Kilimanjaro Weather: What To Expect

Because Mount Kilimanjaro is such a large geographic structure it essentially creates its weather.

However, as Kilimanjaro is in the tropics, there isn’t much seasonality to the weather.

Instead, Kilimanjaro weather and temperatures vary significantly by day and night, and by altitude. Hikers need to be prepared for big changes in temperature throughout the day, and as they ascend in altitude. This is why layering is so important (see our guide to Kilimanjaro gear and specific clothing for Kilimanjaro).

In this article, we have provided an overview of the types of weather you can expect on Kilimanjaro, as well as outlined historical weather patterns for each of Kilimanjaro’s climatic zones.

Mount Kilimanjaro Weather

Kilimanjaro’s weather can best be understood by studying the dominant trade and anti-trade winds that pass through the region.

Why?

Because winds carry moisture from the ocean. When they hit large objects, like mountains, they rise, cool and condense, forming clouds and precipitation (i.e. rain and snow).

Two main winds drive weather patterns on Mount Kilimanjaro – the South-east trade winds and Northeast anti-trade winds. We explain the influence of each wind below.

Trade and Anti-Trade Winds

South-East Trade Winds

The South-East trade winds from the Indian Ocean arrive around mid-March and last well into May (before being interrupted by the North-East Anti trade winds).

These winds carry loads of moisture from the Indian ocean so when they eventually hit the massive structure of Mount Kilimanjaro and are forced upwards, they form large rain clouds, and the ‘heavens open.

Mid-March through to the end of May is therefore the wet season on Mount Kilimanjaro and not a great time for trekking.

That being said, as these winds blow from the South most of the rain falls on the southern side of Kilimanjaro.

The Northern slopes tend to be buffeted by the winds and therefore receive considerably less rain during this time of the year.

If one wants to trek in March-May it is best to consider the Rongai Route which follows a trail from the North.

North-East Anti-Trade Winds

Anti-trade winds from the Northeast arrive between late May and last through to early November and don’t carry rain as they lose their moisture well before hitting Kilimanjaro.

They generally blow quite strongly forcing their way through the Saddle (the valley between Kilimanjaro’s two peaks – Kibo and Mawenzi).

As the strong anti-trade winds pass through the saddle they force the South-East winds down below them. Hence during the dry season (June through to October) cloud cover and some rain is common up to the 3,000-meter mark on the southern slopes but quickly disappear above this altitude.

The dynamic between the strong and dry northeast trade winds and the less powerful South-east winds means that late May through to the end of October is a great time to trek as rain is rare and usually confined to the lower southern slopes.

May through to October also coincides with the summer holiday periods of the Northern Hemisphere so the slopes of Kilimanjaro can be busy at this time of the year.

North-East Monsoon

The North-East Monsoon arrives around mid November and lasts through to February. These winds have travelled a long way over the continent and don’t have a high moisture content which means that the season is generally quite light on rain.

Most of this rain falls on the lower northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro but is a lot lighter than the main wet season brought by the South-east winds in March-May.

The interaction of these winds with Mount Kilimanjaro means that there are two main trekking seasons – January-March and June-October.

Mount Kilimanjaro Weather by Month

What is the weather like on Kilimanjaro in January and February?

January and February are the first “short dry season” on Mount Kilimanjaro, making it a great time to trek. This time of the year tends to be colder than the long dry season of June-September and you have a higher chance of encountering snow on the upper reaches of Mount Kilimanjaro.

What is the weather like on Kilimanjaro in March?

March on Kilimanjaro is a shoulder month in the trekking season. Towards the end of March, you can feel more moisture in the air, and encountering rain is more likely. However, the slopes are generally quite quiet, making early March a good time to hike Kilimanjaro.

What is the weather like on Kilimanjaro in April and May?

April and May are usually the wettest months on Kilimanjaro and not ideal for trekking. We recommend avoiding the rainy months of April and May on Kilimanjaro.

What is the weather like on Kilimanjaro in June, July, August, and September?

June, July, August, and September are the busiest months on Mount Kilimanjaro as they coincide with the European and North American summer holiday periods. Encountering rain or snow in June, July, August, and September on Kilimanjaro is rare. As the slopes are busier at this time of the year it is quite easy to find tour companies that offer open groups that you can join to help save on costs.

What is the weather like on Kilimanjaro in October, November, and December?

October on Kilimanjaro is a great shoulder month to trek. Weather conditions are good and the slopes are less busy. November on Kilimanjaro is a short rainy month. If you plan to trek this month we recommend the northern approach on the Rongai, which is generally dry. December is a cold month, usually with lots of snow. Trekking is fine if you don’t mind the cold. December on Kilimanjaro allows for a Christmas or New Year summit, which has become popular.

Mount Kilimanjaro Temperature

Kilimanjaro temperature is heavily influenced by changes in altitude. So much so that there are in fact distinct climatic zones on the mountain, each with its own distinct fauna and flora.

Below we briefly discuss each.

Rain forest zone (~800 meters – 3,000 meters)

From the earliest part of your trek, you are going to be confronted with tropical rainforests. Humidity is high and light mist or sometimes drizzle is common. Various flora such as orchids, ferns, figs, and olive trees cover this area of Kilimanjaro. You will likely see Blue and Colobus monkeys, and if you are trekking from the North-East Rongai route or Western Lemosho, Shira, or Northern Circuit you may even see elephants, buffalo, and large antelope.

Low alpine zone (~3,000 meters – 4,200 meters)

At approximately.3,000 meters the rainforest rapidly gives way to semi-arid grasslands and moorlands, this area is known as the low alpine zone. Heather and small shrubs cover the landscape, the weather is significantly less humid and temperatures can get to sub-zero in the evening. The most prominent flora features in this zone are the Senecios and Giant Lobelias, which look like deformed palm trees. Fauna is sparse; however, you will likely see crows overhead foraging for food.

High alpine zone (~4,200 meters – 5,000 meters)

This zone is characterized by an arid desert environment that is rather inhospitable. During the day temperatures are hot and solar radiation is high (make sure to apply lots of sun cream). At night temperatures plummet to below freezing. From this zone, the slopes of Kibo and Kilimanjaro’s summit come into perfect view.

Glacial zone (~5,000 meters to 5,895 meters)

The final zone houses the upper reaches of Kibo and Mawenzi and consists of high-altitude arctic conditions. Life is very scarce in this zone as oxygen levels are near half what they were in the lower reaches of the mountain. Fine glacial silt covers the slopes that reach up to Kilimanjaro’s summit and large glaciers are visible from Kilimanjaro’s crater rim. Due to the high solar radiation during the day, freezing temperatures at night, gale-force winds, and low oxygen levels, this zone is not one where you want to stay too long!

Snow on Kilimanjaro

Snow on Kilimanjaro can occur all year round, but the most common months are November through March. Here is a chart showing the average snowfall by month.

Rain forest zone (~800 meters – 3,000 meters)

From the earliest part of your trek, you are going to be confronted with tropical rainforests. Humidity is high and light mist or sometimes drizzle is common. Various flora such as orchids, ferns, figs, and olive trees cover this area of Kilimanjaro. You will likely see Blue and Colobus monkeys, and if you are trekking from the North-East Rongai route or Western Lemosho, Shira, or Northern Circuit you may even see elephants, buffalo, and large antelope.

Low alpine zone (~3,000 meters – 4,200 meters)

At approximately.3,000 meters the rainforest rapidly gives way to semi-arid grasslands and moorlands, this area is known as the low alpine zone. Heather and small shrubs cover the landscape, the weather is significantly less humid and temperatures can get to sub-zero in the evening. The most prominent flora features in this zone are the Senecios and Giant Lobelias, which look like deformed palm trees. Fauna is sparse; however, you will likely see crows overhead foraging for food.

High alpine zone (~4,200 meters – 5,000 meters)

This zone is characterized by an arid desert environment that is rather inhospitable. During the day temperatures are hot and solar radiation is high (make sure to apply lots of sun cream). At night temperatures plummet to below freezing. From this zone, the slopes of Kibo and Kilimanjaro’s summit come into perfect view.

Glacial zone (~5,000 meters to 5,895 meters)

The final zone houses the upper reaches of Kibo and Mawenzi and consists of high-altitude artic conditions. Life is very scarce in this zone as oxygen levels are near half what they were in the lower reaches of the mountain. Fine glacial silt covers the slopes that reach up to Kilimanjaro’s summit and large glaciers are visible from Kilimanjaro’s crater rim. Due to the high solar radiation during the day, freezing temperatures at night, gale-force winds, and low oxygen levels, this zone is not one where you want to stay too long!

Snow on Kilimanjaro

Snow on Kilimanjaro can occur all year round, but the most common months are November through March. Here is a chart showing the average snowfall by month.

Mount Kilimanjaro Weather FAQ

What is the temperature at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro?

The temperature at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro can range from 0 to -20 degrees Celsius (32 to -4 degrees Fahrenheit). A big factor that drives the temperature at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro is the wind. The wind chill factor can make a relatively cold night, like -2 degrees Celsius (28 degrees Fahrenheit), feel like -15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s worth noting that temperatures at the summit are colder at night, which is the time that most trekkers push for the summit. By late morning it can actually feel quite hot at the summit, especially on a windless clear day.

Which are the wettest months on Kilimanjaro?

The wettest months on Kilimanjaro are April and May. These are not good months to hike the mountain. Later March can also see quite a lot of rain. There is a short rainy season in November as well. The Northern side of Kilimanjaro is in a rain shadow, so if you’re limited to these months, then try the Rongai route.