BEST TIME TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO || KILITRACKS ADVENTURES

Unlike the Himalayas, Kilimanjaro is never “closed.” You can climb year-round, but some months are more favorable than others. The mountain has two main rainy seasons (April–May and November), which are generally avoided due to slippery trails, poor visibility, and higher risks.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons:
• January to early March
• June to October
These months offer clear skies, better trail conditions, and the highest summit success rates

January – February – Early March

✅ Best Conditions: Dry, clear skies, and good visibility. Occasional afternoon showers and chances of snow above 4,200m (14,000ft), making for stunning summit photos.
👥 Crowds: Busy but less crowded than June–September.
🌡️ Temperature: Cold nights at higher altitudes.
Best for: Climbers seeking good weather with fewer crowds. Snow on the summit is an added bonus.

Late March

⚠️ Transitional Month: Early March can still be pleasant, but by late March, the long rains often begin. Trails may get muddy, with cloudy skies and reduced visibility.
Best for: Experienced trekkers who don’t mind unpredictable conditions and want to avoid crowds.

April – May (Long Rains)

❌ Least Recommended: Heavy rainfall, muddy trails, poor visibility, and higher risks.
👥 Crowds: Very quiet.
Best for: Only seasoned trekkers willing to face tough conditions. Most operators avoid running climbs during this period.

June

✅ Good Start to the Dry Season: Trails dry out after the rains, skies clear, and scenery looks fresh and green.
👥 Crowds: Fewer climbers compared to July/August.
🌡️ Temperature: Colder, with a higher chance of snow at the summit.
Best for: Trekkers who prefer quieter trails with excellent conditions.

July – August

🌞 Peak Season: Excellent trekking conditions, with sunny, dry days and clear skies.
👥 Crowds: Busiest time of the year due to European and North American summer holidays.
Best for: Climbers prioritizing the best weather and don’t mind busier trails.

September – October

✅ Excellent Trekking Conditions: Similar to July/August but with slightly fewer crowds. October can bring occasional showers.
👥 Crowds: Busy in September, quieter in October.
Best for: Those who want great weather but prefer to avoid peak-season crowds.

November (Short Rains)

⚠️ Rainy but Manageable: Afternoon showers are common but less intense than April/May. Trails are quieter, and the mountain feels more secluded.
Best Routes: Rongai or Northern Circuit, as the northern side is drier and more sheltered.
👥 Crowds: Very few climbers.
Best for: Experienced trekkers who want solitude and don’t mind occasional rain.

December

🌦️ Mixed Conditions: Early December may still have short rains, but by mid-month, the weather improves, marking the start of the main climbing season.
👥 Crowds: Popular due to holiday season.
Best for: Climbers looking for festive-season climbs with decent weather.

Key Considerations

• Weather: Dry seasons = best time to climb. Rainy seasons = muddy trails, poor visibility.
• Temperature: Always cold at the summit, below freezing year-round.
• Visibility: Clear skies are most common Jan–Mar and Jun–Oct.
• Crowds: Peak season (Jul–Aug), quieter shoulder seasons (Mar, Oct, Dec).
• Routes: To avoid crowds, choose Northern Circuit, Lemosho, or Rongai instead of Machame/Marangu.