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 |
July,August,September,October are Recommended
June to December are Ok
April,May November are 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