Kilimanjaro's climate changes dramatically as you climb — you pass through five distinct climate zones on the way to the summit, more than almost any other trek in the world.
Cultivation zone (800–1,800m): Warm and humid, where most gate towns and the lower trailheads sit.
Rainforest (1,800–2,800m): Cooler and often misty, with the highest rainfall on the mountain — this is where you'll get the most convincing "jungle" scenery.
Heather and moorland (2,800–4,000m): Cooler still, with big swings between warm days and cold nights, and increasingly sparse, low vegetation.
Alpine desert (4,000–5,000m): Dry and stark, with intense sun during the day and temperatures well below freezing at night — this is where the right layering starts to matter most.
Arctic summit zone (above 5,000m): Freezing year-round, with strong winds and possible snow and ice at the crater rim.
Whatever the season you choose to climb, expect summit night temperatures well below freezing — proper layering matters more than the calendar month. See our Kilimanjaro packing list for exactly what to bring.