Uhuru Point Summit
How Cold is it at Uhuru Peak?
The cold at Uhuru Peak is a significant challenge, especially during the summit push. With temperatures often around -10°C to -20°C and wind chill potentially reaching -40°C, climbers face risks like frostbite and hypothermia. The cold affects sleep at high camps, with temperatures well below freezing, and requires robust gear, including moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid layers, and waterproof outer layers, as well as warm hats, gloves, and face masks.
Climbers report the cold as one of the toughest aspects, alongside altitude sickness. For example, Peak Planet notes that once the sun rises, temperatures become warmer, but during the ascent, layers are essential. Proper preparation, including acclimatization and hydration, is crucial, as the cold can exacerbate physical strain.
Factors Influencing Temperature
Several factors contribute to the cold at Uhuru Peak:
Altitude: The high altitude of 5,895 meters results in a significant temperature decrease. Using the standard lapse rate of 6.5°C per 1,000 meters, and considering Moshi at 900m with average temperatures around 21°C to 26°C (Weather Spark: Average Weather in Moshi, Tanzania), the estimated temperature drop is about 32.5°C, suggesting summit temperatures around -6°C to -11°C, aligning with observed data.
Time of Day: Temperatures are lowest at night and early morning, which coincides with the summit attempt. Climbers often start around midnight, experiencing the coldest part of the day, with temperatures dropping to -20°C or lower.
Weather Conditions: Cloud cover, wind speed, and precipitation affect temperatures. Clear skies lead to colder nights due to radiative cooling, while wind can exacerbate the cold through wind chill, making it feel like -40°C.
Seasonal Variations: Despite the equatorial location, there are slight seasonal differences. Tranquil Kilimanjaro mentions December to March as the warmest, with June and July as the coldest, but variations are minimal, with temperatures remaining below freezing year-round. Temperature changes are more driven by altitude and time of day than seasons.
Scientific Insights and Historical Data
Scientific studies, such as those by Lonnie Thompson, focus on glacier retreat and climate history, with ice cores providing data on past temperatures (Watts Up With That?: OSU’s Dr. Lonnie Thompson). While specific current temperature data from these studies is limited in the search results, they confirm the summit’s arctic conditions, with temperatures well below freezing, supporting the observed ranges.
