Weather in Kilimanjaro

Planning a trip? Stay informed about the current weather conditions in Kilimanjaro. Below, you will find up-to-date forecasts and useful charts to help you prepare for your journey.

The climate in Kilimanjaro is distinguished by its remarkable mildness and comfort, largely due to the region's high altitude. Unlike the hot tropical coasts of Tanzania, moderate weather prevails here without extreme temperature fluctuations. This makes the area favourable for visiting at any time of the year, whether you are preparing for a climb or simply exploring nature at the foot of the great mountain.

The temperature regime here is quite stable, though warmer and cooler seasons can be distinguished. The warmest months are January, February, and March, when the air warms up to an average of +21°C during the day. From June to August, it becomes noticeably fresher: daytime temperatures drop to +17°C, and nights can be truly crisp, with readings around +9...+10°C. Travellers should take note of this feature and ensure they bring warm clothing for the evenings.

A specific feature of the weather in this region is the high frequency of precipitation and cloudiness throughout the year. Even in months with minimal rainfall in terms of millimetres, the number of "wet" days remains high, often manifesting as fog or light drizzle. April is traditionally considered the wettest month; however, it is precisely thanks to this moisture that the surrounding nature always remains picturesque and lushly green.

The temperature regime of the Kilimanjaro region is characterised by amazing stability. There is practically no sharp change of seasons in the conventional sense: throughout the year, smooth and mild weather is maintained without extreme heat. Thanks to this, travellers can plan a trip for any month without fear of encountering the exhausting heat characteristic of other parts of Tanzania.

A key role in creating comfortable sensations is played by the altitude above sea level. The mountain air ensures pleasant freshness even during hours when the sun is at its zenith. This creates ideal conditions for active leisure and trekking, as the body does not experience stress from overheating. The climate here is often compared to an "eternal spring," making a stay in the region pleasant for tourists who do not tolerate humidity and stuffiness well.

However, the main nuance to consider when packing is the daily temperature fluctuations. The difference between daytime warmth and night-time coolness is quite perceptible and can catch an unprepared tourist off guard. As soon as the sun dips below the horizon, the air cools quickly, and light clothing becomes insufficient. For comfortable evenings, a warm fleece or jacket will definitely be required, even if it was sunny and warm during the day.

When planning a trip to Kilimanjaro, it is important to consider the specific precipitation patterns, dictated here by the proximity to the majestic mountain and the equatorial location. In this region of Tanzania, periods of high humidity can be identified, although the total volume of falling water in millimetres remains moderate even in the "wettest" months.

The highest volume of precipitation is traditionally recorded in April (about 25 mm), which is considered the peak of the rainy season. A second surge in activity occurs in November, when about 16 mm of precipitation falls. Notably, the number of "wet days" during these periods is very high: in April and December, precipitation can be observed for up to 28–29 days a month. This often means not prolonged downpours, but regular cloudiness, fog, or brief drizzle characteristic of the highlands.

The driest period of the year is the interval from June to September, when precipitation levels drop to minimum values of 2–3 mm. However, even in these months, tourists should be prepared for changeable weather: statistics show from 18 to 21 days with precipitation. Most often, this is a light morning mist or humid fog, which quickly dissipates and usually does not hinder climbs or safaris.

When preparing for a journey to Kilimanjaro, it is important to remember that the local climate differs noticeably from the sweltering coast for which Tanzania is usually famous. Here, moderate and rather cool weather reigns all year round with average temperatures from +13°C to +17°C. The main principle when choosing clothing is layering. Be sure to take thermal underwear, fleece tops, and light sweaters that can be easily removed or put on as the temperature changes. In the period from June to August, when nights become particularly cool (down to +9°C), a warm jacket will also be essential.

Since statistics show a large number of wet days throughout the year, reliable protection from rain is an absolute necessity. Your packing list must include a high-quality raincoat, a waterproof windbreaker, and a rain cover for your backpack, especially if you plan a trip in April or November when precipitation is highest. For comfortable walks on rough terrain, choose comfortable trekking boots with a good tread that are water-resistant. Also, do not forget sunscreen with high SPF and headwear: the mountain sun is very active even in cloudy weather.