Best Time to climb Kilimanjaro
So, you've decided to take on the challenge of tackling Africa's highest peak? Next, you need to think about the best time to climb Kilimanjaro, in terms of weather, trekking conditions and popularity.
Although it's technically possible to trek Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro year round, there are certain months which are characterised by colder weather, more rain and potentially lots of snow on the summit.
We generally advise that the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the warmest and driest times of year, from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October.
MT. Kilimanjaro weather
Due to its proximity to the equator, Mount Kilimanjaro does not experience wide temperature changes from season to season. Instead, the temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are determined more so by the altitude and time of day. At the beginning of the climb, at the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). From there, the temperatures will decrease as you move through Mount Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones.
At the summit, Uhuru Point, the night time temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Due to Mount Kilimanjaro’s great height, the mountain creates its own weather. It is extremely variable and impossible to predict. Therefore, regardless of when you climb, you should always be prepared for wet days and cold nights.
There are five vegetation zones on Kilimanjaro: cultivated lower elevations; montane forest; moorland; alpine desert; and the barren arctic summit zone. Some wildlife may be seen in the forests of Kilimanjaro.
Climbing Kilimanjaro During Full Moon
During a full moon, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is particularly beautiful. The glaciers are lit up by the bright moon and the views are absolutely stunning. Another advantage of trekking at this time is that the moonlight will improve your visibility throughout your trek, most importantly during your final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Although it's not necessary to reach the summit on the exact full moon date to take advantage of the moonlight, many people wish to reach Uhuru Peak when the moon is at its fullest.
If you do wish to summit on a full moon, a seven-day climb should start five days before the full moon date and an eight-day climb should start six days prior to the full moon date. Book well in advance, as only a limited number of people are allowed on the mountain at any time and these dates are very popular.
If you’re looking for a quieter trek – and a sky full of bright stars – we recommend that you avoid the full moon period altogether.
How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
This does depend on route, but the fastest assent can take 4 nights, though most people take 6-8
nights depending on route.[i.e Marangu Route : takes 5 0r 6 days,
Machame Route : takes 6 0r 7 days,
Lemosho Route : takes 7 or 8 days,
Shira Route : take 6 or 7 days,
Umbwe Route : takes 6 days,
Rongai Route : takes 6 or 7 days,
Northern Circuit Route : takes 9 or 10 days]
WHICH ONE IS BEST KILIMANJARO CLIMBING ROUTE...?
Selecting a route is a tough choice for most. To find the best Kilimanjaro route for you, considerations should be taken for the route’s difficulty, scenery, and popularity.
We can help you determine the best success rate to climb Kilimanjaro based on your interests, schedule, budget, prior altitude experience, and overall physical fitness. Longer climbs have the highest success rates and we recommend taking a minimum of 6 days to climb Kilimanjaro.
