The Kilimanjaro temperature, weather, and climate

Kilimanjaro temperature summit

At 5,895 meters, the top of Uhuru Peak, the nighttime temperatures can range between 20 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 and -29 degrees Celsius). Kilimanjaro's summit temperatures are determined more by the altitude and time of day.

Kilimanjaro temperature by month from base to summit

Kilimanjaro temperature January: The temperatures at the base of Kilimanjaro in January are around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It is generally warm and pleasant at lower elevations. As you ascend, the temperature gradually drops. In the middle sections of the mountain, approximately 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) during the day. Finally, at the Kilimanjaro temperature summit, Uhuru Peak, the temperatures in January ranged from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F) or even lower.

Kilimanjaro temperature February: The temperatures at the base of Kilimanjaro during February are around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It is generally warm and pleasant at lower elevations. In the middle sections of the mountain, approximately 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) during the day. Near the summit, Uhuru Peak, the temperatures in February can be extremely cold.

Kilimanjaro temperature March: The temperatures at the base of Kilimanjaro during March range from around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It is generally warm and pleasant at lower elevations. As you ascend, the temperature gradually decreases from approximately 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) during the day. At Uhuru Peak on Kilimanjaro, temperatures range from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F).

Kilimanjaro temperature April: At the base of Kilimanjaro in April, temperatures typically range from around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It is generally warm and pleasant at the starting point of the climb. As you ascend the mountain, temperatures gradually decrease. In the middle sections, such as the heath and moorland zones, temperatures during the day can range from approximately 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Near the summit of Kilimanjaro, temperatures in April can be extremely cold, ranging from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F).

Kilimanjaro temperature May: At the base of Kilimanjaro in May, temperatures are around 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It can be relatively mild and comfortable at the beginning of the climb. As you ascend the mountain, such as in the heath and moorland zones, temperatures during the day range from approximately 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Near the summit of Kilimanjaro, temperatures in May can range from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F).

Kilimanjaro temperature June: At the base of Kilimanjaro in June, temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It can be relatively cool at the beginning of the climb. As you ascend the mountain, temperatures gradually decrease. In the heath and moorland zones, temperatures during the day can range from approximately 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Near the summit of Kilimanjaro, temperatures in June can be extremely cold, ranging from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F).

Kilimanjaro temperature July: At the base of Kilimanjaro in July, temperatures are around 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It can be relatively cool at the beginning of the climb. As you ascend the mountain, temperatures gradually decrease from approximately 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Near the summit of Kilimanjaro, temperatures can range from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F).

Kilimanjaro temperature August: At the base of Kilimanjaro in August, temperatures are around 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). As you ascend the mountain, temperatures gradually decrease by approximately 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Near the summit of Kilimanjaro, temperatures range from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F) or even lower.

Kilimanjaro temperature September: At the base of Kilimanjaro in September, temperatures are 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It can be relatively mild and comfortable at the beginning of the climb. As you ascend the mountain, temperatures gradually decrease, from approximately 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Near the summit, Uhuru Peak, temperatures can range from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F).

Kilimanjaro temperature October: At the base of Kilimanjaro in October, the temperature is 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It can be relatively mild and comfortable at the beginning of the climb. As you ascend the mountain, temperatures gradually decrease from approximately 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Near the summit, Uhuru Peak, temperatures can range from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F).

Kilimanjaro temperature November: At the base of Kilimanjaro in November, the temperature is 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It can be relatively mild and comfortable at the beginning of the climb. As you ascend the mountain, temperatures gradually decrease, from approximately 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Near the summit of Kilimanjaro, temperatures range from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F).

Kilimanjaro temperature December: At the base of Kilimanjaro in December, temperatures are around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It can be relatively mild and comfortable at the beginning of the climb. As you ascend the mountain, temperatures gradually decrease, ranging from approximately 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Near the summit, Uhuru Peak, temperatures can range from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F).

Kilimanjaro temperature by month in the table

Kilimanjaro Weather through the climate zones

The Weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can vary significantly due to its high altitude and diverse climatic zones. Kilimanjaro's temperatures are colder during the dry seasons (June to October, January to February) and warmer during the rainy seasons (November to December, March to May). Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the temperature ranges you can expect at different elevations and times of the year:

Base (starting point): Average Daytime Temperature: 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F) and Average Nighttime Temperature: 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). The temperatures are relatively mild at the lower elevations, resembling a typical mountainous or highland climate.

Rainforest Zone (2,800 to 3,000 meters): Average Daytime Temperature: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) and Average Nighttime Temperature: 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). This zone is characterized by dense vegetation and higher humidity due to the presence of rainforests.

Moorland Zone (3,000 to 4,000 meters): Average Daytime Temperature: 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) and Average Nighttime Temperature: 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F). The temperatures gradually become colder as you ascend, and the vegetation shifts to heath and moorland.

Alpine Desert Zone (4,000 to 5,000 meters): Average Daytime Temperature: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F) and Average Nighttime Temperature: -10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F). This zone is characterized by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, with temperatures dropping significantly, especially at night.

Arctic Zone (above 5,000 meters): Average Daytime Temperature: -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F) and Average Nighttime Temperature: -15°C to -25°C (5°F to -13°F) or lower. Near the summit, temperatures can drop well below freezing, and strong winds can further decrease the perceived temperature.

Kilimanjaro weather through the climate zones in the table

The best Kilimanjaro's routes for 2023 and 2024

There are several routes to choose from when climbing Kilimanjaro in different weather and temperatures, each with their own advantages and challenges. Here is the best list of Kilimanjaro hiking routes for you in 2023 and 2024.
5-day Marangu route
6-day Marangu route
6-day Machame route
7-day Machame route
7-day Lemosho route
8-day Lemosho route

How cold is on Kilimanjaro?

At the summit of 5,895 meters, the roof of Africa—Uhuru Point, the nighttime temperature is -20 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 and -29 degrees Celsius). Due to Mount Kilimanjaro's great height in Africa and free-standing around the world, the mountain creates its own weather. Because of the great elevation gain on a Kilimanjaro trek, you will experience all kinds of weather, from hot to cold, wet to dry, sunny to stormy.