WEATHER ON KILIMANJARO – KNOW ABOUT KILIMANJARO WEATHER PATTERNS!
Tanzania is home to the dormant volcano known as Mount Kilimanjaro. But have you studied the weather and trends of Mount Kilimanjaro? The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro typically changes greatly depending on the different ecological zones. In actuality, there are distinct climatic zones with various flora types at various heights. Those who desire to climb Mount Kilimanjaro can become knowledgeable about all zones to be successful.
However, it is important to consider what time of year you climb before deciding on What Is The Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro. Additionally, weather patterns at different elevations have an impact on the Kilimanjaro Routes.
KILIMANJARO GEOGRAPHY
With a distance of 3,280 feet (1,000 m), it has significant biological zones. As the altitude rises, every zone is susceptible to a continuous decline in rainfall, temperature, and flora and fauna. The lowest, warmest ecological zone is where Moshi is situated at 2,667 feet (900 metres) above sea level. Mount Kilimanjaro does not see significant seasonal temperature variations because of its proximity to the equator.
DIVISION OF TWO SEASONS AS PER KILIMANJARO WEATHER
The Kilimanjaro Weather is divided into two seasons.
- Wet season (rainy)
- Dry season (not rainy)
Since Kilimanjaro is so close to the equator, it is unlikely to experience all four seasons. Usually, the farther one travels from the equator, the colder the winters and summers become. Because the Sun's rays strike the earth at roughly the same angle every day, it is difficult to tell what season it is at the equator. Every day, there is roughly 12 hours of sunlight at the equator.
KILIMANJARO’S FIVE ECOLOGICAL ZONES
Zone features from the bottom to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro include average yearly rainfall. Each specific zone has a different weather pattern right now.
Bush Land/Cultivated Zone, Altitude: 2,600 To 6,000 Ft (800 To 1,800 M)
The area was surrounded by lowland forests, prairies, and natural bush. The soil in this region is rich in volcanic fertility and is excellent for farming. The lowest climate zone with bushland is located here, at a half-mile or higher above sea level.
This zone is portrayed by cultivated land, pastures, and populated places. Large wildlife is rarely seen here because it was long ago kept out by farmers.
Rain Forest Zone, Altitude: 6,000 to 9,200 ft (1,800 to 2,800 m)
The rain forest has a huge ecology and receives six to seven feet of rain annually. This heavily forested climatic zone is characterised by warm temperatures and heavy humidity during the day. Rainy nights, however, might result in cold temperatures. The Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, or Northern Circuit paths are used by Kilimanjaro Climb. They frequently have such good success coming across wildlife. Elephants, buffalo, antelope, and the
sporadic predator passing through in quest of a stray meal are a few examples.
Heath/Moorland Zone, Altitude: 9,200 to 13,200 ft (2,800 to 4,000 m)
A semi-alpine region known as moorland is thought to have heath-like vegetation and is abundant in wildflowers. According to mountain medicine, the "high altitude" area is the health zone.
Cooler temperatures and drier air gradually replace the humid environment and dense forest. The fauna are scarce, and the flora is composed of tiny bushes like heather.
Alpine Desert Zone, Altitude: 13,200 to 16,500 ft (4,000 to 5,000 m)
Little water is obtained by the mountainous desert, and as a result, there is only light flora. During the day, it is hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. During the night, it frequently drops well below freezing, leaving morning frost on the tents.
The "very high altitude" region is the name given to this area. Climbers used to stay here for a few days to acclimatise safely.
Arctic Zone, Altitude: 16,500+ ft (5,000+ m)
The arctic zone is the highest part of the Kilimanjaro ascent. At this height, which is thought of as ice and rock, there is hardly any plant or animal life. The day's bright sun dominates while the nights are quite cold and windy.
This area is categorised as "extreme altitude" by Mountain. Because oxygen levels are unevenly half those at sea level, breathing is laborious and slow.
TRADE AND ANTI-TRADE WINDS
Mount Kilimanjaro has created its own weather as it has a vast and blended ecosystem from bottom to Top Mountain. It has some historical weather patterns for each of Kilimanjaro’s climatic zones. Kilimanjaro’s weather can best be understood by studying the dominant trade and anti-trade winds that pass through the region.
The understanding of dominant trade and anti-dominant trade helps you to understand the Weather On Kilimanjaro…How?
Winds carryout the moisture from the ocean. When these moistures are strike with large existence like a mountain, they lead to cool and condense. It forms clouds and precipitation (rain and snow).
There Weather On Mount Kilimanjaro contains two wind drive patterns.
- The South-east trade winds
- North-east anti-trade winds
South-East Trade Winds
It begins in mid-March and lasts until the end of May. It originated in the Indian Ocean. A lot of moisture was taken away by this breeze. When they finally collide with the enormous Mount Kilimanjaro and begin to rise higher, they produce large rain clouds. The wet season on Mount Kilimanjaro therefore lasts from mid-March until the end of May. The Northern slopes typically get much less rain during this time since they are more stony due to the winds.
North-East Anti-Trade Winds
Late May through early November sees the arrival of anti-trade winds from the North-East. Before hitting Kilimanjaro, it does not carry rain due to moisture loss. The valley between Kibo and Mawenzi, the two summits of Kilimanjaro, is typically highly windy.
North-East Monsoon
South-East winds are forced below the saddle by the powerful anti-trade winds. So there is cloud cover during the dry season. At 3,000 metres, some rain is typical on the southern slopes. Above this altitude, it swiftly vanishes.
North-East Monsoon
Nearer to mid-November, the North-East Monsoon begins and lasts till February. The season is often dry because these breezes have a lengthy voyage and little light moisture. The Mountain's lower northern slopes experience heavy rainfall. It is significantly less rainy than the South-east winds' March to May primary wet season. Because of how these winds interact with Mount Kilimanjaro, there are two main hiking seasons: January through March and June through October.
KILIMANJARO WEATHER WITH MONTHLY GUIDE
On Kilimanjaro, the wind from the west blows frequently. The Rongai trail, which can be located on the northeastern slope of Kilimanjaro, is hence much drier. The Rongai Route has been modified for wet weather. The paths on the mountain's southwest flank, like the Machame or Lemosho, get muddy during the rainy season.
January to mid-March In Kilimanjaro, it is the warmest time of year. The days are typically dry and cloudless. For climbers, this is presumably the season to approach.
Mid-March to May
High rainfall is anticipated throughout this time. Between the middle of March and the end of May, it began. The majority of operators have already booked this time and shut down their services.
June to October
The second climbing season is this one. Although Kilimanjaro is close to the equator, the temperature swings by a few degrees from June to August, which is referred known as the winter season. In addition, the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is between the months of September and October.
November
The Kilimanjaro experiences very light rain in November. Even Nevertheless, some operators have a periodical timetable and no service.
December
Here, the wet season is essentially over. This is most likely the first month of the Kilimanjaro Trek when the weather gets dryer. The Kilimanjaro weather is often pleasant in December and remains so while people prepare for the New Year.
BEST TIME TO BOOK CLIMB AS PER KILIMANJARO WEATHER PATTERNS
If you're a seasoned traveller and can disregard the rain. Booking a private climb will benefit you, although there aren't many people on Kilimanjaro. On the north side of the Kilimanjaro climb can be preferred because the Northern Route receives less rainfall.
1. January-March – Dry season on Kilimanjaro (making it a great time to trek)
2. April and May – Wettest months on Kilimanjaro (not perfect for the climbing)
3. June-October – Busiest Trekking Season (Find Open Groups To Save Cost)
4. November-December – Short Rainy & Cold Month (Trekking is fine if ignore the
cold)
CHOOSE THE BEST KILIMANJARO WEATHER PATTERNS FOR CLIMBING
Africa's roof is Mount Kilimanjaro, which rises 19,345 feet above sea level. The mountain is not accustomed to the drastic shift in seasons because it is located closer to the equator. Therefore, it is essential to understand Kilimanjaro weather patterns before climbing the mountain. People are often concerned with the ideal time to climb Kilimanjaro. So, here is an updated guide on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro from Tanzania. It will be easier to go if you are aware of the weather conditions on Mount Kilimanjaro.