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Mid to late October Group Climbs

Still very dry and clear, but towards the end of October, the short rains can begin (usually just afternoon showers). Most years the second half of October remains excellent; in some years, you get a few wet afternoons. A great shoulder-season choice if you want good weather and lower crowds.

OCTOBER 2026

Route Arrival Departure Special Event Price Spaces
7 day Lemosho 01 Oct 2026 09 Oct 2026 $2,650 10
7 day Machame 03 Oct 2026 11 Oct 2026 $2,445 10
7 day Lemosho 05 Oct 2026 13 Oct 2026 $2,435 10
7 day Machame 07 Oct 2026 15 Oct 2026 $2,445 9
9 day Northern Circuit 08 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026 $2,920 10
8 day Lemosho 09 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026 $2,650 10
7 day Lemosho 10 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026 $2,435 10
9 day Northern Circuit 18 Oct 2026 28 Oct 2026 ★ Full Moon Summit – Book $2,920 8
8 day Lemosho 19 Oct 2026 28 Oct 2026 ★ Full Moon Summit – Book $2,650 9
7 day Lemosho 20 Oct 2026 28 Oct 2026 ★ Full Moon Summit – Book $2,435 10
7 day Rongai 25 Oct 2026 02 Nov 2026 $2,545 10

NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2026 (Short Rainy + Holiday Season)

The short rainy season. Light to moderate rain most afternoons, but mornings are usually clear, and the mountain empties out again. Prices drop, crowds disappear, and the park feels wild and untouched. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind packing good rain gear, November offers excellent value and a lush, green mountain.

December – Kilimanjaro Group Trek Dates

The short rains normally finish by mid-December. From about the 15th onward, the weather turns dry and settled again, making the Christmas and New Year climbs extremely popular. Warm days, cold summit nights, and festive atmosphere in the camps. The Christmas Day and New Year summit attempts are bucket-list experiences – clear skies, celebratory mood at Uhuru Peak at sunrise, and champagne on the roof of Africa.

Route Arrival Departure Special Event Price Spaces
9 day Northern Circuit 27 Nov 2026 07 Dec 2026 $2,920 10
8 day Lemosho 28 Nov 2026 07 Dec 2026 $2,650 10
7 day Lemosho 29 Nov 2026 07 Dec 2026 $2,435 10
6 day Marangu 05 Dec 2026 12 Dec 2026 $2,090 8
8 day Lemosho 07 Dec 2026 16 Dec 2026 $2,650 10
7 day Lemosho 08 Dec 2026 16 Dec 2026 $2,435 8
8 day Lemosho 18 Dec 2026 26 Dec 2026 ★ Christmas Day Summit – Book $2,650 10
9 day Northern Circuit 19 Dec 2026 29 Dec 2026 Holiday Season – Book $2,920 10
8 day Lemosho 25 Dec 2026 03 Jan 2027 ★ New Year Summit – Book $2,650 10
7 day Lemosho 26 Dec 2026 03 Jan 2027 ★ New Year Summit – Book $2,435 10

Christmas & New Year Special Departures

| 8 day Lemosho | Dec 18, 2026 | Dec 26, 2026 | ★ Christmas Day Summit | $2,650 | 10 |
| 9 day Northern Circuit | Dec 19, 2026 | Dec 29, 2026 | Holiday Season | $2,920 | 10 |
| 8 day Lemosho | Dec 25, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | ★ New Year Summit | $2,650 | 10 |
| 7 day Lemosho | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | ★ New Year Summit | $2,650 | 10 |

All prices are final per person in USD · Small group supplements may apply for 1–2 travellers
★ Full Moon climbs = summit night under bright moonlight (very popular!)

Best Months for Joining a Group Trek

The best months for climbing Kilimanjaro are generally considered to be January, February, July, August, September, and October. These months offer better weather conditions, with lower chances of rainfall and more stable temperatures. However, it’s important to note that weather patterns can vary, and it’s recommended to consult with experienced guides or tour operators for the most up-to-date information and to choose the best time to climb based on your preferences and climbing goals.

Month | Weather Summary | Best Months
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January | Good weather, low precipitation | January
February | Good weather, low precipitation | February
March | Weather becomes unpredictable | March
April | Rainy season begins | –
May | Rainy season continues | –
June | Weather improves | June
July-August| Peak season, best weather | July, August
September | Dry season continues | September, October
October | Dry season continues |
November | Short rainy season begins | –
December | Short rainy season continues |