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.

However, although these are considered to be the best times to climb the mountain in terms of weather, they are also the busiest months.

Here, we break down Kilimanjaro climbing season, off-peak alternatives and times to avoid, plus other factors to consider, so you can plan the best time to take on this mountain adventure.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in January & February

January and February are two of the best months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and therefore also the most popular. They are the warmest months, so you can expect clear, sunny skies in the mornings and evenings, however clouds may appear in the afternoons and you may experience some rain.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in March, April & May

The long rainy season starts at the end of March and continues through to early June. We do not recommend climbing Kilimanjaro during this time, as the trails can be very wet, muddy and snowy.

Climbing in the rain is likely to be less enjoyable and means you’ll miss out on the spectacular views and photo opportunities. On the other hand, if you do choose to trek at this time of year, you’ll avoid the crowds on the trails (even the most popular routes can offer solitude, peace and tranquillity) and at the campsites.

What’s more, some people relish the idea of climbing Kilimanjaro when the summit is likely to be snow-capped, as this can add an additional element of challenge (as well as beautiful landscapes) to your mountain trekking adventure.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in June

June sees the transition from the rainy season to the dry season, so this month tends to be much drier than March, April and May. However, you should be prepared for cold temperatures and the skies are typically still cloudy, which means that you won’t necessarily have such impressive view.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in July, August, September or October

From July until the end of October, conditions are generally colder, but much drier than the previous months. Whilst there is a chance of getting rained on throughout the year, particularly as you trek through the rainforest and moorlands, typically precipitation is low and infrequent.

If you remain dry, you’ll be more comfortable and the trek will be a more enjoyable experience overall. Another advantage of climbing during these months is that you’ll have clear and sunny skies, and spectacular views.

The disadvantage of trekking during these months is that the trails can become quite busy, however some people welcome the opportunity to chat with other groups at the campsites. After all, team spirit is essential for pushing yourself to the summit.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in November

Tanzania’s short rainy season starts at the beginning of November and continues until the beginning of December. Afternoon rains are common, but you can expect clear skies in the mornings and evenings. This is not considered an ideal month to trek Mount Kilimanjaro, as conditions can be very wet, muddy and slippery.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in December

The short rainy season often runs into December, however this is still a popular time to climb Mount 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.

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What Our Happy Clients Say About us

     Excellent  
     Based on 182 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Storyteller80193 
 2023-04-16
 
 
 Verified Awesome Kili trek thanks to Sirikwa’s great service!
Our group of six did a Kilimanjaro trek on the Machame route. The Sirikwa team was there for us every step of the way. Starting with airport pickups at all kinds of hours, arranging a waterfall hike the day before the trek, and making a very early morning run to the airport to retrieve a delayed bag just a couple of hours before departing for the park. The crew on the mountain is generally made up of freelancers who work for different trekking companies, but you could tell that Sirikwa’s management knew how to recruit and motivate a great group. We were well looked after on the mountain, the gear was first rate and our entire group made it to the summit. I struggled quite a bit on the descent but the guides and porters helped me through it, all with a smile. We were the first group to use Sirkwa’s new guest house in Moshi. It was a bit of a soft launch and you could see how it would shape up to be a great place for groups to stay pre/post their trek. Oinoth’s accommodating our request for pizza the night of our return was one last personal touch before we departed. I look forward to returning to Tanzania and experiencing Sirikwa’s great service on a safari.
  
 
       
   Usha G 
 2023-04-12
 
 
 Verified Best Kilimanjaro and Safari Experience Thanks to Sirikwa
I had a best ever experience with Sirikwa Tours on my Tanzania travel. Every question and email was answered quickly before and during the travel. Ole went above and beyond to help me in every step. Asante Kaka During the trip The team made me feel that they were there to help at any time. Care & attention to every single bit, from the porters to the cook and huge backbone the guide on my trek. The entire Tours team was perfect from day one. Trek : The food was good sleeping tents were perfect ; hot water, drinking water, physical and mental support all to the mark, perfectly orchestrated. The summit day was a challenge; very thankful to my crew for an experience of a lifetime! wholeheartedly recommend Sirikwa Tours to anyone seeking to trek up Mt Kilimanjaro. Safari : The safari part of my trip was amazing, often dazzling. Benny was my driver. He endeavoured to provide me with the best safari experience possible, One of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. a little bit of luck resulted in some experiences I will never forget (I got some amazing photos). Night stay at the cottages was also wonderful experience. Sirikwa deserves all the stars. I will definitely recommend team to anyone looking for the best experience in Tanzania.
  
 
       
   Grant V 
 2023-04-01
 
 
 Verified Mount Kilimanjaro
Such an incredible journey! The whole experience was perfect. Leone and Jonathon guided us safely, Abbas and Pray kept us fed, Mr. Machame carried the heaviest loads, Joshua and Ramadan and the rest of the group made sure we were comfortable. Thank you for the trip of a lifetime. We hope to see the entire crew again soon.
  
 
       
   Armen Hammer 
 2023-04-01
 
 
 Verified Truly Spectacular Kilimanjaro climb and Safari experience!
Sirikwa Travel Rocks! Because of a friend's recommendation, I booked our 12-day Tanzania trip through Sirikwa. We spent 7 days climbing Kilimanjaro and 4 days on a Safari. Our booking with Sirikwa included everything, food, lodging, transportation, and full support with guides, porters, chefs, etc from the moment we landed at Kilimanjaro airport until 12 days later when we were dropped off at the airport. Our Kilimanjaro climb is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that was perfectly organized by Sirikwa. Our group consisted of myself, my son, and a good friend of mine. For the Kilimanjaro climb Sirikwa provided 2 stellar guides (Jonathan and Leone), a chef, and 9 porters who were absolutely amazing. They were friendly, knew what they were doing, and worked their butts off to get us up and down the mountain. I can't say enough positive things about how great our support crew was. If you are thinking of doing the Kilimanjaro climb I would not look anywhere else. Their prices were about half what American tour companies quoted us and their service was truly spectacular. The same thing goes for our Safari. Our guide (Benny) was friendly, knowledgeable, and patient, could see animals and birds in the bushes or trees a mile away. We traveled through Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Tarangire national parks. Again, if you are going to spend time in Tanzania and you need any type of tour booked....don't even bother looking elsewhere...book with Sirikwa, because you will get an amazing experience at a very reasonable price.
  
 
       
   765britav 
 2023-03-28
 
 
 Verified Perfect Tanzanian Safari + Beach Holiday with Sirikwa Travel
Sirikwa Travel arranged the most perfect nine-day Tanzanian safari plus four-day Zanzibar beach holiday for my best friend and me. Ole Sirikwa was instrumental during the planning phase of our trip, recommending the top national parks and other sights based upon the number of days we had available and prioritizing the things we wanted to see. Upon landing at Kilimanjaro, literally everything from that point forward was taken care of for us - transportation, tours, hotels and meals. Just a few of the places Sirkiwa took us in Tanzania were Mkomazi National Park, Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire, the Serval Wildlife Rescue and the Osiligilai Masai Lodge. I saw the most beautiful landscapes and SO MUCH WILDLIFE. I am still overwhelmed by the sheer volume of animals we saw, including the Big 5. In Zanizibar we saw Stone Town, Jambo Spice Farms and we spent a few days at Amaan Bungalows, right on the sea where I have never seen such clear water. We had a private boat for a snorkeling tour and the team prepared a fresh seafood lunch for us to eat right on the ship. To cover all of the ground we did, we stayed in a number of different hotels along the way and they were all of a high standard and felt safe and secure. We even stayed at the Tukaone Camp right within the Serengeti which was incredible - we had a tent with a shower, a four poster bed all while being able to hear the distant roars of lions in the night. I also want to mention the meals arranged for us as well. My friend and I are both vegetarian and not once did we arrive somewhere where this wasn't already taken care of. While on safari we often were provided a prepared lunch that our guide picked up for us in the morning and the food was always plentiful and delicious. The guides used by the Sirikwa team are of the highest caliber. Every guide we interacted with was professional, courteous, knowledgeable and really awesome people to spend time with - which was good because you spend a LOT of time with your guides! In particular, Ben was our guide for several of the days we spent in the national parks. You could just tell how well he knew the parks and was eager to ensure we saw absolutely every animal we could. Ben was also so accommodating, stopping for us to catch a better look at a bird or animal more times than I can count. Alfred was another amazing guide that we had the pleasure of spending time with, as he took us to both the Maturuni Falls one day and the Chemka Hot Springs another day. Alfred was kind, funny and even made sure I was able to get the proper football jerseys for my nephews. Ole was incredible as well, literally checking in with us on a daily basis to ensure we were happy and well taken care of. I have never utilized a guide service prior to this trip and I am not sure I want to travel any other way again! The costs were clearly outlined at the time of booking and, compared to what I have seen from other similar tours, were incredibly reasonable given the private tours, quality of accommodations and meals included. There were no surprises (other than positive ones!) along the way. It was honestly the trip of a lifetime and I give all the credit to Ole and the Sirikwa Team. I can't recommend Ole Sirikwa and the team more highly.
  
 
       
   Judith J 
 2023-03-24
 
 
 Verified 9 Day Safari + 4 Days in Zanzibar
I highly, highly recommend Sirikwa Travel. My best friend and I did a nine day safari in Tanzania's northern circuit of national parks and then four days in Zanzibar. It was an absolutely amazing trip of a lifetime! Sirikwa Travel handled absolutely everything and exceeded our expectations in every way possible. Ole Sirikwa, the owner/operator of Sirikwa Travel, was very responsive during the planning stages of our trip and extremely accommodating of our requests to give us our dream trip. Even before stepping off the plane, I felt like we were in good hands. From the moment we landed in Tanzania, everything was handled professionally and courteously. We had very nice accommodations and excellent food. The drivers and guides were very friendly, knowledgeable and just wonderful people. Our guide Ben, who spent four straight days with us, was the best guide one could hope for. His experience was obvious as was his vast knowledge of the parks and wildlife. I am an avid birder and he was excellent at spotting birds and knew many calls. The other guides told us he was a legend and we definitely saw why. During our nine days in Tanzania and four days in Zanzibar, we saw 30 mammal species (including lions, black rhinos, leopards and a cheetah) in the wild, 136 species of birds and 6 species of reptiles. In Tanzania, we visited Mkomazi National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Tarangire NP, Arusha NP, Serval Wildlife Rescue, Osiligilai Masai Lodge and Chemka Hot Spring. In Zanzibar, we stayed at the fabulous Freddy Mercury house at Tembo House Hotel (the most Wes Andersonian place I've ever seen). We toured Stone Town, snorkeled and had an amazing seafood lunch by Kwale Island, toured Jambo Spice Farm and spent a couple of days at the beautiful beach resort, Amaan Bungalows. Ole checked in with us daily and there was literally never a moment of the trip that all of my needs weren't taken care of. Guides went above and beyond every day. For example, I kept misplacing my pencil to record all of the birds species I was seeing, so our guide Alfred stopped at a store and bought me a pack of pencils!! From reservations, arrangements, transportation to meals and accommodations, I can't think of one single thing that wasn't just perfect. The trip cost exactly what was quoted with no hidden fees. We felt it was an exceptional value.
  
 
       
   SF 
 2023-03-22
 
 
 Verified As Advertised
Sirikwa handled everything. Very responsive and respectful, didn't need to worry about local or hidden fees. Exactly as advertised. The trek was great!
  
 
       
   Raghuraj 
 2022-12-31
 
 
 Verified An Amazing Climb to Uhuru Peak
We had the perfect climb to Kilimanjaro with Leone & Jonathan. It was an amazing experience, and the support team of guides, chef & porter made sure that we were very comfortable along the way. Will highly recommend Sirikwa Travels for all & any adventure exploits! Can’t wait to go back again :).
  
 
       
   Haik M 
 2022-10-06
 
 
 Verified Lemosho Route - Kilimanjaro top life-changing experience!
Had my best experience in life climbing Kilimanjaro with Sirikwa Travel team. Exceptional team from back office to front line kili warriors. Everything was taken care in details. Cant thank enough the excellent support, help and organization!
  
 
       
   camillegalin 
 2022-07-21
 
 
 Verified MEILLEURE EXPÉRIENCE
J’ai réservé l’ascension du Kilimanjaro par la voie Machame en 7j avec Sirikwa. Les demandes de renseignements sont claires, la documentation est complète. Les échanges sont faciles et rapide avec le directeur de l’agence ! Malgré mes péripéties et le retard de mes bagages par la compagnie aérienne (fréquent sur le continent quand on discute avec d’autres voyageurs, prévoir quelques jours de battement ça évitera beaucoup de stress) l’agence s’est occupé du problème, à su me proposer des alternatives et finalement trouver une solution. J’ai réalisé l’ascension avec une équipe fabuleuse : Jonathan, Abass, Janja, Nngabo, Omari et . Je recommende x1000 pour leur gentillesse, professionnalisme et encouragements permanent ! Si c’était à refaire je referai exactement la même chose. Si j’ai pu y arriver c’est grâce à une équipe en or. Je n’oublierai jamais cette aventure !