Best Time To Visit Rwanda
An overview of Rwanda’s seasons
Discover the best time to visit Rwanda for an unforgettable experience. Explore Rwanda’s unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture with our expert guide to the ideal seasons for your trip.
Despite its proximity to the Equator, Rwanda’s high altitude results in a cooler climate. Most of the country enjoys warm temperatures, while the mountainous regions are cooler. Rwanda features a pleasant tropical-highland climate, with average daily temperatures around 77°F. Due to altitude variations, daytime temperatures range between 70-80°F and drop to 60-70°F at night. In the high mountains, frost is common.
During the rainy season, heavy showers occur almost daily, but the rest of the day typically remains sunny. However, in Volcanoes National Park, rain is more frequent, accounting for nearly 90% of Rwanda’s rainfall. This high precipitation is one reason why the area is less populated by farmers, allowing gorillas to thrive.
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Best time to visit Rwanda by season
The climate in Rwanda is characterized by the following seasons:
- Long rains: March – May
- Long drying time: May – October
- Short rains: October – December
- Short drying time: December – March
What to Pack
Safari wear should be comfortable and casual. Since evenings and early mornings can be chilly, warm sweaters are recommended. Flat, comfortable sports or trekking shoes are ideal for walking safaris. Along with typical safari gear, we suggest bringing warm clothes such as a fleece or light woolen sweater and socks. During the day, it can get quite hot, so don’t forget your sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, and a sun hat with a small brim. Specialist trips, like mountain climbing, require additional clothing and footwear. Many hotels, lodges, and camps have swimming pools, so pack swimsuits.
Due to limited space in vehicles and light aircraft, we recommend keeping your luggage to a minimum. Aim to pack your items into a small bag weighing no more than 15 kg, which is the luggage limit for local flights. Almost all safari lodges and camps offer same-day laundry service.
Best Places To Visit
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a sprawling tropical rainforest located in southwestern Rwanda. Covering over 1,000 square kilometers,
Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes, nestled along the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic
Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda, is a stunningly beautiful protected area known for its lush rainforests and
Discover Akagera National Park Akagera National Park is a stunning conservation area located in eastern Rwanda. Spanning over
Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, is a vibrant and rapidly developing metropolis known for its cleanliness, safety,
Things To Do
From lush forests and towering volcanoes to endangered mountain gorillas and museums chronicling the country’s tragic past, Rwanda offers a wealth of experiences. Explore indigenous cultures in remote villages and discover the many things to see and do in this captivating country. Here’s a list of the top highlights that should definitely be part of your tour!
Safety
Since the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has stabilized greatly. It is relatively easy, safe and simple to travel around the country and tourism is on the rise. Enjoy a seamless and stress-free Rwanda vacation with some basic safety guidelines compiled by our team.
