Can you climb Kilimanjaro in December? This is a question we receive from time to time. It basically shows that the person did not do their research. Of course, you can climb Mount Kilimanjaro in December.
Tanzania is located south of the Equator and December is their summer. However, just because it is summer does not mean you will not need a jacket (another question we have received).
Mountain Kilimanjaro is 19,341 feet tall. There are glaciers at the top. It is cold and since it is so tall, it creates its own weather patterns.
When are the best times to climb Kilimanjaro?
The best months to climb Kilimanjaro are January and February and July through October. June and December are good months to go as well but there is more chance of clouds and rain. View the table for a more detailed break down of when to go.
|
|
MONTH |
TEMPERATURE |
PRECIPITATION |
CLOUDINESS |
CROWDS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
January |
Warm |
Medium |
Low |
High |
|
|
February |
Warm |
Medium |
Low |
High |
|
|
March |
Moderate |
High |
Medium |
Low |
|
|
April |
Moderate |
High |
High |
Low |
|
|
May |
Moderate |
High |
High |
Low |
|
|
June |
Cold |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
|
|
July |
Cold |
Medium |
Low |
High |
|
|
August |
Cold |
Low |
Low |
High |
|
|
September |
Moderate |
Low |
Low |
High |
|
|
October |
Moderate |
Low |
Medium |
Medium |
|
|
November |
Moderate |
High |
Medium |
Low |
|
|
December |
Moderate |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
|
Best |
Good |
OK |
Not Recommended |
Climbing in December is actually a good time to go. It is at the end of the short rainy season and fewer people are climbing. Also, if you plan it well, you do not have to use as many vacation days if you work it around the Christmas and New Years Holidays.
Tanzania's two rainy seasons are November, and March through May. That is why we do not offer any group climbs during those time. If you are the adventurous type and don't mind a little rain, you can have the whole mountain to yourself by booking a private climb during those months.
The best routes to climb during the rainy season are either the Marangu where you will sleep in huts or the Rongai route which receives less rainfall.
In conclusion, yes, you can climb Kilimanjaro in December and we would be happy to assist you in booking your trip of a lifetime.