Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro

January is one of the best months to climb Kilimanjaro. The short rains have ended, leaving dry trails and clear skies. Summit temperatures are cold but manageable, and visibility from Uhuru Peak is often spectacular.

The downside: January falls within the peak climbing season, so camps and routes are busy. Book well in advance for the best operators and porters.

February mirrors January with dry, clear conditions and excellent summit visibility. Temperatures are slightly warmer than January, making the early morning summit push a touch more comfortable.

Like January, February is peak season. Expect busy trails and camps, especially on the popular Machame and Marangu routes.

March marks the start of the long rains. Conditions deteriorate quickly, with muddy trails, poor visibility, and frequent downpours. The forest and moorland sections become slippery and uncomfortable.

Some operators still run climbs in March, but success rates drop and the experience is significantly less enjoyable. We generally advise against climbing this month unless you have no other option.

April is the wettest month on Kilimanjaro. The long rains are at their peak, making trails treacherous and summit attempts unreliable. Most reputable operators reduce or suspend climbs during this period.

If you must climb in April, expect wet gear, limited views, and a challenging experience. Not recommended for first-time climbers.

May sees the tail end of the long rains. Conditions begin to improve toward the end of the month, but early May remains wet and unpredictable. Trails are still muddy, and summit visibility is often poor.

Late May can offer a window of decent conditions with low crowds, but it’s a gamble. We recommend waiting until June for more reliable weather.

June marks the start of the main dry season. The rains have ended, trails are drying out, and skies begin to clear. Crowds are still moderate compared to the peak months of July through September.

June is an excellent choice for climbers who want good conditions without the peak-season crowds. Nights are cold, especially at high altitude, so pack accordingly.

July is peak season on Kilimanjaro. The weather is dry, skies are clear, and summit visibility is excellent. This is one of the most popular months for good reason — conditions are reliably good.

The trade-off is crowds. Every camp on the popular routes is busy, and you’ll share the trail with many other climbers. Book months in advance for the best guides and porters.

August is the most popular month to climb Kilimanjaro. Conditions are dry, clear, and reliable. Summit visibility is outstanding, and trail conditions are at their best.

Like July, August is busy. If you’re climbing in August, expect to share camps and trails with many others. The upside is that the infrastructure is fully operational and guides are at their best.

September rivals August for the best climbing conditions. The weather remains dry and clear, but crowds begin to thin slightly as the peak season winds down. Summit visibility remains excellent.

Many experienced guides consider September the single best month to climb — you get August-quality weather with slightly fewer people on the trails.

October is a transitional month. The dry season is ending, and the short rains are approaching. Early October offers good conditions with moderate crowds, but late October can see increased cloud cover and occasional showers.

October is a good choice for climbers who want decent weather without peak-season crowds. The risk of rain increases as the month progresses.

November marks the short rains. Unlike the long rains of April and May, the short rains typically bring afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours. Mornings are often clear, allowing for good climbing conditions.

Crowds are low, prices are lower, and the mountain is green and quiet. If you don’t mind the chance of an afternoon shower, November offers excellent value.

December is a return to excellent climbing conditions. The short rains have ended, trails are drying out, and skies are clearing. The month is popular with climbers looking to summit over the holidays.

Crowds build toward the end of December, especially around Christmas and New Year. Book early if you plan to climb during the festive period.