December · Short Rains · Holiday Season
Climb Kilimanjaro in December
Short rainy season. Holiday crowds. 84% success rate. Complete guide — what to expect and how to make the most of a December climb.
December sits in the short rainy season — but it is also one of the most popular climbing months, driven by the Christmas and New Year holiday period. The short rains bring afternoon and evening showers, but they are typically lighter and less disruptive than the long rains of March–May. Success rates are 84%.
The key variable in December is timing. Early December (1–15) is relatively quiet and tends to be drier. Late December (20–31) sees a significant spike in climber numbers — the holiday effect. If you are flexible, early December offers better conditions and fewer crowds. If you need to climb during the holiday period, be prepared for more company on the mountain.
84%
Summit Success Rate
Short Rains
Weather
Mixed
Crowd Level
Moderate
Pricing
December Weather
Weather by Altitude Zone
Moshi (890m)
+18°C to +28°CWarm, afternoon rainWarm and humid. Short rains bring afternoon and evening showers. Christmas week tends to see increased rainfall. Moshi itself remains accessible.
Rainforest (1,800–2,800m)
+11°C to +19°CWet, muddy but manageableWet and humid. Trails are muddy but manageable — significantly better than the long rainy season. The rainforest is lush and green.
Heath/Moorland (2,800–4,000m)
+4°C to +12°CMorning clear, afternoon rainCold nights, pleasant daytime. Morning climbs are typically clear. Afternoon cloud and brief showers develop most days. The first half of December has better morning conditions.
Alpine Desert (4,000–5,000m)
-4°C to +5°CGood, variable late monthCool. Trail conditions above 4,000m are generally good. Ice is not typically a December issue. Summit visibility becomes more variable in late December.
Summit (5,000–5,895m)
-16°C to -20°CCold, visibility variableCold at sunrise. Early December offers reasonable summit visibility. Late December cloud development can obscure the summit — but clear windows are still common.
December tip: Early December (1–15) is significantly better than late December — both in terms of weather and crowding. If your schedule allows, target a departure in the first two weeks of December. You will get better conditions and a quieter mountain.
Why December
4 Reasons to Climb in December
01
Holiday Period Combines with Climb
December allows you to combine a Kilimanjaro climb with a Christmas or New Year holiday in Tanzania. The warm weather at base altitude, combined with a safari afterwards, makes for an exceptional holiday experience.
02
Early December Is Still Good
The first half of December is significantly drier and quieter than the second half. Climbers who target early December get reasonable weather and a near-empty mountain — without the disadvantages of late December.
03
Warmer Than Peak Season at Base
December days at Moshi are warm (18–28°C) — more comfortable than the cool base-camp temperatures of July–August. A welcome contrast after summit night's cold.
04
Lush Landscape After November Rains
December's short rainy season has greened the mountain. The contrast between the lush rainforest and the summit glaciers is at its most dramatic in December.
Choose Your Route
Best Routes for December
| Route | Days | Success Rate | December Fitness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Circuit | 9 | 88% | Best Choice |
| Lemosho | 7–8 | 86% | Excellent |
| Machame | 6–7 | 84% | Good |
| Rongai | 6–7 | 82% | Good — Northern route |
| Marangu | 5–6 | 78% | Moderate |
| Umbwe | 5–6 | 74% | Not Recommended |
* Success rates based on 2,000+ Mount Kilimanjaro Climb expeditions, 2020–2026.
Combine
Add a Safari After Your Summit
December is peak holiday season — and an excellent time to combine your summit success with a Tanzania safari. The short rains have greened the landscape; wildlife is still concentrated around water sources.
Save €500 with our December combo package. The ultimate Christmas or New Year holiday in Tanzania.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About December Climbs
Is December a good month to climb Kilimanjaro?
December is a viable climbing month on Kilimanjaro, though not the best. The short rainy season is in full effect — afternoon and evening rain is common — but it is typically lighter than the long rains. The Christmas–New Year holiday period brings more climbers to the mountain, particularly in the second half of December. Success rates are 84%. December suits climbers who are combining a climb with a holiday period in Tanzania and are flexible on weather.
How rainy is Kilimanjaro in December?
December falls in the short rainy season (November–December). Rainfall is less intense and more intermittent than the long rainy season — brief afternoon and evening showers rather than all-day rain. The first half of December tends to be drier; the second half sees more rainfall as the short rainy season peaks. Overall, December is considerably drier than March–May.
What is the December summit success rate?
Our December summit success rate averages 84% across all routes. Northern Circuit 88%, Lemosho 86%, Machame 84%, Rongai 82%, Marangu 78%. Early December success rates are higher than late December, when rainfall increases.
Is December crowded on Kilimanjaro?
December sees a notable increase in climbers in the second half of the month, driven by the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Early December (1–15 December) is relatively quiet. Late December (20–31 December) sees a significant spike in climbers — many combining a December climb with holiday travel to Tanzania. If you want fewer crowds, target an early December departure.
Planning a December Climb?
December departures are popular — especially for Christmas week. Contact us early to secure your preferred route and dates.
Kilimanjaro December — Ready to summit?
+255 786 110 786