Best Time To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Best Time To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro Mountain is the longest mountain in Africa and as well the tallest free Standing Mountain on this continent. It’s a dormant volcano standing at a height of 5895m above sea level. Mount Kilimanjaro is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna with a snow-capped peak that towers above the surrounding Kilimanjaro national park.
Mountain Kilimanjaro hike is open to hikers from the age of 10 years and above and unlike the Himalayas that experience extreme weather conditions that make all-year round hikes impossible, Mount Kilimanjaro’s climatic conditions allow for all year round trekking. The time therefore one chooses to go on a Mount Kilimanjaro hike depends entirely on an individual.
Even though the Kilimanjaro Mountain can be visited throughout the year, some months have more favorable weather conditions than others thus are more recommended than the others. The best time therefore to hike Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry season. This season runs from December to mid-March and late June to October with the most favorable months being January, February, July, August, and October. During these months, the weather condition around Mount Kilimanjaro is at its best with clear skies, amazing views, and a sunny weather that experiences little or no rainfall.
Being the best time of the year to take on a Kilimanjaro hike, most hikers visit Mount Kilimanjaro during this time therefore when taking on a hike in these months, expect a bit of a crowd along the various hiking routes.
Despite the ability to hike Kilimanjaro at any time of the year, try to avoid climbing this mountain in the height of the rainy season, which are the months of April, May and November.
Below is a guide to hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro month by month.
Months of January, February and early March
The months of January, February and early March portray dry trails, clear skies, and good visibility during the hikes. However due to the tropical climate of the Kilimanjaro Mountain, expect sudden light down pours at any time of the day.
Despite these months being part of the peak season, the Kilimanjaro trekking routes are quieter during these times compared to the main climbing season of June to September hence a perfect time for a Mount Kilimanjaro hike for climbers who prefer less crowds since it offers a balance of less crowds and a decent weather condition.
Months of March, April and May
At the start of March, the weather conditions are amazing but as the month progresses, rains begin thus bringing about muddy trails along the hiking routes, cloudy skies, poor visibility and frequent rain down pours. Within these months however there is a little possibility of getting lucky and experiencing a dry weather during your Kilimanjaro hiking experience.
As April and May approaches, the long rains begin hence not a good time for hiking the Kilimanjaro Mountain.
In case a hiker is interested in climbing Kilimanjaro with a less crowd, they can opt for the shoulder season. This season runs from late March to late May however they need to be prepared for a sudden change in weather and sometimes visibility challenges.
The shoulder season is the best time to take on the Kilimanjaro hiking experience for hikers who love solitude, a good challenge and don’t mind sudden weather changes. When hiking during the shoulder season, the routes on the northern side of the mountain are highly recommended.
Months of June, July, August and September
The months of June, July, August and September fall in the US and Europe summer holidays and have the best weather conditions in Africa. These months therefore mark the peak season on Mount Kilimanjaro with July and August being the most popular of the months. During these months, hiking routes are crowded especially over the full moon.
If you have issues with large crowds, June, July and September or October are the best months for your Kilimanjaro experience, that’s if you are okay with a bit of rain since occasional showers may occur. However, these months are predominantly dry most times therefore there is no need to worry.
Months of October and November
As October ends and November begins, short rains start and these last for about 3 to 4 weeks. These short rains are less persistent than the long rains experienced in April and May and are mostly experienced in the late afternoons. During these months, the mountain routes are very quiet.
Since these months receive a bit of rainfall, the Rongai route or the northern circuit route on the northern side of the mountain are the best options since they are more sheltered and receives less overall rainfall.
Top things to remember when visiting mountain Kilimanjaro
Weather conditions
Since Mount Kilimanjaro is close to the equator, it experiences a temperate climate which is made of two seasons that is, the wet season and the dry season. Both these seasons are completely different and provide different Kilimanjaro safari experiences.
The dry season is characterized by clear skies, great views and sunny days thus enabling a simpler and convenient Mount Kilimanjaro hike. This is also the peak season therefore the busiest time on the Kilimanjaro Mountain. The dry season runs from January to early March, referred to as the short dry season then June through to October, referred to as the long dry season.
The rainy season is also sub-divided into; the short rains that occur in November and the long rains that begin in late March until May. Generally, the rainy season begins in mid-March and ends in May. It is characterized by muddy hiking routes, wet surrounding areas as well as less visibility on the mountain.
Temperatures
The temperatures on mountain Kilimanjaro vary from season to season in the different months and from climate zone to climate zone with an increase in altitude. By months, December to March and June are the coldest months on Mount Kilimanjaro since they mark the start of the rains. The chances of witnessing glacier are also high upon summiting Kilimanjaro during these months. However due to the cold weather conditions, less hikers visit the mountain at this time.
These temperatures keep dropping further as one ascends the Kilimanjaro Mountain and by the time you summit Uhuru, the temperatures would have dropped far beyond the freezing point causing the snow peak and the glaciers. This snow-capped peak is constant almost throughout the year.
Number of crowds on the mountain
Weather conditions on the Kilimanjaro Mountain in the months of January through to early march, and June to October are relatively good therefore attracting a large crowd of hikers to the mountain. During these months, usually the Marangu and Machame routes have the largest crowds whereas the northern circuit, Rongai or Lemosho have less crowds.
The greatest challenge faced by hikers during these months are the overcrowding of the toilet facilities and the campsites. On the other hand, it gives them an opportunity to interact with different people and forge friendships that may be of great help.
Visibility
Mountain Kilimanjaro experiences a cloudy weather, mist and fog that begin in late March to the end of June and November thus the visibility on the mountain is poor. This weather condition interferes with the amazing panoramic views and hinders taking of great photographs therefore one cannot fully enjoy the hike.
Despite the different challenges that may come with the Kilimanjaro hike in the various months, mountain Kilimanjaro can be visited throughout the year however the extremely wet months of April and November are not highly recommended especially if you are opting for other routes other than the northern circuit route.
