Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro
By the Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris team
Written by our Moshi and Arusha-based mountain guides and private climb planners from first-hand experience on Kilimanjaro.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the two dry seasons: from late June to October, when skies are clearest and nights coldest, and from late December to early March, when days are warmer and the trails noticeably quieter. The long rains from March to May and the short rains in November bring mud, cloud and snow, but also near-empty routes. This month-by-month guide from our experienced Moshi and Arusha-based mountain team explains Kilimanjaro weather, crowds, routes, costs and summit night in every month, so you can choose the right time and route for your private tailor-made climb.
The best months to climb Kilimanjaro are January, February, and June to October, when the mountain is driest. Late June to September is the busiest and coldest period, while January and February are warmer and quieter. April and May are the wettest months, so choose the drier Rongai or hut-based Marangu route then.
Climbing Kilimanjaro Month by Month
ExcellentGood / mixedRainy season
Kilimanjaro Climbing Seasons
Kilimanjaro Weather and Best Routes at a Glance
| Month | Season | Conditions | Best routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Short dry season | Warm, clear mornings, possible summit snow | Lemosho, Machame, Northern Circuit |
| February | Short dry season | Warm and dry, quieter trails, snow likely up high | Lemosho, Northern Circuit, Machame |
| March | Long rains begin | Dry early, wetter from mid-month, very quiet | Rongai, Lemosho, Marangu |
| April | Long rains | Wettest month, muddy forest, summit snow | Rongai, Marangu |
| May | Long rains ease | Wet early, drier late, very few climbers | Rongai, Marangu, Northern Circuit |
| June | Dry season starts | Clear skies, cold nights, rising numbers | Lemosho, Machame, Northern Circuit |
| July | Dry season | Coldest nights, clearest views, busiest month | Northern Circuit, Lemosho, Rongai |
| August | Dry season | Cold and clear, peak season on all routes | Lemosho, Northern Circuit, Rongai |
| September | Dry season | Dry, clear and slightly milder, easing crowds | Lemosho, Machame, Northern Circuit |
| October | Dry season ends | Warmer, fewer climbers, late showers possible | Lemosho, Machame, Northern Circuit |
| November | Short rains | Afternoon showers, quiet trails, green forest | Rongai, Northern Circuit, Lemosho |
| December | Short rains ease | Warmer, festive summits, possible snow | Lemosho, Northern Circuit, Rongai |
Kilimanjaro Routes
Not sure which route suits your dates? Compare every option on our Kilimanjaro routes comparison, see our Kilimanjaro price list, or plan a safari for the same month with our Tanzania safari by month guide.
Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro: FAQs
What is the best month to climb Kilimanjaro?
January, February, and late June to early October are the best months to climb Kilimanjaro, because the mountain is driest. Choose August or September for the clearest skies, or January and February for warmer summit nights and quieter trails.
What is the worst time to climb Kilimanjaro?
April and May are the wettest months, during the long rains, with muddy forest trails, cloud and snow on the summit. Climbs still run, and routes are very quiet, but the drier Rongai route or the hut-based Marangu route are the better choices.
Can you climb Kilimanjaro all year round?
Yes. Kilimanjaro can be climbed in every month of the year. The dry seasons give the best conditions, while the rainy months suit flexible, well-equipped climbers who value quiet trails and choose the right route for the weather.
When is Kilimanjaro least crowded?
Kilimanjaro is least crowded in April, May and November, during the rainy seasons, and quieter in early March and October. The busiest periods are July, August, September and the Christmas and New Year weeks, especially on the Machame route.
How cold is Kilimanjaro summit night?
Near Uhuru Peak, temperatures on summit night are usually about -7 to -20 °C, and wind chill can make it feel colder. The coldest nights are in June, July and August, so warm layers, insulated gloves and a down jacket are essential.
Which Kilimanjaro route is best in the rainy season?
The Rongai route, on the drier northern side of the mountain, and the Marangu route, with sleeping huts, are usually the best choices in the rainy season. Longer routes also give better acclimatisation and more flexibility if the weather turns.
Does the season change the price of climbing Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro prices depend mostly on the route length and comfort level rather than the month. Our price list ranges from about $1,800 for a budget climb to $4,000 or more for a luxury climb per person. Peak months simply book out sooner.
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