Best time to climb Kilimanjaro
The best time to start the summit is at sunrise. If you get the chance to sleep at the rim of the crater for dawn, you can actually see the curvature of the earth.![]()
Kilimanjaro is virtually on the equator, so the lower slopes are generally hot and dry reaching 25°C during the day. This quickly dips with each ecological zone however, open heathlands, alpine desert and then, at the summit, categorically Arctic. Uhuru Point’s nighttime temps are between -7 to -29°C. Kili has a couple of rainy seasons but not ones that put a stop to the trekking. But they do put a stop to the crowds. The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is really when you feel physically and mentally ready to do so.
Kilimanjaro Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
14
24
47
FEB
14
25
42
MAR
15
25
119
APR
15
23
327
MAY
14
22
174
JUN
12
22
41
JUL
10
22
31
AUG
11
22
21
SEP
12
24
20
OCT
14
24
41
NOV
15
23
88
DEC
14
23
63
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Kilimanjaro, month by month
Our top Kilimanjaro Holiday
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Small group travel:
2021: 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 24 Oct, 12 Dec, 26 Dec
2022: 11 Jan, 23 Jan, 10 Feb, 19 Feb, 6 Mar, 16 Mar, 8 Jun, 16 Jun, 26 Jun, 7 Jul, 14 Jul, 20 Jul, 6 Aug, 11 Aug, 18 Aug, 24 Aug, 4 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 3 Oct, 9 Oct, 20 Oct, 8 Dec, 25 Dec
2021: 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 24 Oct, 12 Dec, 26 Dec
2022: 11 Jan, 23 Jan, 10 Feb, 19 Feb, 6 Mar, 16 Mar, 8 Jun, 16 Jun, 26 Jun, 7 Jul, 14 Jul, 20 Jul, 6 Aug, 11 Aug, 18 Aug, 24 Aug, 4 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 3 Oct, 9 Oct, 20 Oct, 8 Dec, 25 Dec
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Kilimanjaro or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
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Responsible Travel recommends
Andrew Appleyard, from our supplier Exodus:
“I think that one of the best times for trekking Kilimanjaro is late September, as the crowds have gone home so the routes are quieter. The Serengeti is still in Great Migration season too, and so packed with wildlife but not so many people.”
“I think that one of the best times for trekking Kilimanjaro is late September, as the crowds have gone home so the routes are quieter. The Serengeti is still in Great Migration season too, and so packed with wildlife but not so many people.”
More about Kilimanjaro
Climbing the highest, free-standing mountain in the world is an extraordinary achievement - but as this climbing Kilimanjaro travel guide reveals - it's one that is not out of reach.
We highly recommend the Lemosho Route for reaching Kilimanjaro's summit. It's longer, which means it's pricier - but it gives you more days to acclimatise, so success rates are high.
Kilimanjaro's Rongai Route takes six to seven days to complete, and involves a fairly gentle ascent from the north. It's a great option if you want to avoid steep climbs, as well as other climbers.
The Machame Route is a seven day trek through varied landscapes, from jungle to heather-covered moors and glacial peaks - but Kilimanjaro’s most popular trail isn’t the easiest.
Many climbers opt for the five-day Marangu Route, the first established route for trekking Kilimanjaro. It’s the only one with huts, rather than tents, but it's often underestimated.
There are seven established routes for trekking Kilimanjaro and, while many climbers just opt for the most popular Marangu, Machame and Lemosho routes, each has their pros and cons.
Kilimanjaro may not be top of your list of family-friendly trips but, while this climb may be challenging, it’s perfectly doable for active children who love the outdoors.
Africa’s highest mountain is a popular but pretty challenging trek, only an estimated 65% of people make it to the top. If you're wondering “am I fit enough to climb Kilimanjaro?”, read on.
We've chatted to our holiday company experts and asked them for their top Kilimanjaro climbing advice - covering everything from safety on the mountain to what to pack.
Porters' rights are one of the biggest issues when it comes to Kilimanjaro responsible tourism. Read on to find out how to ensure they are protected, and in the best shape to help you up the mountain.
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