Trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, is a bucket-list trip for thousands of tourists each year. Towering at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), Tanzania’s behemoth mountain is a grueling yet gratifying ascent. Perhaps the most important for the successful ascent to the top is the timing of the climb. The weather conditions, trail terrain, and conditions in general will be transformed completely depending on the time of year you choose to make the trek. Let's be it each season, here we explore the best time of year to trek up Kilimanjaro, and what to expect each season.

Kilimanjaro Weathers and Climatic Conditions

Since Kilimanjaro is close to the equator, they do not have the normal summer and winter as many places. Instead, mountain weather features two wet seasons and two dry ones. These are:

Long Rains (March-May): These months have heavy rain in the lowlands. It gets muddy and slippery on the trails and hiking is difficult. Cloud cover obscures sight and the experience of beauty is lost.

Short Rains (November to mid-December): Not as heavy as the long rains, but still featured periodic showers. Wild weather gives alternating shakes of sunshine and rain.

Dry Seasons (June to October & Mid-December to February): Best time to climb Kilimanjaro. Weather is more stable as there are abundant sunshine and a lesser amount of rains. Even so, it can be bitterly cold at higher altitudes.

Kilimanjaro Summit, Best Months to Attempt

The best months to climb Kilimanjaro are often the dry seasons. Here’s why these months are the best:

June to October — The Peak Season

June to October is in long dry season. It is peak climbing season, and here’s why:

Dependable Weather: The climate tends to be mostly dry, which translates to fewer muddy feet and less chance that rain will spoil your ascent.

Crystal Clear: Dryness usually means great views of the mountain and landscape, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Cool Weather: Though nights get chilly, daytime temperatures are comfortable enough for trekking.

Crowds: July and August are the worst months on Kilimanjaro, and this year is high season. If you're timid, experiment with lower-trafficked trails, or other months in this window.

Mid-December to February: The Second Dry Season

The mini dry season between mid-december and February is also the best time to trek Kilimanjaro. And here's why:

Good Weather: Like the June-to-October period, the season has dry and stable weather that is good for trekking.

Warmer Nights: Night temperatures are warmer than the June-to-October season, so camping is not as cold.

Fewer Crowds: Although this time is favored, there will usually be fewer crowds here than during the long dry season — particularly in between January and early February.

Rainy Season: Season for Climbing

Though the best times to tackle Kilimanjaro are dry-season months, some adventurous souls try during the rainy season. Here's what to keep in mind:

March to May: The Prolonged Rainy Season

Climbing on “long rains” is for those that thrive on speed. The trails are usually muddy, and visibility is often limited because of dense clouds. There are some positives, though:

Fewer Climbers: The routes are less crowded, and the climber has solitude and intimacy with nature.

Lush Landscape: Kilimanjaro lower slopes' greenery is a great pleasure for nature lovers and photographers as a result of the abundant rainfall.

Harvest (Early October to Mid-November): The Short Rainy Season

This is better than the long rainy season though. The rain is less, and there are some clear days. Climbers, on the other hand, should gear up for dampness and slick conditions.

Considerations Outside of That

April is the wettest month in Kilimanjaro. Other variables require consideration:

Your Itinerary: Not every hike has the luxury of best-time planning. If you can only climb during off-season windows, look for routes less affected by rain, like the Rongai Route.

Budget: Accommodations and tour arrangements are more expensive during peak season. If budget is an issue, climbing during the shoulder months (early June, or late October) or rainy seasons may be more affordable.

Physical Conditioning: You need to be physically fit and in good condition no matter what time you climb. While you cannot control your regions weather, you can however control your body's responses to altitude and physical stress all a part of the trekking experience.

Preferred route: While routes such as the Lemosho and Machame routes are more spectacular, they're also more difficult during the wet conditions. Drier, year round, though, is the Rongai Route, arriving from the north.

Final Thoughts

While you can consult the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro based on your own wishes, needs, and properties. For most climbers, generally the best times, with the best weather, easily traversable trail conditions and glorious vistas, are June through October and mid-December through February. Or the rainy seasons have their own blessings for climbers who prefer solitude and a more rustic experience.

No matter what time you opt to climb, you need to be prepared. Make sure you have the right equipment, are prepared, and hire an experienced tour guide to increase the odds of summation. Regardless of the season, climbing Kilimanjaro with good preparation and the right attitude can change your life.