Rwanda is one of the upcoming destinations on the African continent attracting thousands of travelers most especially thise inteested in gorilla tracking, chimpanzee watching, golden monkey tracking, and cultural experiences. Many travelers wonder about the best time to visit this tiny country in Central Africa.

In case you are going on a Rwanda gorilla Safari; you might want to know about the country’s weather patterns to avoid disappointment or disaster during your holiday. The average day time temperature is 24degrees with a possible maximum of 30degrees, except in the higher mountains, where the day time range is 10degrees to 15degrees.

There are four discernible seasons; the long rains from mid March to mid May, the long dry from mid May to September, the short rains from October to mid December and the short dry from mid December to mid March. It rains more frequently and heavily in the north east, where volcanoes are covered by rain forest. The summit of Karisimbi, the highest of these volcanoes is often covered with sleet or snow.

With the infrastructure in such reasonable shape, it doesn’t matter too much when to visit Rwanda. However, if you don’t like rain, avoid the long rains of mid March to mid May. The dry season from mid May to September is easier for tracking mountain gorillas, but the endless hills can look quite dry and barren, a contrast to the verdant greens of the wet season.

The best time to go to Rwanda by season

The best time to go on a safari in Rwanda is from mid-May to mid-October, this is the long dry season and has perfect conditions for tracking gorillas. There are four seasons to consider when planning your Rwanda safari, however the weather is fairly temperate and favour travel year round, thanks to its compact size, proximity to the equator and high altitude, which gives it a fresh highland feel and consistent temperature. The average daytime temperature is around 30°C or 86°F. The capital of Kigali enjoys an average temperature of 21°C or 70°F.

You can track gorillas year round in Rwanda, however you will want to bear in mind that the rainier months will make tracking more difficult with muddy conditions.

March – mid-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.

Mid May – mid-October 

This is the long dry season with ideal conditions for gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park and for visiting the Rwanda wildlife overall, so if you have complete flexibility with your dates we would recommend travelling during this time. Animal sightings are more common at this time, with golden monkeys and mountain gorillas as well as habitat tolerant species such as buffalo and elephant all more visible in the dry season. As gorillas reside in the rainforest, we still recommend taking waterproof clothing even during these drier months. This is also peak season in Rwanda, so prices can be higher.

Mid-October – November 

A short rains period, these months can also be great for birding, as trees and plants are flowering and visible birdlife is prolific, and it is even possible to enjoy specialist birding trips (specifically late November/early December or late May). Green seasons also make for excellent photography conditions, with rains tending to be quick and heavy before clearing to blue skies – ideal for capturing scenery.

December – February 

Another peak time to travel, this short dry period is better for animal sightings. The drier periods can also be ideal for those looking to hike, canoe or climb, with no need for shelter from rain. Lodge prices tend to be higher during these busier times of year.

When to go if you want to see.

  • Chimpanzees: Nyungwe Forest is one of the largest areas of montane forest with its 13 species of primates – the most popular trek is for chimps. The best time is outside of the rainy season.
  • Gorilla Doctors: You can visit the gorilla doctors any time of the year when you organise in advance through us.
  • Golden Monkeys: Seen in Volcanoes National Park avoiding the rainy season months of April, May, and November.
  • Mountain Gorillas: You can track the mountain gorillas year-round. We advise you avoid the rainy season months of April, May, and November.

Best Time to.

FEB-MAY, Enjoy a Cuppa

The moderate climate and rich volcanic soil are responsible for tea being Rwanda’s main export. Hills and mountain sides are blanketed in tea plantations, and some of the producers around Nyungwe offer tours. Learn about how tea is grown, harvested and eventually makes its way to your cup. If tea isn’t your thing, these are also a large number of coffee plantations, with Rwanda’s beans being exported far and wide. As harvest time approaches the coffee cherries turn a dark red, transforming the emerald green fields, between February and May. Some producers are beginning to welcome visitors and offer tours, but it’s not as wide-spread as the tea industry.

 

JUN-SEPT, Visit the National Parks

Besides its wildly popular primates, Rwanda also has a wide variety of other animals across its three national parks. The dry season is ideal for the best viewing opportunities. In addition to spotting gorillas at Volcanoes, and chimpanzees and monkeys at Nyungwe Forest, look out for giraffes, elephants and other animals at Akagera. Although the horrific genocide that swept the country in 1994 resulted in the decimation of the lion population, several lions were donated to Akagera in 2015. Bird watchers can look out for close to 700 species of bird spread across various regions. Nyungwe Forest alone has around 280 species.