When's the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Tl;dr The best time to climb are between June and October or December and February. Avoid March through May due to the rains.
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is already a daunting task, so ensuring you have the best chance of reaching the summit is crucial. Weather conditions vary depending on the region or zone, but it’s wise to avoid the rainy season to prevent being wet on the mountain and encountering snow and ice on summit day.
If you’ve ever been camping, you probably know that being wet can ruin the experience, which is exactly why you should avoid Tanzania's rainy seasons when climbing Kilimanjaro. March through May is the rainy season in Tanzania, and choosing to climb during this period means a higher likelihood of trekking through rain and summiting in snowy or icy conditions. November also brings short, heavy rains that can create similar challenges. If it is snowing when you reach the summit, the views from Uhuru Peak and other parts of the mountain can be significantly obscured which is not ideal (the views from camps like Barafu Camp are stunning when not clouded over).
Given the difficulties of the trek, especially with altitude, it is advisable to hike during the dry seasons to have the easiest climb and the best views. The dry seasons run from June to October and December to February.
How Does the Cost Differ Based on the Seasons?
So ... there is no price difference between the wet and dry seasons for our Kilimanjaro climbs. If it fits your schedule we recommend choosing the dry seasons for your trek. However, if you are considering pairing the climb with a safari, safaris are typically less expensive during the rainy seasons, though the conditions are not as favourable for wildlife viewing.
Ready to start looking into your Kilimanjaro climb? Check out one of our programs below
7 Day Machame Route (Recommended Route)
That's all! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team at [email protected]