Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro: A Month-by-Month Guide

Kilimanjaro's two dry seasons and two rainy seasons

Kilimanjaro sits just south of the equator, so its seasons are set by rain rather than by summer and winter. There are two dry seasons and two rainy seasons, and they decide almost everything about how your climb will feel.

January to mid-March: the first dry season

Skies are generally clear, and the days are warm on the lower slopes. Summit nights are cold, and fresh snow near the top is more likely than in the later dry season, which makes for beautiful photos. Crowds are moderate, so this is one of the best periods overall.

June to October: the second dry season

This is the main climbing season, peaking from July to September. Conditions are the most reliable of the year, and the upper mountain is usually clear. You pay for that reliability with more people on the popular routes.

Mid-March to May: the long rains

This is the wettest time of year. Forest paths turn to mud, cloud sits on the upper mountain, and summit views are unlikely. Few people climb, and for good reason. We advise most first-time climbers to avoid this period.

November to December: the short rains

November brings shorter, less predictable showers. Conditions usually improve through December, and the holidays are a popular time to climb.

Kilimanjaro weather and crowds, month by month

How cold is Kilimanjaro at different times of year?

Altitude matters much more than the month. The mountain goes from warm forest to arctic conditions on every climb, whatever the season.

These are rough figures, and a clear night can be colder than a cloudy one. See our Kilimanjaro packing list for the layers you will need.

Which Kilimanjaro route suits each season?

In the dry seasons, any route works, so choose by the number of days you have. If you want quieter paths in the peak months, try the 8-day Lemosho or the 9-day Northern Circuit.

In wetter months, the Rongai Route usually gets less rain, because it is on the north side of the mountain. On the Marangu Route, you sleep under a roof every night, which helps a lot in the rain. Your choice of route cannot remove bad weather, but it can make it more bearable.

How to avoid the crowds on Kilimanjaro

Machame and Marangu get busy from July to September and around the Christmas holidays. If you want a quieter climb, you have three good options.

• Change your month. January, early June and late October have good weather and fewer climbers.
• Change your route. Rongai and the Northern Circuit stay quiet all year.
• Add days. Longer climbs often camp away from the busiest points.

Should you plan your Kilimanjaro climb around a full moon?

Some climbers time summit night for a full moon, because the extra light can make the mountain glow and reduce the need for a headlamp. It is a lovely idea, and those dates are popular, so book early. Do not let it override everything else. A climb in the right season with the right number of days matters far more. Tell us your preference, and we can plan your dates around it.

Combining Kilimanjaro with a safari: timing that works

Many climbers add a safari afterward, and the timing can work well. January to March suits a climb followed by the calving season in the southern Serengeti. July to October suits a climb followed by the migration in the north. See our guide to the best time for a safari and our northern circuit safaris.

How far ahead should you book your Kilimanjaro climb?

Book as early as you can for July to September and the Christmas holidays. Our climbs are private, so you set the dates, but park and hotel arrangements still fill up in busy periods. Early booking also gives you time to train, buy gear and find good flights. We run private climbs and have no joining dates of our own. If you would like company, we can ask trusted partner companies whether one of their departures matches your dates, at the same price with nothing added.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro for your situation

If this is your first climb

Choose January, February, late June or September. You get reliable weather and enough other climbers around to make camps feel lively without being crowded.

If you want the best chance of clear views

Choose January to early March or August to September. Cloud can still appear on any day, but these months give you the best odds of a clear sunrise from the rim.

If you want snow near the summit

Aim for January to March, when fresh snow is more common. It makes for beautiful photos, although the top can be colder underfoot.

If you are on a tight budget

Flights are often cheaper outside July, August and the holidays. A climb in early June or late October can bring your total cost down without much risk from the weather.

If you can only travel in the rainy season

You can still climb. Choose Rongai or Marangu, add a day if you can, pack extra dry bags and accept that the views may be limited. Plenty of people have had a wonderful, quiet climb in November.

How quickly Kilimanjaro weather can change

Even in the driest month, Kilimanjaro makes its own weather. A clear morning can turn to cloud by noon, particularly in the forest and on the moorland, and clouds often sink back below camp by evening, leaving a clear night sky. Rain is possible on any day of the year, which is why a waterproof jacket and pants belong on every packing list.

The summit area stays cold all year. On a clear night, there is little to hold in the heat, so a beautiful sky often means the coldest conditions of all. Your guide watches the weather closely and can adjust your start time on summit night if needed.

Best time to climb Kilimanjaro: your questions answered

Choosing your Kilimanjaro dates: the bottom line

Aim for January to mid-March or June to October, and avoid April and May unless you have a good reason. Then match the month to the route, and give yourself as many days as you can. Tell us when you can travel, and we will suggest the best option for those dates.