Best time to climb Kilimanjaro
When Is the Best Time To Kilimanjaro
If you want to climb Kilimanjaro with a reduced chance of rain and slightly warmer temperatures, the best time is in January, February, and the first half of March. April and May bring heavier rains, with a shorter rainy season in November and December, though this shouldn’t disrupt the trek too much. From June to August, the skies are clear but the temperatures are icy, making it an excellent time to catch the wildebeest migration as well.
The most favorable times of the year to climb Kilimanjaro for good weather, avoiding rain, are from January to early March and from July to mid-October. There’s a long, dry winter and a green season with two rainy periods at each end. December through March are the warmest months, characterized by clear mornings and evenings, with clouds building during the day that often obscure the summit by early afternoon. The predictable weather patterns during this period make it a good time to climb.
The main rainy season lasts from the beginning of April to early June. During this time, dense cloud formations over the mountain reduce visibility, and frequent snowstorms can be expected on the summit, along with heavy rains on the lower slopes.
The longest and driest season runs from mid-June to mid-October. During this time, it can be very cold at night. In Kilimanjaro’s “winter,” a persistent belt of clouds surrounds the mountain above the forests and moorland, leaving the summit and a few other peaks clear. Above the clouds, it is usually dry and clear, making this one of the best times to plan your trek.
In late October, the clouds finally give way to rain, and until mid-December, the mountain is often covered in heavy clouds with persistent showers from base to summit.
The best months to climb Kilimanjaro are January, February, July, August, and September. It is advisable to avoid climbing during the heavy rain season in April and May, as well as during the short rains in November. To avoid crowds, it’s best to steer clear of the Machame Route and to avoid starting your climb on a Saturday or Sunday, as most groups begin their trek on these days. If you plan to climb during a full moon, it is recommended to arrange your summit attempt three to five days after the full moon for optimal moonlight on the summit trail at night.
CLIMBING DURING THE HIGH SEASON
The greatest advantage of climbing at this time is that you can stay dry the entire time. Sure, you can always get rained on throughout the year, especially in the rainforest and moorlands, but typically the precipitation is low and infrequent. By staying dry, you stay comfortable, and the overall trek will be more enjoyable. Removing the stress of being wet and cold also increases your chance of proper acclimatization. In the dry season, the views are better, with clear and sunny skies. The disadvantage is that the trails have many climbers, which can take away from the feeling of being on a big, remote mountain. However, some visitors look forward to socializing with other groups at camp. Not surprisingly, most people choose to climb during the dry season because the likelihood of nice weather trumps any misgivings they may have about encountering others on the mountain.
CLIMBING DURING THE LOW SEASON
The prospect of having the mountain to yourself is what draws people to climb during the low season. The mountain is very empty, and it is possible to be the only party at a campsite. This quiet and solitude is what many people seek when going outdoors. Secondly, although it does rain quite a lot during the low season, most of the time the rains arrive in the afternoon. With Kilimanjaro’s trekking schedule, most of the hiking can be done in the mornings, which means that the time spent on trails while it rains can be minimized. One thing people forget is that precipitation creates snow, which is not a bad thing. Kilimanjaro is best displayed during the rainy season. The most beautiful sights of the mountain often are enjoyed in the mornings after it snows. No matter when you climb, you have the chance to see the night sky over the Rift Valley.
