Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

February is an optimum month for climbing Kilimanjaro.

Tourist volumes are lower than during the main hiking season of August to September, and the weather is quite dry and relatively cool, which improves the likelihood of extensive snow on the peaks.

It gets freezing at higher altitudes throughout the year, and hikers should be prepared for subzero temperatures and high winds.

March offers a unique, transitional experience for explorers dreaming of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This month marks the shift from the short dry season to the start of the long rainy period of the year, presenting the mountain in a whole new light compared to the peak climbing periods of the dry season.

While there’s a higher chance of experiencing rain, particularly later in the month, early March can still offer pleasant conditions with fewer climbers on the trails. It’s a time when the mountain’s lower slopes become incredibly green, contrasting with the often snowy and cold upper reaches.

The answer to the question, “When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?” depends on a number of factors, including the importance of solitude to you, the climber. Choosing March to climb Mount Kilimanjaro means embracing a more adventurous experience, potentially with a greater sense of solitude, before the full intensity of the wet season arrives.

Mount Kilimanjaro Weather in March

March on Kilimanjaro is characterised by increasing rainfall as the month progresses. While lower elevations can be warm and humid, daily showers become more frequent.

Temperatures decline sharply with the altitude increase, with the summit remaining an arctic environment with extremely cold conditions and often fresh snowfall.

*Temperatures vary significantly with altitude, from the humid base to the arctic summit. Rainfall figures represent the overall average across the mountain, with precipitation becoming more frequent and heavier towards the end of the month.

Pros of Climbing Kilimanjaro in March

• Fewer crowds due to March being shoulder season.
• Lush, vibrant landscapes along the base thanks to the increased rainfall.
• Fresh snow at the summit is possible at higher elevations around this time of the year.
• Better availability and a more serene experience because of lower demand.

Cons of Climbing Kilimanjaro in March

• Increased rain and mud can make the route more challenging to navigate.
• Reduced visibility is possible due to frequent cloud cover and mist.
• Having to turn back due to challenging weather conditions is a possibility during March.

Tip: Invest in top-tier waterproof and quick-drying gear if you plan on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in March. Also, consider routes that approach from the northern side, like the Rongai route, as they tend to receive less rainfall.

April is the wettest month on Kilimanjaro and should be avoided at all costs. If that isn’t possible, use the Rongai Route on the drier northern slopes.

Whichever route you use, extreme weather – temperatures way below freezing and high winds – is likely at higher altitudes.

May is very wet, and although rainfall is lower than in April, the ground may be soggy, and forest trails will still be very slippery. Climbing Kilimanjaro is best avoided in May, though it does have the advantage of being uncrowded.

If you hike this time of year, it’s best to choose the Rongai Route, which ascends the drier northern slopes. Arctic temperatures exacerbated by wind are normal at night on the upper slopes.

June marks the beginning of Tanzania’s long dry season, making it an ideal answer to the question of when to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Following the long rainy season, this month offers progressively stable weather, clearer skies, and significantly reduced rainfall. The lower slopes of the mountain remain lush and green from the recent downpours, and as you ascend, the impressive visibility is truly awe-inspiring.

June presents an ideal blend of comfortable climbing conditions and slightly fewer crowds compared to the absolute peak of the dry season later in the year. This makes June a fantastic window for a successful summit bid on Africa’s highest mountain.

Mount Kilimanjaro Weather in June

June in Kilimanjaro National Park is characterised by a significant decrease in rainfall and a notable increase in clear skies and sunshine.

While the mountain’s base enjoys mild and pleasant temperatures, the ascent brings rapidly dropping temperatures, culminating in extremely cold, often freezing, conditions at the higher camps and summit, especially after the sun goes down.

*Temperatures fluctuate dramatically with altitude, ranging from mild at the base to freezing at the summit. Rainfall figures represent the overall average across the mountain, with precipitation being minimal as the dry season starts to establish itself this month.

Pros of Climbing Kilimanjaro in June

• Optimal climbing conditions and breathtaking vistas thanks to clear skies.
• Enhanced summit views are the perfect prize after completing your climb – reduced cloud cover makes for stunning summit photos.
• Fewer crowds navigate the trails this month, allowing for a more serene trek.
• Lush lower slopes offer a beautiful contrast to higher up the mountain.

Cons of Climbing Kilimanjaro in June

• Extreme cold at the summit means proper layering is absolutely critical.
• Residual wetness early in the month may still cause muddier sections along the trails.

Tip: While the weather is generally dry in June, never underestimate Kilimanjaro’s altitude! The cold can sneak up on you, so having the right gear is key.

Thinking about when to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? The optimal month for most adventurers is when dry conditions reign. July is the perfect time of the year to embark on this life-changing adventure for a number of reasons!

As July is part of Tanzania’s dry season, it offers some of the most stable and clear conditions for mountain trekking. While temperatures at lower altitudes are pleasant, climbers will experience the full spectrum of Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecological zones, culminating in significantly colder, yet often breathtakingly clear, conditions near the summit.

It’s a popular time to climb due to the high visibility and reduced rainfall, providing an ideal environment for both seasoned trekkers and first-timers looking to tick off this iconic mountain.

July falls within Kilimanjaro’s peak climbing season, also because of the summer holidays in Europe and North America. Expect trails and campsites to be busy, particularly on the more popular routes like Machame and Marangu.

Mount Kilimanjaro Weather in July

July on Kilimanjaro is characterised by dry, stable weather, clear skies, and excellent visibility, making it a highly sought-after month for climbing.

While lower elevations remain mild, temperatures drop considerably as you ascend, particularly at night when conditions can become extremely cold, reaching a low of -20°C/-4°F.

*Temperatures vary significantly with altitude, from the warm base to the arctic summit. Rainfall figures represent the overall average across the mountain, with minimal precipitation expected this month.

Pros of Climbing Kilimanjaro in July

• Optimal weather as July is part of the long dry season, offering excellent visibility, clear skies, and minimal rainfall.
• Higher success rates due to the stable and dry conditions; trails are less slippery and the overall weather is more predictable.
• Great photography opportunities thanks to clear skies and visibility of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.

Cons of Climbing Kilimanjaro in July

• There can be large crowds, as July is one of the peak climbing months; popular routes like Machame and Marangu can feel quite busy and campsites can be crowded.
• Cold temperatures at altitude mean that you need to be prepared for increasingly freezing conditions.
• Higher costs due to high demand – it’s best to book well in advance.

Tip: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider less popular routes such as the Rongai or the Northern Circuit, or aim to start your climb in the middle of the week.

As is the case at all times of the year, it will be freezing cold at night in the alpine and arctic zones. Still, assuming climatic conditions are your main consideration, August is probably the driest and warmest month and ideal for climbing Kilimanjaro. 

However, as summer holidays in the northern hemisphere are in full flow, it is also usually one of the two busiest months. The Shira, Rongai, or Mweka Routes will be less crowded than Marangu or Machame.

By now, the dry season has had time to truly settle in, making September an exceptional month for hiking and a strong contender for when is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This period guarantees some of the most consistent and favourable conditions for trekking towards Africa’s highest summit.

With remarkably stable weather, consistently clear skies, and minimal rainfall, climbers can enjoy unparalleled visibility that stretches across the vast plains below. While the popularity of this month means trails are bustling, September offers an unbeatable combination of excellent climbing conditions and breathtaking panoramic views, making it a highly sought-after time of the year for a successful and memorable trip up Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mount Kilimanjaro Weather in September

September on Kilimanjaro is characterised by dry, settled weather with abundant sunshine and excellent visibility.

While the lower sections of the mountain remain mild during the day, temperatures progressively decrease as the altitude increases. Expect extremely cold, freezing conditions at higher camps and the summit, especially during the evenings.

*Temperatures fluctuate dramatically with altitude, from pleasant at the base to arctic at the summit. Rainfall figures represent the overall average across the mountain, with precipitation being minimal as the dry season is in full force.

Pros of Climbing Kilimanjaro in September

• Exceptional conditions with virtually no rain and consistently clear skies as you take on the route.
• Outstanding visibility thanks to clear skies creates the perfect conditions for photography.
• High summit success rates due to the dry weather.

Cons of Climbing Kilimanjaro in September

• Peak season crowds dominate the routes, as this is one of the most popular months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Intense cold at altitude can be experienced, so adequate preparation for freezing conditions is important.
• There’s limited availability due to high demand, so booking in advance is key.

Subzero nighttime temperatures are normal throughout the year at higher altitudes, often exacerbated by wind. Nevertheless, October is an excellent month to climb Kilimanjaro, with relatively dry and warm weather, and it is generally less busy than August or September.

The short rains may kick in towards the end of the month, but after four months of dry weather, this shouldn’t be a major concern.

November is a wet month, even by Kilimanjaro’s soggy standards, so it isn’t an optimum time for climbing Kilimanjaro.

As is the case throughout the year, ground temperatures drop below freezing at night at higher altitudes, but November is colder and windier than average. Avoid if possible.

December tends to be wet and very cold. Expect slippery trails at lower altitudes and, as you approach the summit, subzero temperatures and howling winds at night.

Towards the end of the month, Kilimanjaro experiences a secondary high season associated with the Christmas and New Year holidays. Best avoided.

Credit: Nuvo Magazine

December tends to be wet and very cold. Expect slippery trails at lower altitudes and, as you approach the summit, subzero temperatures and howling winds at night. Towards the end of the month, the mountain experiences a secondary high season associated with the Christmas and New Year holidays. Best avoided.