If you are willing to brave the rains, a trek to Everest Base Camp in August will reward you with the ultimate solitude and deep conversations under rain-battered roofs.
Weather for Everest Base Camp Trek in August
August in the Everest Region sees massive amounts of rainfall, warm air temperature, and generally overcast days. Have no expectations about mountain views at all. Also please note that evaporation causes cooling and if your clothes get wet, you will feel extremely cold. It is also essential to prepare for UV exposure even during overcast days as a large percentage of UV can penetrate cloud cover.
However, there will be more than a few bright mornings, and you will be able to steal a mountain view now and then. But it is perhaps better to focus on the fantastic flowers on the ground!
| Lukla (2,860m) | Namche (3,440m) | Lobuche (4,950m) | |
| Max Avg Temp | 22° C | 18° C | 13° C |
| Min Avg Temp | 11° C | 8° C | 5° C |
| Precipitation | 94 mm | 94 mm | 135 mm |
| Precipitation Days | 27.8 days | 27.8 days | 25.4 days |
| No. Sunny Days | 2.5 days | 2.5 days | 3.1 days |
| Sunrise (Aug 15) | 5:28 am | ||
| Sunset (Aug 15) | 6:36 pm | ||
Hazards, Gear and Planning Tips for EBC Trek in August
Snow blindness, sunburn, frostbite, leeches, landslides, traumatic injuries, and water-borne illnesses are additional hazards to be careful of during August.
Snow Blindness and sunburn are the easiest to take care of as the most common reason for these is that a lot of people think it is okay not to wear sunglasses and sunscreen when there is no sun. But UV penetrates cloud cover, and the amount of UV at high altitudes is very high. Add to it the fact that there is a very highly reflective surface called snow on the ground to bring it all back into your face. You have a pretty toxic mixture. Do not skimp on sunglasses and sunscreen no matter how cloudy it is.
Frostbite can easily be taken care of if your boots are waterproof, your socks are made of good quality wool, and your rain gear can handle a downpour. It is also important to avoid cotton as it loses its insulation properties when wet. While not suitable for any time of the year, this becomes especially important when it is raining.
Leeches while a nuisance below 3,500 meters also are just that: a nuisance. Anti-leech oil and alum solutions are recommended to repel these buggers, and common salt will instantly make them drop off. One thing to avoid is to try to pluck off a leech by hand. By doing so, you increase the chances of its ‘teeth’ getting stuck in your skin. This can later cause infections.
Landslides are avalanches a real threat during August along the Everest Base Camp Trek, and there isn’t much you can do about them other than being vigilant. Also, get waterproof boots with ankle support and excellent grip. These will also go a long way to avoid traumatic injuries resulting from slippery trails.
The hot and humid weather is also a good recipe for water-borne illnesses. While you should be careful about water hygiene round the year, it is especially crucial during August. Read our detailed guide on water safety and diarrhea.
These are all of course in addition to the usual environmental hazards and altitude-related risks that are typical of a trek as grand as the Everest Base Camp Trek. Please go through those in addition to the usual packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Three High Passes of Everest in August
We highly advise against undertaking the trek involving high passes in August.
How crowded is the Everest Base Camp Trek in August?
As the monsoon starts to decrease at the end of the month, a trickle of trekkers starts to enter the Everest Region in August. August usually sees around 2% of trekkers with a little below a thousand trekkers coming to the Everest Region in August 2017.
Lukla Flights to Everest Region in August
Flight cancellations are very likely. A lot of buffer days and alternative ways to get to Lukla are highly recommended.
Hotels along the Everest Base Camp Trek in August
While some hotels start to open for the fall trekking season towards the end of August, most of the hotels will remain closed throughout the month. However, please note that at least one hotel will remain open in each settlement throughout the year. The menu might be limited, but Dal-Bhat will be available.
Pre-booking is not necessary.
Attractions in the Everest Region in August
With absolutely nothing going on, August might as well be the time to strike up long conversations with people crazy enough to undertake the trek in August and the locals who decided to stay behind.
Much like December and January, it might also be an excellent time to enjoy the solitude. But, of course, with a lot of greenery and life all around you.
