This month falls right in the middle of Rwanda’s short, dry season. Rain, however, is still a possibility due to the country’s mountainous terrain. It’s a popular time to visit the country, so plan your trip in advance. Temperatures in Kigali are around 27°C, while higher up in Volcanoes National Park, daytime highs are a pleasant 18°C.
We recommend
Set off on an exciting gorilla trekking expedition in Volcanoes National Park
Overview
The month starts off dry, but rainfall increases towards the end of February. It’s a good time to visit Rwanda if you want to track gorillas and chimpanzees. Temperatures are consistent throughout the year. If you are travelling to higher altitudes, pack layers for cool evenings.
We recommend
Watch chimpanzee families play and interact with each other at the Nyungwe National Park
Overview
The ‘long rains’ start in Rwanda during this month. Gorilla trekking continues, but it is harder during the wet months. Spotting chimpanzees becomes easier during the rainy season due to the ready availability of food. Road conditions deteriorate, so getting around the country becomes challenging.
We recommend
Spot some of over 300 species of avifauna at their colourful best from the 200 feet high canopy walk in Nyungwe National park
Overview
It’s the wettest month of the year. Expect damp and muddy conditions if you are going gorilla trekking. It is easier to spot chimpanzees during this period, though you must be ready to walk through slushy trails. It’s not a very popular time to visit the country, so you’ll be able to get great deals on accommodation.
We recommend
Trace the journey from leaf to cup at the tea plantations near Nyungwe or sample Rwanda’s best coffee at Gisenyi
Overview
It’s the last month of the long, rainy season. Rwanda’s already dense landscape is green, and even more alluring due to the rains of the past few months. By the end of the month, the rains ease off, and it is a good month to visit the country for wildlife spotting and refreshing sceneries.
We recommend
Revel in the beauty of Rwanda’s mountainous terrain from up above on a helicopter tour
Overview
The month marks the start of the long, dry season in Rwanda, which coincides with the peak tourist season. This means that gorilla tracking permits get booked months in advance, and you will need to plan ahead of time to get the chance to spot these intelligent animals.
We recommend
Witness the Kwita Izina, the Rwanda ceremony of naming newborn baby gorillas
Overview
IIt’s one of the most popular months to visit Rwanda. Since only eight permits per gorilla family are issued daily, you will have to plan your trip at least six to twelve months ahead of time for an opportunity to embark on this unforgettable adventure. Passes, sometimes, get sold out a year in advance during the peak tourist months.
We recommend
Catch sight of golden monkeys as you trek through Volcanoes National Park
Overview
Warm weather and dry conditions make August yet another popular month. Water becomes scarce, leading animals to congregate around waterholes. The month remains busy, so planning and booking your accommodation and tours well in advance is highly recommended.
We recommend
Set off on a thrilling safari in Akagera National Park and spot zebras, elephants, hippos, lions and more
Overview
The dry season draws to a close, with increased precipitation towards the end of the month. Rains are sporadic, and September remains a good month for gorilla and chimpanzee viewing. Moody skies make the perfect backdrop for stunning photographs.
We recommend
Spend a relaxing weekend by the banks of Lake Kivu
Overview
Short bursts of rain characterise this month. Clear skies usually follow these quick spells, and the surroundings, once again, are a fresh shade of green. As long as you are prepared for some wet weather, you can still visit the country for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking.
We recommend
Watch a powerful and memorable Intore dance performance at Kigali
Overview
It’s the peak of the short, rainy season, with the country experiencing brief, yet heavy, downpours. It’s not the best time for trekking or wildlife activities, but Rwanda’s landscape is at its most beautiful.
We recommend
Get an insight into the country’s past at the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Overview
Clear skies and dry weather conditions return during the month of December. Expect some rain, but not so much that it will disrupt your activities. It’s a high-demand period, especially the second half of the month, so it’s best to make bookings well in advance.
We recommend
Go volcano hiking in Rwanda. Trek to the crater lake on top of Mount Bisoke or enjoy fabulous views of the Virunga range from the Mount Muhabura summit
Best Time to Visit Rwanda – By season
Rwanda has two wet and two dry seasons that occur in an alternating fashion throughout the year. There isn’t much variance in temperature across seasons, but altitude does determine weather conditions.
Long, dry season – The prime tourist season runs from June to September. With plenty of sunny days and dry trails, it’s the best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking. It is also the ideal time to spot the country’s golden monkeys and other wildlife, as scarcity of food and water drives animals to water sources.
Since it is a popular time to travel and the forest department issues only a specific number of permits, you will have to plan and book months in advance to be assured of a permit.
Short, rainy season – From mid-October to November, Rwanda experiences sporadic rains that turn the forest and surroundings green. Gorilla trekking is still possible, but the trails get muddy and slippery, making it tougher to head deep into the jungle.
Conditions are, however, perfect for birding.
Short, dry season – After the short rains, Rwanda goes through a brief, dry season from December to February. It is the best time to visit Rwanda, and since it coincides with the holiday season, it is also a busy time in the country.
Long, rainy season – The rains pick up once again for a more extended period in March and continue till May. Trekking in the forests becomes more challenging during this time.
It is, however, the best time of the year to visit Rwanda to spot chimpanzee families. Since food is readily available, chimpanzees tend not to move around much during this season and are found in large groups and lower on trees.
It is also a great time to take in the beauty of Rwanda’s mountains, which are dense and verdant from the rains
Best Time to Visit Rwanda – By activity
Gorilla trekking: While gorilla trekking can be done year-round, the dry months from June to September and December to February provide conducive trail conditions, making it the perfect time to see these incredibly intelligent creatures. Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places to spot them.
Spotting chimpanzees: The best time to visit Rwanda to track chimpanzees is during the rainy months from mid-February to mid-June and mid-September to mid-December, as the ready availability of food keeps the animals in the periphery of the jungle. During the dry months, the chimpanzees wander far into the forest, making it tougher to track them. Nyungwe National Park is the best place to spot them.
National parks: Rwanda’s national parks are home to lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos and more, and the best time to visit the country for exciting safaris are the dry months, from June to September and December to February.
Birdwatching: Around 700 species have been spotted in and around the country’s national parks. The best time to visit for birding and bird photography is during the wet months from October to November and again during the long, rainy period from March to May.
Naturally, it is also when Rwanda’s landscapes get their greenest, densest cover, opening up opportunities for fabulous landscape photography.
Visiting tea plantations: The slopes around Nyungwe are home to many tea plantations. If you are visiting the region between February and May, it makes for an interesting side trip to see the process of harvesting tea leaves and enjoying some freshly brewed cups.
What to pack for Rwanda?
With wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures the biggest draw in Rwanda, you should pack items accordingly.
For vehicle and on-foot safaris, pack long sleeve T-shirts and full trousers that can protect you from the sun and insects. Clothes in khaki, olive green, beige and neutral colours are recommended.
You may find Rwanda chilly during early mornings and evenings, so it’s best to carry a warm layer. A sweater or light jacket will serve the purpose. You will also need a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant. A daypack is also necessary for carrying a water bottle and a packed lunch or some snacks.
It can rain even during the dry season, so be prepared and carry a waterproof jacket. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking might take you through muddy trails so sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes that provide a good grip are a must.
Make sure to carry a pair of binoculars to better view the incredible wildlife Rwanda has to offer.
Explore Rwanda’s incredible beauty on a tailor-made trip with Hayes & Jarvis. Call or write to us today.
Hear from our Experts
Take some time to visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Centre and learn how the people of this land respect the wildlife and discourage poaching. Be sure to try the Banana Beer whilst you’re there”.
Thidara
Senior Travel Consultant
Rwanda is continuing to work really hard on their animal conservation. The population of the Mountain Gorilla has almost doubled in the last 20 years, Black Rhino and Lion have recently returned to Akagera National Park, part of our Roaming Rwanda Tour, making it home to all the Big 5.”
Val
Senior Travel Consultant
Overview of Rwanda
A holiday to Rwanda promises heart-stopping adventure and wonderful wildlife encounters.
If you’ve wanted to go safari to discover incredible wildlife but don’t know where to start, here are six suggestions to inspire your next African adventure.
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