Best Time to Visit Rwanda: Best Time to Travel & Go to Rwanda

Considering the location of Rwanda along the equator, it is blessed with a moderate tropical climate with two wet seasons and two dry seasons, and as such the best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season which runs from June to September (long hot season) and December to February (short hot season) especially if the purpose of the travel is for tourism purposes for outdoor activities.

However, if intentions and purposes for visiting Rwanda are different the best time to travel and go to this nation is all year round depending on one’s preferences.

Officially known as the Republic of Rwanda or the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, this nation is a small landlocked country located in the East Africa region, bordered by Tanzania to the east, Uganda to the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Burundi to the south.

The nation has a total area of 26,338 square kilometers (10,169 square miles) which is approximately the size of Massachusetts in the United States.

Unlike other countries, Rwanda is blessed with a very favorable climate all year round, rich local culture, diverse ecosystems, and diverse cultural heritage and it’s blessed with natural beauty comprising of flora and fauna that always leaves adventure seekers visiting Rwanda in awe.

The climate conditions in this country are favorable for several tourist activities such as mountain gorilla trekking, horseback safaris, mountain climbing, fishing, gorilla tracking, swimming, primate trekking, hiking, chimpanzee trekking, boat rides and cruises, etc.

And some of the best places to tour in Rwanda in East Africa to partake in these activities above are, Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, Virunga Mountains, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest  Park, Kigali, Musanze Caves, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Villages, Rwenzori Mountains, Akanyaru River, Nyabarongo River and Lake Muhazi among others.

To start planning a safari tour to visit Rwanda, these are some of the months and seasons one can choose to travel to Rwanda to have a memorable experience.

The Dry Seasons in Rwanda

The best time to visit Rwanda is the dry season, which runs from June to September (long hot season) and December to February (short hot season). These are often equated to the European season of Summer since they run approximately in related months.

Characteristics

The dry season in Rwanda is characterized by several aspects as listed below:

Temperatures: The Average temperatures during this season range from 22-25°C (72-77°F) which provides perfect hiking conditions, gorilla trekking conditions, chimpanzee trekking conditions etc.

Visibility: The dry season in Rwanda can reveal blue skies, which makes Rwanda’s natural beauty easily visible to the naked eye hence perfect for photography and filming activities among other activities.

Rainfall: This season experiences minimal to no rainfall making it ideal for several activities like gorilla trekking in Rwanda, chimpanzee trekking, gorilla tracking, hiking in Virunga mountains, wildlife viewing, etc.

Humidity: During this season there is low humidity which gives off dry air making it easier for travelers to explore Rwanda’s parks (Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Akagera National Park) and engage in tourist activities like gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, golden monkeys tracking, gorilla tracking, etc.

Navigation: There are always visible, dry trails and roads that are easy to navigate making it easier to move around the forests, mountains, national parks, and countryside and access remote areas like the local communities.

Costs: Please note that this season is a peak season with high tourist crowds. Therefore, it’s the busiest time of the year especially for tourism in Rwanda, with many visitors taking advantage of the favorable weather, this leads to a high rise in the cost of accommodation, and safari packages among other services.

This should be put into consideration when you start planning a Rwanda safari tour.

Places to Visit in Rwanda During the Dry Seasons

While visiting Rwanda during this season, there are several tourist places and attractions one can explore to have a memorable time.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda:

This park located in the northwest region of the nation is one of the places one can explore when visiting Rwanda during the peak season which runs from June to September (long dry season) and December to February (short dry season) to have a memorable safari while visiting Rwanda to have a glimpse of gorillas (when gorilla trekking), chimpanzees (when chimpanzee tracking), golden monkeys, and other wildlife species in their natural habitat.

Nyungwe National Park:

Located in the southwestern region of the nation, this stunning tourist attraction is a treasure trove for nature lovers and adventure seekers visiting Rwanda.

The best time to visit Rwanda and explore Nyungwe National Park is during this peak time which runs from June to September (long dry season) and December to February (short dry season) to have a glimpse of mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and other wildlife species in their natural habitats.

Akagera National Park:

The best time to visit Rwanda and explore this diverse savannah located in eastern Rwanda is during the dry season which enables one to have a deep insight into the animal patterns and wildlife inhabited in this grassland-covered park such as gorillas.

Musanze District:

The best time to tour Musanze District found in the Northern Province of Rwanda, which houses a bunch of tourist places that tourists can visit and enjoy is during this season.

These include the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Musanze caves, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo etc.

Lake Kivu

Being one of the biggest freshwater lakes in the state and East Africa, this large lake is located in the western part of Rwanda, sharing borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The best time to visit Rwanda and explore Lake Kivu one of the best places, to enjoy some of the adrenaline-filled water activities is during this season.

Kigali City

This is the capital city of Rwanda and the cleanest city in Africa. It’s a vibrant and modern city that offers a unique blend of rich Rwandan culture, and natural history, with several tourist attractions ranging from markets, and infrastructure to historic sites.

Local Markets

The best time to tour these attractive places where tourists can immerse themselves in the local culture and daily life of the Rwandese is during this peak time.

Some of these markets include Kimironko Market, Kigali City Market, Nyabugogo Market, Kicyomeru Market, and Nyabugogo Market and from these tourists can shop for handicrafts, food, and souvenirs.

National Museums and Memorial Centers

Preserving Rwanda’s natural history, culture, and art, the beautiful country’s National museums and memorial centers are another of the places one can visit when visiting Rwanda during this season for a memorable Rwanda safari.

Some of these are the National Museum of Rwanda, Kandt House Museum, Butare Ethnographic Museum, Kigali Art Museum, Karisoke Research Center, Nyanza King’s Palace Museum, and Rwanda Genocide Museum.

What To Do in Rwanda During the Dry Season

The best time to visit Rwanda is during this season as it offers the best and most favorable weather conditions for tourists to participate in activities such as mountain gorilla trekking to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat (after securing gorilla permits), mountain hiking in the Virunga mountains, gorilla tracking, golden monkey trekking, chimpanzee trekking, cultural visits, fishing, game drives, forest canopy walks in Nyungwe, attending festivals, biking, boat safaris, horseback safaris, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching.

These activities are easier during this peak season as they can reveal blue skies, perfect weather, easier-to-trek hike trails, active wild animal species, and beautiful and picturesque volcanic landscapes.

Ultimately, when visiting Rwanda, always remember that this season offers favorable conditions for exploring the country’s natural beauty and engaging in various activities while on the Rwanda safari. Gorilla trekking is often the major highlight of the safari.

The Rainy Season in Rwanda

The country is blessed with two rain seasons that are long and short, which run from March to mid-May (long rainy season), and mid-September to November (short rainy season). These two are often equated to the European seasons of spring and fall.

Characteristics of Rwanda Rainy Season

The rainy season in Rwanda is characterized by;

• Temperatures: The average temperatures in the rainy season range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) in the morning and evening, and 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) during the day which is slightly cooler temperatures, providing relief from the scorching sun and providing perfect hiking conditions, chimpanzee trekking conditions, gorilla trekking conditions, etc.

Please note these temperatures may also vary according to region for example Musanze is often colder than Kigali capital city during this season (Musanze being 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) and Kigali city being 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F) in March to May).

• Visibility: This season in Rwanda is often marked by both short rains and long rains that reduce visibility, especially on roads, creating thick cloud covers when rains begin, and mist and fog when rains arrive, especially in mountainous regions in the mornings.
• Rainfall: This season is often marked by heavy and elongated rains, especially during the long rainy season (March to mid-May) when the rains begin falling in the afternoon and evening hours. This brings about colder weather and it is important for one to carry rain gear eg rain jacket .
• Humidity: During this season in Rwanda, there is high humidity ranging from 70% to 90%. The air becomes more humid because of the increased rainfall and moisture in the air especially in the mornings compared to the afternoons and evenings.

Relatively it is important to remember that the humidity conditions in regions differ as the hilly and mountainous regions tend to be cooler and less humid than the lower-lying areas.

Those on gorilla trekking escapades can witness this first hand.

• Navigation: During the rainy season navigation can be quite challenging as the heavy rains often reduce visibility on roads and trails as well as make the roads slippery and those in rural areas become more muddy and slippery. Heavy rains can cause road closures and disrupt public transportation.
• Costs: If looking for a low-budget and discounted safari package when visiting Rwanda, this during this season which runs from March to mid-May and September to November. This is because, during this season there less tourist crowds therefore several lodging facilities, transportation facilities, and meals are offered to visitors at discounts.

It is highly recommended that when visiting Rwanda during this season, the use of a tourist 4*4 vehicle can be very helpful to navigate roads, carrying good quality rain gear such as rain jackets is a plus and always plan the safari tour with a licensed tour operator well versed with local weather forecasts especially if intending to engage in gorilla trekking activities.

Places To Visit in Rwanda During the Rainy Seasons

When visiting Rwanda during the wet season, there are several tourist places and attractions one can visit to have a memorable time such as;

1. National Forest Reserves: The best time to visit forest reserves (Nyungwe Forest Reserve in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Gishwati Forest Reserve, Cyamudongo Forest Reserve) is during the wet season as at optimum times offers a mesmerizing opportunity to see the lush green vegetation brought to life by the heavy rains and surrounding the national parks.
2. National Parks: During the long rains, one can also visit several national parks in the country such as Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park, and Akagera National Park for animal sightings such as hippos, golden monkeys, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo). These can be seen while gorilla trekking or wild animal viewing.
3. National Memorial Centers and Museums: The best time to visit these centers to have memorable insights into the country’s history, Rwandan culture, and heritage is during this season.

These are the National Museum of Rwanda, Kandt House Museum, Butare Ethnographic Museum, Kigali Art Museum, Karisoke Research Center, Nyanza King’s Palace Museum, Rwanda Genocide Museum, and Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre.

4. Lakes and Rivers: The best time to visit lakes and rivers is during this season as these are at optimum times filled to the brim with increased catchment favorable for fishing, and birdwatching among other activities. Some of these lakes are the twin lakes in Volcanoes National Park (Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo).
5. Cities and Towns: This season, is the best time to visit cities and towns as tourists can engage in some indoor activities by visiting several places such as universities and art galleries found in the city centers and towns like Kigali, Butare, Gisenyi, Kibuye, etc. which also house some of the famous parks like Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park etc.
6. Local Markets and Restaurants: Tourists can engage in local visits to some of the famous markets and restaurants such as Kimironko Market, Kigali City Market, Nyabugogo Market, Kicyomeru Market, and Nyabugogo Market, Ibis Restaurant, Igifu Restaurant, etc.

From these places, they can buy souvenirs, and crafts, enjoy local cuisines, local dishes, and traditional drinks, like Umutsima (cornmeal porridge) and Ikivuguto (traditional beer), Isombe (cassava leaves with peanut sauce), Grilled fish, Matooke (steamed green bananas), Kwanga (roasted corn).

7. Plantations: Rwanda’s tea and coffee plantations are another of the magnificent things to see when visiting Rwanda during the rainy season.

These are Kitabi Tea Plantation (Western Province), Rwenzori Tea Plantation (Northern Province), Mataba Tea Plantation (Southern Province), Gisakura Tea Plantation (Western Province), and Pfunda Tea Plantation (Eastern Province).

What To Do in Rwanda During the Rainy Seasons 

Considering the perfect weather conditions that prevail during the rainy season some of the tourist activities, tourists are recommended to partake in are mostly;

Indoor Rwanda Safari Activities

Tourists visiting Rwanda in the short rainy season are highly encouraged to partake in tourist activities such as exploring art galleries (Art Museum, Kigali Art Gallery), visiting museums (National Museum of Rwanda, Kigali’s Genocide Memorial Centre), shopping for crafts and souvenirs (Kigali City Market, Nyabugogo Market, Kimironko Market), etc.

Outdoor Rwanda Safari Activities

Travelers can partake in some adventurous activities during the short rainy season such as Mountain Gorilla trekking to see mountain gorillas in their natural home (Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park), Gorilla habituation experiences (after securing gorilla permits), gorilla tracking, track chimpanzees, boat cruises, exploration of natural beauties like waterfalls, birdwatching (migratory birds), Forest and nature walks (Nyungwe national park Forest Canopy Walk adventures), etc.

Cultural Festivals, Visits, and Tours:

This season is the best to take a cultural tour of the cultural villages (Butare Village, Kigali Village), attend and enjoy traditional cultural dance performances (by Intore Dance Troupe), engage in traditional festivals (naming of newborn animals like baby gorillas in the Kwita Izina ceremony), savor traditional Rwandan cuisines and beverages (Umutsima, Isombe, grilled fish, Ikivuguto, Urwagwa) while visiting Rwanda.

It’s worth noting during this season in Rwanda, tourists on a Rwanda expedition can enjoy mostly indoor activities and a few like gorilla trekking if booked in advance with a licensed tour operator for an adventure-filled and memorable safari.

What to Wear in Rwanda During Your Rwanda Safari Visit

You are advised to carry a comfortable travel bag with Lightweight and breathable clothing preferably cotton or linen that covers the shoulders and knees or legs, these may be:

1. Jeans or Long Trousers: These are important in covering the knees and legs and hence act as protective clothing from mosquito and insect bites as well as unnecessary cuts.
2. Casual Pants; Casual pants also act as protective clothing from mosquito and insect bites as they cover the knees and legs.
3. Scarf or Shawl; To cover up, when necessary, especially when the weather changes during a safari trip.
4. Light Jacket; To cover up, when necessary, especially when the weather changes enroute a safari trip.
5. Long-Sleeved Shirts: To cover up the arms from mosquito and insect bites and unnecessary cuts.
6. Wide-Brimmed Hat; This helps to protect one from the scorching sun.
7. Sunglasses; To protect yourself from the strong sun rays.
8. When you start planning to explore Rwanda, please note that carrying and wearing colorful clothing isn’t advisable when going near some wild animal species!

What to Park for your Rwanda Visit on Safari

When packing for a summer trip to Rwanda, it is important to have these essentials as well.

• Documents; One must have a passport, flight tickets, and a Rwanda visa which can be obtained from a Rwanda embassy for easy entry into the beautiful country.
• Money; It is crucial to carry some local currency for tips, and small purchases, and preferably a debit or credit card for bigger purchases.
• Toiletries; One can pack toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, mosquito and insect repellent, hand sanitizer, wipes, sunscreen [SPF 15 or greater] with UVA and UVB protection to protect yourself from the strong sun.
• Electronics; Travelers are strongly advised to carry a smartphone, a camera to capture memories, a portable charger, a torch, a map app on a phone or GPS device, and some headphones.
• Footwear; Sneakers and hiking boots are highly recommended especially if you intend to go for mountain gorilla trekking, comfortable flats for simple tours, and some stockings as well for chilly evenings.
• Medication; You are encouraged to carry some painkillers, antacids, and antidiarrheal tabs for those with allergies and health complications, they can they’re doctor-recommended medicines.
• Weather Gear: If visiting during the rainy season, it’s highly recommended to carry good quality rain gear eg a rain jacket to protect one during heavy rains or when rains arrive.

FAQ [Frequently Asked Questions]

1.      Which month is best for Rwanda?

The best time to visit this nation is during the dry season which runs from June to Sept (long dry season) and December to February (short hot season), when one can have various opportunities and chances to spot this beautiful country’s treasures and highlight the mountain gorillas, partake in forest canopy walks and Rwanda gorilla trek, and see the Big Five, newborn animals, among other animal sightings.

2.      What is the rainy season in Rwanda?

The nation is blessed with two rain seasons that is the long and short, which run from March to mid-May (long rainy season), and September to November (short rainy season).

3.      How many days are enough for Rwanda?

It is highly favorable for one to spend at least a week especially if the intention is to tour all the tourist attractions the beautiful nation offers and have a memorable safari. Some of the places one can tour are Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda, Virunga Mountains, Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, etc.

4.      Is it safe for US citizens to travel to Rwanda?

Traveling to this nation is extremely safe for US citizens all year round as this beautiful nation is fully protected by the army and other security operatives who work around the clock to ensure all citizens are safe.

For memorable safaris & tours, tourists are highly encouraged to book their vacation and safaris with licensed tour operators conversant about local weather forecasts. Why wait, start planning your next Rwanda safari with Us!