Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro
Complete seasonal guide for planning your Kilimanjaro trek
Quick Answer
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons: January-March and June-October. These periods offer the clearest weather, best visibility, and highest success rates.
Peak Season
June - October
Best weather, most crowded
Shoulder Season
January - March
Great weather, fewer crowds
Kilimanjaro Seasonal Guide
Detailed breakdown of each climbing season
Dry Season (Best Weather)
Temperature
10-20°C (50-68°F)
Rainfall
Low
Crowds
Moderate
Ideal For
Perfect for first-time climbers
Highlights
Challenges
Long Rainy Season
Temperature
8-18°C (46-64°F)
Rainfall
High
Crowds
Low
Ideal For
Budget-conscious experienced climbers
Highlights
Challenges
Peak Climbing Season
Temperature
5-15°C (41-59°F)
Rainfall
Very Low
Crowds
High
Ideal For
Best overall climbing conditions
Highlights
Challenges
Short Rainy Season
Temperature
10-20°C (50-68°F)
Rainfall
Moderate
Crowds
Moderate
Ideal For
Flexible travelers seeking balance
Highlights
Challenges
Month-by-Month Kilimanjaro Guide
Detailed monthly conditions for climbing Kilimanjaro
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Factors to Consider When Planning Your Kilimanjaro Trek
Key considerations for choosing your climbing dates
Weather Factors
Temperature Variations
Kilimanjaro temperatures range from tropical at the base to arctic at the summit. Timing affects these variations significantly.
Rainfall Patterns
Rainy seasons make trails muddy and reduce visibility. Dry seasons offer better trekking conditions.
Wind Conditions
Strong winds at higher altitudes can affect summit attempts. Some seasons have calmer conditions.
Practical Factors
Crowd Levels
Peak seasons are busier but offer better weather. Shoulder seasons have fewer crowds but variable conditions.
Pricing
Peak season prices are higher. Rainy seasons often offer discounts but with weather risks.
Availability
Popular months book up quickly. Plan and book 3-6 months in advance for best dates.
Our Recommendations
Expert advice for different types of climbers
First-Time Climbers
Choose January-March or September-October for the best combination of weather and manageable crowds.
Recommended: February & September
Budget Climbers
Consider April-May or November for lower prices, but be prepared for unpredictable weather.
Recommended: November & April
Experienced Climbers
Any time can work, but July-September offers the most stable conditions for summit success.
Recommended: July & August
Ready to Plan Your Kilimanjaro Adventure?
Contact our experts to discuss the best timing for your Kilimanjaro trek based on your preferences and experience level.