Best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro Mountain National Park

Best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro Mountain National Park, Are you planning to tackle the challenge of Climbing Africa’s tallest peak Uhuru peak on Mountain Kilimanjaro in Mount Kilimanjaro national Park? Its very important to consider the best time to embark on this adventure, taking into account the whether conditions , trekking suitability ,  and popularity as well as considering the experience wish to have on your trip in the mountains.


While mountain Kilimanjaro can be hiked at any time of the year, certain months offer ideal weather conditions making them most preferred for hikers while other months have cold temperatures with heavy rains and a lot of snow at the summit. Generally the optimal time to climb is during the drier and warmer periods from December to to Mid march  and June to late October. The atmosphere during these months is incredible for adventurers, offering them a conducive weather for taking photos and videos. However, hikers must take into consideration that these months are the busiest months on mountain Kilimanjaro , they attract group treks and the crowds are enormous, so hikers who want to avoid crowds can consider the less busy months towards the wet season. In this guide, we shall explore in detail month by month the best time to visit Kilimanjaro mountain to allow you to plan your Kilimanjaro expedition effectively.

When is the Best Time to Hike (Visit) Mount Kilimanjaro?

Hiking in January and February

January is also called a prime or peak season here in Kilimanjaro mountain, the month is renowned for its favorable weather conditions and is also famous for attracting a lot of hikers. The temperatures are warm, with clear skies during the morning and evening, though this doesn’t rule out the occasional clouds and light rains since this is a mountain and it can choose to shower any time regardless of the dry season. This condition provides an ideal condition to trek the mountain with stunning views of the lush forests, rugged terrains and rocky landscapes not forgetting the conducive temperatures.

February to follow suit as January, the whether continues to be conducive meaning it is also a perfect time to consider pacing your bags and embarking on a lifetime adventure to Uhuru peak covered in snow. Just like January it also attracts a lot of hikers crowding the mountain, and you will notice the very busiest routes machame and marangu over crowded , there you could considering on other routes like the umbwe route ,Northern circuit  route or the rongai route. Generally, January and February offer optimal opportunities for a successful and enjoyable adventure in Kilimanjaro mountain

Hiking In March , April and May

March also continues to be dry offering optimal conditions for hiking mountain Kilimanjaro however as the month comes to an end the rains commence, this the start of a very heavy rainy season that can run up to early June. April  commences with very heavy showers making it unfavorable to embark on a hike in Kilimanjaro mountains . During this time the trails are too wet, muddy , snowy making hiking very difficult and hazardous, its not advisable to attempt the ascent during April or early May with these weather conditions as the walks are challenging and remember an adventure is one where you want to have the best experience without any problems. May can be rain To rap up April is not a recommended time for hiking Kilimanjaro as the terrains are muddy and snowy.

Hiking during June

June is an optimal month for hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro mountain , it’s a shift from the rainy season to the dry season. The vegetation is still green and the streams are still flooded with a lot of water at the start of the month. As the month runs the very dry conditions the result to much drier atmosphere are seen , it’s a god timing to attempt the summit . The temperature are moderate , sliies are clear or cloudy at times, and this offers panoramic views with clear visibility all through out the ascent to the peak. Climbers are advised to be prepared, especially when it comes to the packing list, as the weather can be chilly and there is potential cloud cover.

Hiking during July, August , September and October

July is an optimal time to climb mount Kilimanjaro with colder but drier conditions as compared to the previous months. Rain is possible, but not very frequent, especially in the rainforest and moorland of the mountains. Drier trails enhance comfort and enjoyment , with very clear skies providing spectacular views .

Best Time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

August offers more or less the same similar conditions as in July with colder temperatures and little or no rains at all . The time is favorable for an unforgettable adventure and the season too attracts a lot of crowds ensuring  group hikes and this is nice as you hike as a team sharing daily experiences by dawn, a perfect time to catch up and make new friends as well as new contacts from hikers around the world.

September too can be a mix and match of rain and sunshine, the dry season starts giving way for the heavy rains as the month comes to and end. The rains are minimal and totally don’t affect the hiking in any way , with a calm atmosphere through the mountain hikers enjoy cool whether. Hiking can be done, we advise that all hikers taking on the adventure are well equipped with rain gears since it can shower at any time.

October is also an ideal time the temperatures remain cold and cool with occasional rains, the trails are not as dry but hikers still embark on the summit of Kilimanjaro .Weather  Conditions and walking trails are drier and busy allowing climbers enjoy there stay in the mountains, October usually has crowds of hikers too, group tours are common during this time of the year.

Hiking during November

Climbing Kilimanjaro in November marks the start of Tanzania’s short rainy season, lasting until early December.  The rain doesn’t last long and it doesn’t hinder trekkers as the season of rain doesn’t last long .While mornings and evenings typically have clear skies, afternoon rains are common, leading to wet, muddy, and slippery trail conditions. Climbers should be prepared for adverse weather conditions and exercise caution when navigating the trails. Overall, it’s advisable to choose a different time of year for climbing Kilimanjaro to ensure a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience.

Hiking in December

December marks the end of Kilimanjaro’s short rainy season, which usually begins in November. While rains may persist early in the month, by mid to late December they typically start to taper off, making it a favorable time for climbing. Despite the minor showers early on, many adventurers still choose December for their ascent due to its popularity. The clearing skies towards the month’s end offer ideal conditions for a successful hike. So, despite the occasional showers at the beginning, mid to late December emerges as a competent and reliable time for conquering Kilimanjaro.

In conclusion, the best times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are during the drier months, such as December to mid-March and June to late October.These periods offer favorable weather conditions, clear skies, and breathtaking views, making them ideal for trekking. However, it’s essential to consider the popularity of these months, as they attract large crowds of hikers. For those seeking a quieter experience, the less busy months towards the wet season could be preferred. The month of April is not recommended , it receives very heavy rains that hinder hikers from  embarking on the ascent to the summit , the conditions during this period are very unfavorable  Overall, with proper preparation and consideration of the weather patterns, any time of year can offer a memorable and successful adventure on Kilimanjaro.