Rwanda Weather by Month: A Month-by-Month Guide

Rwanda’s temperate, tropical highland climate, influenced by its equatorial position and high elevation, provides moderate weather year-round, with slight variations between wet and dry seasons. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown to help you plan your visit to the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

January

Weather Overview: January is part of the short dry season, marked by warm, relatively dry weather. Skies are often clear, making it a favorable month for outdoor activities.

Temperatures:

Daytime: 25-27°C (77-81°F)
Nighttime: 15-18°C (59-64°F)

Highlights:

Ideal conditions for gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris.
Popular month for tourists, so advanced bookings are recommended.

February

Weather Overview: February continues the short dry season, although rainfall may increase toward the end of the month as it transitions into the wet season.

Temperatures:

Daytime: 25-27°C (77-81°F)
Nighttime: 15-17°C (59-63°F)

Highlights:

Great for gorilla trekking, hiking, and visiting Lake Kivu.
A quieter alternative to January, with mild weather for outdoor activities.

March

Weather Overview: March marks the start of the long wet season. Rain becomes more frequent and intense, particularly in the afternoons.

Temperatures:

Daytime: 24-26°C (75-79°F)
Nighttime: 16-18°C (61-64°F)

Highlights:

Lush, green landscapes make this a picturesque month for photography.
Although trekking and safari activities are still possible, trails may be muddy and wildlife spotting may be more challenging.

April

Weather Overview: April is the peak of the long wet season, with consistent and often heavy rainfall. It is one of the rainiest months in Rwanda.

Temperatures:

Daytime: 23-25°C (73-77°F)
Nighttime: 16-18°C (61-64°F)

Highlights:

Lush vegetation creates stunning scenery, but heavy rains can make trekking trails slippery.
Not a peak tourist season, so accommodations may be more affordable and less crowded.

May

Weather Overview: May continues the long wet season, with frequent rains, but precipitation gradually starts to decrease as the month progresses.

Temperatures:

Daytime: 24-26°C (75-79°F)
Nighttime: 16-17°C (61-63°F)

Highlights:

Verdant landscapes are ideal for nature photography.
The rainy season keeps most tourists away, offering a more private experience.

June

Weather Overview: June marks the beginning of the long dry season, making it one of the most popular months for tourism. Rainfall decreases significantly, and sunny days are common.

Temperatures:

Daytime: 25-27°C (77-81°F)
Nighttime: 15-17°C (59-63°F)

Highlights:

Excellent conditions for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing.
The start of the peak season, so advanced bookings are recommended.

July

Weather Overview: July is one of the driest and most popular months for visitors. Clear skies, low humidity, and mild temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities.

Temperatures:

Daytime: 25-27°C (77-81°F)
Nighttime: 15-16°C (59-61°F)

Highlights:

Great for all types of outdoor activities, especially trekking and safaris.
Accommodation and permits can book up quickly due to high demand.

August

Weather Overview: August remains part of the long dry season, with similar conditions to July. It’s an excellent month for exploring Rwanda’s national parks.

Temperatures:

Daytime: 25-27°C (77-81°F)
Nighttime: 15-16°C (59-61°F)

Highlights:

Clear and dry conditions perfect for gorilla trekking and safaris.
Popular for travelers, so booking in advance is recommended.

September

Weather Overview: September sees the end of the long dry season, with rainfall gradually returning toward the end of the month.

Temperatures:

Daytime: 25-26°C (77-79°F)
Nighttime: 15-17°C (59-63°F)

Highlights:

Good for outdoor activities early in the month.
A transition period with fewer tourists as the wet season approaches.

October

Weather Overview: October marks the start of the short wet season. Rainfall becomes more frequent, and humidity increases, especially in the latter half of the month.

Temperatures:

Daytime: 24-26°C (75-79°F)
Nighttime: 16-17°C (61-63°F)

Highlights:

Lush landscapes return, providing beautiful scenery.
Wildlife and trekking remain possible, though trails may be muddy.

November

Weather Overview: November is the peak of the short wet season, with frequent rains across the country. It’s typically one of the least busy months for tourism.

Temperatures:

Daytime: 23-25°C (73-77°F)
Nighttime: 16-17°C (61-63°F)

Highlights:

A quieter time to visit for budget travelers, as prices and crowds are lower.
Rainy conditions may limit outdoor activities and make travel more challenging.

December

Weather Overview: December signals the start of the short dry season. Rainfall decreases, and drier weather makes it easier to explore Rwanda’s outdoor attractions.

Temperatures:

Daytime: 25-27°C (77-81°F)
Nighttime: 15-18°C (59-64°F)

Highlights:

A festive and popular month to visit with improved weather conditions.
Great for outdoor activities like trekking and safaris, though it’s advisable to book accommodations in advance due to higher demand.

Summary Table: Rwanda Weather by Month

Month	Season	Avg Day Temp	Avg Night Temp	Weather Highlights
January	Short Dry Season	25-27°C	15-18°C	Clear skies, great for trekking and safaris
February	Short Dry Season	25-27°C	15-17°C	Dry with minimal rain, ideal for activities
March	Long Wet Season	24-26°C	16-18°C	Start of rainy season, lush landscapes
April	Long Wet Season	23-25°C	16-18°C	Heaviest rains, fewer tourists
May	Long Wet Season	24-26°C	16-17°C	Rain decreases towards month’s end
June	Long Dry Season	25-27°C	15-17°C	Popular for trekking, clear and dry
July	Long Dry Season	25-27°C	15-16°C	Peak tourism season, excellent weather
August	Long Dry Season	25-27°C	15-16°C	Great for wildlife and trekking
September	Long Dry Season	25-26°C	15-17°C	Dry early, rain starts late month
October	Short Wet Season	24-26°C	16-17°C	Start of rainy season, fewer crowds
November	Short Wet Season	23-25°C	16-17°C	Peak of wet season, budget-friendly
December	Short Dry Season	25-27°C	15-18°C	Ideal for activities, festive atmosphere

Understanding Rwanda’s weather month by month will help you make the most of your visit, whether you’re planning a wildlife adventure, cultural exploration, or simply soaking in Rwanda’s beautiful landscapes.

rwanda weather by month