Red Hot Pokers and Female Mountain Nyala. Photo by Vincent Munier.
Temperatures vary widely throughout BMNP: on the plateau, daytime temperatures hover around 5°C (41°F) although winds are relentless, and can drop below zero at night. The northern part of the park and the Harenna forest are generally a few degrees warmer, but nighttime temperatures can still reach freezing. However, weather changes frequently and sometimes drastically, and with increasing altitude, the climate gets colder and wetter. In elevations over 3,000m night frosts are common. Rain falls most days from May until September and the mountains are dramatically cloaked in mist and cloud. However, May through July is a pleasant time to visit and despite the frequent afternoon showers, the days are warm and sunny. From October to April, days are sunny and night skies are filled with stars. June is the best time for spring flowers; red-hot pokers cover the hillside with their flame-colored vegetation. The best time for trekking is from October to April.