Rwanda as an all-year destination. This means that you can go on a Rwanda safari any time of the year. The climate here is also temperate due to its close proximity to the equator and its high altitude. The temperatures can drop at night during the winter months; however, the days generally remain constant in the mid-twenties. There are four seasons, a short and long rainy season and a long and short dry season and both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to gorilla or chimpanzee trekking.
The main reason many travelers visit Rwanda is to see the endangered mountain gorillas in the country’s only gorilla. And while these great apes can be visited at any time of the year, the best time to visit is during the drier months from December to February and June to September. These drier months of the year offer easy gorilla treks, as the forest terrain is less muddy and slippery.
You can still do gorilla trekking in Rwanda during the wetter months of the year, though. Just make sure to pack heavy clothing and good-quality hiking boots. Moreover, the wet months from October through November and March through May give you fantastic excursions in Rwanda’s magnificent mountains, forests, and wetlands.
Visiting Rwanda in December, January and 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.
During the months of December, January and February, high and medium-altitude regions comprising Kigali, Lake Kivu as well as Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Parks, are hot in the day but cool in the evenings. Low-lying regions like Akagera National Park are hot in the day but warm in the evenings.
This is a popular time to go on a Rwanda safari and is a great opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery of this beautiful country. The warm climate and sunshine in these months make for unforgettable forest treks. But if you are planning to visit Rwanda during this dry season, keep in mind that prices are generally higher, and you need to plan well in advance.
Visiting Rwanda from March to May
This is Rwanda’s long rain season, and it can be unrelenting, which is particularly marked in the mountainous regions. Gorilla tracking is less suited to this period, although if you are looking to track the chimpanzees in the Nyungwe area this can be an optimum time, as the figs and fruits within the forest ripen and they tend to be seen lower down in the trees eating, are more stationary and also seen in larger groups.
Visiting Rwanda between June and September
The long dry season in Rwanda falls between June and September and is known as the best time to visit Rwanda. Conditions during the time are hot and cool, presenting the best weather for gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking in the Volcanoes National Park. Moreover, this is also the best time to visit wildlife in Akagera National Park and chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Furthermore, the annual Kwita Izina Ceremony in Rwanda takes place in September most of the time. This is the ceremony where all the infant gorillas born over the year are named: this is one of the highlights of this period. Because the period of June to September presents such good conditions for visiting Rwanda; it is regarded as a high peak travel season; meaning that if you are planning to travel, you will need your gorilla permit and accommodation, among other tours in advance, given the high demand.
Visiting Rwanda between October and November
October and November present the short rainy season in Rwanda, with shorter and calm rains, with lush and beautiful vegetation. However, the rains are not as heavy as those from March to April. Game viewing in Akagera National Park is good at this time, as well as gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park; though the trekking conditions are still a little rough. Moreover, birding in Rwanda at this time is rewarding with plenty of migratory birds in November. You can also take advantage of the lower rates on some of the Rwanda accommodation.
In conclusion
Rwanda has a good whether throughout the year but the dry season is more preferable. The weather is generally good in addition wildlife viewing is also more common during this time. For tourists interested in visiting gorillas – this is also the best time for gorilla tours since there is a minimal chance of rain during the trek and a good hiking terrain in the rainforest.
We still suggest your waterproof clothing even during these drier months, as this Equatorial climate is very unpredictable.