Tanzania is located in the southern hemisphere, and the weather in Kilimanjaro is not always as wet as you may expect. Also, the mountain is very quiet during the monsoon. The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is usually during the dry season.
In the first half of March and also in January – February the climate is warmest. Magnificent clear skies in the mornings and evenings make these the best time to climb Kilimanjaro.
The “winter” months in Tanzania are from June to August. Nights are cold although it’s still warm during the day.
The peak season in Kili is August and September. For those wanting to avoid busy trails consider a different time of year.
April, May, and November are not recommended to climb Kilimanjaro as these are usually colder, cloudy, and rainy months.
Like everywhere else in the world the weather system has been changing here in Kilimanjaro, monsoon has been arriving early over the last few years
January and February are two of the best months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and therefore also the most popular. They are the warmest months, so you can expect clear, sunny skies in the mornings and evenings, however, clouds may appear in the afternoons and you may experience some rain.
The long rainy season runs from March to May. It rains often and it is a bit less warm, Climbing in the rain is likely to be less enjoyable and means you’ll miss out on the spectacular views and photo opportunities. On the other hand, if you do choose to trek at this time of year, you’ll avoid the crowds on the trails (even the most popular routes can offer solitude, peace, and tranquillity) and at the campsites.
From June to October when it’s winter in Tanzania, we call it the dry season. It hardly ever rains and the temperatures are pleasant. The weather is warm but you don’t suffer from the heat. These are the best time to climb Kilimanjaro.
Starting from November to early December is often the wet season. It’s summer in Tanzania and it’s getting very hot. This is not considered an ideal month to trek Mount Kilimanjaro, as conditions can be very wet, muddy, and slippery. The short rainy season often runs into December, however, this is still a popular time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
You must be aware that on Kilimanjaro climbing you will experience 5 distinct climate zones. These are affected differently by the 2 different wind patterns that occur in Tanzania. But do not worry; you don’t have to be a climatologist to make sure you climb at the right time. Also, Kilimanjaro’s climbing success rate depends on factors like the chosen routes, previous climbing experience or preparation, and most importantly the weather at that time.
The temperature on Mount Kilimanjaro correlates with the four distinct climatic zones:
The Rainforest Zone (8,00m-3,000m) is hot and damp. Thickly covered with green vegetation this zone’s temperatures average 12-15 °C (20-25 °C during daytime) at 2,900 m.
The Low Alpine Zone (3,000m-4,200m) is a semi-arid area and the higher you climb – the scarcer the flora becomes. Depending on the course, you will spend the first one or two days with average temperatures range 5-10 °C at 3,600 m.
The High Alpine Zone (4,200m-5,000m) which is desert-like is where you will spend your fourth and fifth days on the Mount.
Picture yourself on the last leg of your summit. The sky is lit up by the bright full moon. The moonlight glistening on the earth beneath your feet, twinkling like little stars is the best experience of your life. Sounds like a dream right? Well, living the dream may be a bit easier than you think. Kilimanjaro full moon climbs are utterly breathtaking and are a unique way of experiencing an already life-changing adventure.
Suricata Safaris provides the best Kilimanjaro Hiking Package and customizes it as per your hiker needs. We will let you know about the best time to hike Kilimanjaro so that you can experience the best that the summit has to offer. During the hiking, our guides will provide you with Mount Kilimanjaro facts and details that you would have never heard of before!