Best Time To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro: The Two Trekking Seasons

People from all around the world travel to Tanzania to visit and trek through its most popular tourist attraction, Mount Kilimanjaro. Its grassy pathways and snowy caps have become the glamor and pride of Tanzania, so much so that now many tourists book Tanzania safari packages to experience the bustling wilderness of this beautiful African landscape.

Usually, people who embark on the arduous journey to map the Mount Kilimanjaro elevation prepare in advance since the voyage takes days or even weeks to complete! But the question is, how does one plan to trek Mount Kilimanjaro? And what is the best time to embark on this journey?

Realistically, if you have a steady foot and a determined mind, Mount Kilimanjaro is good to climb all year round. However, the fact remains that some months are just better than others. That is because some months bring heavier rains and loads of snow onto the summit, making climbing Kilimanjaro for beginners challenging.

Luckily, this blog will make it easier for you to plan your trip to Mount Kilimanjaro Africa as it will let you know the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. So, without wasting any more time, let us begin!

Winds

The deciding factor in any Kilimanjaro trek is the interaction of trade winds with the structure of the mountain. This projects the conditions that one will face once close to the summit while also determining the humidity and possibility of rain. The Southeast winds that travel over the Indian Ocean carry large amounts of moisture.

As they collide with the massive structure of Mount Kilimanjaro, they are forced to move upwards, ultimately condensing and forming clouds. These clouds accommodate all the precipitation that the air holds and rains down onto the mountain. All this occurs during March to May, making that period of time the wettest season in Kilimanjaro. As for the Southern Slopes, they are particularly susceptible to rain during this time in the year.

Strong anti-trade winds from the Northeast carry very minimal moisture and their effect lasts from April through to October, keeping the Southeast trade winds below them. This causes these particular months to appear dry and cloudy. Along this time frame, precipitation is generally seen happening in the lower slopes.

Choose the Correct Route

Choosing the appropriate route to trek makes a bigger difference than most seem to realize. As you walk through the vegetation-filled pathways or the snow covered rocky terrain, the wildlife you encounter across your Tanzania safari tour heavily depends on the weather conditions. Choosing sunlit and less foggy terrains is essential to make the most of your Tanzania safari package. It allows you to fully take in the beauty of the majestic safari in Tanzania.

If you have already planned your Tanzania safari tour through Kilimanjaro in April or May, there is no need to panic or cancel the tour. You can simply go through a better route along the Northern end of Kilimanjaro called the Rongai route. It is generally drier than its southern counterparts during these months.

Visit During the Right Months

Two seasons are perfect for activities like a safari in Tanzania or a trek through Mount Kilimanjaro Africa. They are:

January to March

Throughout January to March, there is a higher probability that you might encounter snow on the summit. It might not cater to your personal preferences of a great hike but the benefits include smooth snowy slopes that provide an aesthetic as well as adventurous tinge to the landscapes from January to March. On top of all that, the undiscovered potential of these regions during the specified months allow tourists to enjoy their trek without the hassle of an overcrowded mountain. Talk about convenience!

June to October

This time period overlaps with summer vacations all across North America and Europe, thus making the crowded routes come across as an obvious consequence. As it might be apparent to you by now, the trekking pathways are packed and every route is congested.

March, April and November

These months continue to be excessively humid and rainy, making them unfit for trekking Kilimanjaro or for safaris in Tanzania.

December to May

If you visit Kilimanjaro during this timeline, you are destined to encounter heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. In case this is when you intend to trek to Mount Kilimanjaro, then warm clothes are a must!

Conclusion

If you still find yourself confused as to which months you should choose for your voyage, worry not! The most optimal set of months for a Kilimanjaro trek are January, February and March. If you prefer a colder and snowier trek, go for it during December to May. Now, March, April, November bundled with some months between June to October, constitute the time period that is not ideal for the Kilimanjaro trek. This completes the entire list of months suitable and unsuitable for you to plan your trip to Mount Kilimanjaro Africa. Bon Voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which route is the least crowded during the trek?

Ans. It depends. Most routes are filled up by enthusiastic travelers during June to October but in the months with lower crowds, you can go by the Northern Circuit routes. They allow tourists much more space than Southern Circuit routes and are generally the less used ones. What’s more, they also offer the remaining true glory of wildlife on Kilimanjaro.

Q2. Should I pack for colder weather?

Ans. Only if you’re planning to go during the months of December, January, February or May, or if you’re planning to go to the higher summits of the mountain.

Q3. How many days does it take to reach the first summit?

Ans. On average, it takes about five to seven nights, depending on which route you take.