🌤️ Why Weather Matters on Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro may be near the equator, but as you climb higher, the weather becomes unpredictable and cold especially near the summit. Understanding the month-by-month weather patterns helps you choose the best time to climb, pack the right gear, and prepare for what to expect.
Kilimanjaro has two dry seasons and two wet seasons each year. While the mountain is open all year round, some months are clearly better for climbing.
📅 Month-by-Month Kilimanjaro Weather Guide
January – Dry and Popular
January is part of the short dry season. The weather is generally warm and clear, with occasional brief showers. It’s one of the best months to climb, offering good views and lower crowds than summer.
- Weather: Mostly dry, sunny, and clear
- Best for: First-time climbers, photography
- Lower Slopes (1,800–2,800m): 15°C to 25°C
- Summit (5,895m): -5°C to -10°C at night
- Notes: Mostly dry, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cold nights above 4,000m.
February – Ideal Conditions
February is another excellent month, known for stable weather and fewer climbers. Temperatures are pleasant at lower altitudes, but still cold near the summit.
- Weather: Mostly dry, sunny, and clear
- Best for: First-time climbers, photography
- Lower Slopes (1,800–2,800m): 15°C to 25°C
- Summit (5,895m): -5°C to -10°C at night
- Notes: Mostly dry, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cold nights above 4,000m.
March – Start of the Long Rains
The long rains usually begin in mid-to-late March. Early March is still okay for climbing, but late March becomes wet and muddy, especially in the rainforest zone.
- Weather: Increasing rain, cloudy
- Best for: Off-season climbers willing to face rain
- Lower Slopes: 17°C to 22°C, humid and wet
- Summit: -4°C to -8°C
- Notes: Rain makes lower areas muddy. Higher altitudes are chilly and windy, but not yet the coldest months.
April – Wet and Quiet
April is the wettest month on Kilimanjaro. Trails are slippery, and visibility is poor. Not recommended unless you’re experienced or want a very quiet mountain.
- Weather: Heavy rainfall
- Best for: Budget travelers (off-peak prices)
- Lower Slopes: 17°C to 22°C, humid and wet
- Summit: -4°C to -8°C
- Notes: Rain makes lower areas muddy. Higher altitudes are chilly and windy, but not yet the coldest months.
May – Still Rainy
May continues with long rains, though some improvement appears toward the end of the month. Trails are muddy, and views are limited.
- Weather: Wet with foggy mornings
- Best for: Hardcore adventurers only
- Lower Slopes: 17°C to 22°C, humid and wet
- Summit: -4°C to -8°C
- Notes: Rain makes lower areas muddy. Higher altitudes are chilly and windy, but not yet the coldest months.
June – Beginning of the Long Dry Season
June marks the start of the long dry season. The mountain is still green from the rains, and the air is crisp. It’s a great time to climb before the crowds arrive in July.
- Weather: Dry and cool
- Best for: Clear skies and quieter trails
- Lower Slopes: 12°C to 20°C
- Summit: -6°C to -10°C
- Notes: Clear skies but very cold nights, especially in alpine desert zones.
July – Peak Season Begins
July is a very popular month. The weather is dry and skies are mostly clear. The summit nights can be extremely cold, so proper gear is essential.
- Weather: Clear, dry, cold at night
- Best for: High success rates and great views
- Lower Slopes: 10°C to 18°C
- Summit: -8°C to -15°C at night
- Notes: Coldest period of the year; early morning summit temperatures can drop below -15°C with strong windchill.
August – Busy and Beautiful
August is one of the busiest months for Kilimanjaro. Weather is excellent, although dust on trails can be a minor issue. Expect many climbers on popular routes like Machame.
- Weather: Dry, sunny days
- Best for: Social climbs and clear views
- Lower Slopes: 10°C to 18°C
- Summit: -8°C to -15°C at night
- Notes: Coldest period of the year; early morning summit temperatures can drop below -15°C with strong windchill.
September – Excellent for Migration + Climb
September offers stable weather and fewer crowds than August. It’s also perfect if you want to combine your climb with the Serengeti migration, which happens in the north.
- Weather: Clear and pleasant
- Best for: Summit success and combined safari
- Lower Slopes: 14°C to 22°C
- Summit: -5°C to -10°C
- Notes: Slightly warmer than July–August, but still cold at night. Great for both summit and safari combination.
October – Start of Short Rains
Early October is still good for climbing, but by mid-to-late month, the short rains begin. Conditions are still manageable, especially on the Lemosho or Rongai routes.
- 🌦️ Weather: Unstable with showers
- 🧗 Best for: Fewer crowds, early month climbs
- Lower Slopes: 15°C to 23°C
- Summit: -4°C to -8°C
- Notes: Mixed weather. Warmer lower down, but summit temperatures still freezing at night.
November – Short Rainy Season
November is a shoulder month with lighter rains than April. Some climbers still go during this time, especially on the drier northern slopes (Rongai route).
- Weather: Intermittent showers
- Best for: Budget climbs, experienced hikers
- Lower Slopes: 16°C to 22°C, humid
- Summit: -4°C to -8°C
- Notes: Wet conditions, with occasional warmer summit days — though still below freezing most nights.
December – Rainy Start, Festive End
Early December can still be rainy, but conditions improve toward Christmas and New Year. This is when holiday climbers arrive, and the mountain gets busy again.
- Weather: Mixed (wet beginning, dry end)
- Best for: Holiday climbers, late-month summits
- Lower Slopes: 17°C to 24°C
- Summit: -5°C to -9°C
- Notes: Early December is rainy, but holidays bring drier weather. Expect very cold summit mornings.
