Rwanda, nicknamed the "Land of a Thousand Hills" is a popular destination for visitors from all sides of the planet. Tourists come to Rwanda for the stunning scenery, rich biodiversity and beautiful culture of Rwandans.
The high-altitude rainforests are home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas as well as the jolly golden monkeys. The forests, swamps, and savannahs are blessed with a wide variety of animals and birds whereas Kigali- the capital is a modern city great for art, history and cultural immersion.
If you have ever thought about visiting Rwanda, the small country holds a lot of beauty and you will have a wonderful time. But before you book your tickets and pack your bags, it is good to visit at the time of year when you will best enjoy what you are going to see, do and experience. It is best to understand the best time to visit Rwanda and plan around that.
In this article, we'll explore Rwanda's climate and seasons and help you understand when exactly the best time to visit Rwanda is - especially for you.
Seasons of Rwanda
Rwanda experiences a temperate climate all year round. This is influenced by the high altitude and proximity to the equator. Despite the seasons not changing too drastically in the year, Rwanda experiences two distinct seasons based on the frequency of rain. These are the dry season and the wet season.
Dry Season
The dry season occurs in the months between June and September, and again from December to February. During the dry season in Rwanda, the skies are sunny and blue, with minimal chances of rainfall. Daytime temperatures are pleasant at an average of 20oC / 68oF and drop to a cool 12oC / 54oF at night, especially at higher altitudes.
Generally, the dry season months are considered the best time to visit Rwanda. The clear skies and dry trails make things like gorilla trekking much easier than when it rains. For wildlife in the savannah, the dry season is equally preferred since animals will stay close to the permanent water bodies.
Wet Season
Rwanda's wet season occurs in the months between March and May, as well as October and November. This period is characterised by frequent rains that occur in short bursts, followed by sunshine. The temperatures don't change much and average around 22oC / 72oF during the day.
The rain transforms all of Rwanda into a green and vibrant wonder, full of life. For hiking and gorilla trekking, the hikes will be muddy and slippery, but not so bad that you will shy away from the challenge. At times the extra challenge due to the mud adds to the experience.
Photographers will love the sharp colours and perfect natural light of this wet season.
Aligning Your Wishes with Seasons
Now that you have a general idea of Rwanda's seasons, let's look at how your interests can best be aligned with the ideal seasons.
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Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Viewing
The best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing is during the dry season months (June to September & December to February).
For seeing gorillas, the dry season makes for clear trails that make hiking through the dense forest and steep slopes significantly easier. You should know that the high-altitude rainforests of Volcanoes National Park can get rain at any time of the year regardless of the season. The dry season gives you better chances of no rain, with the possible showers being light and short-lived.
For wildlife viewing in the savannah, the dry season is ideal since the sparse vegetation makes it easier to see animals since they will congregate near the water sources. This gives you a chance to easily see the animals of Akagera especially, lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, buffalos and many more - in large numbers.
Remember to book your trip ahead of time, especially since gorilla permits are limited and quickly sell out. If you would like to learn more about gorilla permits and understand all the basics about them, here is our extensive article.
Gorilla permits - All you need to know before going to see mountain gorillas in the wild.
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Hiking
Rwanda's landscapes offer a haven for enthusiastic hikers. The hills, plains, forests and lakes make for an impressive hiking experience at every turn.
The dry season (June to September & December to February) provides ideal conditions for traversing mountain trails with clear skies and firm ground. However, the lush greenery of the wet season (March to May & November) unveils a breathtaking Rwanda, and the occasional rain shower can be quite the experience during hikes.
For the truly adventurous, consider exploring during the shoulder seasons (May-June & November-December) when crowds are smaller and the trails offer a mix of dry and damp conditions.
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Kigali City & Culture
Kigali, Rwanda's vibrant capital, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and modern life. Due to the comfortable temperatures, Kigali can be visited all year round and easily explored - guided or unguided.
Kigali is quickly turning into a great centre for music, art, sports and many other events that make exploring the city very fun. If you are around and rested on the last Saturday of the month, consider joining the Rwandans in cleaning, as it is a great way of feeling truly connected to the country.
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Escape the crowds
For those who prefer to escape the crowds, the best time to visit Rwanda is during the shoulder seasons (May-June & October - November) when the tourist numbers are fewer. You get to enjoy the various things Rwanda has to offer but fewer travellers and comfortable conditions for hiking, wildlife and cultural experiences.
You should however be prepared for some light showers, since this is around the same time when seasons are changing from rainy season to sunny season.
Rwanda's General Climate
Here is a visual look at Rwanda's climate - showing the monthly average temperatures and rainfall.
| Month | Av. High(oC) | Avg. Low (oC) | Average rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23 (73oF) | 13 (55oF) | 70 mm |
| February | 24 (75oF) | 14 (57oF) | 90 mm |
| March | 24 (75oF) | 15 (59oF) | 130 mm |
| April | 23 (73oF) | 15 (59oF) | 180 mm |
| May | 22 (71oF) | 14 (57oF) | 110 mm |
| June | 21 (69oF) | 13 (55oF) | 50 mm |
| July | 20 (68oF) | 12 (53oF) | 20 mm |
| August | 21 (69oF) | 12 (53oF) | 30 mm |
| September | 22 (71oF) | 13 (55oF) | 70 mm |
| October | 23 (73oF) | 14 (57oF) | 100 mm |
| November | 22 (71oF) | 14 (57oF) | 140 mm |
| December | 23 (73oF) | 13 (55oF) | 90 mm |
Month-by-month breakdown
December - February
These dry season months boast pleasant temperatures, with sunshine dominating most days. Occasional showers might occur, but they are infrequent. Expect clear skies and comfortable conditions for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing.
March-May
The wet season arrives, bringing lush greenery and frequent downpours. While showers can disrupt outdoor activities at times, they are typically short-lived. This period is great for photography, birding and trips with no crowds.
June - August
This is the heart of the dry season, with minimal rainfall and consistent sunshine. This period is ideal for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing due to clear skies and easily navigable trails. Temperatures remain pleasant, with slightly cooler nights at higher elevations.
September
This shoulder month marks a transition between the dry and wet seasons. Early September might still be dry but expect the rains to pick up towards the latter part of the month. This can be a good time to visit for those seeking a balance between good weather and fewer crowds.
October - November
Sunshine returns as the dry season strengthens. Rainfall becomes less frequent, and temperatures remain comfortable. This period is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and gorilla trekking.
Closing Thoughts
The diversity of landscapes, wildlife and rich culture make Rwanda a great place to visit throughout the year. This is all because of the pleasant climate, with comfortable temperatures and warm sunshine all year round.
Whether you want to personally meet the gorillas deep in the misty rainforest, see wildlife in the savannah, hike or experience the local culture, there is so much to see, do and enjoy in Rwanda.
Regardless of when you go to Rwanda, you will feel welcome and have a great time. We do however recommend that if your schedule allows, you should plan your trip during the ideal season for your top interest.