Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro
When to climb Mount Kilimanjaro:
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is generally during the dry seasons, which are from June to October and from late December to February. These months offer clearer skies, milder temperatures, and less rainfall, making for safer and more enjoyable trekking conditions. However, it’s important to note that the mountain can be climbed year-round, and some trekkers prefer the quieter months during the rainy season (March to May) despite the wetter conditions. Always consider personal preferences and fitness levels when planning your climb!
The main climbing seasons for Kilimanjaro are from June to October and from mid-December to early March. These are actually the “dry seasons” in the region because of the low rainfall during this time in the region. At these times you can expect good weather and little rainfall. This is when Kilimanjaro and the safaris in the national parks are the busiest, especially during the general holiday periods in Europe and North America.
The probability of rain is drastically higher during the rainy season in the months of April, May and November. Drawbacks of attempting Kilimanjaro in the rainy season are:
- Obscured views of the peaks due to cloud and rain
- Walking under rain on muddy trails
- Higher snow levels on the upper reaches of Kilimanjaro
Month wise reference to hike Kilimanjaro:
- Mid-December to early March – The colder of the two dry seasons, this is the best time to experience clear skies on your climb. The colder temperature also means that there will be snow on the upper reaches of the mountain. There may be brief showers during this period. You will also experience lesser crowds on the trail which makes the climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro more serene. People say this is an exceptionally beautiful time of the year to climb Kili.
- mid-March to May – Heavy rains are to be expected during this time. It is still a doable climb, but the climb is tougher and vehicles can sometimes not make it to the starting point ( route dependent ). If this happens, you may have to start your trek earlier than expected. Some routes may be better than others during this period.
- June to October – The second dry season and the main tourist season for climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. The weather is quite conducive for the trek, irrespective of the route. Though you will have occasional rain and low hanging clouds, as the monsoon recedes in June, higher altitudes will give clearer skies. You will find that the trails / camps are more crowded during this time. This is because a major part of the crowd comprises of people from Europe and America, where the academic session is on break.
- November to mid-December – This season brings the rains back to the mountain slopes. These rains are lesser in intensity as compared to the ones in April/May.
Mount Meru Climb:
Mount Meru, is the second-highest peak in the country in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro. It stands at approximately 4,566 meters (14,980 feet) and is renowned for its challenging climbs and stunning scenic views. The mountain is part of the Arusha National Park and offers climbers a unique experience with its diverse flora and fauna.
Climbing Mount Meru, offers a unique chance to see diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffe, wildebeest, Impalas, warthogs, monkeys, with more various species including bird, and unique plant life. The views from the summit are spectacular, showcasing the surrounding landscapes, including the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru can be climbing in 3 to 4 days, therefore become and Ideal for those with less time to climb Kilimanjaro or who want to acclimatize before attempting Mount Kilimanjaro.
Rainy season in Kilimanjaro
We do not recommend climbing Kilimanjaro in the rainy months of April and May. A relatively large amount of precipitation is to be expected at this time, in higher regions also with snow. However, some travelers deliberately come at this time, as this is the time of year when you meet the fewest visitors. If you adapt to the conditions and your equipment, you can also climb in April or May.
When planning an ascent during the rainy season, it is particularly important to pay attention to the equipment . The luggage handed over to the porters should be packed in an absolutely waterproof luggage (duffel bag, trekking bag). In addition, all items that must not get wet should be packed in waterproof zip bags. When it comes to rainwear and shoes, care should also be taken to ensure that these items of equipment remain waterproof during downpours lasting several hours.
Best routes during the rainy season
The Marangu Route heads up the mountain from the southeast. Although it is on the rainy south side, the overnight stays are in contrast to the other routes in huts, which offer more protection from the rain than tents.
The Rongai Route runs on the north side of the mountain. The north side is the side away from the rain, so the Rongai route is more suitable for climbing during the rainy season .
