Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro

Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro

What Is The Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro?

Because of Kilimanjaro’s proximity to the equator, the area doesn’t experience the extremes of summer and winter weather. But, instead, the weather around the region is characterized by the dry and wet seasons. A Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing expedition can be undertaken at any point of the year. Though the driest months – from mid-December and March and from June to October have the best weather conditions and are considered the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro.

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro from January to early March

Great hiking conditions are complemented by good visibility and dry, clear days. Photographic opportunities are plenty, especially in the higher altitude regions (over 14,000 ft.).

While these months are still considered the high season, it’s still quieter in terms of the crowds on the slopes as compared to the peak climbing season (from June to September).

Hence, this period strikes a perfect balance between decent weather conditions and not too many crowds.

Suitable for – Climbers who want to have a low-crowd expedition up the mountain, and those who prefer dry weather. Plus, the ice-capped summit is a bonus.

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro from March to May

The period of early March has lovely weather but as the month moves forward rains start to settle in, giving way to cloudy skies, muddy trails and low visibility. So, if you’re looking for the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro , then March is a bit of a hit or miss.

The time from April to early May experience the long rains and climbing is not recommended. But, if you don’t mind the slippery conditions and have a fair bit of trekking experience, then the trickier conditions and trails might not be a hindrance for you.

Suitable for – Seasoned climbers who want to avoid the crowds and don’t mind the unpredictable weather.

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro from June to September

This period is widely regarded as the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro . These months have the best weather conditions, even though some occasional bursts of rain are still possible. But, largely this is a dry time of the year, and routes tend to be busier, especially during the full moon.

Suitable for – Climbers making use of the two Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes , Machame and Marangu, those who are looking for the best weather and trail conditions, and those who don’t mind the presence of crowds.

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro from October to December

The short rains arrive in the month of November and last for around 3-4 weeks. These showers often come in the late afternoon. Kilimanjaro is very quiet this time of the year and the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro for anyone who wants an exclusive adventure.

The Rongai Route and the Northern Circuit Route are advised for climbers because the northern side of the mountain is sheltered and receives less overall rainfall.

Suitable for – Avoiding the presence of crowds, and perfect for experienced climbers who don’t mind the wet trails and weather conditions.

Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro – Crucial Appraisals

Before you ascend the world’s highest free-standing mountain, some considerations have to be made. These include weather conditions, temperature, visibility, etc. Below we’ll look at them in more detail:

Weather Conditions

Mount Kilimanjaro is located close to the equator, which is why it doesn’t experience the same seasons as most parts of the world. Instead, it has two distinct seasons – the dry and rainy seasons. Both of them alter the conditions on the mountain.

Temperature

The temperatures on Kilimanjaro change with the different climatic zones as you ascend the mountain. The varying zones are divided into five, namely Civilization, Rainforest, Moorland, Alpine Desert, and Arctic Ice.

  • December to March are usually the coldest on the mountain.
  • There’s a great chance to see snow on the summit.
  • But, the cold weather reduces the number of visitors, in comparison to the months from July to August (considered the busiest time of the year).

Precipitation

Two distinct bursts of rain mark the wet season of Kilimanjaro:

  • The Long Rains – late March to May
  • The Short Rains – November

The rainy season starts at around mid-March and generally extends well into the month of May. At this time, the conditions are wet and muddy, especially along the southern face of the mountain.

Visibility

From late March to the end of May, and throughout the month of November, the visibility on Kilimanjaro is significantly low. 

This is because of the cloud cover, mist, and fog. So, remember this appraisal when considering When to Climb Kilimanjaro because you are going to miss out on some great photographic shots.

Crowds

The favourable weather conditions of Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing from January to March and June to October also make it the busiest time of year to climb the mountain.

  • The Machame and Marangu Kilimanjaro Routes are affected most by overcrowding.
  • So, we advise that you go for the Lemosho, Rongai, or Northern Circuit Routes to enjoy a climb without too many people around.

Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro Without The Crowds

If you aren’t bothered by the rainfall and are well-equipped then the shoulder season, just before and after the rains are the quietest period on the mountain.

  • Though the peak of the wet season, April, May, and November are not advised.
  • In addition, you can also pick one of the routes up Kilimanjaro that has less foot traffic.

In the wetter times of the year, we recommend the northern side routes of Kilimanjaro. This is because they are more sheltered and don’t receive as much rainfall compared to the other sections.

A Note On Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climbs

Fantastic star gazing opportunities and visible constellations, illuminated by a shining orb in the sky! This is the charming and magical experience of Climbing Kilimanjaro under a full moon.

The only downside to Climbing Kilimanjaro on a full moon night is the presence of crowds. So keep this in mind if crowds are a problematic factor for you.

A Bonus Insight – A New Year’s Eve climb takes place during the short dry season on Mount Kilimanjaro and is also regarded as one of the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro .

Increase Your Ascension Success – Settle On The Perfect Time!

Want to know how you can settle on the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro ? Everyone does, but what they miss out on is first deciding what experience they would like to have.

Hence figure out if you would prefer an exclusive climbing expedition, a full moon climb under the twinkling skyline, or a climb in the best weather conditions and you’ll conquer Kilimanjaro in its prime time.

the most awaRded adVentuRe
tour operator in kilimanjaro

We are proud of our 100+ reviews on Tripadvisor, the largest tour review website.

5 Times Consecutive TripAdvisor Excellency Award Since 2011

Kilimanjaro Preparation

Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness

Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness

Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness which occur the height.

Best Time To Climb In Kilimanjaro

Best Time To Climb In Kilimanjaro

As a perfectly balanced weather, from January.

Kilimanjaro Tipping Guide

Kilimanjaro Tipping Guide

Tipping is a compulsory tradition on every

Kilimanjaro Porters

Kilimanjaro Porters

Kilimanjaro Porters and Guides have the major role to make your Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro Faqs

Kilimanjaro Faqs

The base age limit set by Kilimanjaro National Park for kids trekking.

Training For Kilimanjaro

Training For Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak and needs.

Kilimanjaro Guide

Kilimanjaro Guide

Despite being the most accessible mountain peak for the summit, many hikers.

Kilimanjaro Foods

Kilimanjaro Foods

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro needs the physical fitness and strong willpower.

Electronics Gadegts

Electronics Gadegts

With our years of mountain experience.

Kilimanjaro Gear List

Kilimanjaro Gear List

Kilimanjaro Gears plays a vital role in climbing highest.

Daily Routine For Climbing Kilimanjaro

Routine For Kilimanjaros

Summit the majestic Kilimanjaro

How To Plan Kilimanjaro Climb

How To Plan Kilimanjaro Climb

Conquering Africa’s biggest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro.

Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness

Common condition caused by the lack of oxygen.

Kilimanjaro Climb Cost

Kilimanjaro Climb Cost

There’s not a definitive answer out there as to what.

Kilimanjaro Daypack

Kilimanjaro Daypack

Technical backpacks designed specifically with Climbing Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Flights

Kilimanjaro Flights

Wondering about how to access the majestic peak of Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Kilimanjaro for Beginners

Climbing Kilimanjaro for Beginners

Newbie climbers often have a significant question .

Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climb

Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climb

Summiting Kilimanjaro is an adventure full of excitement.

Kilimanjaro Health Check

Kilimanjaro Health Check

Africa’s biggest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Map

Kilimanjaro Map

As you look at the Kilimanjaro Map unfurled before you

Kilimanjaro Rescue

Kilimanjaro Rescue

There is a dedicated Kilimanjaro Rescue Team that

Kilimanjaro Safety

Kilimanjaro Safety

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be a thrilling experience.

Climbing Kilimanjaro Solo

Climbing Kilimanjaro Solo

Climbing Africa’s biggest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Success Rate

Kilimanjaro Success Rate

Every hiker in this world dreams to reach the top of Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Summit Preparation

Kilimanjaro Summit Preparation

Climbing Africa’s tallest Mountain, Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Tents

Kilimanjaro Tents

Resting in the Kilimanjaro Tents is a dream come true

Kilimanjaro Trail Conditions

Kilimanjaro Trail Conditions

Looking to conquer the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance

Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance

Looking to conquer the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro Vaccinations

Kilimanjaro Vaccinations

There are no obligatory Kilimanjaro Vaccinations

Sleeping Bags On Kilimanjaro

Sleeping Bags On Kilimanjaro

Resting in the Kilimanjaro Tents is a dream come true

Lodges In Kilimanjaro

Lodges In Kilimanjaro

Be prepared for a trek through a variety of terrains

Kilimanjaro Weather

Kilimanjaro Weather

Being conscious of Kilimanjaro Weather before your tour up the mountain

Thing To Do Before Kilimanjaro

Thing To Do Before Kilimanjaro

Being conscious of Kilimanjaro Weather before your tour up the mountain

Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro Faq's

Tanzania Tribe Safari

Two Decades of Unparalleled Experience

Customize Your Travel To Tanzania

Experience with Tanzania Tribe Safari

... ... ... ...

John Mark

Best no complains masai mara 6 days luxury safari package was what i needed after one year. Tanzania Tribe Safari made this happen we are great full me and my family.

Latifa Z

Mount kilimanjaro is the best mountain on my experience, machame route was my best route of my choice, with the best view full me and my family.

Alexander

The team around, were like a family. It was fun and just an adventure. We had the adventure we wanted, and are grateful !