How Cold is Mount Everest Peak? [with Weather and Temperatures]

Last Updated: February 16, 2025

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How cold is Mt Everest peak? And, what would the temperature and weather at the summit be like? This is a quest in the mind of many traveling and trekking enthusiasts. To help them understand these facts we are providing you some helpful information here.

Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak, is not just a symbol of human perseverance but also one of the coldest and most unforgiving places on Earth. Towering at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level, the summit is a frozen expanse where temperatures plunge well below freezing, winds rage at hurricane speeds, and conditions change in an instant.

Weather and Temperatures on the Top of Everest

The weather at the summit of Mount Everest is extreme, unpredictable, and often life-threatening. With temperatures that can drop to as low as -60°C (-76°F) in winter and rarely rising above -20°C (-4°F) even in summer, the mountain remains an icy fortress year-round. Climbing Everest is not just about skill and endurance; it is about surviving in an environment where frostbite, hypothermia, and altitude sickness can take hold within minutes.

The Coldest Temperature Recorded on Mount Everest's Summit

The coldest officially recorded temperature on Everest's summit was -41°C (-42°F). However, due to wind chill effects, temperatures can feel significantly colder. With winds reaching speeds of over 200 km/h (124 mph), climbers experience conditions that can feel like -60°C (-76°F) or even lower. These bone-chilling temperatures make the summit one of the most inhospitable places on the planet.

How High Altitude Affects Mount Everest’s Temperature

As altitude increases, air pressure decreases, and so does the atmosphere’s ability to retain heat. Everest’s high altitude means that even direct sunlight provides little warmth. The thin air also means less oxygen, forcing climbers to rely on bottled oxygen to survive. This combination of low temperatures, reduced oxygen, and harsh winds makes Everest an unparalleled challenge for mountaineers.

The Impact of Jet Streams on Mount Everest’s Cold Temperatures

A major factor contributing to Everest's extreme cold is the jet stream—fast-moving air currents in the upper atmosphere that flow at speeds over 200 km/h (124 mph). When the jet stream passes directly over Everest, it amplifies the already brutal conditions, making an ascent almost impossible. Climbers must carefully time their summit attempts to avoid the worst of these winds.

Best Time to Climb Mount Everest: Between Monsoon Seasons in April and May

The best time to climb Mount Everest is during the pre-monsoon window of late April to May when weather conditions are relatively stable. During this time, temperatures are still freezing, but the winds calm down slightly, and there is a higher chance of clear skies. This short weather window is the reason why most Everest summits occur in May.

Best Time to See the Summit of Mount Everest: April, May, September, and October

For those who wish to witness Everest's majestic peak, the best months are April, May, September, and October. These months offer the clearest skies and the most breathtaking views, whether from Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Ri, or nearby viewpoints like Kala Patthar. Outside of these months, the summit is often obscured by clouds, snowstorms, or high-altitude haze.

The Harsh Climate of Everest

Everest’s climate remains extreme throughout the year. January is the coldest month, with temperatures ranging between -36°C (-33°F) and -60°C (-76°F). Even in July, the warmest month, temperatures stay around -19°C (-2°F), well below the freezing point. These conditions ensure that snow and ice permanently cover the summit, adding to the challenges of climbing the mountain.

Unpredictable Weather and Sudden Storms

Everest’s weather is notorious for its sudden changes. Fierce winds, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures can appear within hours, catching climbers off guard. Winter and spring bring the southwest jet stream, creating violent storms and cloud plumes that can extend for kilometers. During the monsoon season (June to September), Everest experiences its highest snowfall, making climbs nearly impossible.

Interesting Facts About Mount Everest

Apart from the temperatures and weather, here are some interesting facts about Mt. Everest:

Why is it called Mount Everest?

Mount Everest was named after Sir George Everest, a British surveyor who mapped much of the Indian subcontinent in the 19th century.

How long does it take to climb Mount Everest?

On average, a successful Everest expedition takes 6 to 9 weeks, including acclimatization periods and summit attempts.

Who holds the record for the most Everest summits?

As of May 12, 2024, Nepalese climber Kami Rita Sherpa holds the record with 30 successful ascents of Everest.

How many climbers have died on Everest?

Between 1922 and 2024, approximately 315 climbers have lost their lives attempting the summit. Most fatalities occur during the descent due to exhaustion and extreme weather.

What is the Dead Zone?

Above 7,000 meters (22,965 feet), the air pressure drops to just one-third of sea level, making oxygen absorption nearly impossible. This region is known as the "Death Zone", where most Everest fatalities occur.

Can helicopters land on Everest?

On May 14, 2005, French pilot Didier Delsalle made history by successfully landing a Eurocopter AS350 B3 Écureuil helicopter on the summit of Mount Everest.

What is Green Boots Cave?

Many climbers who perish on Everest remain on the mountain due to the difficulty of retrieval. One well-known landmark in the Death Zone is Green Boots Cave, named after a fallen climber whose green boots are still visible.

Is Mount Everest still growing?

Due to the continued movement of the Indian tectonic plate, Everest grows by a few millimeters each year.

Who was the youngest person to climb Everest?

In 2010, 13-year-old Jordan Romero from the USA became the youngest person to summit Everest.

Who was the oldest person to climb Everest?

The record for the oldest climber belongs to Yuichiro Miura (Japan), who summited at age 80 in 2013.

Conclusion

Mount Everest remains a place of unparalleled beauty, extreme conditions, and relentless challenges. Whether you dream of climbing it or simply marveling at its majesty, understanding its cold, wind-blasted summit and ever-changing weather gives a deeper appreciation for this legendary peak.

To all the enthusiasts for climbing Mt Everest, we hope this information about cold temperature and weather at the peak of the highest point on earth would be really helpful.