Weather on Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro’s weather is influenced more by altitude and time of day than by seasonal changes. The weather can vary from hot to extremely cold within a single day, with significant changes as you ascend the mountain’s different ecological zones.

Base and Summit Temperatures

    • Base of Kilimanjaro: Average temperatures range from 21 to 27 °C (70 to 80 °F).
    • Summit (Uhuru Peak): Nighttime temperatures can range from -7 to -29 °C (20 to -20 °F).

Despite climbing during the “dry” seasons, be prepared for varying weather conditions, including rain, wind, cold, and even snow.

Kilimanjaro’s Weather Systems

Kilimanjaro creates its own weather systems due to its height and location near the equator. Trade winds from the Indian Ocean influence the weather, bringing moisture that can result in rain and snow, particularly during the rainy seasons.

Rainy Seasons

    1. Long Rainy Season (March to May):

      • Trade winds from the southeast bring heavy rains to the lower slopes and snow to the summit.
      • Southern slopes receive the most rainfall.

    2. Short Rainy Season (November):

      • Northeasterly winds bring shorter and less intense rains.
      • Most rainfall occurs on the northern slopes.

Kilimanjaro’s Temperature Zones

The temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro are largely influenced by altitude. As you ascend, you will pass through five distinct ecological zones, each with its own weather patterns.

    1. Cultivation Zone (2,600 to 6,000 ft / 800 to 1,800 m)

      • Precipitation: 20 to 70 in (500 to 1,800 mm)
      • Weather: Temperate, fertile, and heavily cultivated area with plenty of annual rainfall.

    2. Forest Zone (6,000 to 9,200 ft / 1,800 to 2,800 m)

      • Precipitation: 79 to 40 in (2,000 to 1,000 mm)
      • Weather: Warm, humid, and often misty with dense cloud cover and muddy trails.

    3. Heath/Moorland Zone (9,200 to 13,200 ft / 2,800 to 4,000 m)

      • Precipitation: 51 to 21 in (1,300 to 530 mm)
      • Weather: Exposed, warm during the day, cold at night, less humid, with tall grasses and giant heathers.

    4. Alpine/High Desert Zone (13,200 to 16,500 ft / 4,000 to 5,000 m)

      • Precipitation: 10 in (250 mm)
      • Weather: Arid, warm during the day, very cold at night, with sparse vegetation and increased wind speeds.

    5. Arctic Zone (16,500+ ft / 5,000+ m)

      • Precipitation: 4 in (100 mm)
      • Weather: Extremely cold, blustery winds, low oxygen levels, with snow and ice present.

Weather Variations by Season

Long Dry Season (June to September)

    • Cold temperatures, excellent climbing conditions, and minimal precipitation.

Short Dry Season (January to February)

    • Warmer temperatures compared to the long dry season, popular climbing period.

Short Wet Season (October to December)

    • Unpredictable rains, not recommended for climbing.

Long Wet Season (March to May)

    • Heavy rains and dangerous trail conditions, not recommended for climbing.

Summit Weather

Climbing to the summit typically begins around midnight. Conditions are extremely cold, with potential snow or ice on the trail. Reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise offers clear skies and panoramic views, though temperatures remain frigid, ranging between -7 to -29 °C (20 to -20 °F).

Preparation Tips

    • Layering: Be prepared for varying weather by dressing in layers.
    • Gear: Carry necessary gear for wet and cold conditions, including waterproof clothing and warm layers.
    • Sun Protection: Use sunscreen to protect against harsh UV rays, especially in higher zones where the sun’s radiation is intense.

Understanding Kilimanjaro’s weather patterns and preparing accordingly will help ensure a safer and more enjoyable climb.