How cold is the summit of Kilimanjaro?

In a word: COLD!

The temperature at Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro, usually ranges from around -4°C (25°F) at midday to around -27°C (-17°F) in the dead of the night.

You'll likely experience a summit temperature somewhere in the middle of this range because most trekkers reach Uhuru Peak within an hour of sunrise – so the sun is out, but it hasn't had much time to heat anything up as yet.

As we discuss in Best time to climb Kilimanjaro, the warmest time of year at the top of Kilimanjaro is usually December to March. The coldest time of the year at the summit is usually June and July. But the colder months also tend to offer superbly clear views from the summit!

Infographic of the best time to climb Kilimanjaro

Please read What should I wear for summit night on Kilimanjaro to ensure you come equipped to stave off the cold, no matter what time of year you climb. You can also download our free Kilimanjaro packing list below.

As we discuss in When is there snow on the summit of Kilimanjaro?, your chances of enjoying a snowy summit trek are highest between November and April.

That said, we recommend planning a New Year's Eve Kilimanjaro climb or one in the first quarter of the year if you're keen for a snow-blanketed summit but want to miss the rainy season. If you climb Kilimanjaro in November or early December, or between mid March and May, you have a higher chance of rainy days. There's also the chance that you'll trek to the summit when it's snowing, which is magical in its way but will mean no view from the top!

Sunrise near the summit of Kilimanjaro during the snowy season