Mount Kilimanjaro’s weather can range from very hot to extremely cold within a single day. Temperatures on the mountain are influenced more by altitude and time of day than by seasonal changes.
Base Temperatures: At the base, temperatures range from 21 to 27°C (70 to 80°F).
Summit Temperatures: At Uhuru Peak, night temperatures can range between -7 to -29°C (20 to -20°F).
Due to Kilimanjaro’s height, it creates its own weather systems, making conditions variable and unpredictable. Climbers should be ready for a range of conditions, including sunshine, rain, wind, cold, and snow.
Climate Zones on Kilimanjaro
1. Cultivation Zone
Altitude: 800 to 1,800 m (2,600 to 6,000 ft)
Precipitation: 500 to 1,800 mm (20 to 70 in)
Description: Farmland with temperate conditions and plenty of rainfall.
2. Forest Zone
Altitude: 1,800 to 2,800 m (6,000 to 9,200 ft)
Precipitation: 1,000 to 2,000 mm (40 to 79 in)
Description: Tropical rainforest with warm, humid conditions and thick cloud cover.
3. Heath/Moorland Zone
Altitude: 2,800 to 4,000 m (9,200 to 13,200 ft)
Precipitation: 530 to 1,300 mm (21 to 51 in)
Description: Tall grasses and giant heathers, exposed to wind and rain with significant temperature drops at night.
4. Alpine/High Desert Zone
Altitude: 4,000 to 5,000 m (13,200 to 16,500 ft)
Precipitation: 250 mm (10 in)
Description: Arid area with small, hardy plants, warm daytime temperatures, and cold nights.
5. Arctic Zone
Altitude: Above 5,000 m (16,500 ft)
Precipitation: 100 mm (4 in)
Description: Barren desert with volcanic scree and glaciers, very cold with blustery winds and freezing nighttime temperatures.
Seasonal Weather Variations
Long Dry Season (June to September): Colder temperatures, very little precipitation, and excellent climbing conditions.
Short Wet Season (October to December): Less intense and shorter rains compared to the long wet season, with temperatures averaging around 24.4°C (76°F).
Short Dry Season (January to February): Warmer temperatures, popular time for trekking.
Long Wet Season (March to May): Heavy rain making trails wet and dangerous, not recommended for climbing.
Summit Weather
Climbers typically start their ascent to the summit around midnight to reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise. Night temperatures can range from -7 to -29°C (20 to -20°F), and conditions often include snow or ice.
Conclusion
Seasonal weather in Tanzania is influenced by the shifting of the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), creating two wet seasons. The south winds dominate in January and February, while the north winds take over from March to May.
Climbers should prepare for a wide range of weather conditions and carry appropriate gear to handle the varying temperatures and potential precipitation.
