Best Time for Kilimanjaro Trek

When to Climb the Roof of Africa

Choosing the right time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is key to enjoying a successful and memorable trekking experience. While Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, certain months offer better weather, clearer skies, and higher summit success rates.

Overview of Kilimanjaro Seasons

Kilimanjaro experiences two dry seasons and two rainy seasons each year. Weather, trail conditions, and crowd levels vary significantly, so understanding these seasonal patterns is essential when planning your trek.

Best Months to Climb

January to Early March

Weather: Warm, with occasional short rains
Visibility: Excellent mountain views
Crowds: Moderate
Why Choose It: Pleasant conditions for trekking and fewer crowds than peak season

June to October

Weather: Dry, cool, and stable
Visibility: Clear skies, ideal for photography
Crowds: High—this is the peak climbing season
Why Choose It: Best time for summit success; trails are dry and views are spectacular

Months to Avoid

April to May (Long Rainy Season)

Weather: Heavy rainfall, muddy trails, poor visibility
Risk: Slippery paths and wet conditions
Recommendation: Not ideal for climbing unless you are an experienced hiker looking for solitude

November (Short Rainy Season)

Weather: Unpredictable short rains
Visibility: Cloud cover and slippery terrain
Recommendation: Consider only if your schedule is limited and you are prepared for wet conditions

Climbing by Month at a Glance

Month	Weather	Trail Conditions	Crowds	Recommendation
January	Warm, clear	Dry to slightly wet	Moderate	Very Good
February	Warm, stable	Dry to slightly wet	Moderate	Excellent
March	Wetter mid-month	Increasingly muddy	Low	Fair (early only)
April	Heavy rains	Wet and slippery	Very Low	Not Recommended
May	Continued rains	Very muddy	Very Low	Not Recommended
June	Dry, cool	Excellent	Moderate	Excellent
July	Cool, dry	Excellent	High	Excellent
August	Cool, dry	Excellent	High	Excellent
September	Warm, dry	Excellent	High	Excellent
October	Dry, slightly warmer	Good	Moderate	Very Good
November	Short rains	Wet	Low	Fair
December	Dry with some rains	Varies	Moderate	Good

So, When Should You Go?

If you want the best chance of reaching the summit, aim for:

Late January to early March – fewer crowds, good weather
June to October – peak climbing season with optimal conditions

Avoid the rainy seasons unless you’re an experienced trekker seeking solitude and don’t mind wet conditions.

Need Help Choosing Your Dates?

Our experienced team at African Giant Adventures is here to help you pick the best route and time for your Kilimanjaro climb, based on your preferences, fitness level, and travel calendar.