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Weather
Kilimanjaro is climbable throughout the year. The ideal time to climb is during the dry season, especially just after the rains have finished. The dry seasons run from June to late September, and from December to February. Though, as climatic conditions become more unpredictable many trekkers also visit Kilimanjaro during March, October and November.
The major rainy season is from March to May and the short rains are during November. These months have the fewest climbers, as the downfalls can be massive, turning to snow at higher elevations.
Temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius at the foot of the mountain and -15 to -20 degrees Celsius on top plus wind chill. The mountain is most picturesque right after the main rainy season with the snow still visible. Since Kilimanjaro is located near the Equator, it can be quite hot at the bottom. However, you are not there long, and it gets cold quickly particularly at night. It is usually clear in the mornings and in the evenings, but clouds move in late morning sometimes bringing rain or snow in the afternoon. Views of the summit can be seen earlier in the morning and also at sunset. At nighttime, you will see the lights of Moshi below you, and, of course, the spectacular Southern Cross grouping in the sky.
Mt. Meru can be seen further along, and the town of Arusha, which is at its base.
At the Equator, the time of sunrise and sunset do not vary significantly from one season to another. Sunrise will be around 6:30am and sunset will be around 6:30pm.
| Average Monthly Temperatures High/Low (F) |
 |
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| Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| 86 |
85 |
84 |
84 |
83 |
82 |
79 |
81 |
85 |
88 |
89 |
88 |
| 65 |
64 |
63 |
58 |
50 |
45 |
44 |
46 |
52 |
63 |
64 |
65 |
Health
Although many thousands of trekkers reach Gilman’s Point or Uhuru Peak successfully every year without any real difficulty, many others do not make it to the top because they suffer from altitude sickness. To avoid this, it is very important to acclimatise by ascending slowly, (pole pole in Kiswahili) and steadily.
You are strongly advised to consult your physician for a thorough medical check-up and clearance before attempting the mountain. Should you require any medication whatsoever, you must provide your own and be able to administer it yourself. Medical supplies in Tanzania are not reliable or guaranteed.
Talk to your doctor about the following:
- Vaccinations
- Taking malaria pills on the mountain
- Altitude sickness
- Prescriptions and medication you are currently taking
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