The #1 Expert Guide for
Hiking Kilimanjaro

February is another excellent month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It falls within the short dry season, offering stable weather, clear skies, and comfortable trekking conditions. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, while nights remain cold at higher elevations. The trails are generally dry and less slippery, making the climb more enjoyable.

Hiking Kilimanjaro in February provides spectacular mountain views and vibrant landscapes, as the lower slopes stay lush and green after the short rains. It’s also one of the warmest times of the year, which is great for photography and high-altitude comfort.

Although February attracts more climbers than January, it’s still not as crowded as the main trekking season from June to October. If you want excellent weather, good visibility, and fewer people on the mountain, February is one of the most rewarding months to reach the summit of Africa’s highest peak.

March marks the transition from the short dry season to the long rainy season on Mount Kilimanjaro. Early in the month, conditions can still be good for trekking, with mild temperatures and partly clear skies. However, as the month progresses, rainfall increases—especially from mid-March onward—making trails muddier and more challenging.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in March is ideal for trekkers who prefer solitude and don’t mind occasional rain. The mountain is much quieter, offering a peaceful experience and beautiful scenery as the surrounding forests turn lush and vibrant.

If you plan to hike in March, it’s best to start early in the month and choose routes with better drainage and hut accommodations, such as the Marangu Route. With proper rain gear and a positive mindset, you can still enjoy a rewarding climb and a unique perspective of Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty.

April is generally considered the least favorable month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro because it falls in the middle of the long rainy season. Heavy rainfall, cloudy skies, and slippery trails can make trekking more difficult. Visibility is often reduced, and the mountain remains covered in mist for much of the day.

However, climbing Kilimanjaro in April does have its advantages for certain adventurers. The mountain is almost empty, offering complete solitude and a rare, peaceful experience. The landscapes are lush and green, with waterfalls and rich vegetation adding to the scenic beauty—especially in the rainforest zone.

If you decide to hike in April, proper waterproof gear is essential. The Marangu Route, with its hut accommodations, is the most suitable option since camping routes can be wet and muddy. While conditions are challenging, April offers a different kind of adventure for those seeking an off-season climb.

May is still part of the long rainy season on Mount Kilimanjaro, making it one of the quieter months for trekking. Heavy rains are common, especially in the lower rainforest and moorland zones, which can make trails muddy and visibility limited. However, by late May, the weather often begins to improve as the dry season approaches.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in May is best suited for experienced hikers who don’t mind challenging, wet conditions. The advantage is solitude—few trekkers attempt the mountain this month, allowing for a more private and peaceful experience. The scenery is lush and vibrant, with dense green vegetation and clear, fresh air after the rains.

If you choose to hike in May, it’s important to have high-quality rain gear and waterproof camping equipment. The Marangu Route, with its hut accommodations, can be more comfortable than camping routes. While it’s not the easiest time to climb, May offers stunning natural beauty and an authentic wilderness adventure.

June marks the start of the long dry season on Mount Kilimanjaro, making it one of the best months for climbing. The weather is generally stable, with clear skies, low chances of rain, and excellent visibility—perfect for capturing stunning panoramic views from the mountain.

Temperatures are moderate during the day, but nights and early mornings can be chilly, especially above 4,000 meters. The trails are dry and firm, providing safer and more comfortable trekking conditions compared to the rainy months.

June is also the beginning of the peak trekking season, so you can expect more climbers on popular routes like Machame, Lemosho, and Marangu. Early bookings are recommended to secure accommodations and guide services. For those seeking reliable weather, spectacular scenery, and a memorable Kilimanjaro experience, June is an ideal month to reach the Roof of Africa.

July is one of the best months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, falling in the middle of the long dry season. Trekkers can expect clear skies, minimal rainfall, and excellent visibility—ideal conditions for summit attempts and stunning photographs.

Daytime temperatures are generally comfortable, though it can be very cold at higher altitudes, especially during pre-dawn summit hikes. The dry trails make trekking easier, reducing the risk of slips and muddy conditions.

July is also part of the peak climbing season, so popular routes like Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai may be busier. Early bookings are highly recommended to secure guides, porters, and accommodations. For those seeking reliable weather, breathtaking scenery, and a rewarding climb to the Roof of Africa, July offers one of the best opportunities to hike Kilimanjaro.

October marks the transition from the long dry season to the short rainy season on Mount Kilimanjaro. Early in the month, the weather is generally favorable, with dry trails, clear skies, and good visibility for summit attempts. However, rainfall gradually increases as the month progresses, particularly in the lower rainforest and moorland zones.

Daytime temperatures remain moderate, but nights and early mornings at high altitudes are cold, so proper layered clothing is essential. Trekking conditions are comfortable at the start of October, but hikers should be prepared for occasional showers later in the month.

October is less crowded than the peak months of July to September, offering a more peaceful climbing experience. For those seeking a quieter adventure with still-reliable weather, early October is a great time to hike Kilimanjaro.

October marks the transition from the long dry season to the short rainy season on Mount Kilimanjaro. Early in the month, the weather is generally favorable, with dry trails, clear skies, and good visibility for summit attempts. However, rainfall gradually increases as the month progresses, particularly in the lower rainforest and moorland zones.

Daytime temperatures remain moderate, but nights and early mornings at high altitudes are cold, so proper layered clothing is essential. Trekking conditions are comfortable at the start of October, but hikers should be prepared for occasional showers later in the month.

October is less crowded than the peak months of July to September, offering a more peaceful climbing experience. For those seeking a quieter adventure with still-reliable weather, early October is a great time to hike Kilimanjaro.

November falls within the short rainy season on Mount Kilimanjaro, which means climbers can expect wetter and muddier trails, especially in the lower rainforest and moorland zones. Rainfall can be heavy at times, and cloud cover may limit panoramic views from higher elevations.

Despite the wet conditions, November offers the advantage of very few trekkers, providing a quiet and serene climbing experience. The mountain is lush and vibrant after the rains, making the scenery exceptionally beautiful for those who enjoy nature photography.

If you plan to hike in November, it’s essential to have waterproof gear and proper equipment for slippery trails. Routes with hut accommodations, such as the Marangu Route, are often more comfortable than camping routes. For adventurers seeking solitude and a unique off-season challenge, November can be a rewarding month to climb Kilimanjaro.

December is part of the short rainy season on Mount Kilimanjaro, which means trekkers may encounter wet trails, occasional heavy showers, and limited visibility at higher elevations. The rainforest and moorland zones are especially lush and green, creating beautiful scenery despite the rain.

Daytime temperatures are generally mild, while nights and early mornings at high altitudes can be cold. Fewer climbers attempt the mountain during this period, offering a peaceful and less crowded trekking experience.

Hikers planning a December climb should be well-prepared with waterproof clothing and gear for muddy trails. Early booking is recommended to secure guides and accommodations, especially around the holiday season. For those who enjoy solitude, verdant landscapes, and a unique off-peak adventure, December provides a memorable Kilimanjaro experience.