Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, unlike the Himalayas, is open for trekking throughout the year. Therefore the time one chooses to hike Kilimanjaro depends entirely on them. However, some months are better recommended than others and basing on this, the best time of the year to hike Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry season that runs from December to mid-March and late June to October. The most favorable months being January, February, July, August, and October. This is because during these months the weather is at its best with clear skies, amazing views, sunny weather, and little or no rainfall.
This time of the year however is characterized by quite a number of hikers trekking the mountain, therefore expect a bit of a crowd. If you are a traveler interested in solitude, you will have to brave the wet weather and ignore the possibility of getting wet and go for a Mount Kilimanjaro hike in the shoulder season- this is the season just after the sun and before the rain. It is also the quietest season of the year. The northern side of the mountain is highly recommended during this time since it experiences less rainfall. Alternatively you can choose one of the less famous routes where there will be less foot traffic during the peak season.
However, avoid climbing the mountain in the height of the rainy season, which is in the months of April, May and November.
Since Kilimanjaro is a hilly area, expect sudden afternoon down pours at any time of the year that you choose to visit.
Here is a guide to hiking Mount Kilimanjaro month by month.
Mount Kilimanjaro Hike in January, February and early March
These months are characterized by mostly dry, clear days and good visibility. They also experience occasional showers and a good chance of snow at altitudes over 14000 ft worth experiencing.
While this is considered a peak season, the slopes of the mountain are quieter compared to the main climbing season of June to September, therefore a perfect time to visit for a balance of less crowds and a decent weather.
This is a great time of year to visit for hikers who prefer less crowds, dry weather conditions and would like to experience the snow at the summit.
Mount Kilimanjaro Hike in March, April and May
At the beginning of March, the weather is amazing but as the month progresses, the rain starts causing muddy trails, cloudy skies, poor visibility and rain down pours. Within these months, there is a possibility that one may get lucky and experience some dry weather, but this is a hit or miss incidence.
The months of April and early May are the long rains hence not suitable for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Other than this, one can opt to go hiking during the shoulder season, which is from late March to late May, however they need to be prepared for the wet weather and expect a bit of visibility challenges.
This is the best time of the year for experienced trekkers who love solitude, a good challenge and don’t mind sudden weather changes. During this time, the routes on the northern side of the mountain are highly recommended.
Mount Kilimanjaro Hike in June, July, August and September
The months of June, July, August and September fall in the US and Europe summer vacations and also have the best hiking weather. It is the busiest time on the mountain with July and August being the most popular months. The hiking routes tend to be busy during this time, especially over the full moon.
If you want to avoid crowds, June, July, September or October are the best months for this hike if you are okay with a bit of rain since occasional showers are always possible during these months in the forested areas. However, there is no need for alarm since these months are predominantly dry times of the year.
This is the best time of the year for hikers wanting a hiking experience with the best weather, and do not mind coming across a crowd. During this time the most crowded trails are the Marangu and Machame route.
Mount Kilimanjaro Hike in October and November
As October ends and November approaches, short rains start and this lasts for 3 to 4 weeks. These however are short rains and are less persistent than the long rains that are received in April and May and are mostly experienced in the late afternoons. During this time the mountains are very quiet.
Since these months receive a bit of rainfall, the Rongai route or the northern circuit route on the northern side of the mountain is more sheltered and receives less overall rainfall.
Important Considerations to take note of while visiting mountain Kilimanjaro
- Weather conditions
Being close to the equator, Kilimanjaro does not experience the same four seasons, which are summer, winter, spring and autumn like the other temperate areas but rather experiences 2 seasons; the wet season and the dry season both of which are unique and give different views and experience of the mountain.
Clear skies, great views and sunshine enable convenient Mount Kilimanjaro hiking conditions during the dry season. The season runs from January to early March and from June through to October. These are also the busiest and driest months of the year.
The rainy season is sub-divided into 2; the short rains that falls in November and the long rains that run from late March to May. The rainy season generally begins in mid-March and ends in May. During these times the trains are muddy, the surrounding is wet and there is less visibility especially on the southern side of the mountain.
- Temperatures
The temperatures on the mountain vary from season to season and climate zone to climate zone as one moves to higher altitudes. The months of December to March and June, just as the rains begin, are the coldest times on the mountain and there are high chances of experiencing snow on the summit. Due to the cold weather, less hikers visit the mountain during this time.
As one ascends the mountain, the temperatures keep dropping and by the time they summits the mountain, the temperatures drop far beyond the freezing point. This is constant almost throughout the year, making the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro visible most times of the year.
- Number of crowds on the mountain
The favorable weather in the months of January through to early march, and June to October attracts a huge number of crowds to the mountains during this time. The Marangu and Machame routes usually have the largest crowds, therefore if crowds aren’t your thing, try out the less busy routes such as the Northern Circuit, Rongai or Lemosho.
The biggest challenge faced by climbers during these overly crowded seasons is the overcrowding of the toilet facilities and the campsites. Overcoming this challenge, one is able to interact with lots of people and forge friendships during the hike.
- Visibility
Between late March to the end of June and November the visibility on the mountain is poor due to the clouds, mist and fog. This prevents one from enjoying panoramic views and taking some great photographs.
Other than the really wet months of April and November, Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year depending on an individual’s plan for the safari or the time available for travel.