Kigali Weather by Month: Temperature, & Best Time to Visit
Kigali has a mild, spring-like climate all year, with daytime highs of about 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F) and night-time lows of about 15 to 17°C (59 to 63°F). Temperatures barely change from month to month. What does change is the rain: Kigali has two dry seasons, June to August and late December to February, and two rainy seasons, March to May and September to early December.
The driest months are June, July and August. The wettest month is April. The mild weather comes from Kigali’s position just south of the Equator and its altitude of about 1,567 metres (5,141 feet), which keeps the city cooler than lowland Africa.
This guide covers Kigali weather by month, what each season is like, the best time to visit for city tours and gorilla trekking, and what to pack.
Kigali Weather at a Glance
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C (81°F) | 16°C (61°F) | Moderate, about 75 mm | Short dry season |
| February | 27°C (81°F) | 16°C (61°F) | Moderate, about 90 mm | Short dry season |
| March | 26°C (79°F) | 16°C (61°F) | High, about 115 mm | Long rains |
| April | 25°C (77°F) | 16°C (61°F) | Highest, about 150 mm | Long rains |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 16°C (61°F) | High, about 90 mm | Long rains ending |
| June | 26°C (79°F) | 15°C (59°F) | Very low, about 20 mm | Long dry season |
| July | 27°C (81°F) | 15°C (59°F) | Lowest, about 10 mm | Long dry season |
| August | 28°C (82°F) | 16°C (61°F) | Low, about 30 mm | Long dry season |
| September | 28°C (82°F) | 16°C (61°F) | Moderate, about 70 mm | Short rains begin |
| October | 26°C (79°F) | 16°C (61°F) | High, about 100 mm | Short rains |
| November | 25°C (77°F) | 16°C (61°F) | High, about 115 mm | Short rains |
| December | 26°C (79°F) | 16°C (61°F) | Moderate, about 80 mm | Short rains ending |
Figures are long-term averages and vary from year to year.
Kigali’s Four Seasons
- Short dry season, mid-December to February: warm and mostly sunny, with occasional showers.
- Long rainy season, March to May: the wettest time of year, with heavy afternoon storms. April is the peak.
- Long dry season, June to August: the driest, sunniest and most popular time to visit. Nights are at their coolest.
- Short rainy season, September to early December: rain builds through October and November, usually as afternoon or evening showers.
Even in the rainy seasons, it rarely rains all day. Most rain falls as a heavy shower or thunderstorm lasting an hour or two, followed by sunshine. For the rest of the country, see our guide to Rwanda weather by month.
Kigali Weather Month by Month
Kigali Weather in January
- Temperature: 16 to 27°C (61 to 81°F)
- Rainfall: moderate, with short showers
January falls in the short dry season. Days are warm and mostly sunny, with occasional showers. It is a good month for a Kigali city tour, the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the city’s markets.
Kigali Weather in February
- Temperature: 16 to 27°C (61 to 81°F)
- Rainfall: moderate, increasing towards the end of the month
February is still mostly dry and sunny, but showers become more common late in the month as the long rains approach. Outdoor plans rarely suffer, since rain tends to come in short afternoon bursts.
Kigali Weather in March
- Temperature: 16 to 26°C (61 to 79°F)
- Rainfall: high
The long rainy season starts in March. Expect cloudier days and heavy afternoon storms, with sunny mornings in between. The hills turn a deep green. Pack a rain jacket and allow extra time for travel outside the city.
Kigali Weather in April
- Temperature: 16 to 25°C (61 to 77°F)
- Rainfall: highest of the year
April is Kigali’s wettest month, with frequent heavy downpours. It is a good month for indoor visits to Rwanda’s museums, art galleries and cafés. April also begins Kwibuka, the national commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which starts on 7 April. It is a time of mourning, so expect a quieter city and fewer events in the first week.
Kigali Weather in May
-
Temperature:
16 to 25°C (61 to 77°F)
- Rainfall: high but easing
The rain becomes lighter and less frequent through May. The countryside is at its greenest, and hotels and lodges often offer low-season rates.
Kigali Weather in June
- Temperature: 15 to 26°C (59 to 79°F)
- Rainfall: very low
June brings the start of the long dry season. Skies clear, the air is fresh and nights are cool. It is a great month for outdoor dining, rooftop bars and exploring the city on foot. Read our guides to Kigali nightlife and hangout places in Kigali.
Kigali Weather in July
- Temperature: 15 to 27°C (59 to 81°F)
- Rainfall: lowest of the year
July is Kigali’s driest month, with clear skies and low humidity. It is ideal for walking tours, hiking and day trips from Kigali, such as the Nyamata and Ntarama genocide memorial sites. Liberation Day on 4 July is a public holiday. July is also peak season for gorilla trekking, so book permits and hotels early.
Kigali Weather in August
- Temperature: 16 to 28°C (61 to 82°F)
- Rainfall: low
August stays dry and is one of the warmest months. Dust can build up on unpaved roads by late August, and a haze sometimes softens the views over the hills. It remains one of the busiest months for visitors.
Kigali Weather in September
- Temperature: 16 to 28°C (61 to 82°F)
- Rainfall: moderate, increasing
The short rains begin in September, usually as afternoon showers that clear the dust. Mornings are often bright. Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s annual gorilla naming ceremony, is usually held in September near Volcanoes National Park. Find out more about Kwita Izina.
Kigali Weather in October
- Temperature: 16 to 26°C (61 to 79°F)
- Rainfall: high
Rain becomes more regular in October, often in late afternoon or evening thunderstorms. Days usually start sunny. The city is quieter after the peak season, which suits museum visits and cultural tours.
Kigali Weather in November
- Temperature: 16 to 25°C (61 to 77°F)
- Rainfall: high
November is the wettest month of the short rains. Expect frequent showers, lush green hills and fewer tourists. It is a good time for travellers on a budget who do not mind the rain.
Kigali Weather in December
- Temperature: 16 to 26°C (61 to 79°F)
- Rainfall: moderate, easing after mid-month
The short rains fade during December, and the second half of the month is often dry and sunny. The festive season brings markets, events and a lively atmosphere to the city. If you are travelling over the holidays, see our Christmas Rwanda safari.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Kigali?
The best time to visit Kigali is during the long dry season from June to August, or the short dry season from late December to February. Skies are clearest, roads are easiest and outdoor plans are rarely interrupted. Because temperatures stay mild all year, Kigali itself is pleasant to visit in any month.
| Travel goal | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| City sightseeing and walking tours | June to August, December to February | Dry, sunny days |
| Gorilla trekking from Kigali | June to September, December to February | Drier, less slippery forest trails |
| Akagera safari | June to September | Animals gather near water and grass is shorter |
| Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking | June to August, December to February | Fewer muddy trails |
| Lower prices and fewer crowds | March to May, October to November | Low season rates at many hotels and lodges |
| Green landscapes and photography | March to May, October to November | Lush hills and dramatic skies |
More detail is in our guides to the best time to visit Rwanda and the best month to travel to Rwanda.
Kigali Weather and Gorilla Trekking
Most visitors fly into Kigali for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, about 2.5 to 3 hours away by road. The park is higher, colder and wetter than Kigali: daytime temperatures are often 10 to 20°C, and it can rain even in the dry season. Pack warmer layers and a rain jacket, even if Kigali is sunny when you leave.
See Volcanoes National Park weather, the best time to visit Rwanda for gorillas and the distance from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park. Short on time? Our 1 Day Gorilla Trek Rwanda leaves from Kigali before dawn and returns the same evening.
Day Trips From Kigali by Season
- Akagera National Park: about 2.5 hours east of Kigali. Lower, hotter and drier than the city, with the best game viewing from June to September.
- Nyungwe Forest: a rainforest in the southwest that is wet all year. Best visited in the dry months, ideally on a two or three day trip.
- Coffee plantation tours: run all year. The main harvest falls from about March to June.
- Birdwatching: possible in every month. See the birds in Kigali.
What to Pack for Kigali Weather
All year:
- Light, breathable clothing for the day and a fleece or light jacket for evenings, which can feel cool at altitude
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, because the sun is strong at 1,500 metres
- Comfortable walking shoes for Kigali’s hilly streets
- Modest clothing for memorials and places of worship
Rainy season extras:
- A light waterproof jacket or compact umbrella
- Quick-drying clothes and shoes with good grip
- A waterproof bag for your phone and camera
For gorilla trekking: add waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, gardening gloves and a warm layer.
Remember that Rwanda bans single-use plastic bags, which may be confiscated on arrival. Use our full Rwanda packing list and check the Rwanda travel requirements before you fly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kigali Weather
What is the hottest month in Kigali?
August and September are usually the hottest months in Kigali, with average highs of about 28°C (82°F). Temperatures rarely go above 30°C.
What is the coldest month in Kigali?
June and July have the coolest nights in Kigali, with lows of about 15°C (59°F). Days are still warm, so the difference is mostly felt in the evenings.
What is the rainiest month in Kigali?
April is the rainiest month in Kigali, followed by March and November.
Does it rain every day in the rainy season?
No. Even in the wettest months, rain usually falls as a heavy afternoon or evening shower lasting an hour or two. Mornings are often sunny.
Is Kigali humid?
Kigali is moderately humid in the rainy seasons and drier from June to August. Its altitude keeps it far more comfortable than coastal East Africa.
Does Kigali ever get cold?
Not by most standards. The coldest nights fall to about 15°C (59°F), so a light jacket or sweater is enough. It never snows or freezes in Kigali.
Is Kigali weather good for gorilla trekking all year?
Yes. Gorilla trekking runs every day of the year. The dry seasons make the trails easier, but the rainy months bring fewer visitors and greener scenery.
Related Kigali and Rwanda Guides
- Facts about Kigali City
- Accommodations in Kigali and cheap hotels in Kigali
- Things to do in Rwanda
- Rwanda travel tips
- Vaccinations for travellers to Rwanda
- How safe Rwanda is for tourists
Plan Your Trip to Kigali
Kigali’s mild weather makes it a good place to start a Rwanda safari in any month, and the dry seasons are the easiest time for city tours and gorilla trekking. Browse our Rwanda safaris or send us your travel dates through our contact page, and we will suggest the best plan for the season.
