Weather & altitude

During your climb, you will encounter the four climate zones of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Each zone offers vastly different weather and conditions. You should be prepared for a range of temperatures, rain, mist, and wind.

Aside from the weather, the most common safety issue that climbers face on Kilimanjaro is altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If you can acclimatize your body to high altitudes before your trek, that is the best way to avoid altitude illness. However, we understand that it is difficult or impossible for many of our visitors coming from near sea level. Our climbing tours are designed for slow, gradual ascension up the mountain. This allows your body to adapt to the altitude as much as possible. We recommend that you bring Diamox to prevent and treat the effects of altitude on your body. Our team is also trained to identify early signs of altitude sickness to avoid serious injury.

1,800 to 3,000 meters (5,905 to 9,842 feet)
       ● Day temperatures: 21 to 32°C (70-90°F)
       ● Night temperatures: 4 to 15°C (40-60°F)

Rain forest zone

3,000 to 4,200 meters (9,842 to 13,780 feet)
       ● Day temperatures: 10 to 27°C (50-80°F)
       ● Night temperatures: -1 to 15°C (30-60°F)

Low alpine zone

4,200 to 5,000 meters (13,780 to 16,404 feet)
       ● Day temperatures: -6 to 15°C (20 to 60°F)
       ● Night temperatures: -12 to 10°C (10 to 50°F)

High alpine zone

5,000 to 5,895 meters
(16,404 to 19,340 feet)
       ● Day temperatures:
           -2 to 4°C (10 to 40°F)
       ● Night temperatures:
          -26 to 0°C (-15 to 32°F)

Glacial zone