Due to Mount Kilimanjaro’s proximity to the equator,
this region does not experience the extremes of winter and summer weather, but
rather dry and wet seasons. January and February are the warmest months, April
and May are the wettest months, June and July are the coolest months, and
August and September are the driest months. January, February, and September
are considered to be the best months to climb Kilimanjaro in terms of weather.
The journey from the gate to the peak is like
traveling from the equator to Antarctica in a matter of days. This is because
the routes to the Uruhu peak cross different ecological zones. Throughout the
climb, temperatures vary considerably with the altitude and time of day. Mount
Kilimanjaro has five major ecological zones, each approximately 3,280 feet
(1,000 m) in altitude. Each zone is subject to a corresponding decrease in
rainfall, temperature and life as the altitude increases. At the beginning of
the climb, at the base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 70°F
to 80°F (27°C to 32°C). From there, the temperatures will decrease as you move
through Mount Kilimanjaro's ecological zones. At the summit, Uruhu Peak, the
night time temperatures can range between 0°F to -25F (-18°C to -26°C). Due to
Mount Kilimanjaro's great height, the mountain creates its own weather. It is
extremely variable and impossible to predict. Therefore, regardless of when you
climb, you should always be prepared for wet days and cold nights.
