Rwanda Weather by Month: Seasons, Temperatures & Best Time
Rwanda Weather by Month: Rwanda has a mild, highland climate with warm days and cool nights all year. In Kigali, daytime highs are usually 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F) and night-time lows 15 to 17°C (59 to 63°F). Temperatures change little between months; rainfall is what defines the seasons:
- Long dry season: June to September, the driest and most popular time to visit
- Short dry season: mid-December to February
- Long rainy season: March to May, with April the wettest month
- Short rainy season: October to mid-December
The weather also depends on where you are. Volcanoes National Park, where you go gorilla trekking, is much cooler and wetter than Kigali, while Akagera National Park in the east is lower, hotter and drier.
This guide covers Rwanda weather month by month, how the climate varies by region, and the best time to visit for gorilla trekking, safaris and sightseeing.
Rwanda Weather by Month at a Glance
| Month | Season | Kigali high | Kigali low | Rainfall | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Short dry season | 27°C (81°F) | 16°C (61°F) | Moderate | Gorilla trekking, safaris |
| February | Short dry season | 27°C (81°F) | 16°C (61°F) | Moderate | Gorilla trekking, Lake Kivu |
| March | Long rainy season | 26°C (79°F) | 16°C (61°F) | High | Green scenery, lower prices |
| April | Long rainy season | 25°C (77°F) | 16°C (61°F) | Highest | Budget travel, birding |
| May | Long rainy season | 25°C (77°F) | 16°C (61°F) | High, easing | Quiet parks, photography |
| June | Long dry season | 26°C (79°F) | 15°C (59°F) | Very low | Gorilla trekking, all activities |
| July | Long dry season | 27°C (81°F) | 15°C (59°F) | Lowest | Gorilla trekking, Akagera safaris |
| August | Long dry season | 28°C (82°F) | 16°C (61°F) | Low | Gorilla trekking, Akagera safaris |
| September | Long dry season ending | 28°C (82°F) | 16°C (61°F) | Moderate, rising | Gorilla trekking, Kwita Izina |
| October | Short rainy season | 26°C (79°F) | 16°C (61°F) | High | Fewer crowds |
| November | Short rainy season | 25°C (77°F) | 16°C (61°F) | High | Budget travel, birding |
| December | Rains easing | 26°C (79°F) | 16°C (61°F) | Moderate | Festive trips, trekking late in the month |
Temperatures are long-term averages for Kigali. The parks can be several degrees cooler or warmer, as the next section explains.
Rwanda’s Four Seasons
- Short dry season, mid-December to February: warm and mostly sunny, with occasional showers.
- Long rainy season, March to May: heavy afternoon storms, muddy trails and very green landscapes. April is the peak.
- Long dry season, June to September: the driest and sunniest months. Trails are firmest and this is peak season for gorilla trekking.
- Short rainy season, October to mid-December: showers return, usually in the afternoon or evening, and November is the wettest month of this season.
Even in the rainy seasons, it rarely rains all day. Rain usually falls in a heavy shower or storm lasting an hour or two, often in the afternoon.
Rwanda Weather by Region
Rwanda is small, but altitude makes a big difference to the weather.
| Place | Altitude | Typical day | Typical night | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kigali | About 1,567 m | 25 to 28°C | 15 to 17°C | Mild and pleasant all year |
| Volcanoes National Park and Musanze | 1,850 m in Musanze, 2,500 m and above on the trekking trails | 15 to 22°C in town, cooler on the volcano slopes | 8 to 12°C | Cool, misty, and wet in every month |
| Nyungwe Forest National Park | About 1,600 to 2,950 m | 15 to 22°C | 8 to 12°C | Rainforest, the wettest part of Rwanda |
| Lake Kivu (Gisenyi, Kibuye) | About 1,460 m | 25 to 27°C | 16 to 18°C | Warm, sunny and good for swimming |
| Akagera National Park | About 1,300 to 1,800 m | 27 to 32°C | 16 to 18°C | The hottest and driest part of Rwanda |
For more local detail, see our guides to Kigali weather and Volcanoes National Park weather.
Rwanda Weather Month by Month
Rwanda Weather in January
- Season: short dry season
- Kigali temperature: 16 to 27°C (61 to 81°F)
- Rainfall: moderate, with occasional showers
January is warm and mostly sunny, with short showers rather than long rainy spells. It is a very good month for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, golden monkey tracking and safaris in Akagera. It is also a busy month after the Christmas holidays, so book gorilla permits and lodges early.
Rwanda Weather in February
- Season: short dry season
- Kigali temperature: 16 to 27°C (61 to 81°F)
- Rainfall: moderate, rising late in the month
February is usually one of the best months to visit. Trails in Volcanoes National Park are firmer than in the rainy seasons, and the parks are quieter than in January. Showers increase towards the end of the month. It is a good time to add a few relaxed days at Lake Kivu; see things to do at Lake Kivu.
Rwanda Weather in March
- Season: long rainy season begins
- Kigali temperature: 16 to 26°C (61 to 79°F)
- Rainfall: high
The long rains arrive in March, with heavy afternoon storms and cloudier skies. Gorilla trekking continues, but trails are muddier and steeper sections become slippery. The hills turn a deep green, and many lodges offer lower rates. Coffee harvest season starts around now; see our Rwanda coffee plantation tours.
Rwanda Weather in April
- Season: peak of the long rainy season
- Kigali temperature: 16 to 25°C (61 to 77°F)
- Rainfall: highest of the year
April is Rwanda’s wettest month. Expect heavy rain most days, often in the afternoon, and very muddy trails in Volcanoes and Nyungwe. It is the quietest month for tourism, so lodges are easier to book and often cheaper. Kwibuka, the national commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, begins on 7 April; it is a solemn period, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial is the place to understand its meaning.
Rwanda Weather in May
- Season: long rainy season ending
- Kigali temperature: 16 to 25°C (61 to 77°F)
- Rainfall: high, easing through the month
Rain becomes lighter and less frequent as May goes on. The forests are at their greenest, birds are breeding, and the parks remain quiet. It is a good month for bird watching in Rwanda and for travellers looking for better rates.
Rwanda Weather in June
- Season: long dry season begins
- Kigali temperature: 15 to 26°C (59 to 79°F)
- Rainfall: very low
June marks the start of the long dry season and the peak tourist months. Skies clear, trails dry out and the cool, fresh air makes trekking more comfortable. It is an excellent month for gorilla trekking, hiking Mount Bisoke and every other outdoor activity. Book permits several months ahead.
Rwanda Weather in July
- Season: long dry season
- Kigali temperature: 15 to 27°C (59 to 81°F)
- Rainfall: lowest of the year
July is Rwanda’s driest month, with clear skies and low humidity. Conditions are ideal for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe and game drives in Akagera. It is also one of the busiest months, so permits and the best lodges sell out early; check Rwanda gorilla permit availability as soon as you have dates. Liberation Day on 4 July is a public holiday.
Rwanda Weather in August
- Season: long dry season
- Kigali temperature: 16 to 28°C (61 to 82°F)
- Rainfall: low
August stays dry and is one of the warmest months. Akagera is at its best for game viewing, as animals gather near water and the grass is short. Dust and haze can build up later in the month. Demand stays high throughout August.
Rwanda Weather in September
- Season: long dry season ending
- Kigali temperature: 16 to 28°C (61 to 82°F)
- Rainfall: moderate, rising through the month
Early September is still mostly dry, and showers return as the month goes on. It is a good month for trekking, with slightly fewer visitors than July and August. Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s annual gorilla naming ceremony, is usually held in September near Volcanoes National Park; read about Kwita Izina.
Rwanda Weather in October
- Season: short rainy season
- Kigali temperature: 16 to 26°C (61 to 79°F)
- Rainfall: high
Rain becomes regular in October, often in afternoon and evening storms, while mornings are frequently bright. Gorilla trekking continues with muddier trails, and the parks become quieter after the peak season.
Rwanda Weather in November
- Season: short rainy season
- Kigali temperature: 16 to 25°C (61 to 77°F)
- Rainfall: high
November is the wettest month of the short rains, with frequent showers and lush green hills. It is one of the quietest months for tourism and a good choice for travellers on a budget who do not mind rain. Ask about any low-season offers in our guide to discounted permits in Rwanda.
Rwanda Weather in December
- Season: short rains easing into the short dry season
- Kigali temperature: 16 to 26°C (61 to 79°F)
- Rainfall: moderate, easing after mid-month
The first half of December can still be showery, but the weather usually improves from mid-month. The festive season brings a lively mood and high demand around Christmas and New Year, so book early. See our Christmas Rwanda safari.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the long dry season from June to September, and the short dry season from late December to February.
These months bring the driest trails for gorilla trekking and the best game viewing in Akagera. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower lodge rates, the rainy months of March to May and October to November are a good alternative.
| Activity | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park | June to September, December to February | Drier, less slippery trails |
| Golden monkey tracking | June to September, December to February | Easier walking in the bamboo zone |
| Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe | June to August, December to February | Fewer muddy trails, though it rains all year |
| Akagera Big Five safari | June to September | Animals gather near water and the grass is short |
| Birdwatching | March to May, October to November | Breeding season and migrant birds |
| Lake Kivu beaches | June to September, December to February | Sunny days for swimming and boat trips |
| Hiking volcanoes such as Bisoke | June to August | Drier, clearer summits |
| Lower prices and fewer visitors | March to May, November | Low-season lodge rates |
Weather and Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking runs every day of the year, and you will see the gorillas whatever the weather. Volcanoes National Park can be cold and wet even in the dry season, with temperatures on the trails of about 10 to 20°C and rain possible in any month. In the rainy seasons, the trails are muddier and the climb harder, but the gorillas sometimes move to lower slopes, which can shorten the trek.
Read more in the best time to visit Rwanda for gorillas, Rwanda gorilla altitude and how difficult gorilla trekking is.
Weather and Permit Prices
The standard Rwanda gorilla permit costs USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents. Rwanda has offered lower rates to some visitors outside peak season. In 2026, for example, its promotional rates for African and East African citizens did not apply from June to October. See the current Rwanda gorilla permit cost.
Weather in the Other Parks
- Nyungwe Forest National Park: a rainforest that receives rain in every month. Bring rain gear whenever you visit, and try our 3 Days Nyungwe Chimps and Canopy Walk.
- Akagera National Park: the hottest and driest park, best from June to September. It can be done as a 1 Day Akagera National Park Safari from Kigali.
- Gishwati-Mukura National Park: cool and wet like Nyungwe, best in the drier months.
- Lake Kivu: warm and pleasant all year; combine it with gorillas on our 5 Days Gorillas and Lake Kivu Safari.
What to Pack for Rwanda’s Weather
All year:
- Light, breathable clothes for warm days in Kigali, Lake Kivu and Akagera
- A fleece or warm jacket for cool evenings and the mountains
- A waterproof rain jacket, even in the dry season
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
For gorilla trekking and forest walks:
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts
- Gardening gloves for gripping vegetation
- Gaiters or long socks to tuck trousers into, especially in the rainy season
Rwanda bans single-use plastic bags, so pack in reusable bags. See our full Rwanda packing list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rwanda Weather
What is the best month to visit Rwanda?
July is often considered the best month, as it is the driest. June, August, September, January and February are also excellent. See our guide to the best month to travel to Rwanda.
What is the rainiest month in Rwanda?
April is the rainiest month in Rwanda, followed by March, May and November.
What is the hottest month in Rwanda?
August and September are usually the warmest months in Kigali, with highs of about 28°C (82°F). Akagera National Park is hotter, often reaching 30°C or more.
How cold does it get in Rwanda?
Kigali rarely drops below 15°C (59°F). In Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest, nights can fall to about 8 to 10°C, and it feels colder on the higher slopes.
Can I go gorilla trekking in the rainy season?
Yes. Gorilla trekking runs all year. The trails are muddier in the rainy season, but the parks are quieter and the forest is at its greenest.
Does it rain all day in the rainy season?
No. Most rain falls in heavy afternoon or evening showers lasting an hour or two, and mornings are often clear.
Is Rwanda humid?
Rwanda is moderately humid in the rainy seasons and drier from June to September. Its altitude keeps it much more comfortable than lowland tropical countries.
Related Rwanda Travel Guides
- Best time to visit Rwanda
- Best time for gorilla trekking
- Best time for Europeans to visit Rwanda
- Golden monkeys
- Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda
- Night game drives in Akagera
Plan Your Rwanda Trip for the Right Season
Rwanda is a year-round destination, and the right month depends on what you want to do. Choose the dry seasons for the easiest gorilla trekking and best Uganda safaris, or the rainy months for green scenery and quieter parks.
Browse our Rwanda safaris or send us your dates through our contact page, and we will plan your trip around the weather.
