What Time of Year Should I Climb Kilimanjaro?

If you are thinking about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro then there are many aspects that you need to understand to help you with your preparation; one of the first things that you may wish to consider is the time of year that you wish to go.

There are two rainy seasons on Kilimanjaro that you should avoid to ensure you get the best weather on the mountain. Typically people climb Kilimanjaro between December to March and July to October. The best weather is usually found at the beginning of the year between the months of January and March, this is also usually the warmest and driest months of the year.

The other advantage of avoiding the rainy seasons is that there are drier and clearer mornings and you will have a better chance of having a fantastic sunrise for your summit night. Temperatures on the mountain are generally warmer during the drier seasons and are usually around 30 degrees Celsius in the rainforest areas at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro and temperatures can drop to as low as minus 25 degrees celsius at the summit - Uhuru Peak.

On your way to the summit you will pass through five climate zones, starting in the rainforest and arctic conditions at the top of Kilimanjaro. Although not technical equipment is required to climb Kilimanjaro, the clothing you take needs to be carefully selected to coping with a vast range in temperatures and four seasons of weather in a week.

The best way to dress for life on Kilimanjaro is to take thin layers that can be added to as the conditions change and the temperatures drop, a good set of waterproofs is also required keep the elements out and protect you from sudden downpours and keep the wind out. Once you have decided which month you would like to climb the next step is choosing your route to the summit.

By : Phil_Sayers