Best time to climb Kilimanjaro – Kilimanjaro Trekking
Best time to climb Kilimanjaro. Are you planning to hike Kilimanjaro but are looking for the best time for traveling and hike Kilimanjaro? Well, I have provided the best months travelers should hike the mount Kilimanjaro. Travelers seeking adventure and a connection with nature often make the journey to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest summit. However, since the weather can have a major effect on the trekking experience, it still becomes difficult to say when the best time to visit Kilimanjaro is.
January.
January is typically an excellent month for climbing Kilimanjaro. The temperature is higher and there is a reduced amount of precipitation and cloud cover. However, there is an increased number of individuals on the mountain. This month is more convenient for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro.
Our advise always is to put January as your first choice month to travel to Tanzania. This is a very crucial and important way to be aware that adverse weather conditions might occur unpredictably on the mountain, and there is a possibility that there are storms originating from the Indian Ocean.
February
Undoubtedly, one of the most optimal months for ascending Kilimanjaro. You are able to ascend till the conclusion of the month. In comparison to other months, February on Kilimanjaro offers higher temperatures, fewer clouds, and improved meteorological conditions. As the temperature rises, it brings along arid campsites and pathways covered in fine particles of dust. It is crucial to be well-equipped to handle these dry conditions. If the wind intensifies, your clothes may become covered with dust, and you may also inhale some into your lungs.
I suggest bringing a lightweight scarf that can be worn during the day in hotter weather. Our groups have encountered the remnants of a storm in February and strong winds on the ascent to the top. Therefore, it is essential to always be ready for unpredictable weather conditions.
March
Reconsider your plans to climb Kilimanjaro if you are considering doing it after mid-March. Every day on the mountain, you can count on rain and snow falling. It is difficult to see Kilimanjaro’s peak from the valley throughout the month of March due to the mountain’s frequent cloud cover. March is definitely the worst month to climb Kilimanjaro because of the icy rocks and the possibility of wet gear that won’t dry quickly enough without sunlight.
There may be restricted visibility of the mountains, and there is a significant chance of encountering snow at higher altitudes above Barafu, namely at high camp which is located at an elevation of 4,650m/ 15,255 feet. There will be a reduced number of individuals on the mountain. Because of its difficult terrain and breathtaking scenery, the Lemosho Route is a favorite among trekkers.
April
Climbing Kilimanjaro in April is only a good idea for people who are ready to brave the wet weather on the summit. In April, if the weather is nice and clear, climbing Kilimanjaro may provide stunning panoramic views. Given the consistent occurrence of rain, there is a dual risk of encountering thunder and lightning as well as the inconvenience of becoming wet and being unable to dry yourself during the entire journey.
April is a rainy season in Kilimanjaro. This spans from mid-March to May. While it is possible for rain to occur on any day of the year on Kilimanjaro, April specifically may challenge your level of comfort. In April, there will be a decrease in the number of individuals ascending the mountain, due to unfavorable weather conditions such as limited visibility, damp surfaces, and unremarkable landscapes both on and off the summit.
May
In recent years, May has had below-average precipitation. However, historically, May is typically characterized by higher levels of rainfall, making it one of the wetter months for climbing Kilimanjaro. Experience to climbing Kilimanjaro in May has been inconsistent, and as a result, we have made the decision to no again send parties to climb Kilimanjaro in early May. We provide Kilimanjaro tours in late May. If you are not bothered by the rain and want a less crowded climbing experience, this month may be suitable for you.
June
Occasionally, the rainy season can extend into early June. In June, the temperature tends to decrease at higher elevations on the mountain, specifically above 5,000m/16,400 feet. June is a good month to climb Kilimanjaro because the weather is usually less rainy than other climbing months like February, August, and September. The number of climbers will be higher during this time, although it will still be lower than in other months.
June is a great month to go mountain climbing because the weather is mild and the sunrises and sunsets are very stunning. Sunsets at Karanga Camp, Barranco Camp, and Shira Camp 2 are absolutely stunning. Climbing Kilimanjaro in June is perfect since there are fewer tourists than in July and August.
July
During the month of July, there is a higher influx of individuals participating in the activity of ascending Mount Kilimanjaro, mostly due to a multitude of circumstances. During this season of school closures, individuals participate in climbing activities to coincide with their vacation schedules. July is an excellent month for ascending Kilimanjaro.
Indeed, the improved circumstances on the mountain will attract a larger number of individuals. At higher altitudes, the weather tends to be colder. Nevertheless, these lower temperatures often offer beautiful mountain vistas, reduced rainfall in the rainforest, and overall favorable circumstances for mountain climbing.
August.
In August, the trails can become arid and filled with dust. Therefore, if the wind intensifies, it would be necessary to utilize a lightweight buff to prevent dust from reaching your face. This month is ideal for climbing Kilimanjaro due to the favorable weather conditions and typically minimal cloud cover that doesn’t obstruct the mountain vistas.
August is typically characterized by higher temperatures on the summit. The western side of the mountain may have slightly lower temperatures, but it is still possible to explore the Shira Plateau and Volcano.
The month of May is one of our favorites for climbing Kilimanjaro. Weather should improve after you climb over 5,000 meters (17,000 feet). Depending on your acclimatization schedule, there may be more or fewer people on the mountain in September. However, if you choose an 8-day program, you risk missing the summit because you let others speed ahead.
The summit success rate of Kilimanjaro is quite low since only around half a dozen or so climbers ever reach the top. September is a great month to climb Kilimanjaro yet it’s one of the busiest times to go because of the nice temperature, lower humidity, and amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
October
Kilimanjaro is best climbed in October as well. The temperature is higher in the upper reaches. More clouds may roll in towards the month’s conclusion in October, shielding you from the sun but blocking your view of the mountains. While clear skies are more common first thing in the morning, clouds can come in during the morning and obscure the mountain vista entirely.
The best time to climb is in early October. As a general rule, October is a good month to climb Kilimanjaro due to the generally consistent weather.
The month of November
November is often a rainiest month, making Kilimanjaro climbing more difficult. November is typically not recommended for climbing Kilimanjaro due to the possibility of a mini-rainstorm. In November, the mountain may have less predictable weather. Because of this, you should not be surprised if it briefly rains every day.
There may be more snow higher up, reduced visibility, and poor mountain views, all of which can affect your trip. Clear, snowy pictures taken higher up may compete with any mountain view. Above 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) in elevation, snowfall is possible at any time of year.
In December
December is a good month to try climbing Kilimanjaro. Beginning in early December and continuing through the Christmas season and into early January, an increasing number of climbers ascend Kilimanjaro.
In December, we offer three different Kilimanjaro climbs to accommodate holiday holidays. The weather on the mountain is looking terrific right now, in our opinion as well. Comparatively unstable compared to the tried-and-true months we’ve just mentioned, it can change from year to year.