Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in December

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in December : Can I climb Mount Kilimanjaro in December? This is one of the common questions asked by many visitors planning their Africa safari tour during the December-Christmas season. It is a simple question to respond to, and the answers are YES, it is possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in December.  Even though this is a short rainy season that usually starts in November and lasts until December, it is still a popular time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tanzania is south of the equator, so December is their summer season there. Although it is summer, we nevertheless advise hikers to pack appropriately and be ready for a variety of weather conditions, including rain, wind, cold, and even snow. Mount Kilimanjaro, which is 19,341 feet above sea level, is large enough to produce its own weather patterns. The fact that we pass through five different climate zones en route to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is one of its distinctive features.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in December

The coldest months in Tanzania are often December through March and June (shortly after the rains), and there’s a strong chance you’ll see snow on the peak of the mountain-Uhuru peak. As a result, fewer people come (as compared to July through August, which is the busiest time). The start of the rainy season is normally around the middle of March, and it lasts until well into May.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in December
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in December

The other rainy season is November and December. On Kilimanjaro during this time, conditions can be wet, stormy, and muddy, especially along the mountain’s southern face but this doesn’t make Kilimanjaro climbing impossible though it can be challenging and dangerous. The Marangu Route, where you will stay in huts, the Rongai Route, and the Northern Circuit Routes are the best route to climb Kilimanjaro during the rainy season because the northern side of the mountain is more sheltered and has less overall rainfall.

 When are the best times to climb Kilimanjaro?

The months of January through early March and the end of June through the beginning of October are the ideal times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Clear skies, beautiful scenery, and sunshine provide ideal hiking conditions as well as fantastic photo opportunities. Although there is a greater likelihood of clouds and rain, June and December are still ideal months to travel to and climb Kilimanjaro.

In fact, December is a great month to go climbing. Fewer people are climbing because the brief wet season has come to an end. Additionally, if you schedule your Kilimanjaro climbing around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, you won’t need to utilize as many vacation days. If you are the brave sort and don’t mind a little rain, you can reserve a private climb during this month and have the mountain all to yourself. The Marangu route, where you will be staying in huts, or the Rongai route, which receives less rainfall, are the ideal routes to climb Kilimanjaro in December.

In conclusion, although some months are far better for climbing than others, Mount Kilimanjaro may be scaled at any time of the year, including December. We advise you to book with a reliable Kilimanjaro safari operator such as Focus East Africa Tour Company who can help you climb Mount Kilimanjaro at any time of the year, including during the rainy season in December.

What are you waiting for? “Pack your bags and get In Touch with us today to start planning and organizing your Tanzania’s mount Kilimanjaro climbing tour and we can ensure you have a fantastic adventure that you probably never have before”

book a trip