In short
- June – September: the long dry season — the easiest trekking and the most popular time. Book permits early.
- December – February: a shorter dry spell, good for trekking.
- March – May: the long rains; muddy trails, lush forest and fewer visitors.
- October – November: the short rains.
A mild climate all year
Rwanda lies just south of the equator, but its altitude keeps it mild. Kigali is pleasant most of the year, while Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe are cool and damp, especially early in the morning. Rain is the main difference between seasons.
Gorilla trekking
You can trek gorillas in every month. In the dry seasons — June to September and December to February — the paths are firmer and the views of the volcanoes clearer. In the rainy months, the slopes are slippery and you will probably get wet, but there are fewer visitors and the forest is beautiful. See gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Akagera National Park
For a savannah safari in Akagera, the dry season from June to September is best, when animals gather near the lakes and the grass is shorter.
Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe is a rainforest, so expect rain at any time. Chimpanzee tracking is often easier in the dry months, when the chimps feed lower in the forest, and the canopy walkway is open all year.
Plan around Umuganda
On the last Saturday morning of each month, Rwandans take part in Umuganda, a national community-work day. Many shops and services close and road travel can be limited until around midday — plan transfers around it.
Combining with Uganda
Uganda's seasons are very similar — see the best time to visit Uganda.
