The Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro In 2024

The Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro In 2024 : The ideal months to climb Kilimanjaro are January, February, and the first half of March, when there is less likelihood of rain and somewhat higher temperatures. Heavy rains fall in April and May, with a shorter rainy season in November and December, though this should not significantly delay the trek. From June to August, there are bright skies but freezing temperatures; yet, this is an excellent season to witness the wildebeest migration.

When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

June through March are the best times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The best weather for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro occurs during these months, with clear skies, little rain, and lots of sunshine. But keep in mind that, regardless of the season, these weather patterns can change suddenly.

 Kilimanjaro is technically reachable year-round. During the rainy season, there are other Kilimanjaro routes that may be used to increase accessibility and offer favorable climbing conditions. For this reason, Focus East Africa Tour specialists advise hiking all year round. Avoid the main rainy seasons as much as possible; April and May are best avoided due to possibly dangerous trail conditions.

A MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE FOR THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO

April–May

Beginning at the end of March and lasting through the middle of May is the “big” rainy season. The coldest month of the year in Tanzania begins in April. Because of the heavy dew and dismal weather during these months, several operators choose not to offer any climbs in April or May.

June–July

Rainfall is falling off gradually. Although Kilimanjaro experiences mostly clear and dry weather, the nights are still extremely chilly. June is generally calm, sunny, and far too good for climbing, in our opinion. June is a terrific month to go on an adventure because of the great weather and nearly climber-free terrain. As the year goes on, there will be a growing number of climbers. The majority of the roads will be extremely crowded beginning in July.

August–October

August through September is Kilimanjaro’s busiest climbing season. The days are clear and slightly warmer than in June or July, making the conditions ideal for climbing. Simultaneously, there’s a chance of clouds in the forest/moorland area and rain on the southern roads (Machame and Umbwe). It will be sunny, though, once you leave the rain forest behind.

Another season that is often overlooked is October. With pleasant weather lasting until the middle of the month and a sharp decline in climber traffic, October offers you a great opportunity to enjoy Kilimanjaro climbs virtually alone. The weather becomes increasingly erratic toward the end of October. This shouldn’t pose any significant difficulties, provided you are prepared to tolerate the odd shower.

November

The “small” rainy season begins in November. It might continue to rain until mid-December. Your ascent will be more difficult and dangerous but also more thrilling and challenging because the temperature has fallen and the mountain is covered in a damp mist. Although November may not be the finest month in terms of weather, it is still a perfect time to take amazing photos and appreciate the spectacular views of the mist-covered Mount with its snow-capped peak.

December–January

Kilimanjaro’s second peak climbing season is between Christmas and New Year’s. In the lower altitudes of Kilimanjaro, there is a high probability of rain and dense clouds, but the number of climbers is still very large.

January-March

Climbers particularly like the months of mid-January to mid-March. There is the ideal amount of moisture and cold in the weather. Days are mostly dry, though there may be sporadic downpours. Because of the advancement of the “big” wet season, there is a greater chance of rain in the second half of March.

KILIMANJARO WEATHER: WHAT TO EXPECT

Kilimanjaro’s high height and close proximity to the equator cause the weather to fluctuate greatly. The temperature can drop significantly from the warm base to the chilly top. Because of this, hikers may encounter intense heat waves or low temperatures.

Mount Kilimanjaro Weather

Unlike other temperate regions of the world, Kilimanjaro does not experience the usual four seasons. Rather, the mountain alternates between wet and dry seasons, with varying effects on the landscape.

ü  The Ideal Season for Climbing Usually, Kilimanjaro runs from June until March. The driest months of the year draw a large number of climbers from all around the world.

ü  Clear skies and sunny weather are ideal for trekking during these times, and they also present a plethora of photo opportunities.

Temperature

The temperature on Mount Kilimanjaro varies with altitude and with the changing of the seasons. The summit region experiences year-round below-freezing temperatures due to its “arctic” environment.

Following the wet season, December, March, and June are often the coldest months. There is probably going to be snow at the top during these periods. During these cooler months, fewer people come than during the peak travel months of July and August.

Selecting the best month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro will undoubtedly be easier if you are aware of the subtleties of the mountain’s climate and the average temperature for each month.

Wet and dry seasons in Kilimanjaro

There are two main seasons in Kilimanjaro’s climate: wet and dry. Long rains from March to May and brief rainfall in November and December are features of the wet season. June to October is considered the dry season; there is also a shorter dry season from December to mid-March. Most of our Kilimanjaro climbs are planned during the dry season.

Brief Dry Season

The weather is often mild, with clear mornings and evenings from December to mid-March. Even so, there may be cloud cover and sporadic downpours during the day.

Long Rains

The rainy season lasts from late March until early June. It is not advised to climb during this period unless you are an experienced hiker with experience in similar conditions. Anticipate rainy weather and potentially poor visibility because of the dense cloud cover. It’s less congested now, though.

Extended Dry Season

Mid-June to the end of October is when the dry season occurs. The mountain experiences somewhat lower temperatures during this time of year, although there is usually more precipitation.

Brief Rainfall

Early November to early December is the brief wet season. Though clear skies are common in the mornings and evenings, rain usually falls in the afternoons.

KILIMANJARO TEMPERATURE

What is the temperature at the summit of Kilimanjaro?

Since Kilimanjaro lies almost entirely on the equator, the lower slopes are typically hot and dry, with daytime highs of 25°C. But this rapidly declines with each biological zone: open heathlands, alpine deserts, and finally, at the top, the unquestionably Arctic. The overnight temperatures at Uhuru Point range from -7 to -29°C. There are a few wet seasons in Kilimanjaro, but they don’t stop trekking. However, they do manage to stop the throngs. When you feel mentally and physically prepared to climb Kilimanjaro, that is actually the optimum moment to do so.