Want to know the best time to climb Kilimanjaro? Then read this article to find out when to trek Kili in Tanzania. Our goal is to ensure you make the most of your time with the greatest chance of a successful summit attempt.
Of the big charity ‘climbs’ there are few that appeal more than Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. With determination and preparedness the summit can be achieved by most people. But as the highest point in Africa, and the tallest free standing mountain, it commands the respect of all.
Charity 5 km runs are ‘fun’ and raise a lot of money for good causes but they rarely inspire me to donate. However, climbing Kilimanjaro does get me reaching for the coinage.
So, what’s the challenge people are facing when they send you that “Can you sponsor me to climb Kilimanjaro email”? What’s the best time to climb Kilimanjaro? And is it mountaineering, climbing or trekking up Kilimanjaro? And can you tag a Far & Wild safari holiday on the end?
About Climbing Kilimanjaro
Africa’s top peak is never going to be easy. It’s not Everest, but I’m not a goat or an experienced mountaineer. So can I summit Mount Kilimanjaro?
Well one of the attractions about taking on this mountain is that it is achievable – albeit with a lot of hard work. Brushing 6,000m, it’s well above the clouds and more than four times higher than Ben Nevis. But most people can reach the summit.
Whiffs of sulphur from the highest ash pit ‘Kibo’ are reminders that there’s still life left in this mountain. Features you’ll see on a Kili trek are typical of a collapsed volcano, where conical peaks fall inward leaving distinct rims and ridges.
With a choice of six ascents, most people climb Kilimanjaro in five to six days, and it’s about as inclusive as a 6000m African mountain can be. Just watch for altitude sickness as it commonly affects climbers on high altitude treks.
What’s the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro?
When to trek Kili in Tanzania is the most important question for most climbers. The dry months of December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October are when the weather conditions are at their best. Clear skies, great views, little-to-no rain and sunshine mean they are peak seasons.
But you can climb Kilimanjaro at any time of the year. Unlike the Himalayas or the Alps it doesn’t close for the off season.
But it is worth remembering, that you can get good or bad weather regardless of the season. That said it is still best to avoid April and November as these are the main rainy months.
Also worth considering is when it is busiest. Because climbing Kilimanjaro without the crowds makes for a much better and often cheaper experience. June to September tend to be the busiest, making October good.
But we think the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is between January and early March. It is the quietest of the peak months, but there are great trekking conditions. It’s mostly dry, with clear days and good visibility with the greatest chance of snow over 4,000m, for the best pics.
Mountaineering, Climbing or Trekking Kilimanjaro?
Just because a peak is high, it does not automatically make summiting it ‘mountaineering’. You do not need any ropes, climbing skills or ice axes to reach the top of Kilimanjaro. So despite reaching almost 6,000m it is not considered to be mountaineering.
And while you are at altitude you don’t need to use your hands, so it is not climbing either. In fact, you can walk the entire way, but this is no walk in the park!
As a multi day hike, at altitude with massive elevation increase, you will be trekking up Kilimanjaro. Whilst you don’t need to lug tents and pots and pans etc. you will need to carry your clothing and other items. And you’ll feel every gram as you ascend.
When to Trek Kili in Tanzania
Ultimately the best time to trek Kilimanjaro is when you are able to. If you have a window in the off season don’t rule it out. You’ll still have a great time and will be trekking alongside a lot less people.
Of course Tanzania is about a lot more than trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. As home to the Serengeti and many other national parks, Tanzania offers some of the best safari holidays in Africa.
We hope you found this guide to when to trek Kili in Tanzania useful. Want to boo? Then we’ve got more than 25 Mount Kilimanjaro trekking holidays to choose from.
