Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Travel Guider

The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can be quite diverse, ranging from very hot to extremely cold in a single day. Rather than significant seasonal changes, temperatures on Kilimanjaro are more influenced by altitude and the time of day.

At the mountain’s base, temperatures average around 21 to 27 °C, while at the summit, Uhuru Peak, nighttime temperatures can dip between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Kilimanjaro, like many great mountains, creates its own weather, making it unpredictable. Hikers should prepare for various conditions, including warm sunshine, rain, wind, cold, and even snow.

Despite the recommended climbing time coinciding with “dry” seasons, rain and snow are possible throughout the year. As you ascend, temperatures can change suddenly, shifting from baking sunshine to a bitter wind, necessitating layering.

Standing at 19,341 ft above sea level, Kilimanjaro is significant enough to generate its own weather systems. Being on the equator interrupts the trade winds, causing moisture-laden winds to move upward, cooling as they ascend and bringing rain and snow.

Does Mount Kilimanjaro Have Snow?

The long rainy season from March to May results from trade winds from the southeast. These winds, rich in moisture from the Indian Ocean, bring rain to lower slopes and snow to the summit. During this period, the southern slopes receive the most rainfall.

In November, the ‘short rains’ result from a drier wind from the northeast. As it hasn’t traversed an ocean, the rains are shorter and less intense than the long rains. Most rainfall during this season occurs on the more northerly slopes.

Kilimanjaro Temperatures

Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t have big changes in temperature between seasons because it’s close to the equator. Instead, the temperatures on Kilimanjaro depend more on how high you are and what time of day it is. At the bottom, where you start climbing, it’s about 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). As you go up the mountain through its different zones, it gets cooler.

At the tippy-top, Uhuru Peak, it can get really cold at night, from 20 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). So, it’s smart to always be ready for chilly and possibly wet nights. Make sure to bring the right stuff with you, especially in your day pack for your Kilimanjaro journey.