When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro
So you’ve made up your mind and there’s no going back, you’re set on trekking Africa’s Tallest Mountain, but now you’re probably thinking when is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro.
The short answer is that most guides would recommend climbing Kilimanjaro between January-February or August-September when the weather is warmer and visibility clearer. The downside is this time is typically the most popular and busiest for trekking groups. Whereas if you willing to risk the chance of some rains to enjoy the freedom of less crowds, maybe March or October might offer the best of both worlds.
With six out of the twelve months highlighted as the potential best time to climb Kilimanjaro, figuring out the exact dates to book your trek will depend on several other considerations. To make it a little easier we’ve put together this article to help you figure out the exact dates that are best for you.
What weather can you expect on Kilimanjaro by season?
If you’re like most people, then you want to do everything possible to give yourself the best chances of successfully summating Kilimanjaro. Trekking the heights of Africa’s tallest mountain, standing high at 5,895 metres above sea level offers many challenges to those who are brave enough to trek up it.
A major element is connected to the diverse weather climates that exist on the mountain, which are only further influenced by the seasonal changes. From the base to the summit, trekkers can expect to hike through five different climate zones.
Starting at the base the first few zones are the rainforest and moorlands zone, before reaching the Alpine desert and ice glacier of the summit. Each climate zone brings with it different terrain and temperatures. It is this weather diversity that often catches unprepared novices off guard.
So now you know about the diverse climates on the mountain, you have the power to make things a little easier on yourself by knowing the best time to climb Kilimanjaro according to season. Let’s be honest, Kilimanjaro isn’t an easy walk and reaching the top will depend on whether you can mentally stay positive. Just like the studies suggest, we’ve found that most people’s mood and state of mind, especially on Kilimanjaro is linked to the weather. Beautiful sunshine with clear skies, often brings a smile, whereas cold, wet torrential rain that soaks through to your core can shift even the most happiest person to a sense of sadness. Now imagine, you’re been walking in heavy rains for several hours up Africa’s tallest mountain, the experience will be almost completely different to a walk during dry season. You see where we are going with this, there is a reason why the driest months are the most popular. If successfully summating is firmly in your plan, it might be worth considering the season and its weather:
Kilimanjaro Short Dry Season
Between January to February is a very popular time to climb Kilimanjaro as the temperatures are warmer than later in year, without the uncompromising rains.
Kilimanjaro Long Dry Season
The longest period of dry weather for Mt Kilimanjaro is between June to September. This is a great time to climb if you prefer cooler temperatures and gentler, dryer conditions.
Kilimanjaro Short Wet Season
The short wet season months of October to December is a season defined by unpredictability. Most guides and tour operators will recommend against trekking after the rains start as conditions and visibility will be dramatically affected.
Kilimanjaro Long Wet Season
The months of March to May brings some of Kilimanjaro’s heaviest rains and from the end of March the chances of rain each day is very high. Some operators are willing to trek during this time, but you find most will stick to the standard routes as the trails can become dangerous with excessive wet.
How to climb Kilimanjaro without the crowds
Mt Kilimanjaro has rose to one of Tanzania’s most popular tourist attractions within the last few decades. From people trekking for charitable causes to those looking for an extraordinary challenge whilst they travel. Africa’s tallest mountain is one of the main things to do for travellers visiting Tanzania for good reason.
Unfortunately, it’s popularity has come at a price as during peak season the average guide can complete up to 4 successful summit trek’s per month. This frequency has grown tenfold to meet ongoing demand from international travellers. Leading to countless tour operators and excited tourists turning the serene, picturesque roof of Africa into an often overcrowded cluster of people hustling their way to the top. If you have a sacred vision of a Mt Kilimanjaro standing tall without hundreds of trekking groups clambering over it’s delicate silhouette. Then to keep your idyllic vision intact, you might want to consider choosing to trek when the crowds are no where to be seen. Ensuring your left with just you, your trekking team and the tranquil ambience of an incredible natural beauty.
With that in mind, the best time to climb Kilimanjaro to ensure a peaceful trek with much less traffic and crowds is to choose dates that fall within the low season. As explained before low season brings an array of different challenges from weather complications to extreme conditions. However, the months of March or October offer a unique window to potentially enjoy the mountain just before the weather changes for the worst. However, no promises can be made as mother nature can be unpredictable so as we mentioned before there is a small disclaimer with this recommendation, but if your willing to take the risk, it might just pay off – just imagine how beautiful the pictures will be!
When is Kilimanjaro peak season pricing
Peak season is the busiest time for climbing Kilimanjaro for good reason. The peak months of December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October bring the best weather for climbing, offering the warmest and driest times of the year. Outside of this you run the risk of unpredictable weather patterns and extreme conditions, especially in the short rainy season.
The downside of the popularity and demand is that it affects the prices, directly impacting upon your budget. With the average cost to climb Kilimanjaro varying from $1100 to $5500, depending on the operator, local budget or Western agent, but you can expect a sizeable % difference when booking in the peak season months.
If your a budget traveller that needs to keep costings to a minimum or a non-expense spared kind of traveller we always advise reviewing were you are willing to compromise on your trip and what factors are non-negotiable. As knowing these will help build your plans in terms of dates, route, equipment, operator, etc because all these key aspects will play an important role in determining when is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro for you.
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As an experienced local provider of Kilimanjaro climbs since 2010, Sawa Africa Adventures is able to work with any budget and travel itinerary requirements to tailor a climbing package that works for all. Our team of local experts are on hand to answer any queries and questions you may have about organising your Kilimanjaro climb.
Contact us at sawaafricaadventures@gmail.com or through our website’s contact form for more details.