BEST TIME TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO
When choosing the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you should consider several factors: temperature, views, crowds on the route, difficulty and safety. The main factor that influences all the others, however, is the weather. Mount Kilimanjaro lies in an equatorial climate zone; instead of four seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn), the mountain experiences only wet and dry seasons. The rainy seasons occur in April-May and November. As with other tropical countries, predicting exactly when the rain starts and stops is nearly impossible. The rest of the year is the "dry season", when most days are sunny, though that doesn't guarantee 100% clear skies.
Main climbing seasons
There are two main climbing seasons: July-August-September and January-February. Many travelers take advantage of their summer or Christmas holidays during these times, when weather conditions for climbing Kilimanjaro are perfect.
The rainy seasons scare off most climbers. In April, May and November, the chance of trekking in the rain is high. Rain softens the ground and makes rocks slippery, slowing down the climb and making it more dangerous. That said, landscape photographers particularly enjoy Tanzania's rainy season. More rainfall means more snow on the summit, giving you a chance to capture the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro. It's also the only time you can avoid "rush hour" on the routes and enjoy privacy walking along trails covered in fresh snow.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
- April-May: The "long" rainy season begins in late March and continues into mid-May. April marks the start of Tanzania's coldest period. These months see significantly fewer climbers, but a high chance of hiking in the rain.
- June-July: Rainfall gradually tapers off. Kilimanjaro's weather is fairly dry and clear, but nights are still cold. June is a calm, sunny month, ideal for an adventure with practically private trails. From July onward, the routes become busier.
- August-September: Peak climbing season. The weather is ideal: clear days, slightly warmer. There may, however, be clouds in the forest zone and rain on the southern routes (Machame and Umbwe). Once you clear the rainforest, it will be sunny.
- October: An underrated month. Conditions are good through mid-month, with few climbers, so you can enjoy the trails almost on your own. By the end of October, the weather becomes more variable.
- November: The "short" rainy season. Rains can extend into mid-December. Temperatures drop and fog covers the mountain, making the climb more challenging but exciting. It's a great time for striking photos of the snowy summit.
- December-January: Christmas and New Year are the second busiest season. Although traffic is high, there's also a good chance of rain and thick clouds at the lower altitudes.
- Mid-January to mid-March: A very popular season. The climate is balanced: not too cold, not too humid. Days are generally dry, although there can be occasional showers. The likelihood of rain increases in the second half of March.
Temperature on Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro has four distinct climate zones:
- Rainforest zone (800-3,000 m): Warm and humid, with average temperatures of 12-15 °C (20-25 °C during the day) at 2,900 m. You'll spend your first days here depending on the route.
- Lower alpine zone (3,000-4,200 m): Semi-arid, with sparser vegetation. Average temperatures are 5 to 10 °C (15 to 20 °C during the day) at 3,600 m.
- High alpine zone (4,200-5,000 m): Desert-like, with temperatures close to freezing at 5,000 m. This is where you'll spend the days before the final summit push.
- Glacial zone (above 5,000 m): The average temperature is -6 °C, but at night it can drop to -20 °C, and with strong winds it can feel below -40 °C.
Useful information
If you decide to climb during a less favorable time to avoid crowds or because of your own vacation dates, consider the Northern Circuit or Rongai routes. The north side of the mountain is drier than other routes. Also, if you prefer good weather but without the crowds, the Rongai, Lemosho and Northern Traverse routes are less busy than the popular Machame and Marangu.
At Wildmaps Travel, we believe you can enjoy Mount Kilimanjaro any time of the year. The key is preparation. In September you may only need one thermal layer, while in November you might need three sets of waterproof gear. Whatever the season or route you choose, we'll do everything we can to make your climb the experience of a lifetime!
