Best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro : With a height of 19,341 feet (5,895 metres), Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and is situated in Tanzania, East Africa. One of the seven peaks, it is the biggest free-standing mountain in the world.
Its snow-capped summit, which is a part of Kilimanjaro National Park, which is home to a wide range of unusual plants and animals, rises above the Savannahs that surround it. Even though it is inactive, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world still find great inspiration from this volcano on a Tanzania safari.
Kilimanjaro: Who can climb it? Everyone, from young ones beyond the age of ten to senior citizens in their sixties and seventies! All you require to reach the pinnacle is perseverance and a strong will. Ascending Kilimanjaro presents a true challenge due to its high altitude and rapid ascent. Rest assured that we will support you at every turn! Our guides are highly skilled professionals and are a key component to your success during your hiking safari to the summit of the mountain
When is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro?
Since the weather is at its finest between the dry months of December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October, these are the best recommended times to climb Kilimanjaro. Clear skies, great views, little-to-no rain, and the sunshine. But no matter the season, there’s always a chance that the weather could change drastically. Although you can climb Kilimanjaro year-round, there are some months that are better than others. It is advisable to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro in the driest months. We steer clear of April and November because these are the main wet seasons, which exacerbate the risk on the routes.
Compared to the Himalayas, Kilimanjaro is never “closed”. You can hike year-round, but you need to be ready to go. We do not normally offer climbs during April/May and November.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in January and February to early March
Good vision, clear, mainly dry days make for ideal walking conditions. There will be sporadic showers and a significant probability of snowfall over 14,000 feet, providing amazing photo opportunity.
Even though it’s regarded as “high season,” this time of year is usually less busy and has better weather than the major climbing season, which runs from June to September.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in March, April and May.
March can be beautiful in the early part of the month, but as the month goes on, the rains might come, resulting in muddy trails, overcast skies, and limited vision. It’s a bit hit or miss, but you can get lucky with some dry weather in late March and late May.
The lengthy rains that occur from April to early May are unsuitable for climbing.
If your itinerary requires you to travel in late March or late May, the shoulder seasons, you should be ready for rainy weather and not be discouraged by low visibility. Ideally, you will be somewhat experienced with hiking and not be alarmed by more challenging route conditions.
Suitable for: Well-seasoned hikers who like solitude and are tolerant with erratic weather conditions. The routes on the mountain’s north face are those we advise taking.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in June/ July/ August and September.
This is the major climbing season and the busiest time of year on the mountain due to a mix of the best weather and summer vacations in the US and Europe. Since July and August are the busiest months, choose June, September, or October if you don’t mind a little rain. These months will try to avoid crowds.
While there is always a chance of occasional showers, especially in the forest, this is primarily a dry season. During this time, especially during the full moon, traffic on the routes tends to increase.
Best for: Climbers who aren’t put off by crowds and who wish to go during the ideal weather, which is primarily found on the Marangu and Machame route.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in October / November.
Usually occurring in November, the brief showers last three to four weeks. Rainfall typically occurs in the late afternoon and is typically less intense than the “long rains” that occur in April and May. It’s a pretty calm time on the mountain.
Given that the northern side of the mountain is more sheltered and experiences less overall rainfall, we would advise doing the Rongai route or the Northern Circuit route.
Best for: Avoiding crowds, experienced trekkers who aren’t put off by wet weather.
Due to its proximity to the equator, Kilimanjaro does not experience the same four seasons as regions of the world that are more temperate. As an alternative, it experiences dry and rainy seasons, which both change the mountain’s color.
June through October and January through early March are the finest times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The brightness, expansive vistas, and clear skies provide excellent photo ops and cosy trekking conditions.
These are typically the busiest and driest months of the year. See also: Kilimanjaro Weather Guide.
Temperature.
As you ascend higher up the mountain, the temperature changes according to the seasons and within the various climate zones. Temperatures in the summit zone, which is referred to as “Arctic,” are consistently considerably below freezing. The coldest months are typically December through March and June (shortly after the rains), with a considerable likelihood of snowfall on the top. This lowers the number of visitors (in comparison to the busy months of July through August).
Rain Rainy season.
The region around Mount Kilimanjaro experiences two distinct wet seasons:
Long rains: End of March through May.
Short rains: November.
The months with the most rainfall are typically April and November, though this might change.
The rainy season usually lasts far into May, starting in the middle of March. Kilimanjaro may experience rain, storms, and mud during this time of year, especially on its southern flank.
Rainfall is always possible, even during the dry season. We always include appropriate rain gear in our daypacks for this reason.
You didn’t travel this far to walk through mist and cloud cover. Due to cloud cover, sight can be limited in late March through the end of May and into the entire month of November. You won’t be able to take excellent pictures or enjoy the expansive vistas.
The weather in January through early March and June through October makes Kilimanjaro busier, which contributes to the growing popularity of climbing the mountain.
Usually, there is some congestion on the Marangu and Machame routes. You can still enjoy the views without too many people if you choose one of the less used routes, like the Northern Circuits, Rongai, or Lemosho.
The crowded campground restrooms are one of the biggest drawbacks that hikers attempt to avoid during peak trekking seasons. We look out for our climbers by giving you access to private lavatory tents that are exclusively utilized by our group.
It’s a little “busy,” but that’s more than made up for by the sense of camaraderie and connections formed by meeting other climbers. Numerous individuals we work with have formed enduring friendships with folks they met on the mountain.
What’s the best time to climb Kilimanjaro without the crowds?
The shoulder seasons right before and after the rains are the quietest times of year if you don’t mind perhaps getting wet and are well-prepared.
It may be worth it to take a chance on some rainy weather in order to have the mountain all to yourself if you’re seeking for solitude. We avoid climbing in the height of the rainy season (April/May and November).
As an alternative, pick a route with less pedestrian traffic. We suggest the trails on the northern side of the mountain during the rainier months because they are more sheltered and typically see less rainfall.
Kilimanjaro Safety & Trail Conditions.
A little mud and slick paths might not worry you if you’re an experienced hiker.
It is best for novice hikers to climb during the dry months. A lower likelihood of rain reduces anxiety and pain and frees up more time for you to take in your surroundings.
The trail can get extremely muddy on the lower slopes through the forest, and it can be difficult to navigate the rocky, slick trails further up.
We are highly concerned about your safety. Kilimanjaro climbing experts have extensive experience having hiked the mountain in all types of weather. We keep an eye on the weather and are adaptable enough to change the daily schedule when bad weather strikes.
