The Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro – Month by Month Overview

The chances of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro are high when the climber chooses the right time of the year. Kilimanjaro weather is fairly good year-round, but there are some months when the conditions are at their best. In this guide, I will advise on what is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

The best recommended time of the year to climb Kilimanjaro is during the driest months, from late December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October. During these periods, the skies are clear with no rain and you can have a spectacular view and photo sessions on the mountain.

Avoid climbing Mount Kilimanjaro during April/May and November, it’s often rainy and trails can be muddy and slippery. If you still prefer to trek during these wet months, I recommend you remain cautious and arm yourself with the right gear for the rainy weather.

What is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro can vary based on seasons. Mount Kilimanjaro lies close to the equator and the weather can be favorable for most part of the year. Here is a month-by-month overview of when to climb Kilimanjaro.

January, February 

The months of January and February are ultimately the best for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. They are the driest months around the region, so you can expect dry trails and clear skies. However, this time of the year tends to be colder than the longer dry season of June-September.

Since these months have low tourism activities, it’s often quiet on the slopes. So, if you don’t like crowds, you can make use of this season as you reap from the decent weather. Don’t forget to choose the best route for a higher Kilimanjaro summit success rate.

March, April and May

Early March can be a good time to climb Kilimanjaro but April and May are not recommended. This is a long rainy season characterized by heavy downpours, poor visibility, and slippery trails. It’s definitely a dangerous season to trek Kilimanjaro unless you want to undertake a real climbing challenge.

June, July, August and September

June is the start of the dry season on the mountain. July, August, and September are the driest months of the year thus the best for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. They are the busiest months on the mountain as they coincide with the summer season in Europe and North America.

This period is best for climbers who don’t mind crowds but want to enjoy the sunny treks and intense interactions at the campsites. However, the weather can be colder as you approach the summit. Windy conditions can also make the trails dusty but not enough to stop you from enjoying the scenic views.

October, November, and December

October is a great shoulder month to trek Kilimanjaro. All the weather conditions are good and the trails are less busy. November to mid-December is a short rainy season. The slopes are very quiet during this time but the trails can be very slippery. Be cautious and consider using trekking poles for extra stability.

The Rongai route and the North Circuit route are ultimately the best routes to use during this season. The northern side of the mountain remains dry with less rainfall. These routes also offer spectacular scenic views of the mountain but experienced climbers may summit successfully.

Climbing Kilimanjaro during the full moon

One of the things I wish I knew before climbing Kilimanjaro is the full moon trek. This is not your ordinary climb, it’s typically one of the best times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Understandably, the majority of the Kilimanjaro treks take place during the day.

Only the summit attempt starts around midnight so as to reach the peak at sunrise. A summit attempt done in the full glare of the moonlight is absolutely stunning. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The tranquility and scenic view hit differently on a chilly bright night.

The full moon on Kilimanjaro is estimated to occur after every 29 days. This means you have about 12 times to experience the full moon climb in a year. However, to catch up with the exact day you must plan with your tour operator. They have all the dates on when the full moon is likely to appear on the mountain.

Why full moon climbs are popular

When attempting to reach the peak of Kilimanjaro in the full moon, you enjoy proper lighting. You won’t have to run on your headlamps. The six-hour journey becomes less anxious when you can see everything on your path.

Moonlight reflecting on the glaciers makes them glitter. Clouds below the view also tend to glow in the presence of moonlight. The magnificent night views of Kibo from different campsites are also something you’ll never experience anywhere else.

Final thought

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro during the rainy season requires caution. It’s best to plan your trek during the dry months of the year as advised in this guide. Choosing the right gear and being mindful of weather conditions will contribute to a safer and more enjoyable trek.