Kilimanjaro Weather Forecast

Kilimanjaro Weather Forecast

Kilimanjaro Climate

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The Local Weather conditions on Kilimanjaro can be somewhat unpredictable to say the very least. Precipitation varies from 2000mm per year in the rainforest belt to less than100mm per year in the summit zone. Similarly, daily temperature fluxes are atypical when compared to normal weather cycles, and are largely dependent on Altitude.

The only real recommendation to climbers is that they avoid the rainy season, when visibility is bad and the mountain becomes slippery and treacherous. The long rains or Masika typically occur from February to May, while the shorter rains or Vuli occur during November and December. Ground water levels are generally at their highest between March and May.

Weather Conditions near the base of the mountain tend to be tropical to semi-temperate and are relatively stable all year round. The lower plains are hot and dry with average temperatures of around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. As one heads away from the Lower Plains towards the Rain Forest, conditions become increasingly warm and humid. Due to incredibly high moisture levels, it is not uncommon to see a band of fine clouds hovering over the treetops of the rainforest, giving it an almost eerie and surreal appearance.

Higher up the mountain, temperature extremes tend to be far more drastic and the variation between daytime and night time temperature becomes more and more apparent. In the heath and moorland area evenings are frosty and cold, whilst scorching daytime temperatures are typical of what one would expect from a country bordering the equator.

By the time one reaches the summit area of Kilimanjaro the air is icy and dry and temperatures are well below zero. Despite the chill in the air, African sun still nevertheless continues to beat down relentlessly. The extreme heat caused by the sun's radiation causes the air pressure to drop and moisture to literally to be sucked from the clouds below.

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Most climbers end up sleeping in every item of clothing they possess, including hats and gloves on the night prior to summiting. Ironically enough however, prior to making the final push towards Uhuru Peak, individuals are advised to don a pair of shorts and a T-shirt beneath their heavily padded climbing gear. This is to ensure that they do not overheat; such is the vast temperature fluctuation during the decent.

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