For those that want to see the Everest Base Camp Trek come alive for spring and another cycle of life without facing the crowds, March is the way to go. It also has slightly better mountain views than April!
Weather for Everest Base Camp Trek in March
March signals the arrival of spring in the Everest Region. Below 4,000 meters, the temperature is fantastic, and even higher up, it isn’t that bad. With longer days and stronger sun, the snow on the north-facing slopes is now starting to melt. Prepare for slush.
March is also the pre-monsoon season with the westerlies and monsoon winds battling it out. Hence, expect thunderstorms. The rain/snow, however, will be very short-lived and dies out just as suddenly as it starts. Expect hailstones towards the end of the month.
However, with around 20 fully sunny days, there is no compromise on mountain views. If anything, the occasional cloud adds more character to the mountain views along the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Another point is that both the pe-monsoon and post-monsoon precipitation has been getting stronger every year. It is highly recommended to prepare for rain and snow, especially if you are trekking in the later parts of the month. This also increases the amount of UV exposure.
| Lukla (2,860m) | Namche (3,440m) | Lobuche (4,950m) | |
| Max Avg Temp | 13° C | 10° C | -1° C |
| Min Avg Temp | 3° C | -1° C | -13° C |
| Precipitation | 16 mm | 16 mm | 4 mm |
| Precipitation Days | 9.4 days | 9.4 days | 2.6 days |
| No. Sunny Days | 19.5 days | 19.5 days | 23.3 days |
| Sunrise (March 15) | 6:07 am | ||
| Sunset (March 15) | 6:07 pm | ||
Hazards, Gear and Planning Tips for EBC Trek in March
As March is one of the better times to trek to Everest Base Camp, there are very few additional hazards to consider. However, go through the usual environmental hazards and altitude-related risks in detail to help with your planning. While no special gear is required in March, make sure to pack in rain gear and go through the usual gear checklist.
Three High Passes of Everest in March
March is a great month to tackle the high passes in the Everest Region. Expect ice and snow in individual sections of the route. Just like any other month, microspikes, an experienced guide, and plain good common sense are highly recommended on the three passes route. Read this excellent discussion on the three passes trek for a start.
How crowded is the Everest Base Camp Trek in March?
The first week of March is rather quiet, but the traffic starts to pick up rather quickly from the second week onwards. March usually sees around 11 percent of yearly traffic, with approximately 6,500 trekkers entering the Everest National Park in March 2018.
Bottom line: While not as crazy as October and April, late March can be pretty crowded.
Lukla Flights to Everest Region in March
While weather disturbances are likely, chances of cancellations are very low as the disturbances are usually short-lived. It is, however, advisable to have a buffer day just in case. You can always prepone your Kathmandu-Lukla flights easily when you get back to Namche anyways.
Hotels along the Everest Base Camp Trek in March
Most of the hotels are open by mid-March. Even during the first week, you will have enough options to choose from, even in the smallest villages. Early booking, while not necessary, is recommended towards the end of the month if you want to stay at a highly rated lodge.
Attractions in the Everest Region in March
March is an excellent time for mountain views. While the weather isn’t exactly spotless like autumn and winter, the little wisps of clouds with their shadows give the mountains a lot of character.
While not the best time for birds and flowers, it is one of the better times, especially at the lower altitudes. Expect the tree rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal, to light up the way towards the end of the month. Magnolias might also be in bloom during the last weeks of March.
