Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (2025 Guide)
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and one of the world’s most sought-after trekking adventures. If you’re planning your trip, one of the most important decisions is choosing the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. Weather, trail conditions, crowd levels, and your personal comfort all depend on when you go.
In this 2025 guide, we break down the climbing seasons, month-by-month weather, and what to expect so you can make the most informed decision.
🗓️ Two Main Climbing Seasons
- January to mid-March
- Clear skies, warm daytime temperatures, and excellent visibility.
- Occasional short rain showers at lower altitudes.
- Fewer climbers than the summer high season.
- Great for photography (crisp views of summit and glaciers).
- June to October
- Most popular and driest season.
- Best overall weather conditions—low rainfall, warm days, cold nights.
- Routes can be busy, especially Machame and Marangu.
- Ideal for first-time climbers or those looking for group treks.
🌧️ Rainy Seasons to Avoid
Mount Kilimanjaro experiences two rainy periods each year, which can make trails slippery and summit views less reliable:
- Long Rains: Mid-March to end of May
- Short Rains: Early November to mid-December
Climbing during these periods is possible, but only recommended for experienced trekkers or those choosing lesser-traveled routes like Rongai, which receives less rainfall.
📊 Month-by-Month Breakdown
| Month | Weather | Conditions | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Dry, warm | Good visibility | ✅ Yes |
| February | Dry, mild | Best summit views | ✅ Yes |
| March | Light rains begin | Muddy lower trails | ⚠️ Early March only |
| April | Heavy rain | Poor visibility | ❌ No |
| May | Heavy rain | Risk of trail closures | ❌ No |
| June | Dry, cooler | Start of busy season | ✅ Yes |
| July | Dry, cold nights | Peak crowds | ✅ Yes |
| August | Clear, cold | Summit ice possible | ✅ Yes |
| September | Stable, drier | Great all-around | ✅ Yes |
| October | Dry to light rain | Less crowded | ✅ Good |
| November | Short rains | Slippery trails | ❌ Not ideal |
| December | Variable | Clearing by late month | ⚠️ Late Dec only |
🛣️ What About Route Choice?
- Lemosho and Machame: Best in dry months (Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct)
- Rongai: Great in wetter months (March–May, November) due to less rainfall
- Marangu: Avoid in rainy season due to high hut traffic and slippery terrain
✅ Expert Tip:
If you’re choosing a company, make sure they offer flexible departure dates during your ideal climbing window. Locally owned companies tend to adjust better to weather and offer more personalized service.
🔚 Final Thoughts
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro depends on your personal preferences for weather, crowd size, and scenery. In general, the dry seasons from January to mid-March and June to October offer the best overall experience.
🧭 Want to know which tour companies are best during your climbing window?
Check out our Top 5 Kilimanjaro Tour Operators
