BEST TIME TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO

Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

While Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, the best times are during the dry seasons, when the weather is more stable, the trails are less muddy, and visibility is excellent.

Primary Climbing Seasons

Season	Months	Conditions	Notes
Dry Season #1 (Short)	January – March	Clear mornings, possible snow at summit	Less crowded
Dry Season #2 (Long)	June – October	Cool, dry, very clear views	Peak season

Rainy Seasons (Not Recommended)

Season	Months	Conditions	Notes
Long Rains	April – May	Wet, muddy, poor visibility	Few climbers, slippery trails
Short Rains	November	Unpredictable showers	Lower success rates

Climbing during the rainy seasons is possible but more difficult and less enjoyable due to rain, clouds, and slippery trails.

Monthly Overview

Month	Rating	Description
January	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Warm, clear – great conditions
February	⭐⭐⭐⭐	One of the best months to climb
March	⭐⭐⭐	Early March is okay; late March begins rainy season
April	⭐	Wettest month – not recommended
May	⭐	Very rainy – poor visibility
June	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Dry and cool – climbing resumes
July	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Peak season – clear and dry
August	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Excellent visibility – popular month
September	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Best mix of weather and crowds
October	⭐⭐⭐	Still dry early on; rain begins late in the month
November	⭐	Unstable weather, less ideal
December	⭐⭐	Mixed weather, but doable around holidays

Tips for Choosing the Best Time:

For fewer crowds: Climb in January–early March or late September.
For best weather: Choose July to September.
To avoid cold at the summit: Opt for January–February, when summit temperatures are slightly warmer.