Mount Kilimanjaro Night Temperature: What to Expect During Your Trek and Summit Day | Kili Quests

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a thrilling challenge — but many trekkers underestimate the nighttime cold at high altitudes. While days can be sunny and warm, nights on the mountain bring drastically lower temperatures, especially near the summit.

In this guide, Kili Quests explains what night temperatures to expect at each stage of your trek and how to stay warm, safe, and prepared from base camp to summit.

Understand how temperature changes across Kilimanjaro’s five climate zones.

Night Temperatures by Altitude on Kilimanjaro

1. Lower Altitudes (1,000m – 2,500m)

Temperature Range: 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F)
Example Camps: Machame Gate, Rongai Start Point

What to Expect

These zones are relatively warm. Nights are cool but manageable.

What to Wear:

Lightweight fleece or jacket
Long-sleeved base layer
Warm socks and light gloves if needed

2. Middle Altitudes (2,500m – 4,000m)

Temperature Range: 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F)
Example Camps: Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp

What to Expect

Temperatures drop significantly after sunset. You’ll feel the chill.

What to Wear:

Insulating fleece or down jacket
Thermal sleeping pants
Beanie and gloves for warmth

Ecological Zones of Kilimanjaro: A Climber’s Guide – Learn how each zone affects your comfort and gear.

3. High Altitudes (4,000m – 5,000m)

Temperature Range: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
Example Camps: Barafu Camp, Kibo Hut

What to Expect

Cold nights become extreme at this level. Warmth becomes essential for sleep and safety.

What to Wear:

Down or insulated jacket
Thermal underwear
Wool socks and hat
Cold-rated sleeping bag (-10°C or below)

4. Summit Night (5,000m – 5,895m)

Temperature Range: -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F)
Trek Timing: Midnight start from Barafu to Uhuru Peak

What to Expect

This is the coldest part of the entire climb. Windchill makes it feel even colder. You’ll climb in total darkness for 6–8 hours before sunrise.

What to Wear on Summit Night:

Heavy-duty down jacket
Thermal gloves, balaclava, and face covering
Base layer + fleece + insulated outer layer
Waterproof boots + thick socks
Hand warmers or toe warmers (optional but helpful)

Kilimanjaro Summit Day Gear Checklist – Don’t underestimate what you need for summit night.

Tips to Stay Warm on Kilimanjaro

Dress in Layers

Layering helps regulate body temperature as you move through different zones:

Base layer (moisture-wicking)
Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down)
Outer layer (windproof and waterproof)

Use our updated checklist to pack the right layers for chilly nights.

Stay Hydrated & Eat Well

Drink 3–4 liters daily to improve circulation and prevent cold stress
Eat high-energy meals before bed for warmth
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can interfere with sleep and body heat

Use the Right Sleeping Gear

Bring a sleeping bag rated for -10°C to -15°C or colder
Add a sleeping bag liner for extra insulation
Sleep in clean, dry thermals to avoid heat loss

Move When Cold

If you wake up freezing or can’t sleep:

Do light stretches inside your tent
Walk gently around camp
Sip warm water or tea

Essential Medication & Health Tips – Learn how cold impacts your altitude adaptation and energy levels.

Final Packing Advice for Cold Nights

Before your trek, use this checklist for nighttime warmth:

Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
Insulated down jacket
Warm hat, gloves, and neck covering
High-quality sleeping bag (-10°C or lower)
Hand and foot warmers
Dry socks and spare thermals

Kilimanjaro Packing List – Use our updated list to make sure you’re fully ready.

Prepare for Kilimanjaro’s Night Temperatures with Confidence

Kilimanjaro’s beauty comes with extremes — especially at night. But with the right preparation, you’ll stay warm, sleep well, and climb strong.

At Kili Quests, we guide you through every detail, from recommended gear to how to dress for summit night. You can rent high-quality gear locally if you need extra layers.

Ready to conquer Kilimanjaro? Contact us today to plan your trek and stay safe from base to summit.

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