Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

So, you've decided to take on the challenge of tackling Africa's highest peak? Next, you need to think about the best time to climb Kilimanjaro, in terms of weather, trekking conditions and popularity.
Although it's technically possible to trek Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro year round, there are certain months which are characterised by colder weather, more rain and potentially lots of snow on the summit.
We generally advise that the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the warmest and driest times of year, from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October.
However, although these are considered to be the best times to climb the mountain in terms of weather, they are also the busiest months.
Here, we break down Kilimanjaro climbing season, off-peak alternatives and times to avoid, plus other factors to consider, so you can plan the best time to take on this mountain adventure.

Mount Kilimanjaro can be ascended all year around. As Kilimanjaro is near to equator the region experiences a very less extremes of winter and summer weather. Hence, the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro is dry season which is warm. Your preference of Kilimanjaro Routes will determine your success rate up the summit.

  • 1. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in January:

    January has lesser rainfall and it is the warmest season and is also a peak season. With the right Kilimanjaro Gear List even the beginners can climb the summit despite high traffic.

  • 2. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in February:

    February is one of the Best Months To Climb Kilimanjaro as it is warmer and the cloud is also less. You can choose Lemosho Route for excellent scenery from the summit and on the route.

  • 3. Climbing Kilimanjaro in March:

    Climbing Kilimanjaro in Rainy Season in March would be definitely more challenging as the rocks are slippery. Northern Circuit Route provides maximum success rate during this time. Experienced trekkers make it to the peak even in this period.

  • 4. Climbing Kilimanjaro in April:

    The April month will give you amazing views if the clouds are clear as it rains the entire month. You can take the Marangu Route. The rocks are completely wet and slippery whole month and the climb is tough.

  • 5. Climbing Kilimanjaro in May:

    May is a little drier year than normal and also wetter month for climbing Kilimanjaro. Choose the Machame Route as the temperature is Moderate and rainfall is high with high cloud and low crowd and the scenes are amazing.

  • 6. Climbing Kilimanjaro in June:

    In June Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is tough as temperature is freezing or below freezing. It is definitely not the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro.

  • 7. Climbing Kilimanjaro in July:

    The number of people climbing Kilimanjaro in the month of July increases with wide range of reasons. However, the weather can be still colder but you will have great mountain views.

  • 8. Climbing Kilimanjaro in August:

    August is the favourite month of many trekkers and is probably the best time of year to Climb Kilimanjaro. It can be a dry and dusty month as there is less rainfall now. During August, the temperature is cold and rainfall is low with low cloud and high crowd.

  • 9. Climbing Kilimanjaro in September:

    This is also the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro, as it has the great weather and it is also warmer high up above 5,000 m. During September, the temperature is Moderate and rai fall is low with low clouds and high crowds.

  • 10. Climbing Kilimanjaro in October:

    October is also a Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro it is warmer at the mountains now. During October, the temperature is Moderate and rainfall is low with medium clouds and also medium crowds.

  • 11. Climbing Kilimanjaro in November:

    November can be a challenging month with more rainfall and considered as mini rainy season. During November, the temperature is moderate and rainfall is high with medium clouds and low crowd.

  • 12. Climbing Kilimanjaro in December:

    December may give you an opportunity to climb Kilimanjaro as the rainfall is decreased. During December, the temperature is Moderate and rainfall is medium with medium clouds and also medium crowds.