Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro

When choosing the most suitable time for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you should consider several factors: the temperature, the views, the density of traffic on the trek, the difficulty level, and safety. However, the overarching factor that impacts all others is weather. Mount Kilimanjaro lies in an equatorial climatic zone; instead of four seasons (winter, spring, summer, and autumn), the mountain experiences wet and dry seasons only. The wet seasons are April through May and November. Similar to other tropical countries, predicting exactly when the rain starts and stops is nearly impossible. All other months are the “dry season”, when most of the days are sunny, but still, it does not mean a 100% guarantee of clear skies.

When planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, it is important to choose the right time of year to ensure optimal weather conditions and a successful climb. The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, which are from June to October and from mid-January to mid-March. During these months, the weather is generally dry and clear, with warmer days and colder nights.

The rainy seasons, from April to May and from November to mid-December, are less popular among climbers due to the higher chance of hiking in the rain, which can make the climb slower and riskier. However, the rainy season does offer a unique opportunity for landscape photography, with more snow on the peak and the possibility of capturing the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro.

June is an underrated month for climbing, as the weather is generally sunny and routes are less crowded. The peak climbing season is from August to September, when the weather is particularly good for climbing with clear and somewhat warmer days.

October is another great climbing season, with nice weather conditions and fewer climbers. November is the small rainy season, with mist covering the mountain, making the climb more challenging but also more exciting. December and January are the second busiest climbing seasons, but the lower altitudes may have rain and thick clouds.

In summary, the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, from June to October, and from mid-January to mid-March. However, each season has its unique advantages and challenges, and climbers should plan accordingly and be prepared for any weather conditions.

The temperature on Mount Kilimanjaro is determined by the four distinct climatic zones:

The rainforest zone (800 m–3,000 m) is warm and humid, covered in dense vegetation, and has temperatures averaging between 12 and 15 °C (20 and 25 °C during the daytime) at 2,900 m. This zone is where climbers spend their first one or two days, depending on the route.

The low alpine zone (3,000–4,200 m) is a semi-arid region. As climbers ascend higher, vegetation becomes scarcer. Depending on the route, they will spend one or two days in this zone with average temperatures ranging between 5-10 °C (15-20 °C during the daytime) at 3,600 m.

The high alpine zone (4,200 m–5,000 m) is desert-like, and climbers spend their fourth and fifth days on the mountain here, making final arrangements for the summit. Temperatures average around the freezing point at 5,000 m, but during the daytime, it is still warm and comfortable when the sun is shining.

The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro lies in the glacial zone (above 5,000 m), with temperatures averaging around -6 °C. Summiting attempts usually start at midnight to reach the Uhuru peak by dawn. Climbers trek at night when the temperature can drop to –20°C and harsh gusts of wind can make the temperature feel below -40 °C. However, the breathtaking view of the rising sun from the top makes the cold worthwhile.

Useful Information

There are some more things worth knowing about the weather on Kilimanjaro.

Climbers may decide to climb at a less-than-perfect time to avoid the main rush or due to the only suitable timing for their holidays. If so, they should consider the Northern Circuit Route or the Rongai Route. The northern side of the mountain is much drier than other Kilimanjaro routes. Additionally, if climbers want the best weather on Kilimanjaro but hate crowds, they should choose their route wisely. Rongai, Lemosho, and Northern Traverse Routes have less traffic than the popular Machame and Marangu routes.

At Ebnezar, we believe that Mount Kilimanjaro can be enjoyed year-round, but preparation is essential. Climbers may need just one set of thermal underwear and Gore-Tex membrane gaiters and boots in September, while they may need three sets of each in November to continue their climb comfortably if they get soaked to the skin. Whatever route and season climbers choose, we at Ebenezar Travel will do our best to make their Kilimanjaro climb the journey of a lifetime!