Mount Kilimanjaro Weather
Weather on Mount Kilimanjaro
The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro is highly variable and is influenced more by altitude and time of day than by season. At the base of the mountain, temperatures typically range from 21 to 27°C (70 to 80°F), offering relatively warm conditions. However, as you climb higher, the temperature steadily decreases, and at the summit, Uhuru Peak, nighttime temperatures can plummet to between -7 and -29°C (20 to -20°F). This drastic temperature drop as you ascend is one of the most challenging aspects of the climb.
Mount Kilimanjaro generates its own weather systems, making conditions difficult to predict. Hikers may encounter a wide range of weather phenomena, including warm sunshine, rain, wind, cold, and even snow, all in a single day. The mountain has two main rainy seasons: the long rainy season from March to May, which brings heavy rain to the lower slopes and snow to the higher elevations, and a shorter, milder rainy season in November, when the northern slopes receive most of the rainfall.
Due to Kilimanjaro’s location near the equator, there are no significant seasonal temperature changes. Instead, the temperature is primarily influenced by altitude, with higher elevations experiencing much colder conditions. For this reason, climbers must be well-equipped with the appropriate gear to handle the wide range of weather conditions they might face during their ascent.
Kilimanjaro Weather Month by Month
The Long Dry Season: June to September
The long dry season is a great time of year to climb the mountain. Temperatures are a little colder than the short dry season (January and February) but overall conditions are excellent with very little chance of precipitation.
The Short Wet Season: October,November and December
The short rains come between October and December. The timing of this season is a bit less predictable than during the long rains. We don’t recommend climbing once the rains have set in. Average temperature of 76°F (24.4°C) with rain slowly increasing in frequency with partly cloudy skies.
The Short Dry  January to February
This is a popular time to trek Kilimanjaro. Especially during late January and into February, temperatures are generally a bit warmer than between June and October. Though this can vary from year to year.
The Long Wet Season: March to May
Towards the end of March, when the trade winds blowing across the Indian ocean come in contact with the mountain, the long rains begin. We don’t offer climbs during this season as the rain can be heavy, making the trails wet and dangerous.
Kilimanjaro Weather on the summit
Most trekkers start their climb to the summit at around midnight. It’s bitterly cold, often with snow or ice on the trail. We aim to get to Uhuru Peak at sunrise, as mostly the skies clear and you’ll be treated to vast panoramic views of Mawenzi and out over the African plains. At the summit, Uhuru Point, the night time temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Due to Mount Kilimanjaro’s great height, the mountain creates it’s own weather.