Best Time to Climb Mount Everest: April vs. May - Weather & Conditions

While many attempt to summit Mt. Everest in May, the ideal climbing season is actually April on the south side of Everest because of the weather conditions. However, many factors including weather windows and the physical challenges of the climb have made May a more common month to summit.

The southwest monsoon that produces moisture-carrying clouds and heavy snowfall over the Himalayas generally begins in June, so the weather in spring is generally more stable than in the summer months. While the average temperature in Kathmandu in April is 20°C (68°F), it is usually in the single digits (both Celsius and Fahrenheit) near the summit. There is generally less chance of dangerous high winds than at other times of the year. There are also fewer climbers on Everest in April, reducing some of the congestion issues on the mountain.