Marangu Weather Guide | Printable

The Marangu Day Hike takes place entirely within Kilimanjaro's montane rainforest zone (1,800m–2,800m). This zone is warm and humid year-round with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C (59°F–82°F). The forest canopy provides partial cover from rain.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

Month	Season	Avg Temp	Rainfall	Trail	Crowds	Rating
January	Dry	18–28°C	Low	Firm, excellent	Moderate	Recommended
February	Dry	18–28°C	Low	Firm, excellent	Moderate	Recommended
March	Long Rains	17–26°C	High	Muddy, slippery	Low	Possible
April	Long Rains	15–25°C	Very High	Muddy, wet	Low	Possible
May	Long Rains	15–24°C	High	Muddy, manageable	Low	Possible
June	Dry	14–24°C	Low	Firm, good	Moderate	Recommended
July	Dry	13–23°C	Low	Firm, excellent	High	Recommended
August	Dry	14–24°C	Low	Firm, excellent	High	Recommended
September	Dry	15–25°C	Low	Firm, excellent	Moderate	Recommended
October	Dry	16–26°C	Low–Moderate	Firm, good	Moderate	Recommended
November	Short Rains	16–26°C	Moderate	Damp, manageable	Low	Good
December	Short Rains	17–27°C	Moderate	Damp, manageable	Low–Moderate	Good

Month

Season

Avg Temp

Rainfall

Trail

Crowds

Rating

January

Dry

18–28°C

Low

Firm, excellent

Moderate

Recommended

February

Dry

18–28°C

Low

Firm, excellent

Moderate

Recommended

March

Long Rains

17–26°C

High

Muddy, slippery

Low

Possible

April

Long Rains

15–25°C

Very High

Muddy, wet

Low

Possible

May

Long Rains

15–24°C

High

Muddy, manageable

Low

Possible

June

Dry

14–24°C

Low

Firm, good

Moderate

Recommended

July

Dry

13–23°C

Low

Firm, excellent

High

Recommended

August

Dry

14–24°C

Low

Firm, excellent

High

Recommended

September

Dry

15–25°C

Low

Firm, excellent

Moderate

Recommended

October

Dry

16–26°C

Low–Moderate

Firm, good

Moderate

Recommended

November

Short Rains

16–26°C

Moderate

Damp, manageable

Low

Good

December

Short Rains

17–27°C

Moderate

Damp, manageable

Low–Moderate

Good

What to Expect Each Season

Dry Season (January–February, June–October)

Trail: Firm and easy to walk. Minimal mud.

Visibility: Best chance of clear views of Kibo peak from Mandara Hut.

Photography: Excellent conditions with clear light and visible mountain.

Crowds: Moderate to high. Weekdays (Tue–Thu) are quieter.

Temperature: Cooler at higher elevations. Morning mist burns off by late morning.

Rainy Season (March–May, November–December)

Trail: Muddy in sections but manageable. Good grip shoes recommended.

Atmosphere: The rainforest is at its most dramatic — mist, flowing streams, and waterfalls.

Crowds: Low. You may have the trail mostly to yourself.

Wildlife: Birds are more active. The forest floor comes alive with fungi and flowers.

Rain gear: A good rain jacket is essential. The canopy provides partial cover.

Pro Tip: Even during rainy seasons, the Marangu Day Hike is still enjoyable. The mist creates a magical atmosphere, the forest is at its greenest, and you'll have the trail to yourself. Just bring a rain jacket and wear shoes with good grip.

What to Wear by Season

Dry Season

Lightweight trousers, t-shirt, light fleece or jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen

Rainy Season

Same as dry season + waterproof rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, spare socks, gaiters recommended

Dry Season (Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct)	Firm, dry trails • Clearer skies • Better mountain views • More crowded • Ideal for photography
Rainy Season (Mar–May, Nov–Dec)	Lush green vegetation • Dramatic mist • Fewer crowds • Quieter trails • Waterfalls appear

Marangu Day Hike — Weather Guide

Climate Overview

Month-by-Month Breakdown

Best Seasons at a Glance

What to Expect Each Season

Dry Season (January–February, June–October)

Rainy Season (March–May, November–December)

What to Wear by Season