Due to Tanzania's proximity to the equator (between 1 and 11.45
degrees latitude south of the Equator and 29.20 and 40.35 degrees
longitudes east), this region does not experience the extremes
of winter and summer weather, but rather dry and wet seasons.
The local Weather conditions on Kilimanjaro can be somewhat unpredictable
to say the very least. Rainfall varies from 2100 mm per year in
the rainforest belt to less than 120 mm per year in the summit
zone. Similarly, daily temperature changes are unexpected when
compared to normal weather cycles, and are largely dependent on
Altitude.
Mount Kilimanjaro has five major
ecological zones, each approximately 3,280 feet (1,000 m) in altitude.
Each zone is subject to a corresponding decrease in rainfall,
temperature and life as the altitude increases. At the beginning
of the climb, at the base of the mountain, the average temperature
is around 70°F to 80°F (27°C to 32°C). From there,
the temperatures will decrease as you move through Mount Kilimanjaro's
ecological zones. At the summit, Uhuru Peak, the night time temperatures
can range between 0°F to -15F (-18°C to -26°C). This
make Kilimanjaro weather very dynamic and you should always be
prepared for wet days and cold nights.
We recommend to our clients who
want to climb Kilimanjaro that the long rains typically occur
from February to May, and basically it is at this time when visibility
is bad and the mountain becomes slippery and treacherous. The
shorter rains occur during November and December while June though
October it is a summer time and conducive for climbing the Mountain.
NB: Provided that February through
May is long rain season mountaineers climb this mountain to the
top without any problem so long as they have all required climbing
gears.
Weather Conditions near the base
of the mountain tend to be tropical to semi-temperate and are
relatively stable all year round. The lower plains are hot and
dry with average temperatures of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
As one heads away from the Lower Plains towards the Rain Forest,
conditions become increasingly warm and humid.
Mount Kilimanjaro is divided into
five distinct zones: Cultivated farmlands on the lowest levels,
next is the rainforest zone, followed by heath and moorland with
alpine vegetation, and just before the barren, snowy summit is
lunar-like desert. The climate and animal life is dependent on
the zone.