
When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? According to different sources and different visitors’ reviews, the Kilimanjaro Mountains can be hiked or climbed all year round. But certain times of the year become favorable for visitors to trek through the mountains from the foothills up to the top through the designated tracks established to ensure the movement and climbing of visitors who are interested in climbing or hiking this great mountain. In this article, we explore and discuss the best time to come and climb this wonderful mountain, which is extremely beautiful and interesting. Even different times of the year are characterized by the weather and severe rains because the mountain is covered with snow on top, which plays a great role in modifying the climate of the mountain and which also affects the climbing of the mountains by several visitors. You need to know the best time to climb this great mountain. Just read this great article to get the insight.
The months of January through early March, as well as June through October, are ideal for climbing Kilimanjaro. The most comfortable hiking conditions are provided by clear skies, wonderful views, and sunshine. Regardless of the season, though, the weather has the potential to change abruptly. Kilimanjaro may be climbed at any time of year, but some months are better than others. We advocate climbing Mount Kilimanjaro during the driest months of the year. We avoid the months of April and November since they are the wettest, making the trails more treacherous.
Let’s talk about the weather and the Kilimanjaro winds. The weather on Kilimanjaro is greatly impacted by the interplay of trade winds with the mountain’s structure. Moisture is carried by the southeast trade winds as they pass over the Indian Ocean. They are propelled upwards when they reach Kilimanjaro in March, where they condense, forming clouds and precipitation. This indicates that the wettest season on Kilimanjaro is from March through May. At this time of year, the southern slopes are more vulnerable to rain.
If you only have April or May to trek, we recommend the Rongai route, which departs from Kilimanjaro’s northern end and is often drier than the southern route options during these months. The anti-trade winds from the east carry relatively little moisture but are very forceful. The South-east trade winds are kept below them by the strength of these winds, which last from April to October. As a result, these months are normally dry, with cloud cover and precipitation limited to the lower slopes. In November, the northeast monsoon arrives, bringing modest precipitation to Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes.

Hikers hiking mountain Kilimanjaro
What are the best months for climb or hike mount Kilimanjaro ?
The optimal time to climb Kilimanjaro is during one of two separate trekking seasons. January-March and June-October are the months in question. The weather is often colder in January-March than it is in June-October, and there is a greater chance of snow on the top. While this may appear to be a disadvantage to some, the pros of a January-March trek include the fact that the slopes are frequently quieter at this time of year. Because the trekking season runs from June to October, it overlaps with European and North American summer vacations, and as a result, certain routes are frequently overcrowded. The wettest months in Kilimanjaro are March, April, and November, which are not suitable for trekking. From December to May, snowfall and chilly temperatures are prevalent.
What is the climate and altitude of Kilimanjaro Mountain?
Another issue to consider is the change in weather conditions as you climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro is divided into four separate climate zones.
The rainforest zone (800m-3,000m) is located in a warm and humid climate. Rainfall is typical in the zone, especially during the rainy season, and temperatures at 2,870 m average 12–15 degrees Celsius.
At 3,630m, the second zone, known as the low alpine area (3,000m–4,200m), is a semi-arid zone with average temperatures ranging from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Desert-like conditions prevail in the upper alpine zone (4,200m–5,000m). At 4,970 meters, temperatures are near freezing, and at the top of the glacial zone (above 5,000 meters), temperatures are approximately -6 degrees Celsius.
Although the summit temperature does not appear to be particularly frigid, wind chill is a significant effect. There’s a good chance you’ll be hit by some strong gusts. Furthermore, the consequences of low temperatures at high altitudes are more pronounced because your body expends more effort in an oxygen-depleted environment to get your skin and important organs well oxygenated.
When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro without clouds?
The shoulder seasons, immediately before and after the rains, are the quietest times of the year if you don’t mind getting wet and are well prepared. If you want to be alone, risking a little rain in exchange for having the mountain to yourself can be a reasonable trade-off. During the rainy season (April-May and November), we avoid climbing. Choose one of the routes with less foot traffic as an alternative. During the rainier months, we prefer the paths on the mountain’s northern side, which receive less rainfall and are more sheltered.

Safety conditions during Kilimanjaro climbing
Safety conditions during Kilimanjaro climbing
If you’re an experienced hiker, slick trails and a little mud might not bother you. Climbing during the dry months is recommended for inexperienced hikers. Less rain means less worry and less pain, allowing you to spend more time relaxing and enjoying your surroundings. The trail can become extremely muddy on the lower slopes and through the forest. Higher up, slippery, rocky trails can be a struggle. We are highly concerned about your safety. Kilimanjaro climbing guides are extremely experienced and have hiked Kilimanjaro in all types of weather. We keep an eye on the weather and are adaptable enough to change the daily plan if necessary.
If you get wet, you’re more likely to become cold. Your body is already dealing with the effects of altitude as you rise, and damp clothing might be the difference between a mild cold and hypothermia. It’s critical to keep your gear dry, prevent becoming soaked, and never linger in damp clothes for your safety and comfort. You’ll need some tough wet-weather gear (which we recommend at any time of year), one of the less strenuous itineraries, and waterproof bags for your gear in both your daypack and duffel bag.
Please note that the Tanzanian government has banned the usage of all plastic bags, so do not put your belongings in garbage bags or ziploc bags.
Kilimanjaro may be climbed all year, but Climbing Kilimanjaro recommends avoiding long and short rains (April-May and November) for your safety and comfort. If your schedule only permits you to trek during the shoulder seasons, we can accommodate you. Check out our Kilimanjaro climbing gear recommendations to see what you’ll need to tackle the mountain. Just contact Africa Adventure Vacations to get the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for a better experience.