Kilimanjaro Weather

Kilimanjaro Weather varies from very hot to very cold. But it doesn’t actually experience wide temperature changes from season to season due to it being located so near to the equator. Instead, the temperatures are determined more so by the altitude and the time of the day. Mount Kilimanjaro Weather is very unique, right from the origin to the Kilimanjaro Summit Weather and climbers find themselves climbing through several distinct climate zones. 

At the beginning of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the average Kilimanjaro Temperature is around 21 to 27 degrees Celsius. From there, the temperatures decrease as you move up through Mount Kilimanjaro's different ecological zones. At the summit, the night time temperatures range between -7 to -29 degrees Celsius. Due to its immense height, Weather On top Of Kilimanjaro creates its own self and is very impossible to predict.

Since the mountain is so near to the equator, there are only wet and dry seasons. The main dry season occurs during the summer from July to October. This is the Best Time Of Year To Climb Kilimanjaro. Rain and snow and blizzard-like conditions are least likely to occur during these times.

You also have the option to Climb Kilimanjaro during the short dry season, which is from January to February. You will mostly have great Kilimanjaro Climate Weather during these months but there are chances of rain as well.

Kilimanjaro Weather Through The Climate Zones

As you make your way higher up, you’ll notice the weather changing through the climate zones.

Cultivation Zone:

• Altitude: 2,600 to 6,000 ft. (800 to 1,800 m)
• Precipitation: 20 to 70 in (500 to 1,800 mm)

This area gets plenty of annual rainfall. Mostly temperate conditions, you’ll mostly be passing through this region on your way to the trailhead.

Forest Zone:

• Altitude: 6,000 to 9,200 ft. (1,800 to 2,800 m)
• Precipitation: 79 to 40 in (2,000 to 1,000 mm)

Conditions here are usually warm and humid, with mists forming under the dense canopy. Thick cloud cover is not uncommon, and it can be muddy underfoot.

Heath/Moorland Zone:

• Altitude: 9,200 to 13,200 ft. (2,800 to 4,000 m)
• Precipitation: 51 to 21 in (1,300 to 530 mm)

Kilimanjaro Temperatures can remain warm throughout the day but drop significantly at night. The humidity lessens, the trails are dryer, and generally, it’s a more comfortable hiking experience. Rain tends to be minimal, although it can occur pretty much anywhere on the mountain.

The sun’s rays can be harsh, so you’ll need your sunscreen, and temperatures at night can be bitterly cold.

Alpine/High Desert Zone:

• Altitude: 13,200 to 16,500 ft (4,000 to 5,000 m)
• Precipitation: 10 in (250 mm)

Day time temperatures can still be quite warm, but in the evening the mercury drops quickly, with conditions getting much colder. Here, it is not uncommon to be camped well above the clouds, which makes for an enchanting sight on a clear, starlit night.

Arctic Zone:

• Altitude: 16,500+ ft (5,000+ m)
• Precipitation: 4 in (100 mm)

With very little rainfall, this barren desert is characterized by huge rocky outcrops, volcanic scree, and glaciers.

It’s very cold here, with blustery winds and night-time temperatures well below freezing. As you set off for your summit attempt, there may be ice and snow underfoot, it’s bitterly cold, even at midday and the sun’s radiation is harsh.

Kilimanjaro Weather Variations

The Kilimanjaro Weather varies based on the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro. During the months of April and May, it’s much rainier on the mountain than it is during the dryer season of June to October. January through March tends to be a bit colder.

Mount Kilimanjaro Weather Facts

• During the month of April, May, June, July, August and September, you will experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures.
• The warmest months are January, February and December.
• The months of February, March, November and December have a high chance of precipitation.
• The warmest month is January.
• The coldest month is September.
• April is the wettest month.
• July is the driest month.

Kilele Climb have provided an overview of the types of Kilimanjaro Weather you can expect on Kilimanjaro, as well outlined historical weather patterns for each of Kilimanjaro’s climatic zones. Ready to book? Contact Kilele Climb or have a look at our Kilimanjaro Routes and pricing.