The best time to visit Rwanda for most travellers is during the two dry seasons, from June to September and from December to February. Trails are firmer, park roads are easier to drive and wildlife viewing in Akagera is at its best. But Rwanda is a year-round destination, and the green seasons have their own rewards.
Rwanda’s seasons at a glance
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Long dry season | June – September | Driest weather, easiest trekking, busiest time for permits |
| Short rains | October – November | Afternoon showers, green hills, fewer visitors |
| Short dry season | December – February | Good weather, popular for holidays |
| Long rains | March – May | Heaviest rain, muddy trails and park roads, quietest time |
Because Rwanda is close to the equator and high in altitude, temperatures stay mild all year. Days are warm and evenings in the mountains are cool.
Best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking
You can trek all year. The dry seasons make the hike easier, but permits sell out early, so book months ahead. In the rainy months, treks are muddier but the forest is lush and quieter. Read our guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Best time for Akagera safaris
The dry seasons are best in Akagera National Park: the grass is shorter, animals gather near the lakes and tracks are dry.
Best time for chimpanzees in Nyungwe
Nyungwe is a rainforest, so rain is always possible. Chimpanzees can be easier to find in the rainy season, when fruit is plentiful lower down. See Nyungwe Forest.
Driving in each season
- Dry seasons: any car in our fleet manages most routes; a 4×4 is still best for the parks.
- Rainy seasons: choose a 4×4, allow extra time and avoid driving after heavy rain on gravel roads.
Rwanda month by month
| Month | Weather | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| January | Mostly dry, warm | Gorillas, Akagera, Lake Kivu |
| February | Mostly dry, warm | Gorillas, Akagera, Lake Kivu |
| March | Rains begin | Quieter parks, green landscapes |
| April | Wettest month | Fewer visitors; Kwibuka remembrance period |
| May | Rainy, easing late in the month | Chimpanzees in Nyungwe, lower lodge rates |
| June | Dry season begins | Gorillas, Akagera, road trips |
| July | Dry | Peak season for gorillas and safaris |
| August | Dry | Peak season; book well ahead |
| September | Mostly dry | Great all-round month |
| October | Short rains begin | Fewer visitors, green hills |
| November | Short rains | Birdwatching, quiet parks |
| December | Drying out | Holiday trips, gorillas, Akagera |
Rainfall varies from year to year, and showers are possible in any month, especially in the mountains and Nyungwe.
Best time to visit Rwanda for road trips
The dry seasons make driving easiest, especially on gravel roads and park tracks. In the rainy seasons, main roads stay open, but allow extra time and choose a 4×4 if you are heading into the parks. Read driving in Rwanda.
Best time for birdwatching
Birdlife is excellent all year. From around November to April, migrant birds from Europe and Asia join Rwanda’s resident species, and the green season brings many birds into breeding colours.
Best time for Lake Kivu
The lake is pleasant all year, with warm days and cool evenings. The dry months bring clearer skies for sunsets and boat trips.
Busy and quiet times
- Busiest: July, August and the December holidays. Book cars, permits and lodges early.
- Quietest: April and May. Some lodges offer lower rates.
- Kwita Izina: lodges near Volcanoes National Park fill up around the gorilla naming ceremony.
What to pack for each season
- All year: rain jacket, warm layer for mountain evenings, sun cream and hat.
- Rainy seasons: waterproof boots, gaiters and a dry bag.
- Dry seasons: dust-proof bag for your camera on park roads.
Weather in different regions
- Kigali: mild and pleasant all year, warm in the day and cooler at night.
- Volcanoes and Musanze: cooler, with chilly mornings and evenings; rain is possible at any time.
- Akagera: lower and warmer than the rest of Rwanda, with hot afternoons.
- Nyungwe: cool and often wet, as you’d expect in a mountain rainforest.
- Lake Kivu: warm days and pleasant evenings by the water.
Events and holidays to plan around
- Kwibuka: from 7 April, the national period of remembrance. Expect a quieter atmosphere.
- Umuganda: the last Saturday morning of each month; traffic is restricted.
- Kwita Izina: the yearly gorilla naming ceremony; lodges near the volcanoes fill up.
- Christmas and New Year: a popular time for travel; book cars and lodges early.
Best time to visit Rwanda on a short trip
If you only have a few days, the dry seasons give you the best chance of smooth driving and comfortable treks. If you can only travel in the rains, don’t worry: Rwanda is still beautiful and quieter, and a 4×4 handles the conditions well.
Booking ahead
For July, August and the December holidays, book your gorilla permits first, then your car and lodges. In quieter months, a few weeks’ notice is usually enough. Ask us for a quote as soon as your dates are fixed.
Best time to visit Rwanda: our recommendation
For a first trip with gorillas, Akagera and Lake Kivu, aim for June to September or December to February, and book permits early. If you prefer fewer visitors and greener landscapes, and don’t mind some rain, the shoulder months of October, November and early March are rewarding.
How the seasons affect wildlife
In Akagera, the dry seasons concentrate animals near the lakes and make them easier to find. In the forests, primates can be seen all year; chimpanzees in Nyungwe are sometimes easier to locate in the rains.
Best time to visit Rwanda for honeymoons
For honeymoons, the dry seasons offer the best combination of clear skies for Lake Kivu sunsets and comfortable treks. Book special lodges early.
Best time to visit Rwanda for photographers
The rainy seasons bring dramatic skies, mist and vivid green landscapes, while the dry seasons give clear light for wildlife in Akagera. Many photographers prefer the shoulder months for a mix of both.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too wet to visit in April?
April is the wettest month, but rain usually comes in showers. Trekking and game drives still go ahead, and the parks are quiet.
When is the hottest time?
Temperatures change little through the year. Akagera is the warmest area, and the mountains are always cooler.
When is Rwanda cheapest to visit?
The rainy months, especially March to May, are quieter, and some lodges offer lower rates.
When is Kwita Izina?
The gorilla naming ceremony is held once a year; the date is announced in advance. See Kwita Izina.
Related reading
- Driving in Rwanda: how the seasons affect the roads.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits: when to book for the busy months.
- Rwanda’s national parks: what to see in each park through the year.
- What to pack for gorilla trekking: kit for wet and dry seasons.
