Weather Guide
Kilimanjaro & Safari Weather: Month-by-Month Guide
Planning a Kilimanjaro climb combined with a Tanzania safari means understanding two very different climates — the mountain's extreme altitude conditions and the savanna's dry-wet seasonal rhythms. This guide covers what to expect every month.
Best Time to Climb Kili
June-October — Dry season offers the best trail conditions, clearest views, and highest summit success rates. January-February is also excellent, though colder.
Best Time for Safari
June-October — Peak dry season means animals concentrate around water, making game viewing exceptional. January-February for calving season.
Best Combo Month
September — Our pick for the ideal Kilimanjaro + Safari combo. Excellent conditions on the mountain, peak migration in northern Serengeti, fewer crowds than August. For a full monthly breakdown, see our seasonal guide.
Month-by-Month Conditions
January
Kilimanjaro Conditions
Dry season — excellent visibility. Clear skies during the day, cold nights at altitude. Little rainfall below 3,000m.
Temperature: Base: 20-25°C | Summit: -15 to -20°C at night
Safari Conditions
Short dry season. Great wildlife viewing — animals concentrate around water sources. Hot days, cool nights.
Temperature: 20-30°C daytime, 15-20°C at night
Migration Status
Ndutu area (southern Serengeti) — calving season in full swing
Crowds
High — peak season
Verdict
Good for both
Pro tip: Book Kilimanjaro permits early — January is one of the busiest months
February
Kilimanjaro Conditions
Continuation of dry season. Very similar to January. Clear views, cold nights. Possible afternoon clouds.
Temperature: Base: 20-27°C | Summit: -15 to -20°C at night
Safari Conditions
Excellent wildlife viewing. Ndutu calving continues. Dry conditions make game drives rewarding.
Temperature: 22-32°C daytime, 15-22°C at night
Migration Status
Late calving season at Ndutu and Salei plains
Crowds
High — peak season
Verdict
Strong for both
Pro tip: One of the best months for predator action — lions and cheetahs are active with newborn prey
March
Kilimanjaro Conditions
Transition month. Long rains typically begin in the second half of March. Trails become slippery. Fewer climbers.
Temperature: Base: 18-25°C | Summit: -12 to -18°C at night
Safari Conditions
Green season begins. Scattered afternoon rains. Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, good for birdwatching.
Temperature: 20-28°C daytime, 14-20°C at night
Migration Status
Start of the northern movement — wildebeest beginning to congregate
Crowds
Low — green season
Verdict
Challenging for Kili, niche for safari
Pro tip: March Kilimanjaro climbs are cheaper but require flexibility — rain gear essential
April
Kilimanjaro Conditions
Long rainy season in full swing. Trails are wet and muddy. Higher risk of route closures on some paths. Not recommended for first-time climbers.
Temperature: Base: 15-22°C | Summit: -10 to -15°C at night
Safari Conditions
Green season at its peak. Beautiful landscapes, newborn animals, excellent birdwatching. Victoria Falls trips popular.
Temperature: 18-26°C daytime, 12-18°C at night
Migration Status
Wildebeest spread across southern and central Serengeti
Crowds
Very low — off-peak
Verdict
Not ideal for Kili, excellent value for safari
Pro tip: Consider Zanzibar extension during April — beach weather is excellent
May
Kilimanjaro Conditions
Still in long rains. Routes are wet. May is the wettest month on Kilimanjaro. Some routes may be closed.
Temperature: Base: 14-20°C | Summit: -8 to -12°C at night
Safari Conditions
Green season continues. Excellent photography conditions — soft light, green backgrounds. Wild flowers bloom.
Temperature: 17-25°C daytime, 11-17°C at night
Migration Status
Grumeti River crossing begins (around late May)
Crowds
Low — off-peak
Verdict
Not recommended for Kili, budget safari season
Pro tip: May safari prices are lowest of the year — some camps close for maintenance
June
Kilimanjaro Conditions
Rains tapering off. June is a transitional month. Routes becoming drier. Milder conditions than May.
Temperature: Base: 16-23°C | Summit: -10 to -15°C at night
Safari Conditions
Long dry season begins. Weather stabilizes. Wildebeest crossing the Grumeti River.
Temperature: 18-27°C daytime, 12-18°C at night
Migration Status
Grumeti River crossing (mid-June to July)
Crowds
Moderate — shoulder season
Verdict
Improving for Kili, excellent for safari
Pro tip: June offers a sweet spot — fewer crowds than peak, good conditions for both
July
Kilimanjaro Conditions
Start of the main climbing season. Dry, clear skies. Busy on the mountain. Best conditions of the year.
Temperature: Base: 18-25°C | Summit: -15 to -20°C at night
Safari Conditions
Peak dry season. Excellent wildlife viewing. Animals gather around remaining water sources.
Temperature: 15-28°C daytime, 10-18°C at night
Migration Status
Wildebeest on the move toward northern Serengeti
Crowds
Very high — peak season
Verdict
Excellent for both, but busy
Pro tip: Book your climb 6+ months in advance — July is the most popular month
August
Kilimanjaro Conditions
Prime climbing season. Clear skies, cold nights, dry trails. Another busy month on the mountain.
Temperature: Base: 17-24°C | Summit: -15 to -20°C at night
Safari Conditions
Peak dry season continues. Exceptional wildlife viewing across all northern parks.
Temperature: 15-27°C daytime, 10-17°C at night
Migration Status
Northern Serengeti — early river crossings begin
Crowds
Very high — peak season
Verdict
Excellent for both
Pro tip: Consider the northern Serengeti for the migration — world-class game viewing
September
Kilimanjaro Conditions
Still excellent climbing conditions. Dry season continues. September is considered by many guides to be the best month for Kilimanjaro.
Temperature: Base: 18-26°C | Summit: -12 to -18°C at night
Safari Conditions
Peak dry season. River crossings at the Lamarange and Mara rivers in full swing.
Temperature: 16-28°C daytime, 11-18°C at night
Migration Status
Peak crossing season — millions of wildebeest crossing the Mara River
Crowds
High — but slightly less than July/August
Verdict
Best month overall — ideal for both
Pro tip: September offers peak conditions with slightly fewer crowds than August
October
Kilimanjaro Conditions
Temperature: Base: 18-27°C | Summit: -10 to -15°C at night
Safari Conditions
Short rains bring green landscapes. Fewer crowds. Good game viewing continues.
Temperature: 18-30°C daytime, 14-20°C at night
Migration Status
Wildebeest begin moving south again as short rains start
Crowds
Moderate — shoulder season
Verdict
Good value — fewer crowds, green landscapes
Pro tip: October is excellent for photographers — green landscapes, dramatic skies
November
Kilimanjaro Conditions
Short rainy season. Afternoon showers, morning climbs usually possible. Fewer climbers than peak season.
Temperature: Base: 17-25°C | Summit: -8 to -12°C at night
Safari Conditions
Green season in full effect. Baby animals born, flowers blooming, fewer tourists.
Temperature: 18-28°C daytime, 14-20°C at night
Migration Status
Wildebeest calving in the southern Serengeti (Ndutu area)
Crowds
Low — off-peak
Verdict
Budget season — great safari value, challenging Kili
Pro tip: November Kilimanjaro climbs are significantly cheaper — good option for experienced climbers
December
Kilimanjaro Conditions
Short rains usually pause around Christmas. Family holiday season brings more climbers. Variable conditions.
Temperature: Base: 18-25°C | Summit: -12 to -18°C at night
Safari Conditions
Ndutu calving season begins again. Green season in full swing. Festive atmosphere.
Temperature: 19-28°C daytime, 14-20°C at night
Migration Status
Return of calving season in Ndutu and Salei
Crowds
High — peak holiday season
Verdict
Good for safari, variable for Kili
Pro tip: Christmas and New Year are peak — book 12+ months ahead for best camps and permits
Understanding Kilimanjaro's Climate Zones
Climbing Kilimanjaro means ascending through five distinct climate zones, each with dramatically different conditions. From cultivated farmland at the base to arctic conditions at the summit, you will experience more temperature variation in five days than in months of ordinary life.
Shira Plateau (3,500-4,000m)
Moorland terrain, ancient volcanic landscape. temperatures drop significantly at night.
Barranco Wall (3,900-4,000m)
The most dramatic section. Steep but not technical. Amazing sunrise views.
Karanga Valley (4,000m)
Last valley before the summit. Good acclimatization point. Often windy.
Barafu Camp (4,600m)
Summit night departure point. Extremely cold. Stunning views of Mawenzi peak.
Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
The roof of Africa. temperatures can drop to -20°C with wind chill. Thin air at 40% sea-level oxygen.
Summit Day
Midnight departure for the final ascent. Wind chill can make it feel below -30°C. 6-8 hours of climbing in thin air. Reward: sunrise over Africa.
Safari Weather by Region
Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Dry season (June-October): Warm days (20-28°C), cool nights (10-18°C). Little rainfall. Exceptional game viewing.
Green season (November-May): Afternoon thunderstorms common. Lush landscapes, newborn wildlife, fewer tourists. Prices lower.
Tarangire & Lake Manyara
Dry season: Tarangire's elephant herds congregate around the river. Hot but manageable (25-35°C). Lake Manyara is year-round accessible.
Green season: Beautiful birdwatching, baby animals, dramatic thunderstorms over the lake. Excellent photography conditions.
Ruaha & Southern Tanzania
Dry season: Remote and wild. Excellent predator sightings. temperatures can be extreme (5-35°C range). Virtually no other vehicles.
Green season: Some roads become impassable. Best for dedicated wildlife enthusiasts who want genuine wilderness experience.
Zanzibar (Beach Extension)
June-October: Best beach weather. Low rainfall, cooling sea breezes, 25-30°C. Ideal after a dusty safari.
November-May: Warmer, more humid. Rainy periods but usually short showers. Excellent diving ( whale sharks in November).
Packing for Variable Conditions
Layering is Essential
A typical safari day might start at 15°C during a morning game drive, climb to 30°C by midday, and drop to 18°C by evening. Your Kilimanjaro climb starts in热带 heat and ends in arctic conditions.
- • Moisture-wicking base layers (3-4 changes)
- • Insulating mid layers (fleece or down jacket)
- • Waterproof outer shell (essential for green season)
- • Warm hat and gloves for summit night
- • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+
Gear for Both Environments
Your safari needs differ from your mountain needs. Safari demands neutral earth-tone clothing (no bright colors), while the mountain requires serious cold-weather gear.
- • Sturdy hiking boots (broken in before you arrive)
- • Safari-appropriate clothing (laundry done nightly at camps)
- • -20°C rated sleeping bag (or rent one on the mountain)
- • Daypack (40-50L for Kili, small daypack for safari)
- • Quality headlamp with extra batteries
Ready to Plan Your Weather-Optimized Trip?
Every season offers a different experience. Whether you want peak wildlife viewing, budget-friendly green season, or prime climbing conditions, we will help you time your combo perfectly.