Mostly dry · Moderate crowds
January
Short dry season: warm days, good trails and clear volcano views. A great all-round month.
When to go
The best time to visit Rwanda.
Rwanda is a year-round destination. The dry seasons are best for trekking and game drives; the green season is lush, quiet and great value.
Quick answerThe best time to visit Rwanda is during the two dry seasons, June to September and December to February, when trails are firmer for gorilla trekking and hiking and wildlife is easier to find in Akagera. Gorilla treks run every day of the year, and the rainy months (March–May, October–November) offer fewer visitors and greener scenery.
Dry season
July
Driest month and peak season. Combine with the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania.
- Rainfall (Kigali)
- ~11 mm
- Crowds
- High
- Gorilla trekking
- ●●●●●
- Akagera safari
- ●●●●●
- Hiking
- ●●●●●
Rainfall figures are approximate long-term monthly averages for Kigali. Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe are wetter; Akagera is drier.
Rwanda month by month
Mostly dry · Moderate crowds
February
One of the most underrated months: mostly dry, fewer visitors than July, excellent for photography.
Rainy · Low crowds
March
The long rains begin. Lush, quiet and good value; expect muddy trails and afternoon storms.
Rainy · Low crowds
April
Wettest month. Kwibuka commemorations begin on 7 April. Permits are easy to find.
Rainy · Low crowds
May
Rains ease towards month's end. Emerald hills and low-season lodge rates.
Dry · High crowds
June
Long dry season starts. Ideal for gorillas, hiking and Akagera. Book permits early.
Dry · High crowds
July
Driest month and peak season. Combine with the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania.
Dry · High crowds
August
Peak conditions continue; busy with European summer holidays.
Dry · High crowds
September
Kwita Izina, the gorilla naming ceremony, is usually held this month. Light rains return late.
Rainy · Moderate crowds
October
Short rains, mostly as afternoon showers. Mornings are often fine for trekking.
Rainy · Low crowds
November
Green season and migrant birds arrive. A peaceful time to visit.
Mostly dry · High crowds
December
Short dry season returns. Christmas and New Year are very busy, so plan ahead.
Seasons, answered.
What is the rainy season in Rwanda?
Rwanda has two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to November. Rain often falls in heavy afternoon showers rather than all day.
Is it worth visiting Rwanda in the rainy season?
Yes. Gorilla treks run all year, the landscapes are at their greenest, there are fewer visitors and some lodges offer lower rates. Pack good rain gear and waterproof boots.
When is the best time for gorilla trekking?
June to September and December to February offer the driest trails. See our detailed guide to the best time for gorilla trekking.
When is the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony?
Kwita Izina is usually held in September near Volcanoes National Park. Dates are announced by the Rwanda Development Board each year.
What is the temperature in Rwanda?
Kigali is pleasant all year, typically around 20–28 °C by day and 15–18 °C at night. The volcanoes and Nyungwe are cooler, often 10–20 °C, and cold at night.
Planned by locals in Kigali
Let's plan your Rwanda journey.
Tell us your dates and dreams. A local expert replies within 24 hours, usually much sooner on WhatsApp.