Mount Everest, standing tall at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level, is not just the highest mountain in the world; it’s also one of the coldest places on Earth. You might wonder, how cold is Mt Everest? Well, that’s a question many beginners ask, and it’s not hard to see why. The mountain presents a formidable challenge, not just because of its height, but because of the extreme cold.
The first person to step on the top of Everest was the British mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary. He conquered Everest without knowing much about the freezing temperatures he’d face. And believe it or not, Everest’s summit can be as cold as minus 60 degrees Celsius (that’s minus 76 degrees Fahrenheit). But don’t let that scare you away! Many adventurers still brave the cold to experience the beauty and thrill of Everest Base Camp and beyond.
How Cold is Mt Everest? Understanding Everest’s Extreme Weather Conditions
So, what makes Everest so cold? The primary culprit is the altitude. The higher you climb, the thinner the atmosphere gets. This means there’s less air to hold in the heat, making temperatures plummet. To make things even more challenging, the winds can reach hurricane speeds, often exceeding 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour). These fierce winds significantly increase the wind chill, making it feel even colder than it actually is.
Everest is always frigid. However, temperatures take a dramatic plunge, especially in winter. During the summer season, trekkers can expect temperatures around -19°C (-2°F) and lows dipping to around -25°C (-13°F) at night at higher elevations. It’s the preferable season for hikers, offering a relatively comfortable trekking experience compared to winter.
Winter (December to February) is freezing. Temperatures can drop to a shocking -60°C (-76°F) or even lower at the summit. The strong winds make it feel even colder. Climbing is super dangerous during this time. Spring and autumn offer moderate conditions, with unpredictable weather. Some days can feel more like winter, while others may resemble summer.
The brave British Mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norge Sherpa from Nepal were the first people to conquer Everest. His conquest, achieved without proper knowledge of the mountain’s temperature, is a testament to human courage. Everest is indeed one of the coldest places on earth.
Everest Temperature in Different Seasons
Everest Temperature in Spring
Due to its mild weather, Spring (March, April, and May) is the ideal trekking season. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
March
Daytime Temperature: Up to 7°C
Night Temperature: Drops to -12°C
The weather gradually warms up after winter, making the days more pleasant, though nights remain cold.
April
Daytime Temperature: Around 10°C
Night Temperature: As low as -5°C
April is the busiest month for trekking, with comfortable daytime temperatures, but extra layers are needed for chilly nights.
May
Daytime Temperature: Up to 15°C
Night Temperature: Can drop to 0°C
The weather is warm enough for trekkers to hike in t-shirts during the day at lower elevations, but it’s still cool at night.
Everest Temperature in Summer
Summer (June, July, and August) is the warmest season but also brings monsoon rains, making trekking challenging.
June
Daytime Temperature: Up to 16°C
Night Temperature: Can go down to -1°C
Early summer offers warmth, but heavy rain can cause sudden temperature changes.
July
Daytime Temperature: Around 17°C
Night Temperature: Drops to 2°C
The hottest month, but rain makes trails wet and slippery, making trekking less favorable.
August
Daytime Temperature: Up to 16°C
Night Temperature: Around 2°C
Similar to July, heavy rainfall makes trekking risky due to potential landslides.
Everest Temperature in Autumn
Autumn (September, October, and November) offers clear skies and stable weather, making it another popular season for trekking.
September
Daytime Temperature: Up to 15°C
Night Temperature: Cooler as elevation increases
After the monsoon, temperatures are moderate, but you should be prepared for sudden cold in higher elevations.
October and November
Temperatures progressively drop as winter approaches. Expect cooler days and colder nights, especially in November.
Everest Temperature in Winter
Winter (December, January, and February) is the coldest season, with harsh weather conditions.
December
Daytime Temperature: Can be very cold, often below freezing
Night Temperature: Extremely cold, can drop significantly below -15°C
Days are short, and weather conditions are harsh, making trekking difficult.
January and February
The coldest months with severe weather, making it challenging for trekking. Temperatures can plummet even further, and snow can make trails impassable.
Everest Basecamp and Summit Average Temperatures
| Month | Everest Basecamp Avg Temp (°C) | Everest Summit Avg Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | -17 | -37 |
| February | -15 | -35 |
| March | -10 | -32 |
| April | -5 | -28 |
| May | 0 | -26 |
| June | 5 | -19 |
| July | 10 | -19 |
| August | 5 | -19 |
| September | 0 | -26 |
| October | -5 | -30 |
| November | -10 | -34 |
| December | -15 | -36 |
What are the Factors Influencing Temperature on Mt. Everest?
Altitude and wind are the main factors affecting temperature on Everest. As you ascend, the atmosphere thins, which means the temperature drops. On average, the temperature decreases by about 6-10 degrees Celsius (9-18 degrees Fahrenheit) for every kilometer you climb.
Altitude and Its Impact on Temperature
The higher you go, the colder it gets.This can be attributed to the lapse rate, which is the speed at which temperature drops as altitude rises. On Everest, this means you’re dealing with a significant temperature drop as you ascend, making each step colder than the last.
Weather Patterns and Variations Throughout the Year
Everest’s weather isn’t constant—it varies throughout the year. While summer (June-August) is slightly less frigid and is the preferred climbing season, the mountain is still cold, with temperatures well below freezing. The good news? It’s usually sunny at the top, but don’t let that fool you—it can still be as cold as -60°C (-76°F) in winter. Spring and autumn bring unpredictable conditions, with some days feeling like winter and others resembling a cold summer.
The Role of Wind Chill
Wind chill is a major factor in how cold Everest feels. Imagine being on a chilly -20°C (-4°F) day on Everest, but with winds whipping across the mountain at over 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour). That -20°C can feel like a bone-numbing -40°C (-40°F) or even lower. This is why wind chill is such a critical consideration for climbers.
Wind Chill Effects on Mount Everest Temperatures
| Air Temperature (°C) | Wind Speed (km/h) | Perceived Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| -20 | 0 | -20 |
| -20 | 50 | -30 |
| -20 | 100 | -35 |
| -20 | 150 | -38 |
| -20 | 200 | -40 |
What is the Average Temperature on Mt. Everest?
Everest is brutal when it comes to cold. But just how cold does it get on the “roof of the world”? The average temperature on Everest varies depending on where you are and the time of year. On average, it’s around -30°C (-22°F).
What is the Record of Low Temperature?
The lowest temperature ever recorded on Everest is a bone-chilling -60°C (-76°F). That’s colder than the average freezer setting. This record highlights the extreme environment climbers face on the top of the world. It’s a place where the human body is pushed to its absolute limit, and even a small miscalculation can have deadly consequences.
How Hard Is It To Climb Mount Everest in Extreme Cold?
Climbing Everest is a dream for many, but it’s a dream with a heavy price tag. The cold stiffens muscles, making basic movements like climbing and walking incredibly difficult. The harsh environment is mentally draining, making it harder to focus and increasing the risk of mistakes—mistakes that can be deadly on Everest.
Technical climbing tasks, like setting up camp or using ropes and ice axes, become much harder when your fingers are numb and your movements are stiff. This can significantly slow down your progress and add to the overall danger of the climb.
Before starting your adventure, make sure you’re fully aware of the challenges and difficulties that come with trekking to Everest Base Camp and beyond!
How Does Extreme Cold Impact the Human Body During Climbs on Mt. Everest?
Everybody has different levels of endurance and willingness. Extreme cold has a severe impact on the human body during Everest climbs. Hypothermia is a constant risk, where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to shivering, confusion, and eventually death. When exposed to extreme cold skin and tissues can freeze, causing permanent damage.
People often ask how cold is Mount Everest, and it’s really, really cold—so cold that you could feel like a snowman!Cold air makes it harder to breathe, further impacting climbers already struggling with thin air at high altitudes. Be well informed about the symptoms caused due to extremely cold temperatures.
What are the Survival Strategies?
Surviving Everest’s harsh cold requires careful planning and strategy. Here’s what climbers do:
- Advanced clothing with multiple layers, insulated boots, and weatherproof shells are crucial for retaining heat.
- Gradual ascent allows the body to adjust to the decreasing temperatures and thinning air.
- Movement generates some heat, helping climbers stay warm.
- Eating enough high-calorie food that provides the body with fuel to generate heat.
- Climbers rely on each other to monitor for signs of cold stress and assist with tasks.
To climb Mount Everest is to face the extreme cold, where the air is so frosty it can turn your breath into ice.The primary reason behind Everest’s extremely freezing temperatures is altitude. As you climb higher, the atmosphere thins. The winds can reach hurricane speeds, exceeding 200 kilometers per hour, and significantly increase the windchill factor which makes it feel even colder than the actual air temperature.
What is Meant by the “Death Zone” of the Mountain?
Ever heard of the “Death Zone”? It’s the region on Mount Everest above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet). The air is so thin here that survival becomes nearly impossible for long periods. The lack of oxygen and extreme cold make this zone particularly dangerous, pushing the human body to its absolute limits.
In the Death Zone, the atmospheric pressure is so low that the amount of oxygen available is insufficient to sustain human life. At this altitude, climbers experience severe physiological stress. The body cannot acclimate to such low oxygen levels, leading to life-threatening conditions like high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
Other dangers in the Death Zone include frostbite and snow blindness. Frostbite occurs due to the extreme cold, causing damage to skin and tissues, while snow blindness results from the sun’s intense glare reflecting off the snow and ice.
Most fatalities on Everest occur in the Death Zone, often during the descent from the summit. The physical weakening and impaired vision can lead to accidental falls, and climbers may become too exhausted to continue moving.
What is the Impact of Climate Change on Mt. Everest’s Temperature?
Climate change is affecting temperatures globally, but Everest is experiencing some unique challenges. Despite the overall warming trend, the wind chill on Everest could make it feel even colder for climbers. This increased wind chill could lead to a higher risk of frostbite and hypothermia, and changes in snowfall patterns could make the mountain less stable, increasing the risk of avalanches.
Imagine a cold day with a strong breeze; it feels much colder than the actual temperature. This windchill could make Everest feel even harsher for climbers, despite any changes in the air temperature itself.
A colder Everest due to windchill could pose a greater danger to climbers. The risk of frostbite and hypothermia could increase, and avalanches could become more likely.
Changes in snowfall patterns can also be seen, which could make the mountain less stable and increase the risk of accidents.
Final Say
Mount Everest’s cold is as formidable as its height. With temperatures that can plunge to -60°C (-76°F) and the ever-present danger of fierce winds, the mountain is a true test of endurance and preparation. Whether you’re planning a trek to Everest Base Camp or considering a climb to the summit, understanding and respecting the extreme cold is crucial for your safety and success.
Surviving Everest requires more than just physical strength; it demands careful planning, proper gear, and a keen awareness of the environment. By preparing thoroughly and respecting the mountain’s challenges, you can tackle this adventure with confidence.
Remember, the cold on Everest is not just a number—it’s a real, tangible force that affects every step of your journey. So, if you dream of standing on top of the world, be ready for the cold and respect its power. Stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly, stay safe.
FAQs:
The recorded all-time low on Mount Everest is a bone-chilling -60°C (-76°F). This frigid temperature highlights the mountain’s extreme environment.
Staying warm on Everest is a constant battle. Specialized clothing, proper layering, and staying active all play a crucial role. However, even with the best gear, the extreme cold and windchill can make it difficult to stay truly comfortable.
Yes, there is significantly less oxygen on Mount Everest due to its high altitude. The air pressure drops as you climb, meaning there are fewer oxygen molecules available for your body to use. This is why climbers experience difficulty breathing and often require supplemental oxygen.
Everest is always frigid, but there are slight variations depending on the season. Summers offer a slight relief, with highs occasionally reaching -19°C (-3°F). However, winters are brutally harsh, with temperatures regularly dipping below -60°C (-76°F).
If you experience cold-related health issues like hypothermia while climbing Everest, immediate descent is critical. Climbers should be trained to recognize the symptoms and take swift action to seek shelter and warmth. Medical attention is often necessary in such situations.
The “death zone” refers to the region above 8,000 meters on Mount Everest. The atmosphere here is so thin that it’s nearly impossible for the human body to survive for extended periods. The lack of oxygen and extreme cold make this zone especially dangerous for climbers.
