November · Short Rains Season · Quiet Window
Climb Kilimanjaro in November
The short rainy season begins. Afternoon showers. 82% success rate. Nearly empty campsites. An honest guide to November climbing.
November is the start of the short rainy season on Kilimanjaro — and one of the most misunderstood months. Success rates drop to 82%, afternoon showers are common, and the mountain is at its quietest. For first-time climbers, we recommend avoiding November in favour of September or October.
But November has its merits. The short rains are lighter and more predictable than the long rains — brief afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours. The mountain is nearly deserted. Prices are at their lowest. And the landscape, still green from the October transition, is visually striking. Experienced trekkers who are flexible on weather will find November a rewarding challenge.
82%
Summit Success Rate
Short Rains
Weather
Very Low
Crowd Level
Budget
Pricing
November Weather
Weather by Altitude Zone
Moshi (890m)
+18°C to +28°CWarm, afternoon rainWarm and humid. Short rains bring afternoon and evening showers. Moshi itself is not severely affected — rainfall is intermittent, not constant.
Rainforest (1,800–2,800m)
+11°C to +19°CWet, muddy but manageableWet and humid. The rainforest returns to its lush state after the dry season. Trails are muddy but not severely — significantly better than March–April.
Heath/Moorland (2,800–4,000m)
+4°C to +12°CMorning clear, afternoon cloudCold nights, pleasant daytime. Morning climbs are typically clear. Afternoon cloud and brief showers develop from midday onward.
Alpine Desert (4,000–5,000m)
-4°C to +5°CGood, occasional afternoon cloudCool. Trail conditions above 4,000m are generally good — the short rains do not usually affect this altitude as severely as the long rains. Ice is not yet a factor.
Summit (5,000–5,895m)
-16°C to -20°CVariable, early start criticalCold at sunrise. Summit visibility is more variable than in the dry season — cloud can roll in during mid-morning. Early starts maximise your clear-window chance.
November strategy: Start summit attempts early — aim for midnight to 1 AM departure from Barafu. This gives you the best chance of reaching the summit before midday cloud rolls in. Our guides monitor weather patterns and will adjust timing to maximise your clear summit window."
The Honest Assessment
November: Pros and Cons
01
Near-Empty Campsites
November is one of the quietest months on Kilimanjaro. If solitude is your goal, November delivers it completely. The mountain is all yours in a way that is impossible in peak season.
02
Short Rains Are Lighter Than Long Rains
The short rains (November–December) are significantly less intense than the long rains (March–May). Expect brief afternoon showers, not all-day downpours. Morning conditions are often clear and climbable.
03
Lower Success Rates
82% overall summit rate — respectable but lower than peak season. Weather-related variability is the main cause. Some November climbers get perfect conditions; others encounter cloud and rain on summit day.
04
Variable Summit Visibility
Cloud can roll in during mid-morning, obscuring summit views. This is the main risk of November climbing — you may reach the summit and see very little. Early departure from camp is essential.
Choose Your Route
Best Routes for November
| Route | Days | Success Rate | November Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Circuit | 9 | 87% | Best Choice |
| Lemosho | 7–8 | 84% | Good |
| Machame | 6–7 | 82% | Moderate |
| Rongai | 6–7 | 80% | Good — Northern route |
| Marangu | 5–6 | 76% | Not Recommended |
| Umbwe | 5–6 | 72% | Not Recommended |
* Northern Circuit recommended for November — its northern approach avoids the wettest southern trail sections during the short rainy season.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About November Climbs
Is November a good month to climb Kilimanjaro?
November is a transitional month on Kilimanjaro — the short rainy season begins, bringing afternoon showers and increased cloud. Success rates drop to 82%. But November also means near-empty campsites, lower prices than peak season, and a dramatically different mountain experience. First-time climbers should avoid November; experienced, flexible trekkers who want solitude and can work around weather windows will find November rewarding.
How rainy is Kilimanjaro in November?
November is the start of the short rainy season. Afternoon and evening rain is common — typically brief but heavy showers. Mornings are often clear and climbable. The short rains are generally less intense than the long rains (March–May): lighter, shorter, more predictable. The rainforest section gets wet, but the trails are not as badly affected as in the long rainy season.
What is the November summit success rate?
Our November summit success rate averages 82% across all routes. Northern Circuit 87%, Lemosho 84%, Machame 82%, Rongai 80%, Marangu 76%. Success rates reflect the impact of occasional wet trail conditions and reduced visibility on summit day.
Who should consider climbing Kilimanjaro in November?
November suits experienced trekkers who are flexible on dates (can wait for weather windows), comfortable with occasional rain, and prioritise solitude and value over guaranteed perfect weather. It is not recommended for first-time climbers, those with tight schedules, or anyone whose primary goal is summit success above all else.
Considering November?
Talk to us honestly about your goals. If November is right for you, we will give you the best possible plan. If not, we will suggest a better alternative.
Kilimanjaro November — Ready to summit?
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