Thin gloves are movable, whereas thick mittens are warm.

A face is covered with a mask or balaclava that defends the nose, cheeks, and chin. Goggles are used to shield the eyes against wind and sunlight. When on a high altitude, the skin can freeze very fast, thus climbers should be fully covered. Face protection also ensures that climbers breathe warm air, which keeps them at ease.

Sleeping Systems at High Camps

Sleeping at high altitude is difficult because temperatures fall sharply at night. Climbers use thick down sleeping bags that can handle temperatures near minus forty. They place two sleeping pads underneath the bag to stop heat from escaping into the ice. Climbers also keep water bottles, boot liners, and batteries inside their sleeping bag so they do not freeze.

At the South Col, some climbers even sleep inside their down suits to add more warmth. Sleeping well is important because the body must rest before climbing higher. A proper sleeping system enables climbers to regain their energy and remain safe in the next phase of the climb.

Staying Hydrated and Eating for Warmth

Eating and drinking are significant in keeping warm on Everest. It is at high altitude that the body strains itself into breathing, movement, and heat generation. This implies that the climbers will have to consume frequently than normal. They consume high-carbohydrate breakfasts and low-fat meals.

Hot beverages like tea, soup, and hot chocolate are used to maintain body temperature and keep the throat moist in the cold, dry climate. Hydration is very important because the thin air removes moisture from the lungs with every breath.

A dehydrated body cannot stay warm and becomes tired quickly. Climbers melt snow for drinking water and drink small amounts throughout the day. By eating enough food and staying hydrated, climbers protect themselves from cold-related fatigue.

Acclimatization Strategy

Acclimatization is the gradual process that helps the body adjust to low oxygen levels at high altitude. Climbers follow the climb high and sleep low method. They visit higher camps during the day and return to lower camps at night. This helps the body produce more red blood cells and improves breathing. Proper acclimatization reduces fatigue and improves heat production.

Without it the body becomes tired quickly and struggles to stay warm. Climbers also take rest days at Base Camp and Camp II so their bodies can recover. Acclimatization makes the climb safer and more comfortable. A well-acclimatized climber moves more efficiently, stays warmer, and has a better chance of a safe summit attempt.

Supplemental Oxygen

Supplemental oxygen helps climbers handle extreme altitude. Above eight thousand meters, the amount of oxygen in the air is too low for the body to function normally. Breathing bottled oxygen gives the body more energy, improves thinking, and helps maintain warmth.

Climbers use oxygen masks connected to steel cylinders that provide a continuous flow of air. They use oxygen while sleeping at Camp IV and during the entire summit push. Oxygen minimizes the chances of frostbite since the warm blood is able to reach the hands and feet.

It is also used to assist the climbers in safely descending once they are at the top. Oxygen supplement is also a major component of contemporary Everest climbing and has enhanced the safety of most mountaineers.

Weather Forecasting on Mount Everest

One of the key components of any expedition to Everest is weather forecasting. Climbers rely on the proper weather forecast to decide when to ascend at the most opportune time. Meteorologists analyse world models and satellite data to monitor the speed of the wind, storms, and temperature variations.

They report progress into Base Camp on a daily basis via satellite. The most significant forecast element is the wind speed on the summit. When the wind decreases, the climbers wait until there is a window to climb the mountain. This window can take as short as two or three days.

The whole expedition of teams is planned in this little window. Favorable weather prediction will keep the climbers out of storms, frostbite, and hazardous winds. It has enhanced the success rate of the current Everest expeditions a great deal.

Practical Tips for Trekkers: Everest Base Camp vs. Everest Summit

Trekking the Everest Base Camp as well as climbing the summit both require preparation for extremely cold weather, thin air, and unpredictable weather. Trekking trekkers will be able to stay warm throughout the cold nights at cold destinations such as Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep using warm layers, a good down jacket, and a zero-degree sleeping bag.

Sunglasses, gloves, hats, and warm socks can guard against excessive sunlight and strong winds. Constant meals, lots of water, and acclimatization days in Namche and Dingboche can help the body with high altitude. Even stricter safety precautions have to be taken by climbers ascending higher, and they must wear a complete down suit, thick mittens, extra gloves, extra goggles, and good headlamps.

They are advised to monitor their oxygen system regularly, observe the weather, and turn back in case the wind or visibility is hazardous. Regular eating, adequate water consumption, and maintaining close interaction with the team reduce the risk. Trekking and climbing can be both a safe and rewarding experience with proper planning.

Conclusion

Mount Everest is a very beautiful and very challenging place. The mountain rises towards a world of extreme cold, strong air, and low density. The cold defines every aspect of the expedition, from the hike to Base Camp to the last bit of the final ridge on the peak.

Knowledge of the Everest temperature, weather of different seasons, and wind patterns, the impact of altitude, and survival techniques is significant to all the visitors. The well-prepared trekkers and climbers are warm, remain safe, and have fun. The dangers of cold are guarded against by proper clothing, good acclimatization, great teamwork, and proper planning.

Everest offers its treasured views to those who respect the conditions that the mountain offers, a deep achievement on the individual level, and a sense of belonging to the Himalayas. It is possible to safely and confidently discover the cold world of Everest with the right mindset and preparation.