Weather & climate

Rwanda: Weather & climate

The best time to visit Rwanda

We're often asked 'when is the best time to go to Rwanda?', and the answer is usually complex. It will depend on many things including your interests, where you want to visit and why you're travelling. One person's best time is another's worst!

However, often a concern about the weather underlies the question of 'the best time to go'.

So here we've put together a very rough guide to the climate in Rwanda. Remember that this comes from records and our experience, not from a crystal ball, and that Africa's weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable – probably due to global warming.

In the heart of Africa, fractionally south of the equator, Rwanda's relatively high altitude provides it with a remarkably pleasant tropical highland climate, albeit also with plenty of rain. Temperatures vary considerably between locations depending on their altitude, but very little from month to month in the same place. In the capital, Kigali, the average daily temperature is about 21°C.

Rwanda's long rainy season lasts from about March to May, when the rain is heavy and persistent. Then from June to mid-September is the long dry season; this is generally the best time to visit if you have the choice.

October to November is a shorter rainy season and it's followed by a short dry season from December to February.

During both of Rwanda's dry seasons, there is often light cloud cover. This helps to moderate the temperatures, but also occasionally brings light rain showers.

Weather in other African countries

For comparison, see similar climate charts and information for our other African destinations:

► Botswana climate – Completely different weather pattern from Rwanda.
► Kenya climate – Somewhat similar but cooler and with bigger differences between the monthly rainfalls.
► Malawi climate – Completely different weather pattern from Rwanda.
► Mozambique climate – Very different weather pattern than Rwanda, with a shorter rainy season.
► Namibia climate – Completely different weather pattern from Rwanda.
► Seychelles climate –Somewhat similar to Rwanda’s, but with a higher humidity.
► Cape of South Africa climate – Completely different weather pattern to Rwanda’s.
► Tanzania climate – Different from Rwanda’s climate, with a shorter rainy season.
► Zambia climate – Completely different weather pattern from Rwanda, with a much shorter rainy season.
► Zanzibar climate – Slightly different weather pattern from Rwanda.
► Zimbabwe climate –Complete different weather pattern to Rwanda.

<b>January</b>: the rain subsides gradually.

<b>February</b>: end of the 'short dry season' as the rain increases slowly.

<b>March</b>: start of the 'long rainy season'.

<b>April</b>: the peak of the wet season; it’s the wettest month of the year.

<b>May</b>: heavy and persistent rainfall.

<b>June</b>: the rainfall has mostly stopped, the days are clear and warm.

<b>July</b>: the dry season is now in full swing –Rwanda’s best few months.

<b>August</b>: weather is hot, but during dry season often light cloud cover.

<b>September</b>: end of the dry season in the middle of the month.

<b>October</b>: a wet, humid month as the 'short rainy season' has started.

<b>November</b>: the rainfall is still high.

<b>December</b>: the rain level drops as the 'short dry season' begins.

January: the rain subsides gradually.

February: end of the 'short dry season' as the rain increases slowly.

March: start of the 'long rainy season'.

April: the peak of the wet season; it’s the wettest month of the year.

May: heavy and persistent rainfall.

June: the rainfall has mostly stopped, the days are clear and warm.

July: the dry season is now in full swing –Rwanda’s best few months.

August: weather is hot, but during dry season often light cloud cover.

September: end of the dry season in the middle of the month.

October: a wet, humid month as the 'short rainy season' has started.

November: the rainfall is still high.

December: the rain level drops as the 'short dry season' begins.

Our top picks for holidays to Rwanda

We'll always tailor-make your safari for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.

Golden Monkey Safari

12 days • 5 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.

US$11,010 - US$12,170 per person

Mona Monkey Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.

US$13,790 - US$19,000 per person

L'Hoest's Monkey Safari

7 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Meet three iconic primates – gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys – and explore Rwanda's fascinating culture on this excellent value privately guided adventure.

US$6,320 - US$6,830 per person

Gorillas and Serengeti Safari

11 days • 4 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

US$14,310 - US$15,540 per person

Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.

US$11,390 - US$13,510 per person

Mountain Gorilla Safari

5 days • 2 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.

US$6,120 - US$6,120 per person

Gorillas and Migration Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.

US$19,360 - US$25,280 per person

The Highlights of Africa

17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.

US$16,400 - US$19,810 per person

Silverback Gorilla Safari

4 days • 1 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Fly into Rwanda and you can be trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas the next morning. An itinerary like this could easily be combined with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.

US$11,530 - US$14,080 per person

View all holidays in Rwanda

Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?

Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure

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