When Is the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro?

When I climbed Kilimanjaro in August, we didn’t see a single drop of rain. Clear skies, open views, dry boots—everything just worked. The views were spectacular from the first day, and there was something steady and calm about the weather. Yes, summit night was brutally cold, but it was dry. And that makes a real difference. When your gear stays dry, your clothes stay warm, and your pace feels more manageable. You don’t spend half your time trying to dry things out or avoid puddles on the trail.

The dry season also makes life easier for the crew. Tents have to go up and come down every day, and doing that in the rain is just miserable. It slows everything down, and no one sleeps well when their sleeping bag is damp. A dry camp is a comfortable camp. For the porters, the guides, and for you. So if you’re choosing when to climb, and you’re not tied to a specific month, the dry season has one clear advantage: it keeps the mountain logistics running smoothly for everyone involved.

January – March: Warm and Clear, with Fewer Crowds

This is the first dry season of the year, and it’s a great time to be on the mountain. Skies are usually clear in the morning, with some cloud build-up in the afternoon. Temperatures are relatively warm for Kilimanjaro standards, especially on the lower slopes. It’s also a quieter time to climb—fewer people means less crowded trails and campsites. If you're looking for a more peaceful experience with decent weather, this is a good window.

Recommended routes: Lemosho or Machame. Both give you beautiful scenery, and in this period you’ll likely have a bit more space to enjoy it.

April – May: Rain, Mud, and Low Visibility

This is the long rainy season. Trails can be slippery, camps muddy, and the views—when they come—are short-lived. Fewer people climb during these months, and that’s reflected in the conditions. The upside? It’s quieter, and some operators may offer lower prices. But you need to be prepared for wet gear, more time in your tent, and a bit less comfort overall.

Recommended only for: Experienced trekkers who don’t mind rain and want the mountain to themselves. If you do go, consider the Marangu Route—hut accommodation helps when everything is soaked.

June – August: Cool, Dry, and Busy

This is the heart of the second dry season and one of the most popular periods to climb. The trails are dry, visibility is excellent, and success rates are high. It’s also colder, especially at night and during summit push—but dry cold is better than wet and cold. Expect more people on the trails and at camps, especially in July and August. I climbed in August and found the conditions close to perfect.

Recommended routes: Lemosho and Rongai. Lemosho offers great acclimatisation, while Rongai is drier and less crowded—a smart pick in peak season.

September – October: Still Dry, Slightly Warmer

The dry weather continues, and the crowds start to thin out a bit in late September. It’s still a great time to climb, with solid trail conditions and mostly clear skies. It’s a bit warmer than June–August, especially at lower altitudes, which some trekkers prefer. October is a transition month, so toward the end, you may see signs of the short rains approaching.

Recommended routes: Any of the main routes work well here—Machame, Lemosho, or the Northern Circuit if you want more solitude.

November – December: Short Rains and a Mixed Bag

November brings the short rainy season. It's not as intense as April–May, but still wet enough to affect your experience. Expect on-and-off rain, misty mornings, and some beautiful moments in between. December sees more climbers, especially during the holidays, and conditions can improve toward the end of the year.

Recommended routes: Marangu again makes sense for hut shelter. Rongai is also a strong option, as it lies in the rain shadow and tends to stay drier.

There’s something special about reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro under a full moon. The path is lit up naturally, your headlamp can stay off, and the mountain feels calm and surreal in that soft white glow. Many trekkers time their climb so that summit night lines up with the full moon, and for good reason—it really does add something to the experience. The glaciers sparkle, the views stretch further, and the whole atmosphere feels a little more magical. If you’re already planning to climb during the dry season, matching your summit with a full moon can be a great extra.

That said, you won’t be the only one with that idea. Full moon dates are popular, so the mountain—and especially summit night—can get busy. If you like the idea of fewer people on the trail, going just before or just after the full moon still gives you good visibility and often better conditions at camp. Either way, if you’re keen on catching that full moon summit, plan ahead. We keep an up-to-date list of full moon dates and help our clients line up the timing during the booking process at Bookatrekking.com. Find the dates for the upcoming years below:

If you’re looking for the short answer: aim for the dry season. That means either from January to early March or from June to October. These months give you the best combination of clear skies, dry trails, and a good shot at a safe, comfortable summit. Between the two dry seasons, the June to October window stands out for its reliability. I climbed in August myself, and the weather couldn’t have been better: no rain, great views, and a straightforward summit night. Cold, yes. But dry. And that matters.

But here’s the real answer: the best time to climb is when it fits your schedule, your expectations, and your tolerance for crowds or weather. January and February are great if you want quieter trails and don’t mind a bit more heat. June through August is ideal if you want predictability, even if it means sharing the trail with more trekkers. September and October offer a nice middle ground. And if you don’t mind some rain or want a quieter mountain, even the shoulder months can work with the right prep. There’s no single best month for everyone. But there’s definitely a best time for you. And we’ll help you find it.

Still not sure when to go? Drop your questions in the comments or get in touch with us. Whether you want to catch the full moon, avoid the crowds, or just find a time that works with your busy work schedule: we’re here to help you figure it out.