Do you have some vacations coming up? If yes, it’s time to plan a trip to Africa. And you can make it special by climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing on Africa’s rooftop will add magic to your life. Your trip will be more memorable and adventurous if you choose the best season to climb it and schedule a Tanzania safari with it.
It is not an easy feat to get on the top and enjoy the beautiful views. Well, it is possible to trek Mount Kilimanjaro all over the year. However, there are certain months which have heavy rains, and colder weather. Therefore, it will be difficult to climb and dangerous because of slippery paths.
Tanzania is near the equator, so the country doesn’t have four different seasons like other parts of the world. But there are mostly wet and dry seasons. Naturally, the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons to not only get the best views, but also climb safely.
Many travelers combine their climb to Mount Kilimanjaro and African safari tours to see the wildlife migration and/or calving season. So, our blog will discuss the best time to visit while bundling your Mount Kilimanjaro climb and Tanzania safari.
The temperature of Mount Kilimanjaro shifts between extreme hot and extreme cold. During the rainy season, the lower areas will be wet with some humidity. The higher you go, the colder it will be with winds and snow. However, when the sun arises, the day will be warmer and brighter. And as soon as the sun sets, the temperatures will get lower, sometimes it can be below zero degrees.
Like all the mountains, the weather at Mount Kilimanjaro is unpredictable. Therefore, you may want to avoid climbing from November to mid December and mid March to May. Sometimes, it rains even in the dry season in rainforests. The monthly guideline above is mostly historical and like most parts of the world we are seeing variolation with the weather patterns so always reach out to us to get the latest information from the ground.
The best season to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry season i.e. from June to October and mid December to mid-March.
From January to mid-March, there will be clearer skies with warm temperatures. This season comes to an end in mid-March when the wet season starts with heavy rains till May.
It is a good time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro during June to October, as this time period is known as the long dry season.
In The End
If you are planning Mount Kilimanjaro and African safari tour, it’s better to know the best time to do this. The most ideal time to watch the wildlife migration is between June to October. During this time, the weather is mild and sunny, and the vegetation is sparse, making it easier to spot wildlife. Additionally, the dry season is when the Great Migration takes place, which is an incredible spectacle to witness.
On the other hand, the calving season is February – March although depending on weather conditions this can start as early as January. Here again lies the importance of using a company with local presence as we get frequent updates from our guides in the parks and Kilimanjaro. We are your safari experts so if you have some flexibility and an open mind, we’d gladly recommend the best times to visit per your goals and wishes.