The Mt. Kilimanjaro trek is functional all year round. You can choose this trek at any time of the year, but weather conditions in some months are better than others. That being said, the best time to climb Kilimanjaro would be any season except the rainy season. However, experienced trekkers still enjoy this trek amid the showers, so, if you’re up for the challenge, you can climb Mt. Kilimanjaro during the rainy season months, too!
Many trekkers believe the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is either between January and mid-March or June and mid-October. As compared to other months, the visibility is good, there is minimal to no rainfall, and it is sunnier, making for a comfortable hike to the summit.
Here is a quick guide to compare the months for you to pick the best time to climb Kilimanjaro:
| January | Fairly warm with minimal to no chances of rain. Beginning of the first trekking season. Lesser crowds as compared to peak months. |
| February | Fairly warm with minimal to no chances of rain. Good time to hike with clear visibility and comfortable weather. Lesser crowds as compared to peak months. |
| March | Fairly warm, but with higher chances of rain. Mid-March marks the beginning of the rainy season. Generally recommended for experienced trekkers only as the rains make the trek more difficult. |
| April | Slightly lower temperatures with intense rainfall. Poor visibility, muddy routes, and cloudy skies. Recommended for experienced trekkers. |
| May | Slightly lower temperatures with intense rainfall until mid-May. Poor visibility, muddy routes, and cloudy skies. Recommended for experienced trekkers only. However, towards the end of May is one of the best times to visit as the scenery is stunning and the flora is thriving post-monsoon. |
| June | Warmer, with almost no chance of rainfall. Beginning of the second trekking season. Higher footfall. |
| July | Peak season and the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. Excellent visibility and comfortable weather. One of the busiest months owing to the North American and European summer holidays. |
| August | Peak season and the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. Excellent visibility and comfortable weather. One of the busiest months owing to the North American and European summer holidays. |
| September | Peak season and the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. Excellent visibility and comfortable weather. One of the busiest months owing to the North American and European summer holidays. |
| October | Peak season and the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. Excellent visibility and comfortable weather. One of the busiest months owing to the North American and European summer holidays. |
| November | Short monsoon season, with intense showers on most routes. Northern routes (like Rongai) may remain dry. Generally recommended for experienced trekkers only as the rains make the trek more difficult. |
| December | Comparatively colder month with lots of snowfall. Generally recommended for experienced trekkers only as the temperatures can be too harsh for newbies. |
Despite the variations in weather between different months or which month you believe is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro, it is important to know about the 5 Kilimanjaro climate zones. Created due to the massive size of the mountain, these distinct climatic zones remain more or less consistent throughout the year.
Due to these Kilimanjaro climate zones, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is like travelling from the equator to Antarctica, with the weather near the foothills being hot, tropical, and humid, while the weather closer to the summit being cold, harsh, and with sub-zero temperatures.
Despite choosing the most comfortable months and the best time to climb Kilimanjaro, you will still need to prepare yourself for drastic temperature and altitude changes that vary between the Kilimanjaro climate zones.
First Kilimanjaro climate zone – Rainforest
Alt. range: 6,000 – 9,000 ft. (1,800 – 2,745 m)
Avg. temperature: ~80°F (~26°C) during the day, ~50°F (~10°C) during the night
Extremely dense and lush rainforest. Home to rare and diverse species of flora (including various orchids, moss, ancient trees, and more) and fauna (including alpine monkeys, baboons, Colobus monkeys, antelopes, and more). Remains consistently warm and humid throughout the year.
Second Kilimanjaro climate zone – Heath
Alt. Range: 9,200 – 11,000 ft. (2,800 – 3,350 m)
Avg. temperature: ~65°F (~18°C) during the day, ~40°F (~4°C) during the night
Sparse and drier and zone with shrubby vegetation owing to lower precipitation and rocky ground. Characterized by heath which includes moss-shroud trees, tussock grasses, and large heathers. There are very few animals here, with occasional sightings of the African elephant or antelopes.
Third Kilimanjaro climate zone – Moorland
Alt. Range: 11,000 – 13,200 ft. (3,350 – 4,020 m)
Avg. temperature: ~65°F (~18°C) during the day, ~40°F (~4°C) during the night
Temperate grassland covered with short shrubbery and acidic soil. Home to extremely unique and interesting vegetation that has adapted to adjust to the drastic weather of this region. You can spot the giant senecio, a beautiful shrub with silvery-green leaves that grow tall and insulate the plant, and Lobelia deckenii, a unique shrub that closes its leaves at night for warmth.
Fourth Kilimanjaro climate zone – Alpine desert
Alt. Range: 13,200 – 16,000 ft. (4,020 – 4,880 m)
Avg. temperature: ~30°F (~0°C) during the day, ~20°F (~minus 6°C) during the night
Arid, harsh, and devoid of water sources, this region sees almost no flora and fauna. Consists of bare, moss- and lichen-covered rocks as far as the eye can see. Extremely sunny (due to the lack of vegetation), with cold and dry winds swiping through the zone.
Fifth Kilimanjaro climate zone – Arctic
Alt. Range: 16,000 – 19,340 ft (4,880 – 5,895 m)
Avg. temperature: ~20°F (~minus 6°C) during the day, ~minus 10°F (~minus 23°C) during the night
Extremely cold and arid, covered with rapidly-disappearing glaciers and humongous boulders. As you near the summit, the temperature plummets to well below the freezing point. The sun rays are unrelenting, and the air is extremely dry.
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