When To Climb?
Tanzania is located close to the Ecuador and therefore the magnificent Kilimanjaro experiences some very hot as well as very rainy months. The weather on the mountain is very unpredictable and the climbers can experience heat and cold on their climbing journey. That's why it is very important to be well prepared, have the right clothing and equipment. Depending on what you want out of your experience, you can choose which months are best for you to attempt the climb. Our seasonal overview will help you understand when is the best time to go if you want to avoid the most rain, the most heat or the most cold, so read on.
Since Mount Kilimanjaro is located close to the Equator, it experiences dry and wet season instead of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. During the wet season, it will be cloudy and rainy at the lower level and snowy and icy at higher levels so the best time and visibility will be during the dry season.
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Short Dry Season: from middle of December trough mid-March
Long Rainy Season: from end of March to early June
Long Dry Season: from mid-June to the end of October
Short Rainy Season: from beginning of November to beginning of December
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The Short Dry Season
Late December, January, February and March are great months to climb Kilimanjaro, but the weather is much less predictable than the longer season. You can expect relatively nice weather. The days should be warm and dry and the temperatures are generally in the 80s with lows ranging from upper the 50s to lower 70s and occasional rain is possible, but not extreme. You should be prepared with a short sleeve and zip-off pants are perfect. During the short dry season, it is possible to see some snow as you're approaching the summit and it is beautiful. Not everyone likes to be trekking in snow, however, so those months tend to be quieter than the long dry season. The temperatures drop as you climb higher and the summit is almost always freezing cold. You will feel the cold a lot more at high altitude as your body puts more effort trying to get your vital organs well-oxygenated.
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Long Rainy Season
End of March, April, and November are the wettest and the least comfortable months to climb Kilimanjaro. If you are hardy and experienced trekker, you might enjoy the solitude as those months are much less busy. Be ready that when yo finally reach the summit, the visibility will be limited and the views from the top could be covered with clouds and moisture. If that's the only time you have to go visit, you might like to consider trekking the Rongai route at this time as that route receives less rainfall on average than the other Kilimanjaro routes. During this season, the days are very hot and steamy with heavy downpours especially in the rainforest zone of Kilimanjaro. You should be prepared breathable wind proof and waterproof layer, both a jacket and pants and a rain poncho.
Long Dry Season
There is not much difference between the long and short dry seasons so it's recommended to visit during any of those month. Be advised that the summit conditions are almost always cold and there is always a chance of rain in the lower rainforest. Please remember that the best time of the year to climb is also the busiest so expect more crowds during the dry season. Usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather can be expected. Temperatures are relatively cool and can be chilly on early morning excursions and the higher slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro can experience sub-zero temperatures at any time of year.
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Short Rainy Season
This is the summer in Tanzania and it very hot and humid just like during the Long Rainy Season, but the short rainy season (November and December) sees lighter, less reliable rains which also don't last all day. The good thing about traveling during those months is that it is less crowded and the colors are beautiful.
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Kilimanjaro has Five Ecological Zones also known as vegetation zones of Kilimanjaro so there are strong temperature differences between the foot and the top of the mountain and climbing Kilimanjaro may feel like moving from the hot tropical climate to the harsh cold of North Pole.