Weather Conditions in Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is close to the equator and doesn’t experience the same four seasons as the more temperate parts of the world. Instead, it has rainy seasons and dry seasons, both of which alter the complexion of the mountain.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro are the months of January through early-March and June through October. The clear skies, great views, and sunshine make for spectacular photo-opportunities and comfortable hiking conditions.
These are also usually the drier months of the year and the busiest.
Temperature
Temperatures on the mountain vary with the seasons and also within the different climate zones as you climb higher.
The summit zone is considered “Arctic” and temperatures drop well below freezing at all times of the year.
December to March, and June (just after the rains) are usually the coldest, and there’s a good chance you’ll see snow on the summit. This reduces the number of visitors (as compared to July through August which is the busiest time).
Rain Rainy season
There are two distinct wet seasons in the Kilimanjaro area:
Long rains: End of March through May
Short rains: November
April and November usually have the highest rainfall, although this can vary.
The rainy season begins around mid-March and typically extends well into May. During this time, conditions can be wet, stormy and muddy on Kilimanjaro, particularly along its southern face.
Even in the dry season, it’s always possible to get some rain. That’s why we always carry good wet-weather gear in our daypacks.
Visibility: clouds, mist, and fog
You didn’t come all this way to trek through cloudy skies and fog. During late March to the end of May, and all of November, the visibility can be poor due to cloud cover. You won’t be seeing the panoramic vistas, and you won’t be getting great photos.
Crowds: Number of climbers on Kilimanjaro
As climbing Kilimanjaro becomes more popular, the favorable weather in January through early March, and June through October makes the mountain busier.
It’s usually the Marangu and Machame routes that suffer from some overcrowding. If you opt for one of the less busy routes, such as the Northern Circuits, Lemosho or Rongai, you’ll still get to enjoy the vistas without too many people.
One of the main downsides that climbers try to avoid when trekking during busy times is the overcrowding of the toilet facilities at campsites. We take care of our climbers by providing you with private toilet tent used only by our group.
The sense of camaraderie and friendships forged by meeting other climbers more than makes up for it being a bit “busy”. Many of our clients have made lifelong friendships with people they’ve met on the mountain.
What’s the best time to climb Kilimanjaro without the crowds?
If you don’t mind the possibility of getting rained on and are well prepared, the shoulder-seasons just before and after the rains are the quietest time of year.
If you’re looking for solitude, it can be a worthwhile trade-off to risk a bit of wet weather to have the mountain to yourself.
We avoid climbing in the height of the rainy season (April/May and November).
Alternatively, choose one of the routes that has less foot traffic. In the wetter months, we recommend the routes on the northern side of the mountain, which tend to experience less rainfall, and are more sheltered.
What is the Weather on Kilimanjaro?
The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can vary from very hot to extremely cold within the same day although it does not experience wide temperature changes from season to season. Instead, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more by the altitude and time of day.
At the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 21 to 27 °C and at the summit, Uhuru Peak, the night time temperatures can range between 20- and -20-degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Like all great mountains, Kilimanjaro creates its own weather which can be extremely variable and difficult to predict. Hikers need to be prepared for warm, sunny conditions, and rain, wind, cold, and even snow.
Even though the best time to climb Kilimanjaro coincides with the “dry” seasons, rain, and snow are possible at any time of the year. As you get higher up, the temperatures can vary dramatically, one moment you can be trekking in baking sunshine, the next you’ll be layering up against a bitter wind.
Standing at 19,341 ft above sea level, Kilimanjaro is big enough to create it’s own weather systems. Being on the equator means the trade winds (sometimes called ‘monsoons’) that move across the ocean, drawing moisture upwards are interrupted by the mountain. This causes the wind to push up towards the summit, cooling as it goes, bringing rain and snow.
Is there snow on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro?
The long rainy season between March and May is a result of the trade winds from the south-east. These southerly winds from the Indian Ocean are laden with moisture, bringing rain to the lower slopes and snow on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro summit. During this season, the southern slopes get the most rainfall.
The ‘short rains’ in November are from a dryer wind coming from the northeast. As it hasn’t traveled across an ocean, the rains are shorter and less intense than during the long rains. Most of the rainfall during this season falls on the more northerly slopes.
Kilimanjaro Temperatures
Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t experience wide temperature changes from season to season due to its proximity to the equator, Instead, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more so by the altitude and what time of day it is. At the base of Mount Kilimanjaro where the the climb starts, the average temperature is around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). From the base when you ascent, the temperatures will decrease as you go through mountain’s 5 ecological zones.
At the Summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, which lies in the arctic zone the night temperatures can range between 20- and -20-degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Therefore, we recommend that you should always be prepared for wet and cold nights so please bring the necessary gear at all times.
Kilimanjaro Safety & Trail Conditions
If you’re an experienced hiker, you might not be concerned with slippery trails and a bit of mud.
For inexperienced hikers, we recommend climbing during the drier months. Less chance of rain means less stress and discomfort, giving you more time to enjoy your surroundings.
On the lower slopes, through the forest, the trail can become quite muddy, and higher up slippery, rocky trails can be a challenge.
We take your safety very seriously. Kilimanjaro Bucketlist Expedition guides are highly experienced and have hiked Kilimanjaro in all weathers. We monitor the weather and are flexible enough to be able to alter the daily itinerary during inclement conditions.
Getting wet increases your chance of getting extremely cold. As you ascend, your body is already having to deal with the effects of altitude and wet clothes can be the difference between a slight chill and hypothermia.
It’s extremely important for your safety and comfort to keep your gear dry, avoid getting soaking wet, and never stay in wet clothes!
You’ll need some very robust wet-weather gear (which we recommend at all times of the year), choose one of the less challenging itineraries, and make sure your gear, both in your daypack and duffel bag, are in waterproof bags.
Note: The Tanzanian government has banned the use of all plastic bags, so please don’t use garbage bags or Ziploc bags to store any of your gear. We recommend waterproof stuff sacks
