Menu

THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO

Home » THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO
WE CLIMB ALL YEAR ROUND

THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO

Although we climb Kilimanjaro all year round, the best time to climb Kilimanjaro tends to be the warmest and driest months. Until recently the weather system on Kilimanjaro was very predictable but like everywhere else in the world the weather system has been changing. Over the last few years the rainy season seems to have been arriving early. It is hard to say whether this will last but it has been noted over the last few seasons.

Seasonal Climbing Overview
JAN - MARMAR - JUNJUN to AUGAUG to OCTNOV to DEC
MAR to JUNMid JUN to Mid AUGAUG to OCTNOV to DEC
Weather is a deciding factor

The Wet & Dry of Kilimanjaro

Deciding on the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is determined mainly by the weather. Tanzania experiences two rainy seasons and two dry seasons every year.
Wet-Dry-Season

KILIMANJARO DRY SEASON

sun-800 (1)

  • The Long Dry season which lasts from late June to mid-October, is the most pleasant time of year. During this time, rainfall is uncommon, while clear skies and plenty of sunshine are to be expected. Temperatures are relatively cool and can be chilly on early morning game drives.

 

  • The Short Dry season  – January and February constitute the short dry season.

Of course, the higher slopes of Kilimanjaro can experience sub-zero temperatures at any time of year.

KILIMANJARO WET SEASON

rain-800 (1)

  • The long rains usually last from early March to late May, bringing with them heavy afternoon downpours and high humidity. Temperatures at this time of year frequently exceed 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).

 

  • The short rainy season (November and December) sees lighter, less reliable rains and the start of the hottest time of year, which lasts until the end of February. Temperatures during this period can get as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).

The rainy season shouldn’t put you off visiting Kilimanjaro. It is not always as wet as you may expect and there are some advantages. The mountain is very quiet during the raining season and for those hoping for snow on the summit it can usually be guaranteed during the rainy season.

  • The short rains begin at the start of November and carry on until mid December. The temperature drops and the clouds close in around Kilimanjaro. The mountain is usually quite quiet around this time. During December the mountain becomes busier again and the weather changes for the better. The 6 weeks around New Year are very busy on the mountain and the weather is quite stable with occasional showers.

  • This is considered peak climbing season on Kilimanjaro and the mountain can be very busy. The weather is warm and the skies are clear. Rain can still linger around the rain forest zones on Kilimanjaro but once above this the chances of rain are slim. The rains increase towards the end of October

  • The rain decreases into June and the weather turns very dry and clear as the months go on. Night time temperatures can be very cold at this time of year. June is a quiet time on the mountain but it gradually becomes busier as the year moves along.

  • The rains increase during March until April where the mountain becomes very wet and warm. The mountain is very quiet during this period. This period is known as the long rains and is the wettest period Kilimanjaro experiences.

  • This is a good time to climb Kilimanjaro. The weather is quite stable with clear skies and the occasional shower. The temperatures are reasonably warm and the mountain is quite quiet.