BEST TIME FOR MT KILIMANJARO
WHEN TO CLIMB MT KILIMANJARO ?
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is between July and September, pleasantly warm in the day with low rainfall. Trails are more crowded (less so in September) but it’s migratory season for wildlife, so great for adding on a safari afterwards. However Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year-round - even the short rainy seasons (March through to May, and November and December) don’t inhibit trekking, and brief showers can be refreshing on the trail. January to early March is another popular time. It still gets chilly in the mornings and evenings (Uhuru Peak’s nighttime temps are between -7 to -29°C), but that’s the case whatever time of year you go.
WHEN TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO, MONTH BY MONTH
January, February and the first half of March
Are the warmest months, with wonderful clear skies mornings and evenings, making these very popular times to climb. Although you may get a few showers during the day.
June, July and August
Are the “winter” months in Tanzania. Although it’s still warm during the day, nights are cold. But then Kili can be chilly year-round anyway.
August and September
Are peak season on Kilimanjaro, so if you want to avoid busy trails you might want to consider another time of year. It is , however, also migratory season for wildlife if you want to add a safari into the already magical mix. September is a little quieter and also warmer than August.
April and May
This is a rainy season , which generally means one pretty heavy rainstorm every day on Kili. However, even that is not guaranteed and it doesn’t last for hours with most of the rain hitting the coast. So although some people want to avoid this, others embrace it, as rain equates with more solitary slopes.
November to December
This is another shorter rainy season , although the showers are short, and quite refreshing too. October is usually a great time for climbing, getting in just before the rains do, but when many of the crowds have gone home.
