Killimanjaro

I can only go from the advice I read in Henry Stedman's Kilimanjaro book (which is excellent by the way!) which is that on the inland plateau it is 20-26c between June & August, and soars to 30c between December & March. However the mountain seems to have a weather system all of its own, and you're warned that you'll probably go through all 4 seasons on the way up! I've just booked for the Northern Circuit on 24th August and I'll be packing an interesting array of clothes! ; ) Anyone who's actually done this trek will probably be able to advise much better than me though. Jackie

Like with many mountains, or ranges, Kili has it's own weather systems and Jackie is right in saying that you will go through every season on the way up. Although traditional wet and dry seasons are a great guide to when to climb and when to avoid, weather patterns are not as stable as they were years ago and rain can fall at most times of the year. If rain falls on the lower slopes, the summit may be above the cloud level and in bright sunshine, or the precipitation may be falling as snow! We avoid the worst weather in our scheduling of climbs, so at any time of the year you shouldn't experience prolonged periods of rainfall, and any showers or storms that pass through should be followed by clear skies. Dec-March is generally warmer on the lower slopes, but can also bring increased precipitation as pressure builds up - you simply have to prepare for everything! Layering is key when choosing what to pack. Sorry we cannot be more specific, or say x or y is the best time to climb - if you are after the best chance of stable conditions then choose late January or September but prepare for the unexpected! Have a great trip. Senior Product Manager Exodus

Hiya,

I climbed the Rongai in September 2000 and we had fine weather all the way. It was cold at night at Mawenzi Tarn and Kibo so a 4 season bag and down jacket made life a lot cosier.

Tim

 

I recently went to see my doctor who can not perscribe me diamox as he sees himself as under qualified to do so! can anyone tell me if i can buy it over there,,as the only advice he could give me was to get intouch with liverpool school of overseas medicines. Any help will be appreiciated!

Hi, did Kili in Oct this year. My GP reluctantly prescribed me diamox, however I did not need to use it as I luckily did not have any symptoms of altitude sickness. The guides did have it in their medical kit and did give it to some members of the group who were showing signs of altitude sickness. I took a couple of paracetamol every morning and didn't even get a headache during the whole trek, although I'm not saying this is a magic cure, it just worked for me. Hope this helps and have a great trip

Did Kili in August, though cold each night, each day was sunny, one day was overcast. A few drops of rain that turned into hail but nothing prolonged really. Don't know if we were lucky but it was great weather overall ie mostly dry and sunny!