What is the Weather on Kilimanjaro?

The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro is extremely diverse, often changing from hot to freezing cold within the same day. Unlike many places, the mountain does not experience dramatic seasonal shifts in temperature. Instead, conditions are determined by altitude and the time of day. At the base, average temperatures range between 21–27 °C, while at the summit of Uhuru Peak, nighttime temperatures can drop as low as –29 °C. Climbers must be ready for sunshine, rain, wind, cold, and even snow at any time.

Standing at 19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro is so massive that it creates its own weather systems. Being on the equator, it intercepts trade winds moving across the ocean. As these winds rise up the mountain’s slopes, they cool and release moisture, often resulting in rain on the lower slopes and snow near the summit. This makes the mountain’s weather highly unpredictable, with sudden shifts that can challenge even the most prepared hikers.

Rainfall on Kilimanjaro follows two main patterns. The long rainy season, from March to May, is driven by moist winds from the southeast. During this period, the southern slopes receive the most rainfall, while heavy snow often covers the summit. The short rains arrive in November from the northeast, bringing lighter, less intense showers, with most of the rainfall concentrated on the northern slopes.

Because of its proximity to the equator, Kilimanjaro’s temperatures do not vary greatly from season to season, but altitude changes make a big difference. As climbers move through the mountain’s five ecological zones, temperatures steadily drop. At the summit, which lies in the arctic zone, nighttime conditions can reach as low as –20 °F (–29 °C). For this reason, it’s essential for trekkers to be equipped with proper clothing and gear to handle both wet and freezing conditions, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the climb.

Mount Kilimanjaro WEATHER
WEATHER FORECAST

Kilimanjaro Weather through the Climate Zones

Kilimanjaro comprises five primary ecological climate zones — the Cultivation (Farmland) Zone, Rainforest Zone, Heather and Moorland Zone, Alpine Desert Zone, and the Arctic Zone

  • Altitude Range: 2,600 to 6,000 ft. or 792 to 1,800 metres
  • Days Temperature Range: 21 to 32 ℃ or 70 to 90 °F
  • Nights Temperature Range: 4 to 15 ℃ to 40 to 60 °F

Zone 1 on Kilimanjaro is the Cultivation Zone. The altitude ranges from 792 m to 1,800 m. You can find plenty of human activities in this zone and see grazing livestock and small farm operations.

You can also find several rivers formed by the glacier run-off on the top of the mountain. Most of the porters and guides are from this part of Kilimanjaro.

  • Altitude Range: 6,000 to 9,200 ft or 1,800 to 2,800 metres
  • Days Temperature Range: 21 to32 ℃ or 70 to 90 °F
  • Nights Temperature Range: 4 to 15 ℃ or 40 to 60 °F

The rainforest zone is the montane found encircling the whole mountain, also known as the rain forest. This forest is dense and wet and is home to many birds and other animal species.

Ever since the increase of human activity in the area, the big game has been rare, but plenty of monkeys and birds are around.

  • Altitude Range: 9,200 to 11,000 ft or 2,800 to 3,350 metres
  • Days Temperature Range: 10 to 27 ℃ 50 to 80 °F
  • Nights Temperature Range: -1 to 15 ℃ or 30 to 60 °F

As you enter the Heather and Moorland zone, you’ll be greeted by the majestic views of giant heathers and tussock grasses, as well as the scrubby shrubs. When you ascend, the average temperatures drop.

You’ll also see giant lobelias and senecios, which have developed unique characteristics, allowing them to adapt to the drastic temperature changes of the place.

  • Altitude Range: 13,200 to 16,500 ft or 4,020 to 5,030 metres
  • Days Temperature Range: -12 to 15 ℃ or 10 to 60 °F
  • Nights Temperature Range: -12 to 4 ℃ or 10 to 40 °F

The Alpine Desert Zone is barren and bleak. Thus, only the toughest plants exist in this area. You’ll often see tussocky grass and small hardy plants with only little flowers in this landscape.

Furthermore, rugged rock formations and scenic views mainly dominate this area.

  • Altitude Range: 16,500 to 19,340 ft or 5,030 to 5,895 metres
  • Days Temperature Range: -12 to 4 ℃ or 10 to 40 °F
  • Nights Temperature Range: -26 to -7 ℃ to -15 to 20 °F

The Arctic zone is dry and freezing-cold during nighttime, opposed to the intense sunshine during the day. Due to the shortness of available oxygen at sea level, this part of Kilimanjaro is dominated by massive glaciers and towering boulders.

In this area of Mount Kilimanjaro, there are no animals or plants present except for lichens since the climate here is extremely cold. At nighttime, temperatures are typically below the freezing point.

During the day, as you set off to climb Kilimanjaro’s peak, there could be ice and snow underfoot. Also, expect the temperature to be bitterly cold even in the middle of the day.

Thus, it’s wise to bring sunscreen to protect your exposed body parts as the dry air can dehydrate you quickly. You’ll also need warm layers of clothing to keep your core temperature up.