Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro
The best time for Kilimanjaro, and the best times to climb it, are the two dry seasons: January to mid March and June to October. You can climb in any month, because the mountain is open all year, but the weather, the crowds and the views differ a lot between seasons.
The best time for Kilimanjaro, and the best times to climb it, are the two dry seasons: January to mid March and June to October. You can climb in any month, because the mountain is open all year, but the weather, the crowds and the views differ a lot between seasons.
Here is what each period is like, so you can match the month to what you want from the climb.
Month by month
January to mid March: warm and clear
A short dry season with warm days and less crowding. Summit nights are cold, and the weather is generally clear. Late February and March can bring snow on the summit, which is beautiful but needs more clothing.
Late March to May: the long rains
The wettest months. Trails are muddy, clouds cover the mountain and many operators run fewer trips. It is quiet and cheaper, and a good choice if you do not mind rain and want solitude. Rongai on the drier northern side is the best route in these months.
June to October: the main dry season
The most popular time. Skies are clear, nights are cold and the trails are drier, but camps are busier. July to September has the most climbers. October is slightly warmer and quieter, and November brings short rains.
November: short rains
Rain falls in the afternoons, mostly on the lower slopes, and the upper mountain is often clear. It is quieter than the peak months and cheaper.
December: warm and busy
Dry and clear around Christmas and New Year, and busy because of the holidays. Book early.
Choosing by moon phase
Many climbers plan their summit night for a full moon, which lights the path across the scree and the glacier. The summit night is the coldest and darkest part of the climb, and moonlight is a big help. Ask us to plan your summit day around the full moon, which adds up to a few days of flexibility on your dates.
Which route for which season?
In the rainy months choose Rongai, which is drier, or Lemosho and Machame with an extra day. In the busy months of July to September choose Lemosho or the Northern Circuit for quieter trails. The Marangu route is best in the dry months, when the huts are drier and warmer.
Temperatures on the mountain
The temperature drops by about six degrees Celsius for every 1,000 metres you climb. At the park gate it can be warm and humid, at the high camps it is near freezing at night, and at the summit it is typically minus ten to minus twenty degrees Celsius, with wind. The coldest months are June to September, and the warmest are December to March. In every season you need warm layers for the summit night.
Crowds and trail traffic
July, August and September are the busiest months, and camps such as Barafu can be crowded. The best months for fewer people are early March, late October and the green season. Choosing a longer route such as Lemosho, Northern Circuit or Rongai spreads the traffic.
Combining Kilimanjaro with other trips
If you want to combine the climb with a safari, the dry months from June to October are ideal for both. For the calving season in January and February, you can climb in the second half of January or in March. We plan the order of the trip so that your summit date and your safari dates match the weather.
Kilimanjaro packages for any month
- 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Marangu Route (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 1,910 per person) The classic Coca-Cola Route offering comfortable communal hut accommodations and optimal acclimatization.
- 5 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Umbwe Route (5 Days / 4 Nights, from USD 2,141 per person) The steepest, most direct path to Uhuru Peak for fit and experienced trekkers seeking a rapid alpine challenge.
- 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Lemosho Route (7 Days / 6 Nights, from USD 2,787 per person) The scenic western route traversing pristine wilderness and Shira Plateau with high summit success.
- 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Machame Route (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 2,484 per person) The scenic Whiskey Route condensed for fit trekkers with strong endurance and high stamina.
- 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Machame Route (7 Days / 6 Nights, from USD 2,762 per person) The premier 7-day Whiskey Route with a dedicated acclimatization night at Karanga Camp.
- 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Umbwe Route (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 2,484 per person) The optimized steep western approach with an extra acclimatization night at Karanga Camp.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to climb Kilimanjaro?
For clear weather, January to March and June to October. For quiet trails, late October or early March.
Can you climb Kilimanjaro in the rainy season?
Yes. The mountain is open all year. It is wetter and colder, and you need good rain gear.
Is it too cold in July and August?
The summit is cold in every month, around minus 10 to minus 20 degrees Celsius at night. Pack warm clothing and a good sleeping bag.
Does the full moon matter?
It helps, because the summit climb starts at night. It is not essential if you have a good headlamp.
Is it possible to climb in April and May?
Yes, but the rains are heavy. Choose a good rain jacket, waterproof boots and a longer route for extra margin.