Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an amazing adventure that requires determination and the will to get to the summit. With 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, and one of the Seven Summits.
Overview
Best time to climb kilimanjaro
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro if you want a reduced chance of rain and slightly warmer temperatures is in January, February and the first half of March. April and May bring heavier rains, with a shorter rainy season in November and December - though this shouldn't disrupt the trek too much. June to August see clear skies - but icy temperatures, though this is a great time if you want to catch the wildebeest migration, too.
Wet and Dry Seasons on Kilimanjaro
It is possible to climb Kilimanjaro year round, however it is best to climb when there is a lower possibility of precipitation. The dry seasons are from the beginning of December through the beginning of March, and then from late June through the end of October. These are considered to be the best times to climb in terms of weather, and correspondingly are the busiest months (high season).
Our group climbs are scheduled to correspond with the dry seasons.
- 🌤️Short Dry Season: from mid December through mid-March are the warmest months, with clear skies in the mornings and evenings. During the day, clouds may appear along with brief showers.
- 🌧️Long Rainy Season: the long rainy season spans from the end of March to early June. We do not recommend climbing during this time unless you are an experienced backpacker who has trekked in similar conditions. It can be very wet, and visibility may be low due to heavy clouds. The crowds are gone, however.
- 🌤️Long Dry Season: from mid June to the end of October, the mountain is generally a bit colder, but also drier.
- 🌧️Short Rainy Season: the short rainy season spans from the beginning of November to the beginning of December. Afternoon rains are common, but skies are clear in mornings and evenings.
Note that the rains are unpredictable and may come early or extend beyond their typical time frames. It is possible to experience mostly dry weather conditions during the rainy season, just as it is possible to have heavy rain during the dry season.