Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa (5,895m), can be climbed year-round, but some months offer significantly better conditions than others. The best times are during the dry seasons when the weather is more predictable, skies are clearer, and trails are in better condition.

Best Climbing Seasons

A. January to Mid-March – Warm and Dry

✅ Advantages

• Generally warm, especially at lower altitudes.
• Clear skies in the morning and evening.
• Less crowded than peak season (June–October).
• Good success rate for summiting due to stable weather.

❌ Disadvantages

• Possible short rains in the afternoon.
• Snowfall at the summit is possible, making it slightly challenging.

➡ Recommended for climbers who prefer fewer crowds and relatively warm conditions.

B. June to October – Peak Climbing Season

✅ Advantages

• One of the driest periods with little rain.
• Excellent visibility for scenic views.
• Ideal for photographers due to clear skies.
• Higher success rates due to better trail conditions.

❌ Disadvantages

• Most crowded season (especially July–August).
• Cooler temperatures, especially at night and at the summit.

➡ Recommended for those who want the most reliable weather conditions and don’t mind more crowds.

Times to Avoid (Rainy Seasons)

A. Mid-March to May – Long Rainy Season

❌ Disadvantages

• Heavy rains make trails slippery and muddy.
• Poor visibility due to cloud cover.
• Higher risk of altitude sickness due to humid conditions.
• Fewer climbers, meaning some support services may be reduced.

➡ Not recommended unless you prefer extreme challenges and solitude.

B. November to Early December – Short Rainy Season

❌ Disadvantages

• Less intense rain than in April but still unpredictable.
• Slippery trails, making the ascent harder.
• Cloudy conditions reducing visibility.

✅ Advantages

• Fewer climbers on the mountain.

➡ Not the best time, but possible if you want fewer crowds and don’t mind some rain.

Best Routes Based on Season

Some Kilimanjaro routes are better suited for different times of the year.

A. Dry Season Routes (Best Year-Round)

• Lemosho Route (8 days) – Scenic, high success rate, less crowded.
• Machame Route (7 days) – Beautiful views, popular, but busy.
• Rongai Route (6-7 days) – Only route from the north, drier in wet seasons.

B. Wet Season Routes (For Experienced Climbers)

• Rongai Route – Less rainfall on the north side.
• Northern Circuit Route – Longest route (9 days), allows better acclimatization.

Which Season is Right for You?

• If you want the easiest climb → January–February or August–September
• If you prefer fewer crowds → March or November (with some rain risk)
• If you want to avoid the coldest conditions → January–March
• If you want the best success rate → June–October