Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro

Why is timing so important in Kilimanjaro?

The primary factor is safety. As the risks associated with climbing Kilimanjaro increase significantly when the weather is foul. The effects of rain, snow, mud, and cold can be very strenuous on your body. Correspondingly, your chances of Kilimanjaro summit success also increase significantly with nice weather.

Mt. Kilimanjaro Climate factors

Standing at a whopping height of 5,149 m. above sea level, Kilimanjaro is certainly big enough to create its own weather systems. Besides the altitude, the biggest factor affecting the weather in Kilimanjaro is the interaction of trade winds.

Due to its close proximity to the equator, the trade winds (monsoons) that move across the ocean, drawing moisture upwards are likely to get interrupted by the mountain. As a result, the wind pushes up towards the summit, cooling down as it goes, bringing rain and snow. Therefore Kilimanjaro sees frequent rainfall sometimes without any drastic change in temperature.

Mt. Kilimanjaro experiences its driest months from June to October. During this time, strong anti-trade winds blow in from the northeast. These winds carry little to no moisture, thus compressing the South-east winds downwards. Consequently, the mountain is relatively free of precipitation and clouds, especially higher up. Kinesi Tours & Safaris recommend popular routes like the Machame Route or Lemosho Route for this period.

With the incoming dominant winds from the South-east, April and May are the wettest periods of Kilimanjaro. The winds pick up a great deal of moisture while traveling over the Indian Ocean. Later as the wind direction gets forced up the mountain, it gradually cools down, condenses, and turns into clouds and precipitation.

If you’re planning to climb Kilimanjaro during this period, then it is best to avoid the southern slopes. Because this side gets maximum rain during these months. Instead, it would be more wiser to take the Rongai route. As this trail leads up to the less frequent rainy northern side of Kilimanjaro.

The month of November marks the beginning of the Northeast monsoon period in Mt. Kilimanjaro. This period brings frequent light rains on the north side of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Best time to climb Kilimanjaro

You can climb Kilimanjaro all year-round. However taking all the aforementioned Mt Kilimanjaro Climate factors into account, the best time to climb Kilimanjaro can be separated into two distinct periods: January to March and June to October. As both these Kilimanjaro climbing seasons offer different benefits depending on what you’re looking for.

January to March season

• The January to March season is mostly chilly.
• The upper slopes of the mountains will be snowing.
• There are generally fewer people on the mountain.
• Because of fewer crowds expect your hike to be hassle-free, less congested and, more relaxing.
• If at all you encounter any rain it will usually be restricted to the lower slopes.
• Awesome Kilimanjaro Full moon summit experience.

June to October season

• As we mentioned before June to October is the Best time to Climb Kilimanjaro.
• It is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro.
• Experience the best of Kilimanjaro weather during this period.
• As this period coincides with the European and American summer holidays, expect the routes to be crowded.

Things to Consider Before Choosing the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro

• December and March are the coldest months of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Therefore, snowfall is highly likely. So, if you’re Climbing Kilimanjaro in these months, don’t forget to pack up extra warm layers.
• Kinesi Tours & Safaris strongly advises you to avoid the months of April, May, and November for your Kilimanjaro Trip. These are the wettest months of Mt. Kilimanjaro which is not ideal for trekking.
• Also, while deciding the best time to climb Kilimanjaro you shouldn’t forget about the cost of airfares. Because the cost varies drastically throughout the year. Especially during the European holiday months.
• In addition to picking the best weather, picking the best tour operator is also important. Your success in Kilimanjaro depends on it. The significance of a good Kilimanjaro Guide is paramount, for he is in charge of your safety and success on the mountain.

Therefore, all our Kilimanjaro Guides at Kinesi Tours & Safaris are well trained, experienced, and certified to the highest industry standard. With a 95% average summit Kilimanjaro success rate, we are the no.1 responsible operator on Mt. Kilimanjaro. To find out more about our super successful Kilimanjaro itinerary and exclusive Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages, visit our website today.