Short answer: the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is in one of its two dry seasons. The first runs from late June to October and the second from late December to early March. July to September brings the most reliable weather and the busiest trails. January and February are a little warmer and quieter. The mountain is open all year, but April and May are the wettest months, and November brings shorter rains.
Kilimanjaro sits just south of the equator, so temperature changes little through the year. What changes is rain and cloud, and that decides whether you climb on firm, dry paths with views from the forest to the crater rim, or through mud and mist. Whatever the month, summit night is below freezing at Uhuru Peak.
Kilimanjaro month by month
| Month | Conditions | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| January | Dry, clear mornings, slightly warmer. A good month. | Moderate |
| February | Dry and clear. One of the best months. | Moderate |
| March | Dry early in the month. Rain builds from mid-March. | Low |
| April | Long rains. Wettest month, muddy forest, low cloud. | Very low |
| May | Long rains continue. Snow possible near the summit. | Very low |
| June | Dry season starts. Cold nights, quiet trails early on. | Rising |
| July | Dry and clear. Coldest nights of the year. | High |
| August | Dry and clear. Peak holiday season. | Highest |
| September | Dry, clear and a little warmer. A strong all-round choice. | High |
| October | Mostly dry. Clouds start to build late in the month. | Moderate |
| November | Short rains, usually afternoon showers rather than all-day rain. | Low |
| December | Rain eases in the second half. Christmas and New Year are busy. | Rising, then high |
The long dry season: late June to October
This is the classic window. Trails are firm, skies are usually clear and summit-night visibility is the best of the year. It lines up with European and North American summer holidays, so the popular routes are busy, and July and August nights are properly cold. Pack a sleeping bag rated well below freezing even though it's the "dry" season. September is our pick in this window: the weather is just as reliable as August, with fewer people.
The short dry season: late December to early March
January and February often bring the clearest days on the mountain, slightly warmer temperatures and fewer climbers than the July and August rush. There's a small chance of fresh snow on the summit, which most climbers count as a bonus. If you want Christmas or New Year on the mountain, book several months ahead, because camps and the Marangu huts fill up.
Climbing in the rainy season
The long rains, from about mid-March to May, bring the heaviest and most persistent rain. The forest sections turn to mud and low cloud can hide the views for days. Trips still run, the mountain is nearly empty and prices can be lower, but summit success drops and the climb feels more like an expedition. November's short rains are lighter, often a few hours of afternoon showers, which makes it a reasonable choice if you have good waterproofs and want a quiet mountain.
Which route suits which season?
If you're climbing in a wetter month, the Rongai route is the usual choice. It approaches from the north, near the Kenyan border, where the mountain gets less rain. Machame, Lemosho and Umbwe climb the wetter southern and western slopes through thick rainforest. They're the most scenic routes in good weather and the hardest going when it rains. Marangu has hut accommodation, so you sleep dry even in a wet week, though its forest section gets plenty of rain. Compare them on our Kilimanjaro routes page.
Practical tips for choosing your dates
- Full moon: summit night under a full moon means you can see the trail and the glaciers without a headlamp. Those dates are popular, so ask us early if you want one.
- Quieter dates with good weather: early June, late September and January give you a good chance of dry weather without the peak crowds.
- Add a safari: June to October is also the best game-viewing season in the northern parks, so a climb followed by a Serengeti safari works well. See our month-by-month safari guide.
- Acclimatisation matters more than the month: a 7 or 8 day route raises your summit chances more than any choice of month. Read our altitude sickness guide before you choose.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to climb Kilimanjaro?
For reliable weather, September, followed by August, July, February and January. September gives dry-season conditions with fewer climbers than July and August.
What is the worst time to climb Kilimanjaro?
April and May, during the long rains. You can still climb, but expect mud, cloud and a lower chance of reaching the summit.
Can you climb Kilimanjaro in December?
Yes. Early December can still be wet from the short rains, but conditions usually improve in the second half of the month. Christmas and New Year departures sell out early.
How cold is the summit of Kilimanjaro?
Below freezing in every month. With wind chill, summit night often feels like -10°C to -20°C, so warm layers and a good sleeping bag matter in every season.