Mount Kilimanjaro Full Moon Planning
Mount Kilimanjaro Full Moon Dates 2026 & 2027
Plan your climb around the full moon and experience Kilimanjaro’s summit trail under the moonlit night sky. View the 2026 and 2027 full moon dates and start planning your summit night.
What Is a Mount Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climb?
A Mount Kilimanjaro full moon climb is planned so that your summit attempt takes place on or close to the full moon. Because Kilimanjaro summit attempts normally begin late at night, a bright moon can add natural light to the trail and create a memorable atmosphere as you climb towards Stella Point and Uhuru Peak.
The majority of each Kilimanjaro trek takes place during the day. The full moon is most relevant on summit night, when hikers usually leave the final camp around midnight and climb through the early morning hours before sunrise.
The full moon does not need to fall on the first day of your trek. Instead, your hike start date should be planned backwards from the summit night you would like to target.
Mount Kilimanjaro Full Moon Dates 2026 & 2027
Use the calendar below to find the Kilimanjaro full moon dates for the remainder of 2026 and throughout 2027. Suggested hike start dates are shown for 6-day, 7-day and 8-day itineraries when planning to reach Uhuru Peak around the listed full moon date.
Kilimanjaro Full Moon Dates 2026
August – December| Month | Full Moon | 8-Day Hike Start* | 7-Day Hike Start* | 6-Day Hike Start* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August | 28 August 2026 | 22 August 2026 | 23 August 2026 | 24 August 2026 |
| September | 26 September 2026 | 20 September 2026 | 21 September 2026 | 22 September 2026 |
| October | 26 October 2026 | 20 October 2026 | 21 October 2026 | 22 October 2026 |
| November | 24 November 2026 | 18 November 2026 | 19 November 2026 | 20 November 2026 |
| December | 24 December 2026 | 18 December 2026 | 19 December 2026 | 20 December 2026 |
Kilimanjaro Full Moon Dates 2027
Full Year| Month | Full Moon | 8-Day Hike Start* | 7-Day Hike Start* | 6-Day Hike Start* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22 January 2027 | 16 January 2027 | 17 January 2027 | 18 January 2027 |
| February | 21 February 2027 | 15 February 2027 | 16 February 2027 | 17 February 2027 |
| March | 22 March 2027 | 16 March 2027 | 17 March 2027 | 18 March 2027 |
| April | 21 April 2027 | 15 April 2027 | 16 April 2027 | 17 April 2027 |
| May | 20 May 2027 | 14 May 2027 | 15 May 2027 | 16 May 2027 |
| June | 19 June 2027 | 13 June 2027 | 14 June 2027 | 15 June 2027 |
| July | 18 July 2027 | 12 July 2027 | 13 July 2027 | 14 July 2027 |
| August | 17 August 2027 | 11 August 2027 | 12 August 2027 | 13 August 2027 |
| September | 16 September 2027 | 10 September 2027 | 11 September 2027 | 12 September 2027 |
| October | 15 October 2027 | 9 October 2027 | 10 October 2027 | 11 October 2027 |
| November | 14 November 2027 | 8 November 2027 | 9 November 2027 | 10 November 2027 |
| December | 13 December 2027 | 7 December 2027 | 8 December 2027 | 9 December 2027 |
The start dates above are planning guides based on reaching Uhuru Peak on the listed full moon date. An 8-day hike generally starts six days before summit day, a 7-day hike five days before and a 6-day hike four days before. Exact start and summit dates depend on your chosen route and itinerary, so always confirm your dates when booking.
When Should You Start Your Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climb?
Once you have chosen your preferred full moon date, the next step is to choose your route and itinerary length. The longer the itinerary, the earlier your hike will need to start.
If you want to reach Uhuru Peak around the listed full moon date, an 8-day hike will normally start about six days beforehand, a 7-day hike about five days before, and a 6-day hike about four days before.
Weather patterns and season are more important than the lunar calendar. A full moon can make summit night memorable, but clear skies and mountain conditions cannot be guaranteed.
Is a Full Moon the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro?
A Mount Kilimanjaro full moon can make summit night especially memorable, but the lunar calendar should not be the main reason for choosing your climb dates. Season, weather, route choice and sufficient time for acclimatisation are more important.
Benefits of a Full Moon Climb
A full moon can add a special atmosphere to the overnight summit attempt and provide additional natural light when skies are clear.
Full Moon Dates Can Be Busier
Full moon climbs are popular, particularly when the moon falls during one of Kilimanjaro's main climbing seasons.
Choose the Season First
Start by choosing a suitable climbing season and itinerary. Then see whether a full moon date fits naturally within your preferred travel period.
Compare Kilimanjaro's climbing seasons before choosing your final travel dates.
Join a Kilimanjaro Full Moon Group Hike
Two of our upcoming 8-day Lemosho group hikes are planned so that summit night falls on or close to the full moon. Join a small-group departure and experience Kilimanjaro under a moonlit night sky.
8-Day Lemosho Route
Scenic western approach · Excellent acclimatisation · Small-group climb
8-Day Lemosho Route
Scenic western approach · Excellent acclimatisation · Small-group climb
Plan a Private Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climb
If our scheduled group departures do not match the full moon you would like to target, we can plan a private climb around your preferred full moon period, route and travel dates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climbs
Find answers about summit dates, hike start dates, moon visibility, climbing seasons and planning a Mount Kilimanjaro full moon climb.
Plan Your Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climb
Choose one of our scheduled group departures or plan a private Kilimanjaro climb around your preferred full moon date, route and travel period.