The Best Time Of Year To Climb Kilimanjaro – A Route–By–Route Guide
Written By
African Scenic Safaris
22/02/2023
Trekking
Last updated on June 26th, 2023 at 08:49 am
Among the factors for Climbing Kilimanjaro, choosing the best time is one of the most challenging. Moreover, finding out the best time of the year and the best Kilimanjaro Routes will significantly impact your climbing experience. And ultimately determine whether you reach the summit of Uhuru Peak.
Below we’ll offer valuable insights into the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro based on weather patterns, trail conditions, and peak tourist season. This will help both novice and experienced climbers navigate the difficulties of Kilimanjaro’s changing climate and environment.
With detailed information on each Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes’ unique features, you’ll have all the necessary ways to choose the best time of year to climb & maximize your chances of summiting.
The weather conditions on Mount Kilimanjaro can differ from scorching hot to extremely cold within a period of just a day. But the temperatures don’t vary much from season to season. Instead, the temperatures on the mountain are determined primarily by the time of day and altitude profile.
The average temperature at the base of Kilimanjaro is about 21 to 27 Celsius.
Nighttime temperatures at Uhuru Peak range between -8 to -29 Celsius.
Kilimanjaro creates extremely varied weather, so the patterns are difficult to predict.
Thus, climbers need to prepare for every type of weather profile. This includes warm, sunny conditions, wind, rain, and even snow.
The temperatures will indeed remain the same no matter which Kilimanjaro Route you pick for your climbing expedition.
The best way to interpret the weather forecasts of Kilimanjaro is by understanding the trade and anti-trade winds. These winds dictate the weather profiles of the mountain. The following are the two sets of trade winds that influence the Kilimanjaro Weather.
SOUTH-EAST TRADE WINDS
NORTH-EAST ANTI-TRADE WINDS
These winds arise from the Indian Ocean.
These winds come from the north and end the effect of the South-East trade winds.
They arrive in March and last till May.
They arrive between late May and last through early November.
They bring a lot of moisture that eventually turns into torrents of rain.
They force their way through the space between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro By Route Wise
The primary months for Climbing Kilimanjaro are from December to March and June to October. Though if you want an exclusive climbing experience through the trails of the Kilimanjaro Routes then, November, April, and May are great.
These months have fewer crowds and the Rongai Route is recommended because it’s much drier than the Machame and Lemosho routes. For your better understanding, we’ll cover the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro according to the 5 routes below.
Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro Via The Marangu Route
The best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route is between January to March and June to October. Though, climbing is possible throughout the year on this Kilimanjaro Route. It can get cold and wet during April, May, and November. So, consider packing the right waterproof gear and warm clothing items.
There are pros and cons of climbing Kilimanjaro through the Marangu Route trail based on the time of the year. The following is a detailed outlook.
TIME OF YEAR
PROS
CONS
January – February
Clear and dry weather conditions lower crowd levels
Cooler temperatures at night and higher altitudesPotential for snow and ice on the trail
March – April
Lower crowd levels and cheaper prices for tours
Rainy season with the potential for heavy rainfall and mud on the trail.Cooler temperatures at night and higher altitudes
May – June
Clearer weather conditions than the rainy season lower crowd levels
Cooler temperatures at night and higher altitudesPotential for fog and limited visibility
July – September
Dry weather conditions Warmer temperatures
Higher crowd levels than other times of the year clear skies can make for colder temperatures at night and higher altitudes
October – December
Clear and dry weather conditions lower crowd levels than in the summer months
Cooler temperatures at night and higher altitudesPotential for snow and ice on the trail
Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro Via The Machame Route
The best time for climbing Kilimanjaro through the Machame Route is from June to October. Although, this scenic Kilimanjaro Route can be climbed throughout the course of the year. The trails can get wet and temperatures can be cold in the wet season. So, bring waterproof shoes and warm clothing essentials.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of the Machame Route:
TIME OF YEAR
PROS
CONS
January – March
– Clear weather and good visibility – Lower crowd levels
– Cold temperatures, especially at night – Potential for snow and ice on the trail
April and May
– Lower rates for tours and accommodations – Fewer crowds
– Heavy rainfall and slippery trail conditions – Cooler temperatures at night and higher altitudes
June – October
– Good weather and visibility – Warm temperatures
– Crowded trail and accommodations – Higher rates for tours and accommodations
November and December
– Clear weather and good visibility – Fewer crowds
– Cooler temperatures at night and higher altitudes – Potential for snow and ice on the trail
Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro Via The Lemosho Route
The ideal time for climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route is in the months from June to October. The rainy season is in the months of April, May, and November, so the trails can be muddy and wet. We advise you to not use this Kilimanjaro Climb Route in the rainy season.
Before you set off on the Lemosho Route trails, you should know its pros and cons. They’re listed below for your convenience:
TIME OF YEAR
PROS
CONS
January – March
Clear weather and good visibility Lower crowd levels
Cold temperatures, especially at nightPotential for snow and ice on the trail
April – May
Lower rates for tours and accommodationsFewer crowds
Heavy rainfall and slippery trail conditions cooler temperatures at night and higher altitudes
June – October
Good weather and visibilityWarm temperatures
Crowded trail and accommodationsHigher rates for tours and accommodations
November – December
Clear weather and good visibility, Fewer crowds
Cooler temperatures at night and higher altitudes Potential for snow and ice on the trail
Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro Via The Rongai Route
January and February and August to October are considered the best months to climb Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route. We recommend that you avoid climbing via this Kilimanjaro Route in the wet season (April, May, and November).
The followings are the pros and cons of climbing Kilimanjaro on the Rongai Route:
TIME OF YEAR
PROS
CONS
January – March
Clear weather and good visibility lower crowd levels
Cold temperatures, especially at night Potential for snow and ice on the trail
April – May
Lower rates for tours and accommodations. Fewer crowds
Heavy rainfall and slippery trail conditions Cooler temperatures at night and higher altitudes
June – October
Good weather and visibility Warm temperatures
Crowded trail and accommodations Higher rates for tours and accommodations
November – December
Clear weather and good visibility, Fewer crowds
Cooler temperatures at night and higher altitudes Potential for snow and ice on the trail
Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro Via The Northern Circuit Route
Just like some of the other Mount Kilimanjaro Routes, climbing the Northern Circuit Routeis best from June to October. Trekking is possible in the wet season on this trail. But, we generally advise you to skip the rainy season (April, May, and November) when planning your Kilimanjaro Climb.
Below are the pros and cons of trekking Kilimanjaro through the Northern Circuit Route:
TIME OF YEAR
PROS
CONS
January – March
Clear weather and good visibility Lower crowd levels
Cold temperatures, especially at night Potential for snow and ice on the trail
April – May
Lower rates for tours and accommodations. Fewer crowds
Heavy rainfall and slippery trail conditions Cooler temperatures at night and higher altitudes
June – October
Good weather and visibility Warm temperatures
Crowded trail and accommodations Higher rates for tours and accommodations
November – December
Clear weather and good visibility Fewer crowds
Cooler temperatures at night and higher altitudes Potential for snow and ice on the trail
Key Insight – The pros and cons of all the above Mt Kilimanjaro Routes might vary based on different factors. So, it’s important to research thoroughly before planning your Kilimanjaro Climb. This is where our team of specialists can assist you by providing you with all the information you need.
Other Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro
There are some other factors that you should consider when you choose the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro. They are listed below:
Altitude Sickness – When you descend up the mountain, you may get symptoms of altitude sickness, especially at higher altitudes. The weather in the arctic zone of Kilimanjaro is where trekkers face the challenge of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
Remember that mild symptoms are to be expected. They can be treated via over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and paracetamol.
Crowd Levels – The peak season of Kilimanjaro is during July and August and December and January. This is the time when there are more crowds around. If you want a more secluded trekking experience, then consider the low season. This runs from March to May and there are fewer crowds during this time.
Visibility – This is important for photographers and people who want to enjoy amazing views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscapes. The dry season generally offers clearer and more panoramic views. On the contrary, the wet season may be cloudier and has more limited views.
Choose The Right Time To Climb Via Kilimanjaro Routes
To sum things up, the success of Climbing Kilimanjaro depends on many factors, including the Kilimanjaro Routes you choose and the time of year you climb. Each route has its unique challenges, and the weather conditions fluctuate depending on the time of year.
Thus, choosing a route that suits your fitness level and increases your chances of success is essential. Ultimately, with the right preparation, Climbing Kilimanjaro can be an incredibly rewarding adventure that’ll be impossible to forget for the rest of your life. If you have any questions regarding Kilimanjaro Routes, you reach out to one of our safari experts at African Scenic Safaris. We would be happy to answer you.
We have other blogs that also cover important aspects of a Kilimanjaro Climb. Click on the links below to learn more about Mt. Kilimanjaro:
