Overall

One of the best months to climb Kilimanjaro. It falls in the middle of the short dry season, offering clear skies, excellent visibility, and pleasant trekking conditions.

Weather & Conditions

Expect warm and dry days on the lower slopes, with temperatures around 25°C (77°F). The nights are cold, and summit temperatures can drop to -10°C (14°F). There is a low chance of rain. The skies are often exceptionally clear, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Crowds & Routes

This is a peak season month, so trails like the Machame and Marangu routes can be busy. Consider the Lemosho or Northern Circuit routes for a more secluded experience.

Scenery & Highlights

The mountain is lush and green at the base after the November rains. The snow cap on Uhuru Peak is often beautifully defined against deep blue skies.

Overall

An excellent month and arguably the best time to climb. It's the warmest month, continuing the short dry season with some of the most stable and pleasant weather of the year.

Weather & Conditions

Similar to January but often warmer and with even less chance of precipitation. Expect brilliant, clear mornings and evenings. Summit night will still be frigid, with temperatures between -7°C and -12°C (19°F to 10°F).

Crowds & Routes

February remains a very popular month. The trails are busy, but the energy is often positive and communal. All routes are open and in excellent condition.

Scenery & Highlights

Unbeatable panoramic views. This is the perfect time for photographers seeking those classic, sweeping shots of the African plains from the upper slopes.

Overall

A transitional month. The first half is generally good, but the long rainy season typically begins mid-to-late March, bringing cloudy skies and precipitation.

Weather & Conditions

Conditions become increasingly wet and humid as the month progresses. Expect afternoon showers and heavy clouds that can obscure views. The trails can become muddy and slippery. Temperatures remain mild.

Crowds & Routes

Crowd levels drop significantly as the rains approach, making this a good time for those seeking solitude. However, be prepared for wet conditions. The Rongai route, in the northern rain shadow, is often a drier alternative during this period.

Scenery & Highlights

The landscape is vibrant and green. The clouds can create dramatic, moody atmospheres, which can be beautiful in their own right.

Overall

The heart of the long rainy season. This is the most challenging month to climb due to heavy, consistent rainfall. Many tour operators close for the season.

Weather & Conditions

Expect daily downpours, thick fog, and very muddy trails. Snowfall can be heavy on the summit. Visibility is often poor.

Crowds & Routes

The mountain is nearly empty. You will have the trails almost to yourself, but the trade-off is the difficult weather.

Scenery & Highlights

The rainforest zone is incredibly lush and misty. However, views from the upper slopes are rare.

Overall

Another very wet month, similar to April. The long rainy season continues with frequent precipitation, although it may begin to lessen towards the end of the month.

Weather & Conditions

Still very wet, with muddy trails and cloudy skies. However, the intensity of the rain often decreases as June approaches. It's a low-visibility month.

Crowds & Routes

The mountain remains very quiet. This is a good time for budget-conscious hikers, as some companies may offer lower prices.

Scenery & Highlights

You might be treated to a beautiful, snow-laden summit if the clouds part. The lower slopes are intensely green.

Overall

A fantastic transitional month. The long rains have ended, and the main dry season begins. The mountain is transforming into a prime climbing destination again.

Weather & Conditions

The weather becomes progressively drier and clearer. Temperatures are cool and pleasant, though nights are colder than in Jan/Feb.

Crowds & Routes

Crowds start to build but are not yet at their peak. This makes June a 'sweet spot' with great weather and manageable numbers of hikers. All routes are in good shape.

Scenery & Highlights

The landscape is still beautifully green and lush from the rains, but the skies are clearing. The air is fresh, and the visibility is excellent. The summit will have significant snow cover, creating a stunning alpine scene.

Overall

An excellent month to climb, right at the start of the peak season. The weather is dry, stable, and clear, though it is one of the colder months.

Weather & Conditions

Expect dry days and cold nights. The temperature at the summit can be very cold, often dropping to -15°C (5°F) or lower with wind chill. Clear skies are the norm.

Crowds & Routes

This is a very popular month due to summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere. The Machame and Lemosho routes will be busy.

Scenery & Highlights

Crisp, clear views and a well-defined snow-capped peak. The cooler temperatures mean less haze, offering spectacular long-distance visibility.

Overall

One of the absolute best months to be on the mountain. It's the peak of the long, dry season, offering fantastic conditions, but it's also the busiest month of the year.

Weather & Conditions

Dry, clear, and stable weather prevails. It's a bit colder than July, especially at night, but there is very little chance of rain.

Crowds & Routes

This is the most crowded month on Kilimanjaro. Expect to share the trails and campsites with many other groups. The energy is high, but if you want solitude, this isn't the month for you.

Scenery & Highlights

August offers some of the best visibility of the year. The views from the crater rim at sunrise are legendary.

Overall

A superb month to climb. The weather remains dry and pleasant, and the crowds from the summer peak begin to thin out.

Weather & Conditions

Conditions are still excellent, with clear skies and very little rainfall. Temperatures start to slowly warm up after the cold of July and August.

Crowds & Routes

Crowd levels decrease from the August peak, offering a more peaceful trekking experience while still providing the buzz of a popular season.

Scenery & Highlights

The landscape becomes drier and dustier, but the views remain spectacular. The glaciers on the summit are particularly stunning in the clear September light.

Overall

A good month, but with a slightly higher chance of rain as the short rainy season approaches. Generally, the first half of the month is drier than the second.

Weather & Conditions

The weather is still largely pleasant, but clouds can start to build in the afternoons, and you might encounter some light showers, especially towards the end of the month.

Crowds & Routes

The trails are much quieter than in the peak season, making it a great time for those seeking solitude.

Scenery & Highlights

The possibility of 'pre-rain' clouds can create magnificent sunrises and sunsets.

Overall

The heart of the short rainy season. This is a challenging month, though the rains are typically not as heavy or prolonged as in April and May.

Weather & Conditions

Expect frequent afternoon rain showers. Trails can be muddy, and visibility may be limited by clouds. The rainforest section is particularly wet.

Crowds & Routes

This is one of the quietest months on the mountain. You'll find great deals and have a very private experience. The Rongai route is again a smart choice as it tends to be drier.

Scenery & Highlights

The moisture brings the flora to life, and the mountain becomes green and lush again. The clouds can part for moments of stunning beauty.

Overall

A month of two halves. The first part of December can still be wet, but the rains typically stop around mid-month, giving way to clear skies and festive crowds for Christmas and New Year's.

Weather & Conditions

The short rains usually end by mid-December, leading to clear, crisp weather perfect for climbing. It's a beautiful time, with fresh snow on the summit and green slopes below.

Crowds & Routes

The trails are quiet early in the month but become very busy over the holiday period. Climbing Kilimanjaro for Christmas or to ring in the New Year on Uhuru Peak is a very popular bucket-list item.

Scenery & Highlights

A snow-covered summit is very likely. The combination of green lower slopes and a white peak is breathtaking. The festive atmosphere in the camps is unique and memorable.