When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro
If you are looking for the best Kilimanjaro climbing consultants to guide you on when is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro, you are in the right place. At Kilimanjaro Lifetime Adventures, we understand that planning a Kilimanjaro trek is not only about physical preparation, but also about choosing the right time to increase your summit success rate and enjoy the adventure safely and comfortably.
Kilimanjaro Weather and Seasons
Mount Kilimanjaro is located near the equator in Tanzania, which means it doesn’t have the typical summer and winter seasons. Instead, it experiences wet (rainy) and dry seasons throughout the year.
The weather on Kilimanjaro plays a critical role in your climbing experience. During the rainy season, the trails can be slippery with mud, snow, and ice, making the hike more challenging and reducing visibility. These conditions also lower the success rate of summiting.
In contrast, the dry season offers better visibility, safer trails, and a more pleasant climbing experience overall. That’s why understanding when to climb Kilimanjaro is key to a successful and enjoyable trek.
Best Months to Climb Kilimanjaro (Dry Seasons)
Below is a month-by-month breakdown of Kilimanjaro weather conditions and recommendations:
| Month | Weather | Recommendation |
| January | Warm temperatures, low clouds, medium rainfall, high climber volume | ✅ Highly recommended (Dry season) |
| February | Warm and dry, occasional light rain, high climber volume | ✅ Highly recommended (Dry season) |
| March | Warmer, beginning of rains, fewer climbers | ⚠️ Possible, but risk of rain increasing |
| April | Wettest month, heavy rain, muddy trails | ❌ Not recommended (Rainy season) |
| May | Continued rains, cloud cover, very slippery trails | ❌ Not recommended (Rainy season) |
| June | Drying begins, moderate temps, fewer rains, moderate climber numbers | ✅ Good month to climb |
| July | Cold but dry, clear skies, high climber traffic | ✅ Excellent month (Peak season) |
| August | Cold, dry, very clear views, very high climber numbers | ✅ Excellent month (Peak season) |
| September | Pleasant temperatures, dry conditions, high climber volume | ✅ Excellent month (Peak season) |
| October | Slightly warmer, still dry, some clouds, moderate climbers | ✅ Good month to climb |
| November | Short rains begin, fewer climbers, wet conditions possible | ⚠️ Not ideal, some light rain |
| December | Warmer, mix of dry and wet days, moderate crowds | ✅ Possible with some rain |
Why Timing Matters
Climbing during the dry season not only increases your chances of summiting but also enhances your overall enjoyment. You’ll experience:
- Safer and more stable trails
- Better views of glaciers and landscapes
- Warmer and clearer campsites
- Higher group morale and energy