A crucial factor to consider before making an attempt is when the best time is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It influences not only how well you hike but also how you feel about the whole thing. To assist you in choosing the best time to climb Africa’s highest peak, we have put together a list of factors to think about.
Things to take into account when deciding when to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
- Weather Conditions: The most important consideration is the weather. Because Kilimanjaro is close to the equator, it only experiences dry or wet (rainy) seasons. The dry season is preferred because it makes the walk easier and increases the likelihood of success. The wet season is less ideal, though, since you have to battle your way through ice, snow, fog, and mucky garments at the beginning. You will also have to travel at a higher altitude and struggle through extremely deep mud. In actuality, climbing to the top will not only be difficult for you, but it will also put your health in danger.
A word of advice: severe weather on Kilimanjaro not only makes the trip twice as difficult but will also damage your entire experience and your images.
To learn more about the temperature, precipitation, cloudiness, and crowds by month, see the table below.
Weather Conditions
| Month | Temperature | Precipitation | Cloudiness | Crowds |
| January | Warm | Medium | Low | High |
| February | Warm | Medium | Low | High |
| February | Warm | Medium | Low | High |
| March | Moderate | High | Medium | Low |
| April | Moderate | High | High | Low |
| May | Moderate | High | High | Low |
| June | Cold | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| July | Cold | Medium | Low | High |
| August | Cold | Low | Low | High |
| September | Moderate | Low | Low | High |
| October | Moderate | Low | Medium | Medium |
| November | Moderate | High | Medium | Low |
| December | Moderate | Medium | Medium | Medium |
- Crowdness Level: When the weather is good, a lot of hikers visit the mountain. However, if you would rather climb somewhere with fewer hikers, you should go during the off-peak season and pick your route carefully.
- Budget: During the most crowded period of the year, there are a lot of group hikes, which naturally brings down the cost of the excursion.
- The Mount Views: Dates should be taken into consideration since they will affect the views, which are important if you want a particular experience, such as summiting under a full moon, a snow-covered summit, or breathtaking sunrise and sunset vistas.
What is the ideal time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro based on the weather each month?
Below is a month-by-month summary of the weather and other factors to consider before hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.
From late March to mid-June.
The rainy/wet season normally lasts from April to May; however, late March and early June are considered gray areas. With weather changes, it can rain or be dry. Rainy seasons often begin in late March and last in mid-June.
Late June to August
It is predicted to be past the rainy season, but the weather on Kilimanjaro will be dry and a little chilly; so, June is peaceful, but the number of hikers will increase as the year advances.
August to October
August and September are peak months for Kilimanjaro hikers. The weather is pleasant throughout this time of year, with many clear days and a slight chill. So, these conditions are favorable and will remain until mid-October, when the buildup for the short rains begins.
October to November
In late October and early November, the number of hikers begins to decline. As a result, the weather is more uncertain since short showers may have begun or be on the way. However, it will only persist for a few hours during the day, but as long as you are prepared, you will be able to tolerate the occasional rain showers, which will not be a huge issue for you.
November to December
The short rainfall will continue until December. And in a few cases, they will be extended until early January. Similarly, the temperatures will have fallen, and the showers will make it more difficult. As a result, you should be prepared.
December to January
Kilimanjaro’s second peak climbing season lasts four to six weeks around Christmas and New Year’s. Despite the high likelihood of rain and thick clouds in the lower sections, there will be a large number of trekkers.
January-March
Hiking the Kilimanjaro is best from mid-January until mid-March. The weather is pleasant, not too chilly or damp, and there are fewer climbers. The days are mostly dry and clear, with only a few clouds and a few brief showers. This is the warmest time of year, with clear skies from dawn to sunset.
If your ideal time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is not in line with your travel schedule, consider the following suggestions:
Finally, you may discover that your travel date is not optimal for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro due to factors such as weather, the number of hikers, vistas, and affordability. While this occurs, you should not be concerned; here are some suggestions.
Consider the Rongai Route, which lies on the mountain’s northern flank. It is far dryer than the other Kilimanjaro routes.
If you want fewer people, the Rongai, Shira, and Lemosho routes are less congested.