Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, but the two dry seasons give the best conditions: January to early March, and late June to October. These months bring clearer skies, drier trails and the highest summit success. April, May and November are the rainy months.
Kilimanjaro’s seasons at a glance
| Months | Conditions | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| January–early March | Mostly dry, warmer, clear mornings, some afternoon showers. Snow on the summit is likely. | Moderate |
| Mid-March–May | Long rains. Wet, muddy trails and cloud, especially in the forest. | Very quiet |
| June | Rains ending, getting colder and drier. | Moderate |
| July–October | Dry and clear, cold at night. The most popular climbing months. | Busiest, especially August |
| November | Short rains, usually showers rather than all-day rain. | Quiet |
| December | Drying out. Popular over Christmas and New Year. | Busy at holidays |
January to early March
This is a fine time to climb. Days are a little warmer than mid-year, and the summit often carries fresh snow, which makes for striking photographs. Short afternoon showers are possible lower down.
June to October
The dry season brings the most reliable weather and the most climbers. Nights are colder, especially in July and August, so a good sleeping bag matters. Routes such as Machame are busiest now. The Rongai Route on the drier northern side stays quieter.
Climbing in the rainy season
April and May bring heavy rain and fewer climbers. Trails are slippery and views are limited, and fewer operators run climbs. November is a better low-season choice: the rain usually comes in showers. If you climb in the wetter months, the Rongai Route is a good option because the north side receives less rain.
Full-moon climbs
Some climbers time summit night with the full moon. The moonlight means you may not need a headlamp on the upper slopes, and the views across the clouds are memorable. These dates book up early.
Combine with a safari
The dry season is also prime safari time in northern Tanzania. Read our guide to the best time for a safari in Tanzania and the Tanzania weather guide.
Frequently asked questions
January, February, and July to October usually have the driest, clearest weather. August and September are also the busiest.
Yes, but April and May are wet and muddy. November has shorter showers. The Rongai Route on the north side gets the least rain.
There are glaciers near the summit all year, and fresh snow can fall in any month, most often between December and March.
