Best time to climb Kilimanjaro

Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro

When planning a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s essential to consider factors like temperature, scenic views, trail traffic, difficulty level, and safety. Among these, weather is the most influential factor, shaping the overall experience.

Located in an equatorial climate zone, Kilimanjaro doesn’t have four traditional seasons. Instead, it experiences alternating wet and dry seasons. The wet seasons typically occur in April-May and November, bringing unpredictable rainfall that can make trails slippery and reduce visibility. However, as with other tropical regions, the exact timing of rains can vary.

The rest of the year is generally considered the dry season, with sunnier days and more favorable conditions for trekking. That said, even during the dry season, clear skies and perfect weather are not guaranteed—mountain climates are inherently unpredictable.

For the best balance of weather, trail conditions, and safety, most climbers aim for the dry months between January-March and June-October. These periods offer more stable conditions, stunning views, and a higher likelihood of success.

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Kilimanjaro Hiking Seasons

Mount Kilimanjaro has two main climbing seasons: July to September and January to February. These periods coincide with many travelers’ summer and Christmas holidays and offer the most favorable weather for trekking. With dry conditions and clear skies, these months provide an ideal combination of comfort, safety, and stunning views.

In contrast, the rainy seasons—April, May, and November—tend to deter climbers. Rain increases the likelihood of slippery trails and slows down the trek, adding a layer of challenge and risk. However, these months also offer unique advantages, particularly for those seeking solitude and dramatic landscapes.

For landscape photographers, the rainy season is a hidden gem. Increased precipitation often results in more snow at the summit, creating picturesque, snow-capped peaks. The trails, lightly dusted with snow, offer an unspoiled and serene experience that’s rarely found during peak seasons. If you’re prepared for the challenges of trekking in rain-softened conditions, the off-season can be an incredibly rewarding time to climb.

What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

The “big” rainy season starts at the end of March and continues until the middle of May. April marks the beginning of the coldest time of the year in Tanzania. These months have significantly less climbers than the rest of the year, but there is a high chance of hiking in the rain at this time of the year.

The frequency of rain gradually decreases. The weather on Kilimanjaro is fairly dry and clear in these months, but nights are still cold. June is usually quiet, sunny, and, in our opinion, much underrated in terms of climbing. It is an excellent idea to choose June for your adventure because of great weather and routes that are almost private to your climbing party. The number of climbers increases as the year progresses. Starting from July the majority of the routes will be quite busy.

The peak climbing season on Kilimanjaro is from August to September. The weather is particularly good for climbing: the days are clear and somewhat warmer than in June/July. At the same time, it may be cloudy in the forest/moorland zone, as well as it may be rainy on the southern routes (Machame and Umbwe). However, once you leave the rain forest behind, it will be sunny.

October is another unfairly ignored season: nice weather conditions last into mid-October and the number of climbers drops dramatically, giving you a good chance to enjoy Kilimanjaro treks almost alone. At the end of October, the weather becomes more changeable. As long as you are equipped to withstand the occasional rain shower, this should not present any major challenges.

November is the “small” rainy season. The rainy weather may last into mid-December. The temperatures will have dropped and mist covers the Mountain, making your climb slightly tricky and risky, yet more challenging and exciting. November might not be the best pick in terms of weather, but gives a great opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views of misty-covered Mount Kilimanjaro with its snow-capped peak and to take some terrific pictures.

Christmas and New Years are the second busiest climbing season on Kilimanjaro. The traffic is extremely high, although there is a good chance of rain and thick clouds at the lower altitudes of Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro Temperature

The temperature on Mount Kilimanjaro correlates with the four distinct climatic zones:

The rainforest zone (800m-3,000m) is warm and humid. Densely covered with green vegetation, this zone temperatures average 12-15°C / 50-60°F (20-25°C / 70-80°F during daytime) at 2,900 m. This is where you are going to spend the first one or two days of your climb, depending on the route.

The low alpine zone (3,000m-4,200m) is a semi-arid area. The higher you climb the scarcer the vegetation becomes. Depending on the route, here you will spend one or two days with average temperatures range 5-10°C / 40-50°F (15-20 °C / 59-68°F during the daytime) at 3,600 m.

The high alpine zone (4,200m-5,000m) is desert-like. You will spend your fourth and fifth day on the Mount here, as well as the final arrangements for summiting at those altitudes. Here the temperatures average around the freezing point (0°C / 32° F) at 5,000m, but during the daytime, when the sun is shining, it can still be quite warm and comfortable.

The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro lies in the glacial zone (above 5,000m) and its temperatures average around -6°C / 21°F. However, keep in mind that all summiting attempts usually start at midnight in order to reach the Uhuru peak by dawn. You will be trekking at night when the temperature can drop to -20°C/-4°F. With harsh gusts of wind, the temperature may feel like it’s around -30°C /-22 °F. However, it’s totally worth enduring the cold, because on the top you will see one of the best pictures you have ever witnessed in the light of the rising sun.