Kilimanjaro Weather & Climate
What's the weather like on Kilimanjaro? Complete month-by-month breakdown with rainfall mm, temperature ranges, crowd levels, and route-specific conditions from our local guides.
Kilimanjaro Weather by Month — At a Glance
Base camp temp, summit temp, average rainfall, crowd level, and summit success rate for every month of the year.
| Month | Base Temp | Summit Temp | Rainfall (mm) | Crowds | Summit Rate | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10–18°C | -8°C | 35 mm | High | 94% | Excellent |
| February | 11–19°C | -7°C | 25 mm | Very High | 96% | Best |
| March | 12–20°C | -5°C | 165 mm | Low | 72% | Challenging |
| April | 12–19°C | -4°C | 240 mm | Very Low | 62% | Avoid |
| May | 11–17°C | -6°C | 130 mm | Low | 72% | Improving |
| June | 8–15°C | -15°C | 15 mm | Medium | 93% | Excellent |
| July | 7–14°C | -18°C | 5 mm | Very High | 95% | Peak |
| August | 8–15°C | -15°C | 8 mm | Very High | 94% | Peak |
| September | 9–16°C | -12°C | 10 mm | Medium | 93% | Excellent |
| October | 10–18°C | -8°C | 40 mm | Low | 94% | Great Value |
| November | 11–19°C | -7°C | 110 mm | Low | 78% | Fair |
| December | 11–19°C | -8°C | 140 mm | Medium | 73% | Fair |
Base temp = Moshi/Arusha altitude (900–1,400m). Summit temp = Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at night. Rainfall = average monthly rainfall on the mountain. Summit rate = our clients' success rate per month.
Quick Overview
- Best climbing: June-October and January-February (dry seasons)
- Coldest: June-August on summit; expect -10°C to -20°C (-14°F to -4°F)
- Warmest: October-November and March-April; 10-20°C (50-68°F)
- Wettest: March-May ("long rains") and November-December ("short rains")
- Summit temperature: Always below freezing above 5,500m
Dry vs. Wet Season
Dry Seasons (Best)
June-October & January-February
- Clear skies most days
- Lower rainfall
- Better visibility to summit
- More popular (book early)
- Success rate: 90-95%+
Wet Seasons (Challenging)
March-May & November-December
- Heavy rainfall daily
- Clouds often obscure views
- Trails muddy and slippery
- Fewer crowds
- Success rate: 60-75%
Month-by-Month Weather Breakdown
January: Start of Dry Season
Dry season begins. Clear mornings with occasional afternoon clouds. Excellent summit visibility. This is one of our busiest months — you will share the trails with many other climbers. Book accommodation and guides 3–4 months in advance. Success rate: 93–95%.
February: Peak Dry Season — Our #1 Pick
The finest month to climb Kilimanjaro. The driest and most stable weather of the year. Summit views are crystal clear on most days. This is peak season pricing — climbs cost 15–20% more than January. Trails are crowded with climbers from around the world. Book 4–6 months ahead for best camp availability. Success rate: 95–97%.
March: Start of Long Rains
Wet season begins. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from day 3 onward. Morning starts are usually clear — departure times of 6–7 AM make the most of the morning window. Trails become muddy and slippery, especially on the Machame and Marangu routes. Lower demand means better camp availability and lower prices. Consider Rongai Route from the north for better conditions. Success rate: 70–74%.
April: Peak Wet Season — Not Recommended
The wettest month on Kilimanjaro. Daily heavy rainfall — often starting mid-morning and continuing through the afternoon. Trails become streams. Summit visibility is poor. The wettest period is the first two weeks; conditions improve marginally in late April. We do not schedule climbs in April unless you have a specific, inflexible date constraint and understand the risks. Success rate: 60–65%.
May: End of Long Rains — Improving
The transition month. Rains taper significantly after mid-May — the second half of the month is significantly drier than the first. Early May is still very wet; from May 20 onward conditions become viable for experienced climbers. This is one of the cheapest months to climb — some camps offer 20–30% discounts. The mountain is green and beautiful in May. Success rate: 70–74%.
June: Start of Long Dry Season
The dry season resumes. Temperatures drop noticeably — you will feel the cold more than in May. The summit is clear and views are excellent. Less crowded than July/August but conditions are superb. This is our recommended entry point for dry season — excellent weather without peak-season crowds. Book 2–3 months ahead. Success rate: 92–95%.
July: Peak Season — Coldest Month
The coldest month on Kilimanjaro. Summit night temperatures reach −18°C or lower with wind chill. This cold is an advantage for views — the air is crystal clear, the glaciers are spectacular, and the summit is reached in brilliant sunshine during the day. But bring serious cold-weather gear. July and August are peak season everywhere on Kili — book 4–6 months ahead. Success rate: 94–96%.
August: Peak Season Continues
Continuation of peak season. Slightly warmer than July at base altitude. Northern Hemisphere school holidays bring many family climbers. The mountain is busy — you will see other groups at most camps. The Northern Circuit offers the most exclusive experience at this time. Success rate: 93–95%. Book camps 4–6 months ahead.
September: Best Value Peak Month
Our favourite month for value and conditions. Dry season continues with temperatures warming from August. Crowds drop noticeably from mid-September as European summer holidays end. Summit conditions are excellent. Prices remain at peak-season rates through early September, then begin to soften. This is an excellent compromise month — peak weather without peak crowds. Success rate: 92–94%.
October: End of Dry Season — Great Value
One of our most underrated months. Temperatures at base are pleasant — warmer than June/July/August. The summit is still dry. Crowds drop significantly from mid-October as a whole. Prices drop 10–15% from September rates. Early morning mists in the rainforest are extraordinary. The short rains typically begin in the last week of October — but the first three weeks are superb. Success rate: 93–95%.
November: Short Rains Begin — Off-Peak Window
The short rains arrive unpredictably — sometimes beginning in the first week, sometimes not until mid-month. Afternoon showers are common but mornings are often clear. The mountain is very quiet. This is a viable off-season option for flexible climbers who want low crowds and lower prices. The Rongai Route from the north remains the driest option. Success rate: 76–80%.
December: Short Rains + Holiday Crowds
A mixed month. The short rains are established by now — expect afternoon rainfall on most days. Morning climbs to the summit typically start in clear conditions. The Christmas and New Year holiday period brings a surge in climbers — especially the last 2 weeks of December. Camps fill and prices spike for the holiday week. If you can climb in early December or after January 2nd, you will find better conditions and lower prices. Success rate: 70–75%.
How Weather Varies by Route
Not all routes experience Kilimanjaro's weather equally. The mountain's geography means some approaches are more sheltered from rain, while others are more exposed to wind and cold. Here is how each of our six climbing routes performs in different weather conditions.
Machame Route →
Most exposed of all routes. The southern exposure means it catches moisture from the Indian Ocean. During the wet season, the first 2–3 days are significantly rainier than other routes. However, during dry season, the western face above Shira Plateau offers excellent views and stable conditions.
Lemosho Route →
Approaches from the west through remote rainforest. It is the longest of the standard routes, which means more time to acclimatise — but also more weather exposure overall. The western extension above Shira adds variety in terrain and views. The rain shadow from the summit is partial, meaning it receives less rain than Machame in wet season.
Rongai Route →
The only route that approaches from the north — from Kenya. This matters enormously in wet season. The northern slopes are in the rain shadow of the mountain and receive 30–40% less rainfall than southern routes. This makes Rongai the best wet-season choice. The dry, dusty northern circuit above the cave camps is less beautiful than the western views but significantly drier.
Marangu Route →
The only route with permanent hut accommodation (Mandara Hut at 2,700m, Horombo Hut at 3,700m). This means you sleep indoors every night — a significant advantage in heavy rain. The route follows the same path up and down, ascending via the southeast and descending the same way. During wet season, the rainforest section is extremely wet and muddy on the ascent, but the huts provide shelter.
Northern Circuit →
The newest and longest route, circling the mountain completely before ascending to the summit from the north. The extended circuit means it covers all four sides of the mountain — and all four microclimates. During wet season this is an advantage: the route can sometimes find drier windows on the northern face when the south is soaked. During dry season it is spectacular, with 360-degree views across the mountain.
Umbwe Route →
The steepest, most direct route. It is短的 — only 5–6 days — which means faster altitude gain and less acclimatisation time. The steep rainforest section is beautiful but can be extremely slippery in wet season. Because it is the shortest route, it has the lowest success rate overall — particularly in wet season when the steep trails become treacherous. We generally recommend Umbwe only for experienced hikers climbing in dry season.
Temperature at Different Altitudes
Temperature drops approximately 1°C for every 100m of elevation gain. Here's what to expect:
| Elevation | Location/Zone | Temperature Range (Dry Season) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,800m | Gate/Start | 20-25°C (68-77°F) | Warm, jungle humidity |
| 3,000m | Forest Zone | 15-18°C (59-64°F) | Cool, forest mist |
| 4,000m | Moorland | 10-13°C (50-55°F) | Chilly, alpine air |
| 5,000m | Alpine Meadows | 5-8°C (41-46°F) | Cold, thin air |
| 5,500m | Alpine Desert | 0-3°C (32-37°F) | Below freezing, extreme altitude |
| 5,895m | Uhuru Peak (Summit) | -10°C to -20°C (-14°F to -4°F) | Freezing, harsh winds |
Weather-Based Packing Tips
Dry Season (June-Oct & Jan-Feb)
- Lightweight rain jacket (for morning clouds)
- Heavy insulation (down jacket, thermal layers)
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sunscreen (intense UV at altitude)
- Sunglasses (glacier reflection)
- Warm sleeping bag (-10°C rated)
Wet Season (Mar-May & Nov-Dec)
- Heavy-duty rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Waterproof bag covers
- Moisture-wicking layers
- Warm, waterproof boots
- Multiple pairs of socks
- Insulated jacket still needed for summit
Weather FAQ
Will it snow on Kili?
Yes, but rarely at base elevations. Snow is common above 5,500m. The northern glacier can have icy conditions. Not typically a problem for climbers, but crampons can be useful in July/August.
Is the rainy season too dangerous?
No, just harder. Rain at altitude doesn't worsen acute mountain sickness. The issue is muddy trails and limited visibility. With proper gear and an experienced guide, wet season climbs work fine — just expect lower success rates (70-75% vs 95%).
What's the coldest day on Kili?
Summit night (your final push to Uhuru Peak). You'll be climbing 1,000m in darkness, starting around 11 PM, reaching the peak around 6-7 AM. Temperatures: -15°C to -20°C (-4°F to -4°F). Wind chill makes it feel colder.
What if I get caught in a storm?
Your guide will stop and wait it out in a shelter or tent. Lightning is rare. The bigger risk in wet season is continuous rain making trails harder, not sudden dangerous storms. Guides are trained to handle weather emergencies.
What's the best month overall?
February — peak dry season with excellent weather and warmest conditions outside July/August. January is close second. July/August are coldest but driest with best glacier views. October/November offer lower crowds and still-good conditions.
Ready to Pick Your Season?
Use our month-by-month guide to choose the perfect time for your climb.