July is when the Everest Base Camp Trek comes alive, with flowers, with greenery, with the life-giving rains, and with the epic Dumji festival.
Weather for Everest Base Camp Trek in July
It does rain cats and dogs in July. You can count on rain every day. Sure, mornings can still start pretty and bright, but by early afternoon, we are willing to bet ten dollars to your two that it will rain. Also, rain translated to snow at higher altitudes, which, even with the thick cloud cover, increases UV exposure massively.
Also, while the statistics for air temperature look very attractive, remember that real feel is a function of how wet your clothes are, sunshine in the past few hours, and wind.
Also, it is safe to say that it will be a good idea not to expect mountain views but focus on the beautiful flowers on the ground!
Lukla (2,860m) | Namche (3,440m) | Lobuche (4,950m) | |
Max Avg Temp | 22° C | 19° C | 14° C |
Min Avg Temp | 12° C | 8° C | 5° C |
Precipitation | 96 mm | 96 mm | 121 mm |
Precipitation Days | 27.3 days | 27.3 days | 24.4 days |
No. Sunny Days | 1.9 days | 1.9 days | 3.8 days |
Sunrise (July 15) | 5:11 am | ||
Sunset (July 15) | 6:56 pm |
Hazards, Gear and Planning Tips for EBC Trek in July
In addition to the usual environmental hazards and altitude-related illnesses, you need to be extra vigilant about the following issues while trekking to Everest Base Camp in July: diarrhea, landslides, and leeches below 3,500 meters and snow blindness, sunburn and frostbite higher up. There is, of course, an increased risk of traumatic injuries.
A good pair of waterproof boots with excellent grip and ankle support will keep your feet dry and your body stable. Rigorous water hygiene will make sure you steer clear of water-borne illnesses like diarrhea. For snow blindness and sunburn, it is essential not to skimp on sunglasses and sunscreen even when it is overcast. There is, of course, little you can do about landslides and avalanches other than being careful while passing one and being generally vigilant. Of course, high-quality rain gear will keep you warm and dry and safe from frostbite.
The gear suggested above is, of course, not exhaustive. Please refer to a comprehensive gear checklist for treks as epic as the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Three High Passes of Everest in July
It is not recommended at all.
How crowded is the Everest Base Camp Trek in July?
July is the least favorite month among trekkers in the Everest Region. With barely 400 trekkers in 2018, consider yourself blessed if you run into another trekker during this period.
Lukla Flights to Everest Region in July
Plan extremely flexibly as flights to Lukla will be very unpredictable. It is a good idea to brave the leeches and start walking from Phaplu / Salleri. It is also advisable to look into other alternatives to Lukla flights.
Hotels along the Everest Base Camp Trek in July
Except for a few hotels designated to remain open throughout the rainy season, all others are shut. Hence, while choices are limited, you will not go hungry and without a roof. A few smaller settlements might close down completely, but there will always be another settlement a few hours away, which will have an open hotel.
Of course, it will not be necessary to book lodges in advance.
Attractions in the Everest Region in July
July is when the flower spectacle at the higher stretches of Everest peaks. In a lush carpet of green, you will see flowers of just about every color: white edelweisses, blue poppies, yellow cinquefoils, and creamy dwarf rhododendrons. Unfortunately, it is a sight that very few see and is mostly reserved for the yaks and their herders.
July is also the month of the biggest Sherpa festival of Dumji. While this festival is celebrated in quite a few villages, Namche is where the action is. You can read more about the festival here and the dates for the next seven years are as follows:
Year | Dates |
2016 | July 11 to 14 |
2017 | June 30- July 3 |
2018 | June 20 to 23 |
2019 | July 9 to 12 |
2020 | June 27 to 30 |
2021 | June 17 to 20 |
2022 | July 6 to 9 |
2023 | June 25 to 28 |
2024 | June 13 to 16 |
2025 | July 2 to 5 |
2026 | June 21 to 24 |
2027 | July 10 to 13 |
Note: The dates are usually confirmed a few months before the main festival. The above are predictions. Old dates have been included so you can verify the accuracy for yourself.