When is the Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

When is the Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro? : You’ve therefore made the decision to accept the challenge of climbing Africa’s highest peak?  The next thing/step is to know the best time to climb the mountain so as to have a high chance of summiting success. Consider the weather, trekking conditions, and popularity to determine the ideal time to climb Kilimanjaro. Despite the fact that Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania can be hiked throughout the year, there are some months that are more conducive and some are dangerous to climbing due to the colder temperatures, heavier rainfall, and potential for significant snowfall on the summit, When is the Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Despite some recommendations that Kilimanjaro is best climbed all year round, our general recommendation and advice is that you climb Kilimanjaro between December and mid-March and mid-June to the end of October, when it’s warmest and driest. However, although these are considered to be the best times to climb the mountain in terms of weather, they are also the busiest months in Tanzania, so expect to see a lot of other tourists along the way summiting Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s largest peak.

To help you decide the optimum time to embark on this mountain adventure, we’ve broken down the Kilimanjaro climbing season into off-peak alternatives, times to avoid, and other aspects to take into account.

From December to February (Best time and recommended)

The two most popular and ideal months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are January and February. Because they are the warmest, you can anticipate clear, sunny skies in the mornings and nights; clouds may appear in the afternoons, and you might see some rain. Don’t forget to bring clothing and trekking equipment that are water-resistant and can keep you from getting wet when you go hiking during this month, though, as it may rain at any time, When is the Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

From March, April, and May (Not recommended)

The lengthy rainy season begins at the end of March and lasts until the beginning of June. Because the paths can be quite muddy, snowy, and wet during this time, we do not advise/ recommend you to climbing Kilimanjaro during this time since the success chance is low and it can be dangerous too. You won’t get to take advantage of the breathtaking views and photo ops if you climb in the rain, which is also likely to make the experience less enjoyable. However, if you do decide to go trekking at this time of year, you’ll avoid the tourist crowds at the campgrounds and on the trails because its low season (even the busiest trails may provide seclusion, calm, and tranquility).

Furthermore, some people like the idea of climbing Kilimanjaro when the summit is likely to be covered in snow because it makes the ascent more difficult while also providing stunning views.

Kilimanjaro climb in June (best time and recommended)

June is typically much drier than March, April, and May since it marks the start of the dry season after the rainy season. However, you should dress for the cold since the sky is usually cloudy and the sights won’t necessarily be as breathtaking. Compared to the rainy months of March, April, and May, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in this month is less dangerous. Since the weather and climate are favorable and the hiking trails are pleasant and well-maintained during this month, you also have a high chance of succeeding in reaching the mountain’s summit. However, you should be aware that this marks the beginning of Tanzania’s peak tourist season, so be prepared to encounter some other tourists as you make your way to the summit.

From July, August, September and October (Best time and most recommended)

The weather is often colder but significantly drier from July until the end of October. Even while there is a potential for getting wet throughout the year, especially if you hike across moorlands and rainforests, normal precipitation levels are modest.

You’ll feel more comfortable and have a better time on the walk overall if you stay dry. You will also enjoy clear, sunny skies, breathtaking views, and climbing throughout these months. The fact that the trails can get rather crowded during these months is a drawback, but some visitors/tourists enjoy the chance to socialize with other groups at the campsites. Teamwork is crucial for pushing yourself to the top, after all, When is the Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in November (Not recommended)

The brief rainy season in Tanzania lasts from the beginning of November until the beginning of December. It frequently rains in the afternoons, while the mornings and evenings are usually clear. Due to the possibility of extremely muddy, slippery, and wet conditions, this month is not recommended for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro Climbing During a Full Moon

The top of Mount Kilimanjaro is especially lovely during a full moon. The vistas are breathtaking as the bright moon illuminates the glaciers. Another benefit of going on a hike at this time of day is that the moonlight will make it easier for you to see, especially on your last ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Many people like to reach Uhuru Peak when the moon is closest to full, even though it is not necessary to do so in order to benefit from moonlight. A seven-day climb should begin five days before the full moon date, and an eight-day climb should begin six days before the full moon date, if you do want to reach the summit on a full moon. Book early because these dates are incredibly popular and there are only a few spots available on the mountain at any one moment.

We advise avoiding the full moon period entirely if you want a peaceful hike and a sky filled with beautiful stars.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR MOUNT KILIMANJARO TREK

Of course, there are other factors to take into account when you begin to plan your ascent of Africa’s tallest peak, in addition to the time of year and the weather. Before choosing the ideal time to climb Kilimanjaro, consider the following additional factors.

The Best Kilimanjaro Route to Take

The Machame Route, the Lemosho Route, and the Rongai Route are the top three best Kilimanjaro hiking routes.

The Machame route: The well-known Machame Route provides a shorter but more difficult journey as well as breathtaking vistas on the approach to Uhuru Peak.

The Lemosho Route: We highly recommend the Lemosho Route for those attempting the Kilimanjaro Challenge, especially if you have no prior trekking expertise. It is longer, more gradual, and less well-known, but it is unquestionably no less magnificent.

 The Rongai Route: On the Kenyan side of Kilimanjaro, the lonely Rongai Route reaches the summit from the north. You may also be rewarded with sightings of big game, including antelope, elephant, and buffalo, on the less-traveled, faster or gradual ascents.

PREPARING FOR MOUNT KILIMANJARO TREKKING

Preparation and determination is the key to success on the Mount Kilimanjaro hiking. Although more than 30,000 people attempt the ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro each year, it is a difficult task, so it is imperative that you are well-prepared. Here are a few tips, advice, and highlights to help you have a chance of hiking Mount Kilimanjaro up to the summiting point.

Exercise Training: Train your strength and endurance as far in advance as you can, with an emphasis on leg conditioning and getting your muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system ready.

Height Sickness: Altitude sickness, more than the level of athleticism needed for the journey, is the most frequent reason why climbers fail to reach the summit (the inability to acclimatize to the high altitude). This can be caused by ascending too quickly, so we advise taking the Lemosho route because of its more moderate slope. Additionally, remember that climbing Kilimanjaro before you have fully recovered from a cold or the flu is not advised since the danger of altitude sickness increases, When is the Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Hiking gears: There is nothing worse than blisters, so it is advisable to invest in and bring excellent hiking gear (clothes, footwear, hiking bags, gloves etc.) in order to have the best chance of reaching the peak and enjoying the trek. Camping equipment and food are provided and carried by the porters.

“If climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is on your bucket list for your next African safari trekking trip, Focus East Africa Tours is a Tanzania based safari company with experienced Kilimanjaro mountain guide to make sure you have the adventure of a lifetime. Again, making a reservation with us will guarantee and raise your likelihood of summiting, so what are you waiting for? Call or email us right away to discuss your ideal Kilimanjaro tour”