How Cold is the Summit of Kilimanjaro
If you have been looking at pictures and videos of Kilimanjaro, you might have seen an abundance of snow on Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro. Many climbers worry about trekking in the snow.
With the right clothes though, the snow and cold shouldn’t hinder your success when it comes to summiting. One thing to know about Kilimanjaro is that it tends to create its own weather patterns, so the temperature at the summit is not always the same.
No matter the time of year though, the temperature of the summit is always below freezing. But it’s not always snowing!
Temperature at Uhuru Peak
Uhuru Peak is the highest peak on the mountain and the summit of Kilimanjaro. Temperatures range from around -4 ℃ to -27 ℃. That’s about -17 ℉ to 25 ℉.
It’s a pretty big range of temperatures, but one thing you can be sure of: it’s cold!
This is why we recommend you get everything on our packing list no matter the time of year you’re climbing. Even if you’re climbing in the summer, you need to be prepared for the snow and cold.
We also offer many rental gear options if you prefer to save money. When you rent gear from us, you can also be sure it meets the adequate temperature specifications on the packing list.
Since you will summit the mountain at sunrise, the temperatures on the summit will most likely be at the lower end of the range because the sun is just coming out. Make sure you adequately prepare for summit night. Our guides and porters are also always available to help you and ensure you are keeping warm.
You can also read our guide on the best time to climb Kilimanjaro and view more information on the weather throughout the mountain.
Seeing Snow on the Summit
Many people want to see snow on the summit, while others prefer to climb when the weather is more dry. Snow usually coincides with the rainy season, but it can also snow during the dry months as well.
November through May are the most common months to see snow as they are also the wettest months on the mountain. December through February are more dry though, so it’s a good chance to enjoy a dry hike while also having a chance of seeing snow on the summit.
Hiking through the snow is a unique experience and many people agree that the snow covering the mountain is stunning. However, the more snow on the mountain, the more fog there is. This means you will not have a great view at the top of the mountain.
Consider what is more important to you before booking your climb. Would you rather experience the magic of the snow mountain or get a stunning view at the summit?
Factors to Consider for Summit Temperatures
One thing people forget about is the wind. It can be extremely windy at the summit which means it can feel a lot colder than it actually is. Since the wind will be very cold, it can even burn your skin and make any exposed body parts very dry and cold.
Make sure you are covering as much of your body as possible with layers, layers, and more layers! A waterproof jacket is also crucial as it can protect you from wind and rain. We recommend you wear a very warm beanie and some people even wear a face covering in case the wind is too much at the summit.
Thermal layers are also important as they do a better job of keeping you warm compared to basic clothing. Even though it’s cold, you will need to wear sunglasses. The sun is very strong as the summit and you want to ensure your eyes are protected.
Don’t forget to drink water as well! Sometimes when it’s cold out, it can be hard to remember to drink water because you might not be sweating as much compared to other days on the mountain. You’re still losing a lot of energy though and you need to keep hydrated.
Ecological Zones on the Mountain
Mount Kilimanjaro has five ecological climate zones.
The higher you climb, the colder the mountain gets. The summit is also known as the Arctic zone. It’s so cold that no animals or insects can live there. The oxygen levels are also half what they are at sea level which is why people don’t sleep at the summit or stay too long at the top.
As said before, the sun is also extremely sharp here. Since the atmosphere is thin, exposure to the sun is very direct and can be harmful without clothing layers and sunglasses.
Ready to Book?
If you’re ready to book your climb, contact Climbing Kilimanjaro, ranked the #1 Best Kilimanjaro Tour operator & Guides by TripAdvisor,Travel Experts, and Leading news outlets and we can give you all the booking information. We are also here to answer any questions you might have about the weather or snow on Uhuru Peak.
