The Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro And How To Plan Around It

Climbing Kilimanjaro is one of the most sought-after adventures in Tanzania. With awe-inspiring panoramic views and pristine wildlife, ascending Africa’s most prominent summit is both an experience and an achievement. Let’s explore the best time to climb Kilimanjaro for the ultimate hiking experience. 

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro and have an exciting experience is during the dry season. In Tanzania, the dry season occurs twice in a calendar year. The first dry season spans from December to mid-March and the second from late June to October. These periods are the best time to climb Kilimanjaro because not only are they easier but they also have the best weather and views. Therefore, the most favorable months to climb Kilimanjaro include January, February, July, August, September, and October. 

What is the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro: Monthly Breakdown

Kilimanjaro is one of the most interesting mountains to climb. It is always open for trekkers and hikers all year round. However, you need to prepare adequately and choose the best conditions to make the climb both an experience and a success. As a rule of thumb, avoid climbing Mountain Kilimanjaro during April, May, and November. These are the rainy and wettest seasons in Tanzania, making the trails more dangerous. Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect during different months:

January to Early March – Best for Hikers 

January and early March are one of the best times to hike Mount Kilimanjaro as the conditions are mostly dry. With the clear skies and sunny weather, you get to enjoy good views, perfect conditions for trekking. Although occasional showers usually occur, the weather is generally friendly and snow can be seen over 14,000ft for some epic photos. 

This period is still considered part of the peak season. However, the tourist volume has started to go down, allowing you to enjoy quieter and less busy on the slopes compared to the period between June and September. This makes it the best time to climb Kilimanjaro for hikers who want to minimize crowds and still enjoy the dry season and catching the snow on the summit.

March to May – Best for Experienced Trekkers

While early March is an exciting time to climb Kilimanjaro, the months that follow can be quite tricky. The rains start to set in and the trails become muddy. You also have to deal with poor visibility and cloudy skies that make climbing the mountain difficult. If you are lucky enough, late May offers some dry weather that makes the hike more enjoyable.

Climbing Kilimanjaro between April and early May is difficult as this is the long rainy season. If your schedule falls between this period, you are better off sticking to early March and late May. However, be prepared for wet weather and poor visibility. These months are best for experienced trekkers who cannot be phased by trickier trail conditions, and those who want to avoid crowds and do not mind dealing with unpredictable weather. 

June to September – Best for All Climbers

June, July, August, and September offer the best conditions and weather to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Several factors make this main climbing season and also the busiest time in Kilimanjaro. In Tanzania, the dry season has just kicked in, offering the best weather conditions to climb a mountain. At the same time, it is summer in the US and Europe, leading to increased traffic.

July and August are particularly the most popular months around Kilimanjaro. So, if you want to avoid crowds, you can opt for June or September. Those who do not mind a bit of rain can also wait for October.

Although you encounter occasional showers in the forests, they may not necessarily affect the overall experience. However, there is nothing much to worry about, apart from the routes being super busy, especially over the full moon. All climbers, including beginners and experienced trekkers, can enjoy the best weather and a variety of routes to follow during this season. The Machame and Marangu routes are the best options although mostly crowded. 

October to November – Best for Avoiding Crowds

November usually marks the start of the short rains that can last for about 3 to 4 weeks. The rains usually come in the late afternoon, but the volume is less compared to the long rains from April to May. This makes it easier to plan the climbing schedule and easy routes to follow. 

With the mountain being very quiet during this period, experienced trekkers who want to avoid crowds can have a great time. The Northern Circuit route or Rongai route offers the best experience during these months. This is because the northern side of Kilimanjaro receives less overall rainfall during this season and is also more sheltered for climbing. 

What is the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro: Key Considerations 

The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro will usually differ from one person to another. While the dry season offers the perfect weather for all climbers, you might need to consider the following factors before making a decision:

Weather Conditions

The location of Kilimanjaro on the map provides its unique weather conditions. Due to its location on the map, which is close to the equator, the mountain region does not go through the four seasons of Winter, Summer, Autumn/Fall, and Spring. Instead, it has dry seasons and rainy seasons, which alter the complexion of the mountain and difficulty in climbing.

With the dry season being ideal for climbing the mountain, you can have the best experience in the months of January to early March or June to October. During these months, the skies are clear, giving you clear views of the mountain and the surroundings. It is also the best time to take photos and enjoy a comfortable hiking experience. 

Temperature

Just like the weather, the temperature on Mountain Kilimanjaro varies throughout the year and altitude. As you climb higher the mountain, you will experience different climate zones. While you start climbing at high temperatures, getting to the summit gets you to an arctic climatic zone. The temperature drops below freezing point, especially in March, June, and December just after the rains. These are the coldest times of the year, and you are likely to see snow on the summit. 

The Rain

Kilimanjaro has two distinct wet seasons, characterized by the long and rainy seasons. The long rains start at the end of March through to May while the short rains usually occur in November. It is usually more difficult to climb the mountain during these months as the conditions are mainly wet, with stormy weather and muddy trails. 

Visibility

The rainy season is not just difficult because of the muddy trails, but the clouds, mist, and fog as well that make visibility so poor. If you visit Kilimanjaro from late March to the end of May, or later in November, poor visibility is a major problem. The cloud cover around the mountain makes it impossible to see the beautiful panoramic vistas. You will also not be able to take great photos, which can be such a disadvantage considering how long you may have spent planning for the climb. 

People and Crowds

The number of people on Kilimanjaro can affect your overall experience. With climbing Kilimanjaro becoming more popular among trekkers and hikers, the dry season usually makes the mountain busier. If you choose the Machame and Marangu routes, they are some of the easiest to climb but also suffer from overcrowding. Overcrowding in this sense does not only mean a lot of people climbing or descending the mountain but also traffic in the toilet facilities at campsites. 

If you do not like crowds and want to use less busy routes, you can consider the Lemosho, Rongai, and Northern circuits. Whichever route you follow, the sense of friendship and camaraderie forged with other climbers makes the experience more enjoyable rather than feeling busy. You may even meet people who will become lifelong friends by experiencing the mountain together. 

Safety and Trail Conditions in Kilimanjaro 

One of the major concerns that people have when it comes to climbing a mountain is the safety of the routes and trail conditions. While an experienced hiker may not be worried about slippery trails or having to deal with mud, most beginners require a more conducive environment to hike the mountain.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro for inexperienced hikers is during the drier months. With fewer chances of rain, the climb is less stressful and you will have enough time to enjoy the surroundings. However, certain difficulties can be expected throughout the year. Usually the lower slopes and through the forest, you will have to deal with rocky and sometimes muddy trails that can be challenging. 

To get the best experience from climbing Kilimanjaro, prioritize safety. The guides are highly experienced and will guide you, even during the wettest seasons. They will usually monitor the weather and flex the climb in a way that is easier and more friendly to you. For instance, it is extremely important to keep your gear dry as much as possible and avoid getting soaking wet. When you are wet, it increases the chances of getting colder. The effects of this can be felt as you ascend and the body has to deal with the effects of the altitude. Having wet clothes at that time can lead to anything from a slight chill to hypothermia. 

The Beauty of Full and New Moon Mountain Climbing

One of the most exciting experiences you can have is climbing Kilimanjaro in a cloudless midnight sky. On a cloudless midnight sky, dress in your summit gear and watch the majestic mountain illuminated by the full moon. The magical trek is like no other, giving you a seamless experience that you would not even need a head torch as you ascend.

Although you will still need to deal with crowds, the overall experience is worth it. To get to the summit on a full moon night, you need to start your trek 5 days earlier. Your travel consultant can tell you more about Kilimanjaro’s full moon dates so you can plan accordingly.

Book Your Kilimanjaro Climb with Us

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry season. Although you can climb the mountain year-round, booking the adventure with a reliable and experienced tour company will make the experience more worthwhile. At Bobby Tours, we are committed to giving you the best Kilimanjaro experience regardless of your schedule and hiking experience. Get in touch with us for any inquiries.

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