Keeping dry and warm on Kilimanjaro:
There is little doubt that you will have some rain, and it is likely to be in the lower regions around the Montana or forest level. Waterproofs are necessary; remember that on the equator, the rainy season is traditionally March, April, May and November.
Expect extreme short-term conditions, i.e. sharp showers of rain, hot sun, gusts of wind, snow and low night temperatures. Clear nights will be colder but more beautiful, and generally, the cloud builds up mid-morning, only to dissipate again with the setting sun. Above Shira Camp (day 2), you may get snow, sleet and even hail. The ground is more open and exposed, so it will be important to have some dry bags for your day sack (or a cover) and all the appropriate clothing for protection against the elements. Up higher at Barafu Camp, it will be colder and windier, so the shell jacket is really vital; temperatures can drop dramatically, and there may be snow. Summit morning can be icy under foot, and very cold (minus 10°C), so good boots with hats and gloves are important.
Work on a ‘wet and dry system so that if your T-shirt gets wet during the day, you always have a dry T-shirt and warm top to change into the moment you get to camp. This is really important for morale, if nothing else. Don’t let people keep wet clothes on. It’s such an obvious point but commonly ignored.