The best time to visit Rwanda is during the drier period from June to September, when you’ve got a greater chance of spotting the country’s undoubted highlight: the mountain gorilla. Visit the country during the rainy seasons (March to May and June to September) if you want to track chimpanzees, as this is the best time to do so.
However, Rwanda is a destination for all seasons. Temperatures hardly vary throughout the year, sitting at a steady 17°C to 27°C (depending where you visit) due to Rwanda’s position just south of the Equator. The days are warm but the nights can be cool, especially at altitude.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Rwanda
Visiting Rwanda in December - February
The weather from December to February is drier across Rwanda, making this a popular time to visit. However, it also means that prices are higher, so it's important to book well in advance. The warm, sunny conditions make it a pleasure to track gorillas and enjoy outdoor activities across the country.
Visiting Rwanda in March
The rains arrive in March and continue until mid-May, but this is the prime time to spot chimpanzees as fruit ripens and brings the chimps down to the lower reaches of the forest canopy. For those with good quality rain gear, gorilla tracking can still be undertaken, and there are often discounts on the permits.
Visiting Rwanda in April
The rains continue throughout April, but chimpanzee sightings are still at their best and it's a good time to track gorillas. You may be able to take advantage of some good deals and discounts at this time of year.
Visiting Rwanda in May
The rains begin to ease mid month and the parks are lush and verdant, with newborn animals making their first forays through the parks.
Visiting Rwanda in June - September
The dry season in Rwanda, from June to September, is the peak time to travel. There is always the chance of a shower, however; especially in the rainforest, so waterproofs remain a good idea. Wildlife sightings become more common, so it's a popular time of year and prices rise accordingly.
Events & Festivals
- Baby gorillas naming ceremony/Kwita Izina (September): The annual naming ceremony for baby gorillas in Rwanda was started in 2005 and is a mixture of recognizing the country's conservation efforts, celebrating the birth of the next generation and admiring some seriously cute newborns.
Visiting Rwanda in October - November
October and November tend to bring quick bursts of rain that clear to reveal blue skies. It's an excellent time for photographers and the ideal period to admire Rwanda's beautiful mountain scenery.
Rwanda Climate Guide
Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Kigali | 27°C 81mm | 27°C 90mm | 27°C 104mm | 26°C 162mm | 26°C 106mm | 26°C 22mm | 27°C 8mm | 28°C 28mm | 28°C 70mm | 27°C 102mm | 26°C 117mm | 26°C 85mm |
Lake Kivu | 26°C 96mm | 26°C 84mm | 26°C 113mm | 26°C 123mm | 26°C 110mm | 26°C 53mm | 26°C 28mm | 26°C 70mm | 26°C 117mm | 26°C 141mm | 26°C 136mm | 26°C 118mm |
Nyungwe Forest | 20°C 167mm | 20°C 175mm | 20°C 199mm | 19°C 255mm | 19°C 169mm | 19°C 42mm | 20°C 14mm | 21°C 39mm | 21°C 102mm | 20°C 157mm | 20°C 187mm | 20°C 172mm |
Volcanoes National Park | 18°C 138mm | 18°C 172mm | 18°C 219mm | 17°C 235mm | 17°C 142mm | 17°C 56mm | 18°C 36mm | 18°C 76mm | 18°C 139mm | 18°C 199mm | 17°C 188mm | 18°C 133mm |
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Practical tips for traveling to Rwanda, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest Government of Canada travel advice.
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Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Rwanda
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Gorilla tracking: Rwanda or Uganda? Gorilla tracking: Rwanda or Uganda?
Gorilla tracking: Rwanda or Uganda?
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