Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

The best months are late June to October and January to early March, the two dry seasons. Rain is least likely, the trails are firm, and summit mornings are usually clear enough to see the Kibo glaciers and Mawenzi in the first light.

Kilimanjaro sits just three degrees south of the equator, so it has no summer and winter in the European sense. What changes through the year is rain and cloud, driven by the seasonal movement of the tropical rain belt over East Africa. Glaciologists measuring the weather on Kersten Glacier, just below Uhuru Peak, describe the same four-part cycle guides talk about: long rains from March to May, short rains from October to December, a pronounced dry season from June to September and a shorter, more variable dry spell in January and February.

That said, there is no month when success is guaranteed or when climbing is impossible. The biggest factor in reaching the summit is still acclimatisation, which is about the number of days on your itinerary, not the calendar. See acclimatisation and route comparison.

What is it like to climb from late June to October?

This is the most reliable window and the busiest. Days on the lower mountain are dry and comfortable, and above the forest you often walk under a completely clear sky.

The trade-off is cold. June, July and August are the coolest months, and nights at high camps such as Barafu or Kibo Hut (both around 4,600–4,700 m) are well below freezing. Summit night is the coldest part of the whole climb whatever the month, so the gear list matters more than the season. See our packing list.

Researchers on the summit glaciers also note that the July atmosphere is usually too dry for much cloud to form at high altitude, which matches what climbers see: sharp, clear views across the plains towards Mount Meru.

Is January to early March a good time to climb?

Yes. January and February are the second dry season and many guides' favourite months. It is a little warmer than in July, and the trails are quieter than in August.

Expect more cloud building in the afternoons. The Kersten Glacier study notes that in January clouds regularly rise as high as the crater rim, whereas in July they rarely do. In practice that means clear mornings, cloud and the odd shower later in the day, and a real chance of fresh snow on the summit. Early March can still be good, but the long rains may start early in some years.

Can you climb Kilimanjaro in the rainy season?

You can, and some people prefer it because the mountain is quiet. You need to accept wet days in the forest, muddy trails, more cloud and fewer views.

• Long rains (roughly late March to May): the wettest period. Rain is heaviest in the montane forest on the southern slopes, and higher up it can fall as snow. April and May are the months most people avoid.
• Short rains (around November): lighter and less predictable, often afternoon showers rather than days of rain. Many climbs run normally.

If you climb in these months, good waterproofs, dry bags inside your duffel and a route with an extra acclimatisation day make the biggest difference. The northern side of the mountain is generally drier than the southern slopes, which is one reason the Rongai route is often suggested in wetter months.

Does the full moon matter for summit night?

It can be a nice bonus. Summit attempts usually start around midnight, and a bright moon lets you see the slope and the crater rim without relying only on a head torch. Some climbers time their summit night for the days around a full moon.

Do not let it drive the whole plan. Full-moon dates fill first in peak months, and a moonless night gives you a sky full of stars instead. Pick a dry-season date and a long enough itinerary first, then check the moon.

Which months are the busiest?

July, August and September are usually the busiest months, along with late December and early January around the holidays. Popular routes such as Machame and Marangu can feel crowded at camps in these weeks.

If you want dry weather with fewer people, look at late June, October, late January and February, or choose a longer, less-used route such as the Northern Circuit or Lemosho. The route finder can help you match a route to your dates.

How should you choose your dates?

1. Start with your leave. Any month can work. If you can choose, aim for late June to October or January to early March.
2. Add enough days. A longer itinerary does more for your summit chances than a perfect weather month. TANAPA's own advice is that the more days you take, the higher the chance of reaching the top.
3. Allow arrival and rest days. Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at least a day before the climb. See flights.
4. Book peak months early. Guides, crews and good camp slots are in demand from July to September.

If you are unsure which month suits your plans, you can ask Kili Aventura through the quote form.

April is usually the wettest month, with May close behind, because both fall in the long rains. Trails in the forest get muddy and views are often limited. Climbs still run, but most people choose another month if they can.

Yes. January is part of the short dry season, with mostly dry trails and slightly warmer temperatures than July. Afternoon cloud is more common, and fresh snow on the summit is possible.

June to August are generally the coolest months. The bigger factor is altitude: summit night is well below freezing in every month, so you need proper cold-weather gear whenever you climb.

Yes. Kilimanjaro National Park is open year-round, and climbs run in every month. The rainy months simply mean wetter trails, more cloud and fewer people.

Yes, snow can fall near the summit in any month, and is more likely during the rainy seasons and in January–February. It usually does not make the standard routes technical, but it can make the final slopes colder and slower.