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Are you making plans to visit Nepal? Is Everest trek on your bucket list? Do you want to know how cold is Mount Everest? Read every detail here about Mount Everest’s temperature before you plan your journey further.
Mount Everest expedition-a dream that most climbers from all over the world carry on their bucket list lies in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Walking through the awe-inspiring landscapes, beautiful valleys, and rustic villages, this amazing journey to Everest leave you with enrapturing memories.
Just like the beauty, the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, is renowned for its harsh weather patterns and difficult ascending terrain. Additionally, the temperature is one of the most important variables influencing climbers on Mount Everest. Even the most experienced climbers will find the peak to be a formidable task due to temperatures that range from below-freezing to well below zero. Climbers must be aware of the weather on Mount Everest because it affects everything from the choice of equipment to the dangers of hypothermia and frostbite.
The average temperature on Mount Everest, as well as the temperature variations throughout the year, should be a matter of concern for everyone willing to climb Everest any time of the year. Lying at an altitude of 8848.86 meters, the temperature of Everest keeps dropping significantly. The temperatures at the summit can be as low as -40˚C during the winter months and also the summer months are not very warm there.
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Temperature Variations on different Altitudes of Mount Everest
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Mount Everest, the breathtakingly beautiful and majestic peak undergoes temperature variations as one ascends higher and higher. At the base of the mountain, the daytime highs can range from 15-20˚C and drop to around -20˚C during the night.
The temperature gradually drops as climbers ascend to Everest Base Camp. The daytime temperatures here can range from -10 to -5˚C however the nights are freezing with a temperature drop to -30˚C.
The temperature continues to drop sharply as climbers make their way higher up the mountain. They should be mentally prepared for the temperatures dropping to levels -40˚C when one reaches an altitude of 8000 meters. At this level, the stay of climbers is challenging due to thin air and biting wind.
Above 8000 meters, considered the death zone of Everest or say at the summit the temperature fall is recorded to be -60˚C. This temperature of Everest is resulted due to excessive high altitude and low air pressure making the air very thin to breathe properly. Climbers need to carry supplemental oxygen to climb above Rainbow Valley Everest.
Even though the temperature variation is harsh to the human body, every year a huge number of climbers attempt to summit Mount Everest. The journey to Everest helps climbers quench their thirst for adventure and fulfills their desire of testing physical ability.
Despite the variation of temperatures at higher altitudes that have taken the lives of many climbers over the years, it still serves as a reminder of amazing strength. It further allows climbers to believe that they are capable of accomplishing bigger things.
Looking for tour operators to manage your trip to the Everest region in the best way possible but are worried about time limits? Read our articles on the best short trek operators in Nepal.
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Effect of Climate Change on Mount Everest Temperature
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Climate change has impacted Mount Everest undoubtedly in the worst ways making it tough for climbers. The most common effects can be pointed out as:
Melting glaciers: Due to the increase in temperature at Mount Everest, the glaciers are melting at an alarming rate. This has enhanced the risk of avalanches and rockfalls making the trip harder for climbers.
Melting Permafrost: The permafrosts are melting as a result of warmer temperatures. Due to this, the chances of landslides are higher making the sides of the mountain unstable.
Higher temperatures: The temperature of Everest is rising in a more rapid manner than normal. This result in unpredictable weather patterns and more precipitation making climbing to Everest even more challenging and dangerous.
Additionally, snowfall trends on Mount Everest are changing as a result of climate change. Early snowfall and early snowmelt have an impact on the timing of when water becomes available to towns downstream. The risks for climbers are increased because warmer temperatures can lead to unstable ice and snow conditions.
Overall, Mount Everest’s temperature and weather patterns are changing as a result of climate change, posing new dangers and difficulties for climbers. Thus, climbers should be more aware of the fact that climbing to Everest now has added risks and they should be more prepared to overcome it properly.
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Extreme Weather Conditions on Mount Everest
Mount Everest is one of the best trekking destinations among trekking enthusiasts however the climate there is very much unfavorable. The peak is located at altitudes where the temperature is prone to sudden dangerous changes. Extreme weather conditions are very much the result of climate change and occur frequently in different seasons. Climbers need to be prepared for everything that gets in their way beforehand to protect themselves and enhance the safety of their journey. These severe conditions include:
High winds: Climbers trekking towards the Everest region might get into heavy winds that speed over 200mph. It makes balancing the body very burdensome and doesn’t facilitate moving further in an easy manner.
Extreme Temperatures: The temperature of Everest is one of the known reasons that make climbing Everest hard. Thus, the climbers are suggested to stay warm and hydrated throughout their journey so that they do not fall ill.
Blizzards: Blizzards are storms that result in a large amount of snow making visibility low.
Avalanches: Mount Everest is prone to avalanches. These are most of the time considered deadly for climbers.
Thunderstorms: The lightning strokes coming from thunderstorms make the journey frightening for climbers moving toward Everest.
Climbers who try to reach the summit of Mount Everest should be ready for these extreme weather conditions and have knowledge and tools to protect themselves from what’s coming ahead. This requires having access to accurate weather forecasts which help in making proper decisions in situations mentioned above. Additionally, right from carrying the correct gears to making the correct decision of which month to begin your climbing marks a huge difference in your safety.
Want to know about the correct gears required for trekking Everest region? Read our full article on Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
Health Risks Caused by Mount Everest Temperature
There are so many risks associated with climbing Everest. The extreme temperature doesn’t let most people complete this incredible journey. Right from altitude sickness, most people suffer from fatal health diseases. Thus climbers need to understand their body type and physical fitness before making a step toward summiting Everest. Some of the common health hazards that can be caused by high elevation of Everest are as follows:
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): This is one of the common health problems among climbers trying to summit Everest at a faster rate. It is caused due to reduced air pressures and lower levels of oxygens at increased elevations. The only way to get rid of this is to ascend slowly. Acute mountain Sickness can cause severe headaches and shortness of breath along with nausea and vomiting. It is said that this can be easily controlled if people travel lower than 1000 feet in a day. This is why climbers are suggested to give their bodies enough time so that they can adjust to changing temperatures and altitudes properly.
High Altitude Cough: This might sound weird but altitude cough is very dangerous and it can cause the lining of the lungs to burst. High-altitude cough is caused by the breathing of oxygen at elevated rates. Thus, climbers who keep breathing the cold air when they move upwards have a high chance of getting this. To avoid this, climbers can avoid traveling very fast and make sure they get rid of smoking. Keeping oneself hydrated at higher altitudes is again very important to keep the body protected.
High altitude pulmonary and cerebral edema: These are high altitude life-threatening diseases, the severe forms of acute mountain sickness. Due to excessive Everest temperature, everest backpackers can suffer from these diseases leading to the production of excess fluid in the lungs and brains causing breath shortness, and brain swelling respectively even when resting. Thus, Everest urgent care techniques should be known by climbers or they should consult experienced trek operators to assist them with their climbing to be safe.
Frostbite: Frostbite refers to the damage of skin and tissue due to extreme temperatures. Thus, climbers trying to summit Everest may suffer frostbite which might make their journey very uncomfortable. To recover from this, people should try rewarming their bodies or involve in therapy.
Dehydration and sunburn: Dehydration and sun born might sound funny but at extreme altitudes, these can really affect a person’s health. At temperatures like the ones of Everest, which goes to negative often, dry cold air flows which can make a person feel like they get dehydrated easily. Thus if anyone is not drinking enough water, they can feel dizziness, and fatigue in their body. Similarly, stronger UV radiations affect the body as climbers move to greater altitudes. If the skin is not well protected, it might damage the body causing pain and leading to cancer ultimately.
What Factors Contribute to Low Temperature on Mt. Everest
Mount Everest is one of the coldest locations on Earth due to several factors that contribute to its low temperature. Some of the factors that consist of low temperatures on Mount Everest are listed below:
High Altitude: Mount Everest is a mountain that rises to a height of 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level at its summit. It is more difficult to retain heat and sustain warm temperatures at this altitude because the air is thinner and less dense.
Latitude: Mount Everest is near the equator, but because of its high elevation, it experiences colder temperatures than other places at comparable latitudes.
Weather Patterns: The Indian and Tibetan monsoons, which produce heavy precipitation and strong winds at specific times of the year, have an impact on Everest’s weather patterns.
Wind Chill: Because of Mount Everest’s strong winds, the weather may feel much colder than it is because the wind chill accelerates the rate at which the body loses heat.
The glaciers and ice that cover Mount Everest can reflect sunlight and keep the peak from absorbing heat. The mountain’s chilly temperatures may be caused by this. Due to these elements, climbing the peak is very difficult and requires you as a climber to be ready for dangerous weather and extreme cold. This shows how difficult it is to climb Mount Everest and climbers who are willing to give it a shot should be carefully prepared.
Mount Everest Temperature- Best Time to Climb Everest
The temperature variation of Everest is too harsh for anyone who wishes to give the climbing summit a try. However, finding the right traveling seasons along with the perfect combination of gears can make this tedious challenge somewhat comfortable.
The weather and temperature conditions have a big impact on the ideal time to climb Mount Everest. The best times to climb Mount Everest are typically in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather and temperature are usually more favorable.
The weather on Mount Everest is typically milder in the spring climbing season than it is in the winter, making it simpler for climbers to acclimate to the height. In addition, springtime usually experiences less wind and precipitation. This help improves climbing conditions making them more stable and predictable.
On Mount Everest, the fall climbing season is also regarded as one of the best times to climb because of the usually mild and stable weather conditions. There are better climbing conditions and fewer avalanche risks during the fall season because of the usually clear skies and dry weather.
Due to the severe weather, climbing Mount Everest in the summer and winter is typically thought to be more difficult. Climbers have to deal with monsoon rains and high humidity during the summer, which can make circumstances dangerous and unpredictable. It can be extremely difficult to remain warm and safe while climbing during the winter on Mount Everest because the temperature can drop well below freezing.
In conclusion, the spring and autumn are best climbing seasons, when the temperature and weather are typically more suited for climbing, are the best times to summit Mount Everest.
FAQs of Mount Everest Temperature
Mount Everest’s average temperature never goes above freezing point. In winter, the temperature is mostly recorded to be around -36 degrees celsius while in summer it is said to be -19 degree Celsius.
The temperature on Everest is minimum compared to anywhere else on Earth. The minimum temperature can fall from -36 to -40 degree celsius leaving the zone completely freezing. Additionally, the summer temperature on Everest is also measured below -19 degree centigrade which is still extreme.
As air rises, the pressure keeps decreasing. It is this lower pressure at higher altitudes that causes the temperature to be colder on top of a mountain than at sea level.
The weather on Everest is not that unbearable. As the climbers select the perfect seasons to climb Everest, they can keep themselves warm with the necessary gear they have carried.