BEST TIME TO CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Safari Zyvora Tours

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a year-round adventure, but choosing the right season can greatly enhance your success, comfort, and overall experience. Safari Zyvora Tours recommends the following seasons based on weather patterns, visibility, trail conditions, and climber comfort.

🌤 Best Overall Seasons (Peak & Most Recommended)

1. January – Early March

Why it’s ideal:

  • Warm temperatures

  • Clear skies and excellent visibility

  • Minimal rain

  • Lush scenery after the short rains

  • Perfect balance of good weather and fewer crowds than July–September

Best for: Photography, steady temperatures, comfortable trekking.

2. June – October (Peak Dry Season)

Why it’s ideal:

  • Very stable and dry weather

  • Crisp, clear skies

  • Cold nights but fewer clouds

  • The busiest season (especially July–August)

Best for: High summit success rates, stable conditions, popular holiday climbs.

🌦 Shoulder Seasons (Good, Less Crowded)

3. Late March – Early June (Long Rains)

Not strongly recommended, but possible for experienced or budget climbers.
Characteristics:

  • Frequent rainfall

  • Muddy trails in the rainforest zone

  • Clouds and limited views

Why some still climb:

  • Fewer climbers

  • Quiet mountain experience

  • Low-season prices

4. November – Early December (Short Rains)

Still manageable, but expect occasional showers.
Characteristics:

  • Light to moderate rains

  • Green landscapes

  • Fewer people on the routes

Best for: Climbers who prefer solitude with mild rain.

🌙 Full Moon Climbs (Special Experience)

Safari Zyvora Tours also offers Full Moon Kilimanjaro Climbs, which give climbers:

  • Natural moonlight during summit night

  • Beautiful moonlit glaciers

  • Less reliance on headlamps

Best months for Full Moon climbs:

  • January–March

  • July–October

These fill up quickly—early booking is advised.

🌡 Temperature Overview by Altitude

  • Rainforest (1,800–3,000m): Warm and humid

  • Moorland (3,000–4,000m): Cool, breezy

  • Alpine Desert (4,000–5,000m): Cold, windy, very dry

  • Summit (5,895m): Freezing temperatures year-round

Temperatures at the summit often range from –7°C to –20°C, especially at night.

🎯 Final Recommendation from Safari Zyvora Tours

For the most enjoyable and successful climbing experience, we recommend:

⭐ January – Early March

⭐ June – October

These months provide the best combination of good weather, clearer skies, safer trails, and high summit success rates.