Best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

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The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

When to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is an important decision one that not only affects having a successful hike but your overall experience. To your benefit we have created a list of things you should consider when you have to make the decision on when you should hike Africa’s highest mountain.

Factors you should consider when choosing when to hike Mount Kilimanjaro

Weather is the ultimate factor, the Kilimanjaro being near the equator we face only dry or wet(rainy) seasons, with dry season favored as it makes the hike less challenging therefore having more success chances. Rainy season is less favorable as you will slog through very deep mud in the first days, at higher altitude you fight your way through ice, snow, fog with moisture in your clothes, gear you will not only be facing a challenge to summit but risking your health through the process

Tip: bad weather on the Kilimanjaro will ruin you overall experience, your photos and will make the hike twice as hard

See the table below to know more on the month by month temperature, precipitation, cloudiness and crowds.

Months	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Crowds
January	Warm	Medium	Low	High
February	Warm	Medium	Low	High
March	Moderate	High	Medium	low
April	Moderate	High	High	low
May	Moderate	High	Medium	low
June	Cold	Medium	low	High
July	Cold	Medium	low	High
August	cold	low	Low	High
september	Moderate	low	Low	High
October	Moderate	low	Medium	Medium
November	Moderate	High	Medium	low
December	Moderate	Medium	Mediumed	Medium

Not Recommended

Number of people on the mountain, many hike enthusiasts will be on the mountain at favorable weather so if you prefer a hike with less visitors you should opt for the low season and carefully choose a route

Budget, on the peak season there are many group hikes which will slightly reduce the cost of the trek.

The views, if you prefer to have a certain experience like summiting on a full moon, a snowy summit, stunning sunrise and sunset views dates are to be considered as it will influence these aspects

Full moon dates, summiting on a full moon is possible within each month, but some months are less cloudy so you get an even better experience, peak dry season (August) is the best time for a clear full moon. we also have estimated full moon dates worth to consider

A snowy summit, some months the Kilimanjaro can have less snow & the other months it can be very snowy. You can favor a snowy summit (peak wet season) or a summit without snow again this will be down to the dates & your decision on when you should hike Kilimanjaro

Sunset and sunrise views, during the dry season there it is less cloudy so you have even better view of the sunrise and sunset

The month by month weather on the Kilimanjaro, when to climb?

Here is a month to month breakdown of the weather and other things you should consider before deciding when you should hike the Kilimanjaro

Late March – mid June

The rainy/wet season is usually from April to May however late march and early June is what we consider as a grey area as it can rainy or dry with weather changes rainy season can start earlier in late march and end in mid-June

Late June – August

It is expected to be past the rainy season, the weather on the Kilimanjaro will be dry and a bit colder, June is quiet but the number of hikers will increase as the year progresses

August – October

August, September are the peak season for hikers on the Kilimanjaro. The weather is good with many clear days and it is a bit colder. This conditions are good and will last to mid-October when the buildup for the short rains begins.

October/November

Number of hikers start dropping in late October to November as the weather is more unpredictable as short rains may have started or looming, this short shower rains however will last for short spans in the day as long as you are equipped you will withstand the occasional rain showers which wouldn’t present any major problem

November/December

The short rains will last into December, with few situations where they prolonged to early January. The temperatures have dropped and the shower rains will make it challenging. You should be equipped

December/January

The four to six weeks around Christmas and New Year are the second peak climbing season on Kilimanjaro. There will be many trekkers despite the high chances of rainfall and thick clouds in the lower regions.

January-March

Mid-January to mid-March is a good time to hike the Kilimanjaro. The weather is reasonable, not too cold, not too wet, and there aren't as many climbers. The days are mainly dry, beautifully clear with few clouds and occasional brief showers. This period is the warmest with clear skies from morning to evening. Tips you should consider if your preferred time does not fit your travel period You may find that you travel period is at a less perfect time to fit your preferred considerations being weather, number of hikers, views, budget while this happens you should not stress out here are tips you should consider -