Dry seasons, rainy months, crowds and summit cold. How to pick the right window for your climb.
Kilimanjaro sits just south of the equator, so it doesn’t have a summer and winter in the usual sense. What changes through the year is rain and cloud. The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the two dry seasons, roughly late December to early March and June to October, but every month has its own character. Here is how we explain it to climbers planning with us.
The main rainy periods are from mid-March to May (the long rains) and November into early December (the short rains). You can climb then, and the mountain is beautifully quiet, but trails are muddier, views are less reliable and you need a stronger tolerance for wet gear.
January and February. Among the warmest months on the mountain, with generally good visibility. Occasional afternoon showers. A favorite for climbers who dislike crowds and extreme cold. It also lines up perfectly with the wildebeest calving season, if you want to add a safari.
March. A transition month. Early March can still be excellent; by late March the long rains are usually arriving.
April and May. The wettest months. Some operators stop running climbs. Those who go find quiet trails and lower prices, but expect rain most days on the lower slopes and possible snow higher up.
June. The rains clear and the main climbing season starts. Nights are getting colder, and trails are still relatively uncrowded early in the month.
July and August. Dry, clear and cold, and the busiest time of year because it coincides with European and North American holidays. Book early, and choose a longer, less crowded route such as Lemosho or the Northern Circuit to spread out from the crowds.
September and October. Still dry and generally clear, and slightly warmer than July. An excellent time to climb, and an easy match for a safari during the dry season in the northern parks.
November. The short rains. Showers are usually shorter than in April, and trails are quiet. The northern-side Rongai route tends to be drier in the wet months.
December. Early December can be damp; from mid-December the weather improves and the festive season brings a busy spell around Christmas and New Year.
Uhuru Peak stands at 5,895 m. Whatever the month, summit night is cold: usually somewhere around −10 °C to −20 °C before dawn, and colder with wind chill. Midday on the crater rim can be close to freezing in bright sun. Season changes the comfort level, not the need for proper down layers, warm gloves and a good sleeping bag.
Some climbers time their summit night for a full moon, when the trail is lit and head torches are almost unnecessary. It’s a memorable experience, but those dates fill quickly in peak months, so plan well ahead.
The biggest factor in reaching the summit is not the month, it’s acclimatization. A seven- or eight-day route in a rainier month usually gives you a better chance than a five-day route in perfect weather. Our Kilimanjaro cost guide explains why the extra day is worth paying for, and Machame vs Lemosho compares the two most popular routes.
April and May, during the long rains, are the most challenging. Trails are wet, views are limited and some operators do not run climbs. It is possible, but only if you are prepared for rain most days.
There are glaciers near the summit all year, although they are shrinking. Fresh snow can fall on the upper slopes in any month, and is most likely during and just after the rainy seasons.
Yes. Late December is a popular time, with improving weather and a festive atmosphere at the camps. Book well ahead, because guides and the best departure dates fill early.
January to February and June to October are also excellent safari months, which is why so many climbers add a few days in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater afterwards. See climb first or safari first? and our migration timing guide to line up both. Have dates in mind? Tell us when you can travel and we’ll suggest the route and departure that suits that window.
Important · Before you travel
Every foreign visitor to Tanzania must now hold the government-required travel insurance, in force since 1 October 2026. It costs about US$44 per person, is valid for up to 92 days, and is issued by NIC for the mainland and ZIC for Zanzibar. It covers medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, repatriation and lost luggage. Citizens of East African Community and SADC countries are exempt on the mainland.
We also recommend comprehensive private cover on top, so you are protected for the whole trip:
Rules can change, so we confirm the latest requirements for your travel dates when you book. Read our full Tanzania entry requirements guide, or ask our team and we will point you the right way.
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