Like all big mountains, the weather on Kilimanjaro varies greatly, and can change quickly.  Kilimanjaro’s altitude influences its weather, with winds from the Indian Ocean deflected upward by the slopes, leaving moisture as rain and snow.

This moisture results in a range of vegetative zones that change as the altitude on the mountain increases. 

The plains at the base of the mountain are semi-desert scrub. 

Up to 3000m and beyond, Kilimanjaro is covered with a tropical rain forest that gradually reduces into grasslands and moorlands.

As you pass beyond 4,400m, this is replaced by high-altitude desert.

 Towards the summit of Kili is permanent ice and snow.

It is possible to climb Kilimanjaro all year long, although most avoid the rainy seasons.

The long rainy season is from April to May, whilst the short rainy season is mostly

 in November and the beginning of December.

No matter what time of year you decide to travel, you will no doubt face a variety

 of weather conditions on Kilimanjaro.  It is crucial you are prepared with the

 appropriate equipment for wet days and very cold nights.