Kilimanjaro Weather
Understanding Kilimanjaro's weather patterns and climate zones to plan your perfect climb.
Kilimanjaro's Unique Climate
Mount Kilimanjaro experiences dramatic weather variations due to its massive elevation change (from 1,800m to 5,895m). As you climb, you'll pass through five distinct climate zones, each with its own weather patterns. Understanding these conditions helps you prepare and choose the best time for your climb.
Key Weather Facts
- •Temperature drops approximately 1°C per 150m elevation gain
- •Summit temperatures can reach -20°C (-4°F) at night
- •Weather can change rapidly at any altitude
- •Two main seasons: dry (best) and wet (challenging but possible)
Five Climate Zones
1. Cultivated Zone (1,800-2,800m)
Warm and humid
- • Temperature: 20-30°C (68-86°F)
- • Rainfall: Moderate to high
- • Conditions: Tropical, agricultural areas
2. Rainforest Zone (2,800-3,000m)
Wet and cool
- • Temperature: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
- • Rainfall: High, frequent mist and rain
- • Conditions: Dense forest, high humidity
3. Heath & Moorland (3,000-4,000m)
Cool and variable
- • Temperature: 5-15°C (41-59°F)
- • Rainfall: Moderate, can be windy
- • Conditions: Open moorland, heather vegetation
4. Alpine Desert (4,000-5,000m)
Cold and dry
- • Temperature: -5°C to 10°C (23-50°F)
- • Rainfall: Very low
- • Conditions: Harsh, rocky, minimal vegetation
5. Arctic Zone (5,000m+)
Extremely cold
- • Temperature: -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F)
- • Rainfall: Snow and ice
- • Conditions: Glacial, permanent ice and snow
Best Times to Climb
Dry Season (Best Conditions)
January - March
- • Warmest months
- • Clear skies, minimal rain
- • Excellent visibility
- • Most popular time
June - October
- • Cooler but still dry
- • Clear conditions
- • Peak season
- • Best for photography
Wet Season (Challenging but Possible)
April - May (Long Rains)
- • Heaviest rainfall
- • Slippery trails
- • Fewer climbers
- • Lower prices
November - December (Short Rains)
- • Moderate rainfall
- • Shorter rain periods
- • Still climbable
- • Good value
Temperature Guide by Altitude
| Altitude | Day Temp | Night Temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,800-2,800m | 25-30°C | 15-20°C | Warm, humid |
| 2,800-3,500m | 15-20°C | 5-10°C | Cool, can rain |
| 3,500-4,500m | 5-15°C | -5 to 5°C | Cold, windy |
| 4,500-5,500m | -5 to 5°C | -15 to -5°C | Very cold |
| Summit (5,895m) | -10 to 0°C | -20 to -10°C | Extremely cold |
Weather Preparation Tips
Layering
- • Use a layering system for temperature changes
- • Start with moisture-wicking base layers
- • Add insulating mid-layers
- • Top with waterproof outer shell
Be Prepared
- • Weather can change rapidly
- • Always carry waterproof gear
- • Prepare for cold at any time
- • Summit night is always cold
Questions About Weather?
Contact us for current weather conditions or advice on the best time for your climb.