Because Kilimanjaro sits close to the equator, it does not have four seasons. It has two dry periods and two rainy periods, and the weather changes with altitude on every climb: warm and humid in the rainforest, cold and dry near the summit.
The two dry seasons: the usual best choice
January to mid-March and June to October are the most reliable months. Trails are drier, skies are clearer and views are better.
- June to October is the busiest period, with the most stable weather. July and August are the peak. Expect more people on the popular routes and in camps.
- January to mid-March is warmer than mid-year and usually quieter. Nights near the summit are still very cold. Clear mornings are common, though cloud and snow can come at any time.
The rainy seasons
The long rains fall from about late March to May, and the short rains arrive around November. Paths can be muddy, the forest is wet, and cloud often hides the view. Fewer people climb in these months, which means quiet trails, and some travellers like that. If you go, choose a route and itinerary with good wet-weather arrangements, pack a very good rain shell and accept that conditions will be less predictable.
Month by month
- January and February: dry, clear, cold at the top. Good balance of weather and crowds.
- March: the rains start toward the end of the month.
- April and May: wettest. Quietest trails and the most weather risk.
- June: rains end, trails dry out, cool and clear.
- July and August: peak season, stable weather, busiest routes.
- September and October: dry and good, a little warmer, slightly fewer people than July and August.
- November: short rains, with showers in the afternoon.
- December: usually drier again. It gets busy around the holidays.
Full moon summit nights
Summit night begins around midnight and the final climb is done in the dark. Some trekkers time their climb around a full moon for extra light. It is a nice touch, but not essential: you will have a headlamp, and weather and your acclimatisation matter far more than the moon.
Whenever you go: the cold at the top is the same
The summit is far below freezing in every month and the wind is strong. Prepare for it with the right layers, as described in our Kilimanjaro packing list.
What we suggest
If you can choose freely, pick January to early March or June to October, and add a day to your itinerary rather than shortening it. If your dates are fixed, tell us and we will explain what to expect for your month.
Updated 15 October 2026
