Temperatures – How cold does it get?

The temperature obviously varies enormously depending on altitude and the time of day. Temperature generally is decreases about 6.4°C for every 1000m (almost 1.3°C for every 200m) or almost 3.5°F for every 1,000 ft) gained. Furthermore the difference between day and night temperatures, especially in the high desert region (above 4,000m / 13,100ft) is significant.

In the Crater Camp at 5,717m (18,750ft) near the summit, the day temperatures can range from 30°C to -10°C, changing often in a matter of minutes depending on cloud cover and wind! Night temperatures range from -7° to -30° Celsius (20° to -20°F). It can be -5°C (23°F) inside your tent. We only stay in the Crater Camp on our 9 day climb. On all other climbs the highest we stay is at Arrow Glacier 4,905m (16,090 ft) which is considerably lower and warmer.