Everest Base Camp Trek in September- Weather and Temperature

From June to August, it rains heavily in Nepal. Even the higher altitude places like Everest region receive 21.6 mm of rain during these months. But from September, the frequency of rain and snow decreases. With it, trekkers fly to Lukla for their Everest Base Camp Trek in September. Also, September is the first Autumn month, one among three beautiful months in a year to see Mount Everest.

Even though it rains at Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, and Gorak Shep in September, it still stands out as one of the best times for Everest Base Camp Trek. With lesser overcast, the sky starts appearing transparent. Further, with rain-washed pollutants, the visibility gets crispier. And even the alpine bushes become lush green, making the landscape lively.

We’ll cover essential topics like rainfall, snowfall, sunshine hours, humidity, wind speed, temperature, and vital trek gear for this trek in September. We’ll also give you insights on the availability of Kathmandu to Lukla flights in September.

Please note that all presented data here are valid, downloaded and sourced from NASA’s MERRA-2 Project.

Weather at Everest Base Camp in September

The weather for 12.4 hours hours daily in September remains clear with less/no clouds at Gorak Shep, Kala Patthar, and lower Everest regions. However, the weather during the daytime becomes more apparent and stable during late September.

Usually, the weather becomes very clear till noon, from 8 am to 12 pm. In this weather window, the probability of rainfall remains significantly low. Thus, you’ll get a clear glimpse of beautiful mountains and landscapes daily on the route.

Rainfall in September

September is still a rainy month in the Everest region and often rains till mid-September. However, the later period of this month starts getting drier. Lobuche and Gorak Shep receive precipitation of 65 mm during September. At the same time, lower regions like Lukla, Namche, and Tengboche receive 55 mm of rainfall.

Historically, around 20 days in September get rainy, around 66% of the total days in a month. It is in lower regions like Lukla and Namche. However, about 15 days in September are rainy in higher areas like Lobuche and Gorak Shep.

Here’s a table highlighting the rainfall at Gorak Shep and the lower regions of the region.

Snowfall at Everest Base Camp in September

On a given day, there’s a 73% chance of snowfall at Gorak Shep and, base camp area, and higher altitude places like Lobuche and Gorak Shep. However, the snowfall in September is like flurries, often short lives and melting within a few hours. However, with rainfall and snowfall, you’ll experience a drop in temperature.

Humidity in September

Gorak Shep, Lobuche, and Kala Patthar experienced 100% relative humidity in September. Instead of cold, with this humidity, the higher regions remain cool. During day hikes, you’ll feel the heat and warmth in lower areas like Namche and Tengboche.

Windspeed

September is the calmest month in a year in the Everest region, including the base camp. The windspeed in September averages around 7.4 mph (12 km/hr). Considering this speed at high altitudes, it still is higher than in the cities. Thus, you need to protect your head, neck, and skin from the cold wind.

Everest Base Camp Temperature in September

September still carries the heat from August, the last summer month in Nepal. The average daytime temperature at Gorak Shep in September remains 48°F (9°C). Also, the minimum temperature in this month at Gorak Shep averages 23°F(-3˚C).

The lower regions remain warm in September. The temperature at Lukla averages 15˚C during the daytime. Likewise, the temperature at Namche averages 12˚C during the day.

The nighttime temperature at Lukla averages 6˚C, and Namche averages 4˚C.

The temperature at higher regions like Dingboche and Lobuche during daytime averages 8˚C and nighttime temperature at -1˚C to -2˚C.

Here’s a tabular representation of the temperature at Everest Base Camp in September.

Everest Region Trekkers in September

In September, Everest region trekking resumes. Being the first Autumn month, the best time of year, it still rains. Those who don’t prefer to trek in the rain in the Everest region prefer October. However, those who love hiking with fewer crowds on the route prefer September. The weather clears in late September, and the trekker’s volume significantly increases.

On average, around 3000-4000 trekker trek in the Everest region. A more number of these prefer Everest Base Camp Trek in September. Others prefer crossing high Himalayan passes, and some hike to Gokyo lakes and then to the base camp.

Attractions: Wildlife of Everest region in September

With more greenery, even the grass rises on the boulder face due to the rainy Summer. In September, the lush green in lower regions keeps you serene. And those at higher altitudes places keep you alert.

With more grasses and green bushes, you’ll see a handful of Himalayan Tahr, the wild goat in the region. You’ll also see some Impeyan Pheasants on the walls of Tengboche, Deboche, and Dingboche.

You may not see the greenery in September, like June to August. But you’ll still have a fantastic hiking experience along the beautiful landscape.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flights- Availability, Delays, and Cancelations in September

Till September 25, if flying, you’ll get a direct Kathmandu to Lukla flight. But, as Everest region trekking gets busier in October and November, all flight shifts to Ramechhap airport from September 26, 2023.

You may experience Kathmandu Lukla flight delays during September, particularly during the first half of the month. However, you’ll fly to Lukla on time with more stable weather and less rainfall in later September.

Be prepared for flight cancellations during September. If it rains for days, the flights often get cancelled. To cope with flight cancellations, you should allocate at least two days as buffer days.

You’ll get Kathmandu to Lukla flight tickets till September 25 from Kathmandu. However, you should reserve the tickets early, a month before the departure to Lukla. Please note that the Kathmandu Lukla flight cost for the 2023 fall has been updated. You may pay USD 210 or a similar fare for a one-way flight to/from Lukla/Kathmandu.

Accommodation and Meals Cost in September

In September, you may experience some flexibility at tea houses regarding the cost of meals. Typically, tea house charge the exact price throughout the year for meals. However, if you request, they may even give you a discount, up to a few hundred rupees.

As there will be few trekkers en route to Everest Base Camp in September, most tea houses still need to be occupied. And they offer discounted and even free accommodation in some places.

However, other services like wifi, a hot water shower, and electricity for battery recharge cost the standard rate.

Essential trekking gear for September

Considering the temperature and weather at Everest Base Camp in September, you should carry adequate trekking gear. It includes your body wears, trekking boots, skin protection, gadgets, snacks, and more.

Other not to miss out gear are raincoats, umbrellas, waterproof trekking boots, and a waterproof cover for your backpack. Also, a wind and waterproof jacket is a must for this trek. With these gears, you’ll survive the 73% chance of rainfall.