Care to know which is the best month of the year to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? In terms of weather (avoiding rain), January through early March and July through mid-October are the ideal times of year to climb Kilimanjaro. Winter is lengthy and dry, while the green season has two wet intervals at each end. The warmest months are December, January, February, and March, with bright mornings and nights and daytime clouds that gather in the early afternoon to obscure the top.
Beginning in early April and lasting until early June is the primary rainy season. You may expect regular snowstorms on the mountain’s peak and heavy rain on its lower slopes at this time due to the bulk of dense cloud formations massed above it.
Mid-June to mid-October is the season that is the longest and driest. The nights may get quite chilly during this time. The summit and a few other distant peaks may be seen peeping through the continual dripping band of clouds that surrounds the entire mountain during Kilimanjaro’s “winter” above the woods and the moorland contour. One of the greatest times to plan the hike is when it is often bright and dry above the clouds.
The mountain is frequently blanketed in thick clouds, with constant showers from base to peak, until the middle of December, when the clouds eventually give way to rain.
Kilimanjaro climbing is most enjoyable in January, February, July, August, and September.
If you can, stay away from climbing in November (the brief rains) and the heavy rainy season of April to May. Avoid commencing your climb on a Saturday or Sunday to avoid the “crowds” during these times on the Machame Route and on the other routes (the majority of groups start on these days). For the best moonlighting of the summit trail at night when ascending on a full moon, we advise scheduling the summit attempt three to five days AFTER the full moon.
Which month of the year is the best for climbing Kilimanjaro?
An excellent time to climb the mountain is when the weather is consistent especially during the dry and warm months of January to February and July to September.
January and February
The two most popular and ideal months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are January and February. Because they are the warmest, you can anticipate clear, sunny skies in the mornings and nights, but clouds may emerge in the afternoons, and you could see some rain.
Kilimanjaro climbs in March, April, and May
Beginning at the end of March and lasting until the beginning of June is the long rainy season. Because the paths can be quite muddy, snowy, and rainy during this season, we do not advise climbing Kilimanjaro.
You won’t get to take advantage of the breathtaking vistas and picture ops if you climb in the rain, which is also likely to make the experience less pleasurable.
However, if you do decide to go trekking at this time of year, you’ll escape the crowds at the campgrounds and on the trails (even the busiest trails may provide seclusion, calm, and tranquility).
Additionally, some individuals enjoy the concept of climbing Kilimanjaro when the top is likely to be covered in snow since it can make the ascent more difficult while also providing stunning views.
June
June is often significantly drier than March, April, and May since it marks the start of the dry season after the rainy season. However, you should dress for the cold as the sky are usually still gloomy and the sights won’t necessarily be as breathtaking.
July, August, September, or October
The weather in Kilimanjaro is often cooler but somewhat drier from July until the end of October. Even while there is a potential of getting wet throughout the year, especially if you go across moorlands and rainforests, normal precipitation levels are modest.
You’ll feel more comfortable and have a better time on the walk overall if you stay dry. You will also enjoy bright, sunny skies, breathtaking vistas, and climbing throughout these months.
The fact that the trails can get rather crowded during these months is a drawback, but some individuals like the chance to socialize with other groups at the campsites.
Teamwork is crucial for pushing oneself to the top, after all.
At the top of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro is a sign that reads “Uhuru Peak.”
November
The brief rainy season in Tanzania lasts from the beginning of November until the beginning of December. It frequently rains in the afternoons, while the mornings and nights are usually clear. Due to the possibility of extremely muddy, slippery, and rainy weather, this month is not recommended for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
December
Even though there is just a brief rainy season, it sometimes extends into December, making this a popular time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Full Moon Climbs
The top of Mount Kilimanjaro is especially lovely with a full moon.
The vistas are breathtaking as the brilliant moon illuminates the glaciers. Another benefit of going on a trek at this time of day is that the moonlight will make it easier for you to see, especially on your last ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Many people like to reach Uhuru Peak when the moon is closest to full, even though it is not required to do so in order to benefit from moonlight.
A seven-day climb should begin five days before the full moon date, and an eight-day climb should begin six days before the full moon date if you do want to reach the peak on a full moon. Book early since these dates are incredibly popular and there are only a few spots available on the mountain at any one moment. We advise avoiding the full moon time entirely if you want a peaceful trek and a sky filled with beautiful stars.
See the Kilimanjaro full moon climb dates
Other things to consider if you want to climb Kilimanjaro
Of course, there are other factors to take into account when you begin to plan your ascent of Africa’s tallest mountain in addition to the time of year and the weather. Before choosing the ideal time to climb Kilimanjaro, consider the following additional factors.
Preparing for your Kilimanjaro climb
Although more than 30,000 people attempt to reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro each year, it’s no simple task, therefore it’s crucial that you be well-prepared.
Here are a few pointers to get you going, but you should read our beginner’s guide to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for additional advice on how to get ready for your mountain adventure.
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