Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a year-round destination with a pleasant tropical highland climate. Thanks to its altitude, temperatures are mild throughout the year – daytime highs typically stay below 30°C and nights rarely dip below 15°C. Instead of traditional winter/summer, Rwanda’s climate revolves around wet and dry seasons. Knowing when these occur will help you plan the perfect trip, whether you’re tracking mountain gorillas, going on safari, or relaxing by Lake Kivu. In this guide, we’ll break down Rwanda’s weather by season and month, highlight the best time to visit Rwanda (and the best month to visit Rwanda), suggest activities for each season, and provide fun yet practical travel tips. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Rwanda’s seasons will help you decide the best time to visit Rwanda based on your interests. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect throughout the year:
Weather: This period marks Rwanda’s short dry season. Rains from the earlier months taper off by mid-December. January is generally sunny and dry, with conditions persisting into February. Daytime temperatures are warm (mid-20s°C) and nights are cool – especially in high-altitude areas. You might see a brief shower here or there, but nothing like the heavy rains of spring.
Why Visit Now: These months are ideal for gorilla trekking and hiking, as the trails are drier and easier to navigate. In fact, January is considered a perfect time for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. It’s also suitable for other outdoor adventures – you can climb mountains or canoe without much worry of rain interruptions.
Wildlife viewing in Akagera is good (animals are still easy to spot in the thinning vegetation), and this window is considered a second high season for tourism. The scenery is lush from the recent rains, but you also get plenty of sunshine. As February progresses, humidity may increase slightly, signalling the upcoming wet season, but overall conditions remain traveller-friendly.
Keep in Mind: Because this is a popular time to visit, permits for gorilla treks and lodges can book up. Especially around the December holidays, plan and book your customised Rwanda tour package early if you want specific dates or luxury lodges. Also note that the very end of February may see the first hint of rain returning. However, often it’s still a great time to combine activities (some travellers manage to trek gorillas and chimpanzees in one trip during February’s favourable weather).
Weather: Rwanda’s long rainy season begins in March and usually peaks in April. You can expect frequent afternoon downpours and some thunderstorms. April is the rainiest month, with heavy rainfall making trails wet and slippery. Rivers and waterfalls swell, and the whole country becomes a lush emerald green. By May, the rains begin to ease slightly, but the ground remains quite wet and muddy.
Why Visit Now: This period is the low season for tourism, which has a few advantages. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds at popular sites and potentially lower rates on lodges (many hotels offer green-season discounts). The rainforest environment is at its most vibrant – a paradise for photographers and birdwatchers. The chimps tend to stay in lower branches, feasting on figs, making them easier to spot in larger groups.
Keep in Mind:This isn’t the best time for gorilla trekking if you can choose otherwise. Trails get muddy and roads slippery, making hikes more challenging. Treks still run year-round, but you’ll need sturdy boots and rain gear. The upside? Fewer crowds, easier permit availability, and a more intimate encounter—just be ready to embrace the mud and adventure!
Just remember, “Rain can come at any time of year anyway, so no matter when you travel, you should always be prepared for it”.
Weather: Welcome to Rwanda’s long dry season, typically from June through September. Rainfall drops off dramatically in June, and these months are characterised by sunny, warm days and cooler nights. July and August are the driest, sunniest months of the year – in many areas, virtually no rain might fall for weeks.
Skies are often clear or only lightly cloudy, giving fantastic views of Rwanda’s mountains and lakes. By mid-September, you may notice a slight increase in humidity and the occasional shower as the short rains approach.
Why Visit Now: This is, hands down, the best time to visit Rwanda for most travellers. The dry conditions are ideal for nearly all activities, including gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and hiking, among others. Forest trails are much less slippery, so trekking to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is as easy as it gets (though it’s still a vigorous hike!).
In fact, July and August are often considered the best months to visit Rwanda, as they are warm and breezy, with minimal rainfall. These are peak months for gorilla trekking, with many travellers planning a year to secure their permits and lodges.
The grass is lower, and animals congregate at water sources, so you’re more likely to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, and other game with ease. The sunny weather is also perfect for kayaking or boating on Lake Kivu, as well as for scenic hikes in places like the Virunga volcanoes or around the lush, green countryside hills.
Events: The long dry season coincides with summer holidays in North America/Europe, so Rwanda experiences a spike in family travel and group tours in July and August. One special event usually takes place around early September – Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s famous baby gorilla naming ceremony. This celebration of conservation (often held at Volcanoes National Park) is a unique cultural experience if you visit at that time. It typically draws dignitaries, scientists, and tourists alike to welcome that year’s newborn gorillas. Additionally, late June or early July may feature the Kigali Up music festival or other cultural festivals in Kigali, adding an urban flair to your trip if you’re interested.
Keep in Mind: As this is Rwanda’s high season, demand is at its highest. Gorilla permits must be booked far in advance (they are limited to 96 permits per day in Volcanoes NP). Lodges, especially luxury ones, often sell out months ahead for July and August. Accommodation prices will be at a premium. If you’re planning a luxury Rwanda tour package from India in these months – whether for a honeymoon, family trip, or solo adventure – start organising early. Also note that even in the dry season, the volcano slopes are rainforest – a rain shower can still surprise you. Carry a light waterproof jacket or poncho on treks just in case.
Weather: Around late September or early October, rains return for the short rainy season. Don’t imagine non-stop downpours, though – this season is characterised by brief, intense showers or thunderstorms usually in afternoons or evenings, with sunny or partly cloudy skies in between. The rain often comes in “quick heavy bursts” that clear up, rather than lasting all day. October tends to mark the start of green season conditions, and November is typically the wetter of the two months. Temperatures remain warm (mid-20s °C), and humidity rises with the rainfall. By late November, the frequency of rain begins to decrease as the weather transitions into the year-end dry spell.
Why Visit Now: While not as popular as the long dry season, these months can be a great time to visit Rwanda for certain travellers. The countryside comes alive with fresh greenery and wildflowers – Rwanda’s landscapes become especially photogenic with misty hills and rainbows after storms.
It’s an excellent time for birding, as migratory birds arrive and resident birds are in breeding plumage, making sightings colourful and varied. Photographers will love the dramatic skies (imagine mist-shrouded volcanoes and lush jungle backgrounds). Additionally, fewer tourists visit during the short rains, resulting in less crowded gorilla treks. You might even get a gorilla family all to yourself on a trek. And while trails can be muddy, park authorities still schedule treks daily – you will see gorillas as long as you’re willing to hike in the muck.
Cultural Notes: Early October often marks the culmination of the Kwita Izina week (sometimes shifted to World Gorilla Day in late September or even into October); check the calendar for related conservation events or conferences. Also in late November or early December, Rwanda often organises events like the Kigali International Peace Marathon or music festivals. By late November, the country starts gearing up for the Christmas/New Year holiday season with local festivities, especially in Kigali and around Lake Kivu.
Keep in Mind: Expect some afternoon plans to be delayed due to rain – flexibility is key. If you go gorilla trekking, you’ll need good boots and will likely get muddy. Still, the experience is just as magical (gorilla families may be sheltering or playing in the drizzle, which is adorable to see). While this isn’t considered the very best time for gorilla trekking, don’t forget that “rain can come at any time of year” in a rainforest, so you could luck out with a string of clear days.
The bottom line: Rwanda is beautiful year-round, and each season offers something special. Now, let’s explore what you can do in each season and the best places to visit in Rwanda for these activities.
Rwanda may be best known for its mountain gorillas, but this “Land of a Thousand Hills” offers far more — from wildlife safaris and primate encounters to cultural festivals, scenic hikes, and lakeside relaxation. Here’s how to make the most of each season and tailor your adventure to the weather.
Rwanda’s signature experience — meeting endangered mountain gorillas — is magical year-round, but conditions are best in the dry seasons (June–September and December–February). During these months, trails are firmer, visibility is clear, and hiking is more comfortable. July and August are the peak months, while January also offers excellent trekking with fewer crowds.
Since permits are limited, book well in advance — especially during the long dry season. Even in the highlands’ cool mornings and humid afternoons, the encounter with a gorilla family in the misty Virungas is worth every step.
For classic game drives, Akagera’s dry months are unbeatable. Grasses are short, animals gather at watering holes, and the warm light is ideal for photography. You’ll spot elephants, giraffes, lions, and even rhinos as the sun sets over the savannah. If you’re planning a Gorilla Safari Rwanda, Akagera National Park perfectly complements your adventure. The wet season (March–May) transforms the park into a lush green expanse. It’s birthing time for many species, making it a paradise for photographers and birdwatchers who don’t mind the occasional muddy track. Visiting Akagera during this time means serenity — and the park is nearly to yourself.
Deep in southern Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest is a biodiversity hotspot. Unlike gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking is often best during the rainy months (March–May, October–November) when wild fruit is abundant and chimp groups gather in lower branches, making them easier to spot.
The dry season, while easier for walking, can make sightings trickier as the chimps roam farther in search of food. For a balance of accessibility and activity, consider late May or early June, when the rains taper off but fruit remains plentiful.
Rwanda’s varied terrain is made for adventure. The dry months are perfect for climbing Mount Bisoke or Mount Karisimbi, biking the Congo-Nile Trail, or kayaking on Lake Kivu. Trails are safer and skies are clearer, especially between June and September.
In the wet season, hikes are muddier but more dramatic — with waterfalls in full flow and mist drifting over the hills. For thrill-seekers who don’t mind getting muddy, it’s an atmospheric experience.
With over 700 species, Rwanda is a birder’s dream. The wet seasons bring lush vegetation, nesting activity, and migratory birds from Europe and Asia (November–April). Parks like Akagera and Nyungwe come alive with colour — from turacos to sunbirds. Specialist birding trips often favour late November or early December, when the rains ease but landscapes remain green.
Rwanda’s cultural side shines in any weather. Explore Kigali’s Genocide Memorial, vibrant markets, and local coffee roasteries. Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes National Park for traditional music and dance.
Key events include Umuganura (Harvest Festival) in August and Kwita Izina (Gorilla Naming Ceremony) in September, both of which celebrate Rwandan heritage and conservation. Even a rainy afternoon can be well spent savouring fresh Rwandan coffee in a Kigali café.
For serenity, Lake Kivu is perfect year-round. The dry season (June–September) offers sunny weather ideal for swimming, boating, or lakeside strolls. During the rains, misty mornings and stormy sunsets create a peaceful, romantic ambience — perfect for sipping tea on a veranda overlooking the water. December brings festive energy and local music events around Gisenyi, adding a celebratory touch to your journey.
Planning a trip to Rwanda is an exciting experience! Here are some handy travel tips to ensure you have an engaging and hassle-free experience, no matter when you go:
Carry insect repellent and consider anti-malarial medication if advised by your doctor, especially if you’ll be in the wetlands of Akagera or visiting in the wetter months. Drink plenty of water (carry a reusable water bottle; Rwanda is big on banning plastics – an excellent eco-conscious policy).
For Families: If you’re planning a trip with your family, please note that the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years. If you have younger kids, consider focusing on family-friendly safaris in Akagera, beach time at Lake Kivu, and cultural tours. You can also arrange for kids to participate in nature walks or visit community projects while older teens or parents undertake the gorilla trek.
A customised Rwanda tour package arranged by a tour operator can be a great way to balance everyone’s needs – for example, incorporating both adventure (like kayaking or canopy walks) and relaxation, and scheduling downtime so the trip pace suits all ages.
Finally, stay flexible and have a positive attitude. If a sudden shower changes your plans for an hour, embrace the chance to enjoy a cup of Rwanda’s famous tea or coffee. If a trail is temporarily closed, your guides will find alternative activities (like cultural visits to villages or an impromptu dance performance – Rwandans are very hospitable and proud to share their culture). Often, those little unexpected moments become cherished memories of your trip.
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, offering ideal trekking and safari conditions.
July is often considered the best month to visit Rwanda, thanks to clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and excellent wildlife and gorilla trekking opportunities.
The best time for gorilla trekking is the dry months of June–September and December–February when trails are drier and visibility is better.
Yes, you can. Rainy months (March–May, October–November) bring lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and rewarding birdwatching, although treks can be muddier and more challenging.
A 7–10 day trip allows time for gorilla trekking, safaris in Akagera, and relaxation at Lake Kivu, balancing adventure and leisure perfectly.
