Due to Tanzania's proximity to the equator (between 1 and 11.45
degrees latitude south of the Equator and 29.20 and 40.35 degrees
longitudes east), this region does not experience the extremes
of winter and summer weather, but has dry and wet seasons instead.
The local weather conditions on Kilimanjaro can be somewhat
unpredictable to say the very least. Rainfall varies from 2100
mm per year in the rainforest belt to less than 120 mm per year
in the summit zone. Similarly, daily temperature changes are
unexpected when compared to normal weather cycles, and are largely
dependent on altitude.
Mount Kilimanjaro has five major ecological zones, each approximately
3,280 feet (1,000 m) in altitude. Each zone is subject to a
corresponding decrease in rainfall, temperature and life as
the altitude increases. At the beginning of the climb, at the
base of the mountain, the average temperature is around 70°F
to 80°F (27°C to 32°C). From there, the temperatures
will decrease as you move through Mount Kilimanjaro's ecological
zones. At the summit, Uhuru Peak, the night time temperatures
can range between 0°F to -15F (-18°C to -26°C).
This make Kilimanjaro weather very dynamic and you should always
be prepared for wet days and cold nights.
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 90 degrees Fahrenheit. As one heads away from the
lower plains towards the rain forest, conditions become increasingly
warm and humid.
Mount Kilimanjaro is divided into five distinct zones: cultivated
farmlands on the lowest levels, next is the rainforest zone,
followed by heath and moorland with alpine vegetation, and just
before the barren, snowy summit is lunar-like desert. The climate
and animal life changes from zone to zone.
The long rains typically occur from March to May and it is at
this time when visibility is reduced and the mountain can become
slippery. The shorter rains occur during November and December
while June though October is summer time and is most conducive
for climbing the mountain. However, weather on the mountain
can change at any time and you should be prepared for rain -
even during the dry season. One of the benefits of attempting
to climb the mountain during the April and May is that there
are fewer climbers -in fact you may have the summit all to yourself.
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