It is possible to trek Kilimanjaro all-year-round. However, certain months are characterised by colder weather, more rain and potentially loads of snow on the summit.
In this article we provide a brief outline on the two trekking seasons that are the best time to climb Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro’s Climate: A Dance of Winds and Weather
The trade winds play a pivotal role in shaping Kilimanjaro’s weather patterns.
Southeast trade winds, laden with moisture from the Indian Ocean, ascend the mountain’s slopes around March. This upward movement causes the air to cool and condense, resulting in clouds and precipitation. Consequently, the period from March to May is typically the wettest season on Kilimanjaro, especially affecting the southern slopes.
If your Kilimanjaro trek is scheduled for April or May, the Rongai route, located on the northern side of the mountain, is often a more favorable option due to its generally drier conditions compared to the southern routes.
Northeast anti-trade winds, while carrying little moisture, are characterised by their strong force. These winds, prevalent from April to October, effectively keep the southeast trade winds at lower altitudes, contributing to drier conditions and reduced cloud cover and precipitation on the upper slopes.
There are two distinct trekking seasons which constitute the best time to climb Kilimanjaro.
January-March and June-October.
The January-March is generally colder than June-October and there is a higher probability of encountering snow on the summit. For some this might be seen as a negative, but the benefits of a January-March trek is that the slopes are often quieter at this time of the year.
The June-October trekking season coincides with the summer holidays in Europe and North America and hence certain routes are often quite busy.
March, April and November are the wettest months on Kilimanjaro, and not ideal of trekking.
Snow fall and cold temperatures are common during December-May.”
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