Best Time to climb Kilimanjaro

The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are during the dry months from December to mid-March and from mid-June to the end of October. Because these months have the best weather conditions. Clear skies, great views, little rain, and sunshine.

However, regardless of the season, there is always the possibility that the weather can change dramatically.

Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year, but certain months are better for climbing than others. It is recommended to climb Mount Kilimanjaro during the driest period. Avoid April and November as these are the main rainy seasons and the trails can be dangerous.

What is the best month to climb Kilimanjaro? Monthly overview

Unlike the Himalayas, Kilimanjaro is never “closed”. You can trek all year round, but you need to be prepared. Climbing is not normally offered in April, May and November.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in January and February to early March

Ideal trekking conditions with mostly dry, clear days, and good visibility. Occasional showers and a good chance of snow over 14,000ft, making for some epic photo opportunities.

While this is considered “high season”, it’s often quieter on the slopes than the main climbing season of June to September, making it a good balance of not-too-crowded and decent weather.

Best for: Hikers who want to minimize crowds, whilst still having dry conditions. Snow on the summit is a bonus.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in March, April and May

The weather is great in early March, but as the month progresses, it starts to rain, roads become muddy, skies become cloudy, and visibility can become poor. Late March and late May can be a little hit or miss, although we can have dry weather at times.

From April to early May, it rains for a long time, making it unsuitable for mountain climbing.
If your schedule requires you to go during shoulder season (late March to late May), be prepared for rainy weather and don't be disappointed if visibility is poor.

Ideally, you will already have trekking experience and will not be bothered by difficult trail conditions.
Best for: Experienced trekkers who don't mind crowds and unpredictable weather. We recommend taking the route on the north side of the mountain.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in June/ July/ August and September

The combination of great weather and summer holidays in the US and Europe makes this the prime climbing season and the busiest time on the mountain. July and August are the most popular months, so choose June if you want to avoid the crowds. If you don't mind some rain, go for September or October.

It is the driest time of the year, although there are occasional showers, especially in the forests. The lines tend to be crowded at this time of year, especially during full moons.
Best for: Climbers on the often crowded Marangu - Machame route who want the best weather for their trip.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in October / November

Short rains usually occur in November and last for 3 to 4 weeks. Rain is often less persistent than in April and May (the "long rains"), falling mostly in the late afternoon. The mountains are very quiet at this time of year.

We recommend the Rongai route or the northern circumference route, as the northern side of the mountain is more protected and receives less rainfall overall.
Best for: People who avoid crowds and experienced trekkers who don't mind rainy weather.

When can you climb Kilimanjaro – Important Considerations

Weather Conditions

Kilimanjaro is close to the equator and does not experience the same four seasons as warmer regions of the world. Instead, there are wet and dry seasons, both of which change the mountain's tone. The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are from January to early March and from June to October. Clear skies, great views, and sunshine provide great photo opportunities and comfortable hiking conditions. These months are usually the driest and also the busiest months of the year. Read more: Kilimanjaro weather guide.

Temperature

Mountain temperatures vary seasonally and even within different climate zones at higher altitudes. The summit zone is considered the "Arctic" and temperatures remain well below freezing year-round. December to March and June (just after the rains) are typically the coldest months, and you're more likely to see snow on the peaks. This reduces the number of visitors (compared to the busiest months of July-August).

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 day packs.

Full Moon Dates

An additional reason why it is more practical to travel on a full moon is that it increases visibility when climbing. You don't have to summit on the exact full moon day to take advantage of the increased moonlight. The summit the day before and the day after is also great. There's nothing quite like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, climbing Mount Meru, soaking in hot springs, or observing wildlife under the light of a full moon. Some of our customers plan their trips specifically during this time to witness the stunning scenery illuminated by monthly celestial events.

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We received reviews from our served customers and customers rated Kilimanjaro and Beyond 5/5. This honor is given to us by our clients because we always remain committed to all our clients to do everything possible to ensure their safaris are fully satisfied.

    
 
 
        
   Elisabeth Z. 
 2023-03-19
 
 
  An unforgettable trip!
I was able to do the trip to mount meru with Deo and his team. The trip was well prepared and planned and I felt safe all the time. The final hours to the top Deo was helping by carrying my backpack.The food prepared by Bashid was delicious and full of variety. Being back from mount meru we finalized the trip by visiting a local restaurant where I was able to try „Ugali“. The full journey was organized very professionally. They made sure that I had everything needed.  Thanks Kilimanjaro ans Beyond for the awesome time!See you next October to climb on the summit of Killi!
  
 
       
   Zemira 
 2022-12-01
 
 
  Hot waterrr
We spend 5 days on the Marangu route with Deo and his friends, they helped us summit mt Kilimangiaro (also with handwarmers😂).The wohle team was very attentive helpful and kind. Deo in addition to being a great fotographer and video maker, is a very nice person and he share his love for his job! It was an unforgettable experience and we were treated like king and queen, we really recommented Deo and his company!
  
 
       
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 2022-09-18
 
 
  Perfect way to go on Safari
We spend a week with Deo and our driver Usain on Safari. They made our time in Tanzania unforgettable. We couldn’t have asked for a better team to show us around on this trip. We saw lots of animals, had many laughs together and just spend a perfect week together. Deo even took us to a pub on the last night. We really enjoyed our time and highly recommend kilimanjaroandbeyond!!
  
 
       
   alexander l 
 2022-05-22
 
 
  Fantastic trip
We did the 8/day LEMOSHO ROUTE and a 4/day SAFARI'S with Kilimanjaro and beyond Tour & Safari's both were absolutely incredible experiences and lovely. With our guide. Max& Meshack, and porters. One thing I love about  Kilimanjaro and beyond Tour & Safari's is that they are a local company that gives back to the local community (Stella Maris school) and treats their porters and guides very well, and they are also incredibly professional and well run. Cannot recommend Kilimanjaro and beyond Tour & Safari's highly enough!For Kili, our entire trek team took great care of us and was a joy to be around. They went above and beyond to make sure we had a great trip and a successful summit (which we did). The food was delicious, and they accommodated our vegetarian diet no problem. We couldn’t have asked for better guides. They were not only super experienced and knowledgeable about anything and everything related to the trek and the mountain, but also had incredibly friendly and enjoyable personalities.For safari, our guide (Ton) was fantastic and make sure we had the exact experience we wanted. We saw SO much Big 5 Animal, and it was clear a big part of our success in sightings was due to his experience understanding where to go and when like Serengeti he now all the road. He was also incredibly knowledgeable about all of the wildlife we saw, which is key to appreciating the safari experience. The places we stayed throughout are safari were incredible(SERENGETI SAFARI'S LODGE). I couldn’t have imagined better, more unique lodging choices. As with Kilimanjaro, the food and coffee served was wonderfully the entire time.booking with them and will be hard up to find another experience as good in Tanzania!
  
 
       
   Asher J 
 2022-05-14
 
 
  Its great experience and Lovely team
Me and School mates we climbed mount Kilimanjaro and it was great so thankful to Kilimanjaro and Beyond Tours  for the great experience especially the team lead by Deo and his assistant guide Ewald this guide saved my life from hypothermia all  5 of us successful to the top Uhuru peak 5895m  because they worked very hard to make sure all we are safe one the trek started we were given a daily medical checkup to monitor our vital sign (Heart rate and Oxygen) to ensure that we could continue with our journey to the top each day without health issues Kilimanjaro and Beyond Tours  guide are all medical trained. All the aspect of this company I found to be the good quality from starting to the end everything was planning very well . I would highly recommend Kilimanjaro and Beyond Tours & Safari  to everyone considering climbing mount Kilimanjaro thanks again
  
 
       
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 2022-02-18
 
 
  Das Rundum Sorglos Paket
Ich habe mit den Jungs sowohl Kili als auch eine Safari gemacht und es war beides einfach nur super.Ich wurde aber auch neben diesen Events “versorgt” indem ich zu BBQ und Bier eingeladen wurde und mir auch das Nachtleben gezeigt wurde. War einmalig und kann ich nur zu 100% empfehlen. Danke besonders an Ewald!!
  
 
       
   Elaine G 
 2022-01-21
 
 
  8 day Mt Kilimanjaro hike
They helped us summit Mt Kili.They were friendly, helpful & well informed.It was smiles throughout.
  
 
       
   Kilimanjaro mountain guide 
 2022-01-10
 
 
  Amazing guides and Porter please go with them anytime
Kilimanjaro and beyond is the best local tour operater They helps my friends to make to the top of Africa also they give them luxury safari in Serengeti and NgorongoroKeep it up all crews there!!!
  
 
       
   Jesca green 
 2021-12-29
 
 
  My birds and insects Research went well
My trip with Kilimanjaro and Beyond was awesome! i did travel for 22 days doing my research on birds and insects, we moved from Tarangire park to serengeti to Manyara  park, these guys helped me well to accomplish my university research well, I do recommend them!
  
 
       
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 2021-12-27
 
 
  Best trip ever on Christmass 2021
My Christmas event me and my beloved wife was awesome, this Company is one of the best Tour agency in Tanzania i ever travel with, i met with Deo (the guide) who guided us well on Kilimanjaro trip from Lemosho route to Uhuru peak, this guy is very proffessional made our trip awesome, my wife wishes to travel again in Tanzania withis company.