Everest Base Camp Trek in March: A Complete Guide

If you are wondering whether it is a good time to make a trek to EBC  in March, below you can find all the information on the weather forecast, mountain visibility, and temperatures.

Weather Conditions in Everest in March

Since March is the period of transition from winter to spring, the weather can be unpredictable in the Everest region . At the beginning of the month, there can still be cold air, but from week to week, the temperature will begin to rise, and the region will gradually warm. As it gets warmer, the pre-monsoon period starts, which is generally calmer than the rainy one after.

Wind can be quite strong in the afternoon, especially over Dingboche and Lobuche. You can still expect some sno wfall, especially at the beginning of the month. Morning time is the best season, as it is always clear, and you can see the mountains perfectly. Moreover, by the end of March, the sun shines strongly; therefore, days are getting longer and warmer.

It rarely rains in March, as the monsoon season has not started yet, but you may experience some snowfall at higher altitudes around Gorak Shep and Kala Patthar, so you should be prepared for it. You will need warm clothes even in March, as it can be quite chilly on a cloudy afternoon after a clear morning. In general, the weather conditions in March are favorable for trekking, although some unpredictability may still be present due to it being the transitional season.

Mountain Visibility in March

Another great advantage of trekking in March is superb mountain visibility. In general, April and May are known for their bad weather and smog, while the mountain peaks are veiled due to the monsoon season. However, in March, the air is still clear enough in the morning hours, and the famous Everest Peak becomes visible. You may also see other beautiful snow-capped summits, including Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.

Although you can definitely enjoy a lovely sight while on the trail in the early morning, the visibility is not as good as in September or October. It becomes better from day to day until the end of the month. It is worth mentioning that in early March, some parts of the trail can still be covered with a slight amount of cold weather; therefore, there can be more clouds than usual on some days. However, the higher summits will be seen clearly on most mornings from mid-to-late March without any clouds.

It is worth noting that as the trail is getting busier and busier, more and more people are already preparing for the climbing season that has started. You will see a lot of people heading for the Everest Base Camp or just hiking around the region. Although it does not affect the mountain visibility, treks and climbs become more crowded as we approach late March.

Although there may be some clouds on clear days, visibility is still good enough for spotting the Everest Peak and other summits. Early March may still be a bit cloudy on some days due to the lingering winter, while the end of the month offers you the clearest view of the mountains.

Temperature below Namche in March

The lower trail, including Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar, is generally a good area to spend some time in during March. Being in the lower altitudes makes you avoid the extreme cold weather, which will be present on higher altitudes. Moreover, the forest in the Sagarmatha National Park is beautiful and welcoming during spring. The rhododendron flowers are beginning to bloom, and you will see lovely views of red, white, and pink hues among the green hills.

The temperature in March below Namche (2800-3440 meters) is generally mild, with daytime ranging from 10C to 15C (50F – 59F). Nighttime is also relatively warm and comfortable, ranging from 0C to 5C (32F – 41F) in Phakding and Monjo. Nevertheless, since Namche Bazaar is located at a higher altitude, it can be slightly colder there, especially at night. Good news is that the teahouses are generally warm and cozy, so you will not struggle with the cold weather at all when spending nights there.

It goes without saying that the lower trail section is generally milder and more comfortable for trekking in March.

Temperature above Namche in March

The higher altitudes, including Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Everest Base Camp, are generally much colder than the lower ones. Even though days are getting longer and sunnier in March, nights are still very cold. You can already expect similar temperatures as during the winter season, which can be around -5C to 10C (23F – 50F) during the day.

On clear and sunny days without wind, it can even be warm and comfortable at midday. But it gets significantly colder in the evening when the sun sets, and even more so at night. Therefore, you will most likely need warm clothes when visiting this part of the trail in March.

As for temperatures themselves, they are generally ranging from -15C to -20C (5F – -4F) at night and -5C to 0C (23F – 32F) during the day in Dingboche and Lobuche. Moreover, it can be even colder at the Everest Base Camp at night. On average, it ranges from -20C to -25C (-4F – -13F) there in March.

Another thing that you may notice is that wind makes it feel even colder. Therefore, it is highly advisable to invest in good clothing and warm layers when you go trekking at higher altitudes during March. Moreover, it would be a good idea to bring a sleeping bag since it is generally too cold to sleep outside on the mountain.

By the end of the month, everything starts to gradually warm up, and it will be a bit more comfortable for trekking than at the beginning of March.

Is March a Good Month for Everest Base Camp Trek?

In general, it is hard to imagine a better month for trekking than March. It is the season of spring, which means that the temperature is generally mild, the trails are drier, rhododendron flowers are blooming, and mountain views become clearly visible. Nevertheless, there are still some things to consider before deciding whether to trek in March or not.

First of all, it is worth mentioning that March is the start of the climbing and trekking season in the Everest region. Therefore, the trail is getting busier, and more and more people are preparing for their Everest climb. It makes the atmosphere more festive and lively. Moreover, you will also notice that teahouses are more open and welcoming than during the off-season.

Second, as mentioned earlier, you will enjoy the views of the blooming rhododendron flowers and clear mountain peaks. Although some clouds are generally present in the sky in March, they become less frequent as the month goes by. Thus, you will have a great view of the Everest Peak on a clear morning. It is also worth noting that the weather is generally good for trekking in March, and it is not as extreme as in the winter season.

On the other hand, it can be colder than in the autumn season. Moreover, there can still be some snowfall, especially at the beginning of the month. It goes without saying that the higher altitudes make you experience colder temperatures in March. Another disadvantage is that the trails and teahouses get busier as we approach late March. Thus, if you are a fan of a more personal and private adventure, it would be better to plan your trek earlier in the month rather than at the end.

Overall, March is a great month for the Everest Base Camp trek. Good weather, beautiful mountain views, and mild temperatures are some of the reasons why many prefer this season for visiting the Everest region. Although some cold evenings and mornings can be present, they are generally bearable. Moreover, you will also enjoy the view of blooming rhododendron flowers and experience the festive atmosphere of the climbing season.