When Is The Worst/Best time to Climb Kilimanjaro? Month-By-Month
The Best time to climb Kilimanjaro is its dry season, which occurs from December to mid-March and from late June to October. The optimal months are January, February, July, August, September, and October. These months represent the optimal weather conditions. Unclouded skies, excellent vistas, minimal precipitation, and abundant sunshine.
Nonetheless, there exists the potential for significant weather fluctuations, irrespective of the season.
Kilimanjaro may be ascended year-round; nevertheless, several months are more advantageous than others. We advise ascending Mount Kilimanjaro during the driest months. We refrain from visiting in April and November, as these months constitute the primary wet seasons, rendering the treks more perilous.
Best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for good weather & summit success? The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry season, when clear sky, stable weather and panoramic vistas maximise your chances of a safe and enjoyable ascent. Kilimanjaro has a reasonably consistent weather pattern with well defined dry and wet seasons. The best time for trekking is normally during the dry months (January to early March and June to October).
Joseph has climbed Kilimanjaro 25 times in the last 15 years, and has first-hand experience of the mountain in every season. He has climbed during the rainy months but strongly cautions against it because of treacherous paths, restricted visibility and a more physically taxing hike. Pick one of the greatest months for climbing and get to the top.
See our upcoming Kilimanjaro hikes and let our expert team help you arrange the journey of a lifetime:
Kilimanjaro Trekking Tours
Climbing Kilimanjaro with The Kilimanjaro Trekking Services Co. Scheduled Kilimanjaro Climbs tours with dates and costs are below. There is no requirement for you to trek on the dates listed below. We release them exclusively for hikers who are interested in climbing with strangers.
Most of our Kilimanjaro climbers choose their own dates (for an extra fee), but the vast majority of them also want us to open their climbs up to others so they can have more company.
No need to fear throngs if you opt to be a part of a group. To make sure the guide can keep an eye on everyone’s progress, meet everyone’s requirements, and give everyone an opportunity to talk to the guide about anything, we limit our hikes to 10 to 15 trekkers unless otherwise agreed upon.
Accompany the Climbing Kilimanjaro Team as they lead you to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where hundreds of climbers have stood before you.
Nearly every day, we have Kilimanjaro group Climbs available. Get in touch with our managers if you’re having trouble finding a climbing group that fits your precise vacation dates. Based on your suggestions, we are considering launching a new open group on the dates you have indicated. We simply ask for $400 deposit when you book your trip + Accommodation.
Date: From 09 Jan to 16 Jan | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 10 Jan to 16 Jan | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3250 USD
Date: From 11 Jan to 19 Jan | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 12 Jan to 19 Jan | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 14 Jan to 23 Jan | Route: 8 Days Northern Circuit | Cost: 3270 USD
Date: From 17 Jan to 25 Jan | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2880 USD
Date: From 19 Jan to 28 Jan | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3250 USD
Date: From 20 Jan to 20 Jan | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 21 Jan to 28 Jan | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 24 Jan to 31 Jan | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 26 Jan to 03 Feb | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 28 Jan to 06 Jan | Route: 8 Days Northern Circuit | Cost: 3270 USD
Date: From 31 Jan to 09 Jan | Route: 8 Days Lemosho Route | Cost: 3250 USD
Date: From 01 Feb to 09 Feb | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 02 Feb to 09 Feb | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 03 Feb to 10 Feb | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 04 Feb to 12 Feb | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 05 Feb to 13 Feb | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 07 Feb to 15 Feb | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2880 USD
Date: From 07 Feb to 15 Feb | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 10 Feb to 18 Feb | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 10 Feb to 19 Feb | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3250 USD
Date: From 11 Feb to 19 Feb | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 12 Feb to 19 Feb | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 15 Feb to 23 Feb | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2880 USD
Date: From 16 Feb to 24 Feb | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 19 Feb to 26 Feb | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 20 Feb to 01 Feb | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3250 USD
Date: From 21 Feb to 01 Mar | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 22 Feb to 01 Mar | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 25 Feb to 05 Mar | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 01 Mar – 08 Mar | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 07 Mar – 16 Mar | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3400 USD
Date: From 08 Mar – 16 Mar | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 09 Mar – 16 Mar | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 13 Mar – 21 Mar | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 21 Mar – 28 Mar | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 26 Mar – 03 Apr | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2700 USD
Date: From 28 Mar – 04 Apr | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 04 Apr – 11 Apr | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 11 Apr – 19 Apr | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2700 USD
Date: From 18 Apr – 25 Apr | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 25 Apr – 02 May | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 02 May – 09 May | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 10 May – 18 May | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 16 May – 24 May | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2700 USD
Date: From 24 May – 01 June | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 29 May – 07 June | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 30 May – 07 June | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 31 May – 07 June | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 02 Jun – 10 Jun | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 03 Jun – 10 Jun | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 04 Jun – 13 Jun | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3400 USD
Date: From 05 Jun – 13 Jun | Route: 8 Days Northern Circuit | Cost: 3400 USD
Date: From 10 Jun – 18 Jun | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 12 Jun – 21 Jun | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3400 USD
Date: From 13 Jun – 21 June| Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 14 Jun – 21 Jun | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 16 Jun – 24 Jun | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 18 Jun – 25 Jun | Route: 6 Days Rongai | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 20 Jun – 29 Jun | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3400 USD
Date: From 21 Jun – 29 Jun | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 22 Jun – 29 Jun | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 24 Jun – 02 Jul | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 26 Jun – 04 Jul | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 27 Jun – 04 Jul | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 29 Jun – 07 Jul | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 30 Jun – 08 Jul | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 04 Jul – 13 Jul | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 05 Jul – 13 Jul | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 06 Jul – 13 Jul | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 08 Jul – 16 Jul | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 10 Jul – 19 Jul | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 11 Jul – 19 Jul | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 12 Jul – 19 Jul | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 13 Jul – 21 Jul | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 16 Jul – 24 Jul | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 18 Jul – 27 Jul | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 19 Jul – 27 Jul | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 20 Jul – 27 Jul | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 24 Jul – 01 Aug | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 25 Jul – 03 Aug | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 26 Jul – 03 Aug | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 27 Jul – 03 Aug | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 27 Jul – 04 Aug | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 30 Jul – 08 Aug | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 31 Jul – 08 Aug | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 31 Jul – 08 Aug | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 01 Aug – 08 Aug | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 03 Aug – 11 Aug | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 04 Aug – 11 Aug | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 05 Aug – 13 Aug | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 07 Aug – 16 Aug | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 08 Aug – 16 Aug | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 09 Aug – 16 Aug | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 10 Aug – 18 Aug | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 14 Aug – 23 Aug | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 14 Aug – 22 Aug | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 15 Aug – 23 Aug | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 16 Aug – 23 Aug | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 18 Aug – 27 Aug | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 19 Aug – 27 Aug | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 20 Aug – 27 Aug | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 23 Aug – 01 Sept | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 23 Aug – 31 Aug | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 24 Aug – 01 Sept | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 25 Aug – 01 Sept | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 28 Aug – 06 Sept | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 29 Aug – 06 Sept | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 29 Aug – 05 Sept | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 30 Aug – 06 Sep | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 30 Aug – 07 Sept | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 31 Aug – 08 Sept | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 02 Sept – 11 Sept | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 03 Sept – 11 Sept | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 04 Sept – 11 Sept | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 05 Sept – 12 Sept | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 07 Sept – 16 Sept | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 07 Sept – 15 Sept | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 08 Sept – 16 Sept | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 09 Sept – 16 Sept | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 11 Sept – 20 Sept | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 12 Sept – 20 Sept | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900USD
Date: From 12 Sept – 19 Sept | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 13 Sept – 20 Sept | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 13 Sept – 21 Sept | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 17 Sept – 25 Sept | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 18 Sept – 27 Sept | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 19 Sept – 27 Sept | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 20 Sept – 27 Sept | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 22 Sept – 30 Sept | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 24 Sept – 03 Oct | Route: 8 Days Northern Circuit | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 27 Sept – 06 Oct | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 28 Sept – 06 Oct | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 29 Sept – 06 Oct | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 30 Sept – 07 Oct | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 01 Oct – 09 Oct | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 02 Oct – 11 Oct | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 03 Oct – 11 Oct | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 04 Oct – 11 Oct | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 07 Oct – 15 Oct | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 09 Oct – 16 Oct | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 11 Oct – 20 Oct | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 12 Oct – 20 Oct | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 13 Oct – 20 Oct | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 15 Oct – 24 Oct | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 16 Oct – 24 Oct | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 17 Oct – 24 Oct | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 17 Oct – 25 Oct | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 19 Oct – 27 Oct | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2880 USD
Date: From 23 Oct – 30 Oct | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 25 Oct – 03 Nov | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 26 Oct – 03 Nov | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 27 Oct – 03 Nov | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 01 Nov – 09 Nov | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 07 Nov – 14 Nove | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2100 USD
Date: From 08 Nov – 17 Nov | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 09 Nov – 17 Nov | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 10 Nov – 17 Nov | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 14 Nov – 21 Nov | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2100 USD
Date: From 15 Nov – 23 Nov | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 17 Nov – 25 Nov | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 18 Nov – 27 Nov | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 22 Nov – 30 Nov | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 30 Nov – 07 Dec | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2100 USD
Date: From 04 Dec – 13 Dec | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 05 Dec – 13 Dec | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 06 Dec – 13 Dec | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 14 Dec – 22 Dec | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 18 Dec – 27 Dec | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 19 Dec – 27 Dec | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 20 Dec – 27 Dec | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 21 Dec – 28 Dec | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 25 Dec – 03 Jan | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 26 Dec – 03 Jan | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 27 Dec – 03 Jan | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 28 Dec – 05 Jan | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 28 Dec – 04 Jan | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
What are the Best Months for Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro?
The Best time to climb mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons – January to early March and June to October – when clear skies and steady weather conditions improves your chances of a safe and pleasurable ascent.
Considering a climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro? Join one of our upcoming expeditions! We’ve have the greatest staff to guide you from start to finish:
Let’s take a look at climbing Kilimanjaro month by month. If you are bored of reading just pick up the phone and CALL US We would be happy to discuss this with you. And, follow us on Instagram.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in January
Traditionally, January is a good month to climb Kilimanjaro. It is warmer with less rain and overcast, but there are more people on the mountain. January is one of the greatest months to trek Kilimanjaro.
We strongly urge you to go to Tanzania in the month of January. Remember that poor weather can happen at any time on the mountain and storms can come in from the Indian ocean.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in February
February is certainly one of the greatest months to climb Kilimanjaro. You can get straight up to the first week of March. Kilimanjaro is at its warmest in February with less cloud and better weather conditions than most other months.
With warm weather comes dusty dry camps and trails. Being prepared for this dry dust is vital. If the wind picks up you will be clothes full of dust and likely a lung full too.
I would recommend bringing a normal buff that you can wear during the day in warmer weather. We have had groups get caught at the tail end of a cyclone in February with severe wind on summit night so always be prepared for changing weather.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in March
If you are thinking of climbing Kilimanjaro after mid March think again. “They can see rain and snow every day on the mountain. In March Kilimanjaro is shrouded in clouds and the whole peak may not be visible from the valley the entire month.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in March will surely be more difficult with slippy rocks, damp clothing that is hard to dry out if the sun doesn’t come out. There will be restricted views of the mountain and a good chance of snow higher up above Barafu, high camp 4,650m/ 15,255 feet. There will be less people on the mountain.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in April
Only try Kilimanjaro in April if you’re ready for wet weather on the mountain. If the clouds clear, you can get some beautiful vistas climbing Kilimanjaro in April. You risk more than just thunder and lightning, you risk getting soaked and not drying out for the whole trip with rain on the cards each and every day.
April is right in the heart of Kilimanjaro’s rainy season (mid March through May) and although it can rain any given day of the year on Kilimanjaro, April may test your comfort boundaries.
April will have less people on the mountain. Poor vistas, damp rock and not very attractive scenery on and down the summit.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in May
The last couple of years have seen a little drier May than average, although generally it is one of the wetter months to climb Kilimanjaro.
May has been a mixed bag for climbing Kilimanjaro and over the previous number of years we have opted not to send parties to climb Kilimanjaro in early May.
We do have excursions running for Kilimanjaro at the end of May.
If you don’t mind the weather and want to see less people climbing then this could be a month for you.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in June
Sometimes the rainy season can roll on into early June. June can be a little colder further up the mountain – above 5,000m/16,400 ft. If you are thinking of climbing Kilimanjaro in June you will have dryer conditions, more people but not as many as other months like February, August and September.
Depending on the path you use to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, it can be freezing or below freezing as soon as your second night on the mountain. We recommend the Lemosho route. 8 days.
If you are considering climbing in June you should have wonderful views of the peak and see some amazing sunrises and sunsets. Spectacular sunsets may be seen from Shira Camp 2, Barranco Camp and Karanga Camp. We like to climb Kilimanjaro in June, you will find fewer people than in July and August.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in July
People climb Kilimanjaro in July for all sorts of reasons. People climb at this time because it fits in with their vacation plans and schools are closed. July is a wonderful month to climb Kilimanjaro.
Yes, there will be more people on the mountain due to improved conditions you’ll discover. The higher up you go the colder weather can become but the cooler temps usually mean magnificent mountain views, less rain in the rain forest, and good mountain climbing conditions all around.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in August
Another month we love for climbing Kilimanjaro. We only do the Lemosho route over 8 days so there will be less people at the beginning of the trail When you meet up with the Machame route on day 3, their day 2, you will meet more people.
The trails can be dry and dusty in August, so if the wind kicks up you will want to wear a light buff to keep the dust out of your face. Love this month to climb Kilimanjaro, fantastic weather and typically less cloud to block the mountain vistas.
August is typically one of the milder months on the mountain. The western side of the mountain can be a bit chilly but not enough to deter you from experiencing the Shira Plateau and Volcano.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in September
We love to climb Kilimanjaro another month. Above 5,000m/ 17,000 ft you should see wonderful weather warmer. There will be less or more people on the mountain in September but pick more days on your acclimatisation program (8 days) and you will let others race ahead and probably not make it to the summit.
The success rate to summit Kilimanjaro is relatively low as about 50-60% of individuals reach to the peak in a year. September is one of the busiest periods to climb Kilimanjaro, but the superb weather, dryer conditions and excellent mountain views make this a great month to climb.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in October
October is also a fantastic month for climbing Kilimanjaro. Higher up it is warmer. Towards the end of October there can be more cloud cover keeping the sun off you but also obstructing mountain views. It is more probable to have clear sky’s in the morning, the clouds can sweep in early in the day and views of the mountain can be non existent.
The first part of October is excellent for climbing. October is often one of the finest months to climb Kilimanjaro and the weather is usually pretty consistent.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in November
November can be a difficult month to climb Kilimanjaro due to the rain. November might be a mini rainy season and we do avoid climbing Kilimanjaro during the month. November is less steady and weather systems can affect the mountain. So you can get rain every day for a little part of the day.
Less visibility and heavier snow further up can hinder your trip, as can the poor mountain vistas. If clear and snowy, the pictures from further up will rival any mountain panorama. But remember, snow can fall any month of the year up the mountain above 5,000m / 16,400 ft.
Climbing Kilimanjaro in December
You may climb Kilimanjaro in December. More and more people are climbing Kilimanjaro in the start of December and during the Christmas holiday into early January.
We do have 3 climbs each December to suit Christmas vacations climbing Kilimanjaro. It is also, we think, a good period of weather on the mountain. It can change from year to year and is less dependable than the good old reliable months that we have listed.