Climbing Kilimanjaro during the transitional months is the best way to avoid crowds while still trekking in good weather. These months combine the best of the wet and dry seasons of the year. Before deciding on the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s critical to understand the weather patterns throughout the year.
Did You Know — There Are Only 2 Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing Seasons?
Let me explain: The long dry season of the year lasts from June to October, followed by a shorter dry period (December to March). Though the mountain can be hiked all year, it is best to go when the skies are clear and the trails are dry. This creates a much more enjoyable experience and makes navigating the trails far easier. In this post, you’ll learn what to expect when planning your Kilimanjaro climb, as well as the weather conditions on the mountain. If you’re short on time and want to skim through the article, there are snippets in between paragraphs that summarize and emphasize key points. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best and worst months to plan your Kilimanjaro trek.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in January & February
The months of January and February are some of the best and most popular for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Because these are one of the warmest months of the year, you should expect clear, sunny skies in the mornings and evenings, but also clouds and rain may sometimes appear in the afternoons.
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Climbing Kilimanjaro in March, April & May
The long rainy season begins at the end of March and lasts until early June. It is not recommended to climb Kilimanjaro during this time of year because the trails can be extremely dangerous (wet, muddy, and snowy).
Climbing in the rain is less likely to be enjoyable, and you’ll miss out on spectacular views and photographic opportunities. However, if you trek during this time of year, you will avoid crowds on the trails and at campsites. You’ll also get to see Kilimanjaro’s summit while it’s snow-capped.
Things to also know:
Climbing Kilimanjaro in June
June marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the long dry season. The month is significantly dryer than March, April, and May. However, you should be prepared for cold temperatures, and cloudy skies as the month transitions into the dry season. Because June is one of the three transitional months of the year, hikers can expect less crowded trails and fewer accidents.
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Climbing Kilimanjaro in July, August, September or October
From July to the end of October, the weather is generally colder but much drier than in previous months. While there is a chance of rain throughout the year, precipitation is typically low and infrequent. An advantage of climbing during these months is that you will have stunning scenery with clear, sunny skies. However, because everyone wants to climb during the best time of year, the trails become extremely crowded.
Related topics to understand:
Climbing Kilimanjaro in November
Tanzania’s short rainy season begins in early November and lasts until the beginning of December. Afternoon rains are common, but clear skies can be expected in the mornings and evenings. This is not a safe month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro because conditions are unpredictable.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in December
Although the short rainy season often extends into December, this is still a popular time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Many hikers prefer this transitional month because it coincides with the holiday season and is significantly dryer than June.
