A mild highland climate, with two dry seasons that suit trekking and wildlife viewing best.
Rwanda’s altitude keeps temperatures pleasant year-round. Kigali is mild, while the volcanoes are cool and often misty. The country has two rainy seasons and two dry seasons, and gorilla trekking happens in all of them.
Quick FactsRoughly June to September.
Roughly March to May, the wettest period.
Roughly December to February.
Roughly October to November.
June to September is the driest and most popular time, with clear skies and firmer trails. December to February is a shorter dry spell. March to May has heavy rain, and muddy trails; October and November have shorter rains. Temperatures in Kigali often sit around 20 to 27 °C by day, with cool nights.
Trekking works year-round. In the dry seasons, the climb is easier, and photography is better. In the wet seasons, permits can be easier to book, and the forest is lush, but waterproofs and sturdy boots are essential. See Volcanoes National Park.
Akagera National Park is lower and drier and is easiest to explore in the dry months, when animals gather at lakes. Nyungwe Forest is damp throughout the year, with showers possible at any time. See Akagera and Nyungwe.
Pack layers, rain gear and gaiters. Combine with our best time to visit guide and Rwanda facts.
Frequently Asked QuestionsJune to September is the driest, though trekking runs all year.
Mainly March to May, with shorter rains in October and November.
Evenings and the volcano forests can be chilly.
Yes, with proper gear.
Mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking in the Virunga volcanoes. Plan a Volcanoes National Park safari with Ameera Africa Safaris.
Explore →Rwanda’s only Big Five park, with reintroduced lion and rhino. Plan an Akagera safari with Ameera Africa Safaris.
Explore →Uganda’s seasons explained — when to go for gorilla trekking, game viewing and the best value permit pricing.
Explore →Small, green, hilly and one of Africa’s great conservation stories.
Explore →Tell us your dates and interests and we will design the route around you.
