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Best time to climb Kilimanjaro

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro if you want a reduced chance of rain and slightly warmer temperatures 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. June to August see clear skies - but icy temperatures, though this is a great time if you want to catch the wildebeest migration, too.

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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.

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Kilimanjaro Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

FEB

MAR

119

APR

327

MAY

174

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Our Kilimanjaro Holidays

Kilimanjaro, month by month

January, February and the first half of March are the warmest months, with wonderful clear skies mornings and evenings, making these very popular times to climb. Although you may get a few showers during the day. June, July and August are the “winter” months in Tanzania. Although it’s still warm during the day, nights are cold. But then Kili can be chilly year-round anyway. August and September are peak season on Kili, so if you want to avoid busy trails you might want to consider another time of year. It is , however, also migratory season for wildlife if you want to add a safari into the already magical mix. September is a little quieter and also warmer than August. Climbs around full moons are very popular for obvious reasons. There is a rainy season in April and May, which generally means one pretty heavy rainstorm every day on Kili. However, even that is not guaranteed and it doesn’t last for hours with most of the rain hitting the coast. So although some people want to avoid this, others embrace it, as rain equates with more solitary slopes. There is another shorter rainy season from November to December, although the showers are short, and quite refreshing too. October is usually a great time for climbing, getting in just before the rains do, but when many of the crowds have gone home.

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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.

01273 823 700

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rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

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.”

More about Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro guide

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.

Lemosho Route Kilmanjaro trek details

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.

Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek details

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.

Machame Route Kilimanjaro trek details

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.

Marangu Route Kilimanjaro trek details

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.

What is the best Kilimanjaro route to climb?

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.

Climbing Kilimanjaro with kids

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.

Am I fit enough to climb Kilimanjaro?

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.

Climbing Kilimanjaro advice

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.

Kilimanjaro responsible tourism

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.