Weather In Rwanda : Climate, Seasons, And Average Monthly Temperature : 2023-2024 Weather in Rwanda: Due to its high altitude and predominantly mountainous topography, Rwanda has a much cooler climate than one might anticipate given its close proximity to the equator. Although they may vary from location to location depending on altitude, local temperatures are constant year-round, like in most equatorial countries. Rwanda has two seasons that are rainy and two seasons that are dry in place of spring, summer, fall, and winter.
The long dry season, which lasts from June to mid-September, is generally regarded as the best time to visit if you want to see wildlife and have nice weather. Even during the short rainy season from October to November, the short dry season from December to February, and the long rainy season from March to May, Rwanda’s most popular activities are still accessible. There are advantages to the rainy season, such as lower prices, fewer tourists, and less competition for trekking permits.
2023-2024 WEATHER IN RWANDA: BREAKDOWN BY REGION
Weather in Kigali
The capital city of Rwanda is 5,000 feet above sea level and situated roughly in the middle of the nation. There are many attractions in Kigali, including vibrant markets, a thriving art scene, museums, and memorials honoring those who perished in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. The year-round average high and low temperatures are between 80 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 62 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit at night. The wettest month is April with 6.1 inches of precipitation, and the driest month is July with 0.4 inches. Kigali receives 37.5 inches of rainfall annually.
However, even during the dry season, there aren’t many hours of sunshine, and there is usually some cloud cover. Kigali is unquestionably an all-year-round travel destination. That being said, the best times to go sightseeing are from June to mid-September and from December to February. The cost of lodging is also at its highest, and rooms frequently fill up quickly. Travelers on a tight budget might prefer to go during the brief rainy season (October to November).
Weather in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park, which shares a border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the main tourist destination in Rwanda. This is because it is one of just four national parks in the world that allows visitors to see critically endangered mountain gorillas. Similar to Kigali, the national park experiences wet and dry seasons, but the long dry season is more pronounced than the short dry season. Rainfall is a possibility year-round in the park due to its high altitude, and temperatures are typically lower. Expect daytime highs between 74 and 76 degrees and evening lows as low as 51 degrees.
The best time to go is during the dry season, when photography conditions are ideal and the gorilla trekking trails are the easiest to follow. However, due to high demand and the fact that only 96 permits are issued per day during any season, you must make your travel arrangements well in advance. If you don’t mind getting wet, the rainy seasons offer fewer tourists, cheaper lodging, greener scenery, and frequently shorter hikes to see gorillas because they prefer to stay on the lower slopes when it’s raining.
Weather around Lake Kivu and Nyungwe
Southern Rwanda has two main draws: Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to Rwanda’s habituated chimpanzee troops, and Lake Kivu, the largest body of water in the nation and a great place to unwind by the lakeside between hiking excursions. The high altitude of this area results in cooler temperatures, with highs of about 68 degrees F and lows of about 50 degrees F. Additionally, the brief dry season completely vanishes to be replaced by a single, exceptionally long wet season that lasts from September to May. With 6.3, 6.5, and 6.7 inches of rain each, October, November, and March are the wettest months. Conversely, June and July are the driest months, with July averaging only 0.4 inches of rain per month.
The best time to relax at the lake and enjoy good hiking conditions in the national park is during the dry season. Nyungwe, however, provides more reasons to visit during the rainy season than any other place in Rwanda. In wet weather, chimpanzees are typically more sedentary and easier to spot, and the park’s bird population grows significantly as seasonal migrants from Asia and Europe arrive. Choosing the ideal time to travel is difficult and entirely dependent on the purpose of your trip.
Weather in Akagera National Park
In far eastern Rwanda, close to the Tanzanian border, you’ll find Akagera National Park. It is the only savanna region in Rwanda and the only location where visitors can go on a traditional safari and see all five of the Big Five. With typical daytime highs of 77 to 79 degrees F and average nighttime lows of around 60 degrees F, the climate here is generally warmer than in the mountains. There is a lot of sunshine and little rain during the prolonged dry season (June to mid-September). The driest month of the year, July, has an average rainfall of just 0.2 inches. Since animals tend to gather at water sources in dry weather, this is the best time to travel on navigable roads and to see the best wildlife.
With its brief wet season and influx of migratory bird species, it can also be a rewarding time. With rain falling nearly every day, chilly nights, and muddy roads, the long wet season is typically the least favored time to travel. The wettest month is April, which has 6 inches of precipitation.
2023-2024 WEATHER IN RWANDA: WEATHER SEASONALITY
Long dry season in Rwanda
In Rwanda, the lengthy dry season typically lasts from mid-June to mid-September. It is characterized by little rainfall, with July, the driest month, typically only seeing one or two days of precipitation. Most of the country is covered in clouds at the moment, but there is a lot of sunshine in the east. Depending on the region of the country you’re in, this is the warmest time of the year when temperatures range from the high 60s to the low 80s F. This is the busiest time of year for tourists, with prices skyrocketing and a big demand for lodging and wildlife permits.
What to Bring: Bring layers, including lightweight waterproofs, a warm sweater for chilly evenings, and thin, long-sleeved shirts and pants for defense against the sun and biting insects. All year long, sturdy hiking boots and malaria prevention are necessities.
Short Rainy Season in Rwanda
In most regions of Rwanda, the short rainy season runs from October to November and experiences less precipitation overall than the long rainy season. In contrast, October and November are two of the wettest months in the south, near Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Since many hotels and tour operators offer discounted rates during this time, it can be a good substitute for traveling during the busiest dry seasons for travelers on a tight budget. Birders will also appreciate that many migrant species are arriving during this season.
Layers will also be your friend this season, so bring them. Bring quick-drying long sleeves and pants for when it stops raining. Wearing warm coats and sweaters will help you survive chilly evenings. Bring two pairs of waterproof footwear, including gaiters, to wear with your hiking boots.
Short Dry Season in Rwanda
The brief dry season in Rwanda lasts from December to February, with the exception of the south, where it rarely, if ever, occurs. In the country’s east and center, the season is best defined. It is drier than the two wet seasons that bookend it in Volcanoes National Park, but it still occasionally rains. For tourists who value good weather but can’t travel during the prolonged dry season due to other commitments, this is a great time to visit. However, keep in mind that the holiday season, particularly in December, can result in expensive prices and booked-out lodging in popular areas.
What to Bring: Bring the same things you would for the lengthy dry season, plus a few extra sweaters for chilly evenings.
The long rainy season in Rwanda
The prolonged rainy season in Rwanda lasts from March to May, with April typically being the wettest month of the year. Overall, most days experience at least a little rain, though downpours that last from morning until night are uncommon. Since roads can get slippery, trails can be treacherous, and some wildlife species can be harder to spot, this is typically the least popular time to visit Rwanda. But for some visitors, the low prices, greater accessibility of trekking permits, and lush surroundings make the rainy weather worthwhile.
