BROWSE KILIMANJARO TRIPS
KILIMANJARO
The Best Time to Hike Mount Kilimanjaro
When Is the Best Time of Year to Climb Kili?
As the tallest mountain in Africa, the world’s highest freestanding peak, and a mountain that lies close to the equator, Mount Kilimanjaro has a weather system of its own.
In general, the best months to hike Kilimanjaro are the dry, cooler months of July to September, or in the clear, warmer days of December to February, which are marked by occasional showers. We also recommend climbing in the shoulder months of June and March, which often have good conditions but fewer crowds. The two off-season periods of April to May and October to November experience too much rain for safe climbs.
The spectacular peak is subject to Tanzania’s wet and dry seasons, both of which affect Kili’s climate, and in turn, its hiking and visibility conditions. With its location on the equator, temperatures don’t vary drastically according to the season. Rather, the fluctuations from base to summit are more influenced by altitude and time of day. The base typically ranges from the high 60sF to 80sF, while the summit of Uhuru Peak is always at least somewhat below freezing — and can drop as low as -20F at night.
With more than 40 years of experience leading Kilimanjaro tours, we’ve crafted itineraries that make the most of each season’s highlights. Our choice of route also means that WT climbers don’t have to contend with peak-season crowds that other operators do. While only 60% to 70% of trekkers successfully summit Kili every year, our travelers enjoy a 98% summit rate. Our trek along the scenic Lemosho-Crater Camp Route combines a perfectly paced hike and expert guides with extra time to acclimate on a pre-climb safari.
Kilimanjaro Weather
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
   | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
| Arusha | | 84° 59° 2.5″ | 86° 59° 2.5″ | 84° 61° 5.7″ | 79° 63° 13.3″ | 75° 61° 6.7″ | 73° 57° 1.5″ | 73° 55° 0.8″ | 75° 55° 0.6″ | 79° 57° 0.6″ | 82° 59° 1.5″ | 82° 61° 5.0″ | 82° 61° 3.6″ |
Winter: June, July, August, and September
Why Hike Kilimanjaro in the Winter?
In Tanzania, June heralds the transition from wet to dry season, when occasional showers and overcast days linger ahead of the dry, clear, and cool months of July, August, and September. But for climbers looking for more quiet, June is a great time to summit Kili. July and August are peak climbing months and offer prime climbing and photography conditions, which carry through to the shoulder month of September.
What to Expect on our Winter Climbs
Most of the departures for WT’s Kilimanjaro climb occur in the winter season to take full advantage of the dry, clear days (though expect a bit less visibility the first three days of our itinerary, before we break cloud cover). Unlike other operators, WT embarks on the stunning Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route, a breathtaking trail on Kili’s little-traveled northern flanks, making for a quieter experience during peak climbing months. To encounter even fewer climbers, consider joining a WT departure in June or September.
Summer: December, January, February, and March
Why Hike Kilimanjaro in the Summer?
After a short rainy season that usually falls in November and sometimes continues into early December, optimal conditions return, with warm days ranging in the 60s and 70s at Kili’s base and -4 and 14 degrees at its summit. Expect clear, sunny conditions, with occasional afternoon showers, and the opportunity to see snow-capped peaks over 14,000 feet.
What to Expect on our Summer Climbs
Thanks to ideal climbing conditions, mid December through February is the most popular time to climb Kili, and WT departures often sell out up to a year in advance. Despite this peak time, WT’s climb is crafted so that you’ll often have long stretches of trekking to yourself—and even time on the summit because of the special route we take, which features a short morning summit climb instead of the grueling nine-hour climb before daybreak that’s required on other routes.
Off Season: April to May, October to November
Why WT Doesn’t Climb Kili in the Off Season
While pockets of Mount Kilimanjaro’s two off-season periods can be pleasant, April to May and October to November are typically marked by relentless heavy rains, which create muddy, slippery trails and poor visibility that make the climb challenging. For ease of experience and safety, WT doesn’t embark on climbs during these months.
Is There Snow on Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro has a snow-capped peak for much of the year—its equatorial location means it doesn’t experience the warm and cold seasons that most mountains do. While snow can happen any time at the mountain’s highest altitudes, the snow often melts during the warmest months. Climb between January and March for the best chance of a snow-capped peak.
The Best Time for a Post-Climb Safari in Tanzania
Many climbers who summit Kili with WT combine the experience with a Tanzania safari in the country’s rich game lands because, well, why not? Whether you decide to climb Kili in the winter or summer, you’ll be well-timed for epic game-viewing. There are two best times to see the Great Migration—from December to March, catch the high-drama summer period of the Great Migration in the southern Serengeti, timed to the calving period when 300,000 calves attract predators of all shapes and sizes. Or, visit in June to October to witness the exciting winter scene of the Great Migration’s life-or-death crossing of the Grumeti River from Tanzania to Kenya.
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Our Africa Specialists know every detail about our Kilimanjaro Treks. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!