When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
There are many factors to consider when to hike Kilimanjaro: the weather, moon phase, crowds and price. Also, if you are combining your Kilimanjaro climb with a safari, it is important to consider wildlife conditions and the location of the wildebeest migration. When planning to hike Kilimanjaro consider what climbing conditions will make you most comfortable while climbing and camping. Keep in mind that our equipment is high-end, four-season mountaineering equipment that is rated to withstand high winds, rain and snow. You will be dry in your tent even if it is raining or snowing during your climb.
What are the weather conditions on Kilimanjaro?
The driest months on Kilimanjaro are from July to September. These months are reliably dry year after year, and if you are trying to avoid being wet on the mountain this is the best time to climb. These months are also the most crowded on the mountain not only because of the dry conditions, but also because of summer vacations in Europe and North America, and also because it is a great time to see the wildebeest migration in the Northern Serengeti. Keep in mind that dry conditions create a lot of dust, so if you are sensitive to dust it is usually better to climb when there is some rain. Please watch our videos describing an 8-day Northern Circuit climb during the middle of dry season.
The rains are more unpredictable than they used to be, and there can be rain any time from October through February if the short rains are delayed or the long rains start early. We operate a lot of climbs even when it is raining, and this should not deter you from climbing Kilimanjaro. Our mountaineering mess and sleeping tents are waterproof and replaced often. If you climb during the off season you benefit from lower prices (during some months) and a less crowded climbing experience.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro if I want to see the wildebeest migration?
Our guests like to book their Kilimanjaro climbs to coincide with great wildlife experiences. We are busy on the mountain from the months of December through February, when the wildebeest migration congregates on the plains of the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu. We are again very busy on Kilimanjaro from the months of July through September, when the wildebeest migration is the Northern Serengeti crossing back and forth over the Mara River.
When is the best time of year to hike Kilimanjaro during a full moon?
Many people try to coordinate their midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s summit, over a full moon. As most routes summit at night, it is much easier to see when there is a full moon. Hiking during and around a full moon will enhance your visibility throughout the climb, but especially during the approximate 6 hour night hike from base camp to the summit. We recommend avoiding summiting on the exact date of the full moon as that summit date is always very popular on the mountain and many group tours are planned to summit with the full moon. If you summit a day or two before or after, it will still be very bright and you will avoid many of the large group tours.
Full moon dates for 2022, 2023 and 2024 are listed below. As there is a full moon approximately every 29 days, there are roughly 12 full moon dates each year.
When is the best time of year to summit Kilimanjaro during a new moon?
For those interested in seeing the starry skies while climbing Kilimanjaro, planning your trek during a new moon is a better option. Due to the lack of light pollution from the areas surrounding Kilimanjaro, views of the stars and night sky is amazing on Kilimanjaro and in Tanzania in general. New moon dates are listed below.
