You can climb Kilimanjaro year-round, but the best weather conditions are typically from December to early March and from mid-June to October. Continue reading for more details on the different seasons…
A key part of preparing for your Kilimanjaro trek is selecting the right time to climb. While it’s possible to summit the mountain year-round, some months offer better conditions than others.
We’re here to help you choose the optimal time for your climb, drawing on our years of expertise and experience trekking Kilimanjaro.
The most favorable times to climb Kilimanjaro are:
Late December through March offers some of the best months to climb Kilimanjaro. While there may be occasional rain, it’s typically light and not disruptive.
One of the perks of climbing during this time is the chance to reach the summit while it’s covered in snow—an incredible sight to behold.
Additionally, the summit isn’t as cold during the short dry season compared to other times of the year, which makes trekking more comfortable. For more details on summit temperatures, check out our guide on How Cold is the Summit of Kilimanjaro? This season offers a perfect combination of scenic beauty and milder conditions.
Lastly, one consideration when trekking during the long dry season is that the summit tends to be the coldest during these months. June and July generally bring the harshest conditions at the top. If you’re planning to climb Kilimanjaro during the dry season, we recommend booking your trek for August, September, or early October for more manageable summit temperatures.
Lastly, one consideration when trekking during the long dry season is that the summit tends to be the coldest during these months. June and July generally bring the harshest conditions at the top. If you’re planning to climb Kilimanjaro during the dry season, we recommend booking your trek for August, September, or early October for more manageable summit temperatures.
Yes, many people do trek Kilimanjaro during the rainy season. However, November tends to be particularly quiet on the mountain due to heavy rainfall, making it a time when mountain crews often engage in volunteer clean-up efforts.
Here’s an overview of the rainy seasons and some tips if you’re considering climbing during the wetter months:
The long rainy season spans late March through May, with April and May being the peak months. During this time, the weather can be very hot and humid, especially in the rainforest, which some trekkers find uncomfortable. Additionally, these are the wettest months, so you may encounter downpours along the way.
One challenge of trekking during the rainy season is navigating muddy, slippery trails, which can increase the risk of injury.
Despite these conditions, it’s still possible to climb Kilimanjaro at this time of year. The upside is that the mountain is less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
November is one of the least favorable months for climbing Kilimanjaro due to the weather, particularly in the lower regions of the mountain. The rain can sometimes extend into early December as well.
During the short rainy season, the rainforest zone experiences heavy downpours, which means you’ll be trekking in the rain, equipped with rain gear. The wet ground can become slippery, which can be especially challenging during the descent at the end of your trek.
Additionally, the weather tends to be hot and humid, and with the rain or hazy conditions, the stunning views that Kilimanjaro is known for can be obscured.
For these reasons, we don’t consider November and the first half of December to be the ideal time to climb Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro climbers typically begin their summit attempt at midnight, relying mostly on the light from their headlamps. However, a lucky few have the opportunity to hike under the dazzling glow of a full moon!
Head of written content
