The best time to visit Rwanda largely depends on what you want to see and do while in the country. For example, if you’re interested in seeing the primates that Rwanda is known for, then the best time to visit would be during the dry season (June-September and December-February) when there is less foliage, and the animals are easier to spot. If you’re more interested in seeing the stunning scenery and landscapes, then the best time to visit would be during the rainy season (March-May and October-November) when everything is lush and green.
No matter what time of year you decide to visit Rwanda, you’re sure to have an amazing and unforgettable experience. Let’s explore some of the best things to see and do in Rwanda, no matter what time of year you visit.
Tips to Help you Decide the Best Time to Visit Rwanda
If you want to see Rwanda’s primates
Rwanda is home to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world, as well as chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and more. If your main interest in visiting Rwanda is to see these amazing animals, then the best time to visit would be during the dry season. This is because there will be less foliage, making the animals easier to spot. You can also expect fewer crowds during this time of year.
If you Want to See Rwanda’s Stunning Scenery
Rwanda is a beautiful country with many different landscapes, from mountains and volcanoes to valleys and lakes. If you’re interested in seeing as much of the country’s scenery as possible, then the best time to visit would be during the rainy season. This is because everything will be lush and green this time of year. Keep in mind that some roads may be impassable during this time, so you may need to use a 4×4 vehicle.
If you Want to Experience Rwanda’s Culture
Rwanda is a country with a rich culture and history. If you’re interested in learning about the country’s people and traditions, then the best time to visit would be during one of the many cultural festivals that take place throughout the year. These festivals are a great way to experience the country’s culture firsthand and to meet local people. Here are some top festivals in Rwanda:
- Kwita Izina: The Gorilla Naming Ceremony – This festival takes place on different days.in 2021, it happened on 24 September, and in 2022, it will be on 2nd September. The Kwita Izina is a traditional ceremony where baby gorillas are named.
- Umuganura: The National Harvest Festival – This festival takes place in early August and is a celebration of Rwandan culture and history. It includes traditional dances, music, food, and more.
- Umuganda (Public Cleaning) Day – This is a national holiday in Rwanda that takes place on the last Saturday of every month. During this time, all Rwandans are expected to participate in community service projects such as cleaning up the streets or painting schools.
- Kigali International Peace Marathon – This marathon takes place every year in early April and is a celebration of Rwanda’s peace and unity.
The Best Time to Visit Rwanda – Month by Month
Rwanda has four seasons—two rainy and two dry ones. The long dry season in Rwanda begins around June and ends.
Best Months for Outdoor Activities
The best months for any outdoor activities are:
January
The weather in Rwanda is warm and sunny; this is a great time to plan your trip. It’s not super hot, so you won’t find yourself sweating too much when you’re out exploring. As long as you wear comfortable clothes and shoes, you should be fine! Watch out for sudden light rains, which don’t last very long and help maintain the cool temperature.
February
This month offers cooler temperatures than January, so it’s still a great time to visit Rwanda. If you’re looking for rain, this isn’t the best month for traveling—but if you want some added adventure with your day trip or weekend trip, February might be right up your alley! However, rain towards the end signals the upcoming long wet season.
June
This is the perfect month to visit Rwanda and enjoy the beautiful weather without having to worry about the rain, heat, or anything else. It feels like spring year-round for a country so close to the equator. Plus, it’s cool enough in June when you go there, but not so warm that it gets uncomfortable. And it’s not super hot either—it feels like springtime in your fingers and toes.
July
July is another good month to visit Rwanda. The climate is similar to June’s, but this time you will have a longer period to enjoy your vacation. You can track gorillas at Volcano’s National Park during this time, but you must book in advance since the permits are restricted to only 80 per day.
August
August is a great month for traveling in Rwanda because the weather is warm and sunny with no rain. You can enjoy watching the wildlife since it’s the dry season. Most of them will gather at the waterholes and lakes, trying to quench their thirst.
September
September is another great month to visit Rwanda; it has cool temperatures and light rain showers! It’s also a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, etc. The weather is more humid to signal the upcoming short dry rainy season.
December
December is also another great time to visit Rwanda. The weather is more pleasant and dry, making it easier to engage in outdoor activities. The jungle trails are less slippery, making it easy to trek to see gorillas.
Best Months for Indoor Activities
When it comes to indoor-related activities due to the rains, these are the best months.
March
March is the wettest month of the year in Rwanda! However, suppose you’re planning on visiting during this time frame and aren’t afraid of mud or rain and staying indoors (like almost everyone). In that case, March is a great time to go because you will be more confined inside than in other months (with less sunshine). It also means that the rain has finally arrived! You can focus on Rwandan cuisine instead and indoor activities.
April
Thanks to the rains, April is one of the coldest months in Rwanda. It’s also not a great time to get outside and explore because the weather is still unpleasant day and night. You can still trek Gorillas but don’t expect it to be easy since they also seek shelter from the rain.
Image Credit: David Gonzales: https://www.pexels.com/photo/gorilla-sitting-on-a-rock-2657973/
May
May marks the end of the long wet season. It has fewer rainy days than other months but not as many as in March or April; however, it can be colder at this time of year, so you should bring warm clothes with you if you’re planning on going outside! This makes it easy for everyone involved—children included—to get some exercise without sweating through their clothes!
October
October marks the beginning of the short rain season in Rwanda; therefore, October isn’t necessarily cold compared with other months, though it gets very cold at night due to the high altitude. The rainy season may not be in full swing, just more sudden thunderstorms, but the climate is more humid and hot. You’ll want to invest in a good pair of walking shoes, comfortable clothes, and a hat.
November
This month marks the end of the short rainy season in Rwanda, so it’s the perfect time for relaxing on your vacation. You can take the time to view the beautiful landscape around you as the new vegetation gives the country a gorgeous green look.
Photo by Faustin Tuyambaze on Unsplash
Rwanda is a place of incredible natural beauty. It’s the perfect holiday destination for those who want to experience the thrill of adventure without worrying about getting lost or hurt.
In Summary
1. Rwanda is a beautiful country with plenty to offer tourists
2. There are many different attractions in Rwanda, including volcanoes, lakes, and wildlife reserves
3. The best time to visit Rwanda depends on what you want to do and see
4. December to February is the peak season for visitors due to the warm weather and lack of rainfall
5. March to May is great for those who want to go hiking or see the gorillas, as the trails will be less crowded
6. June to September is good for swimming and rafting, as the rivers are full of water
Plan your trip to Rwanda
No matter what time of year you visit Rwanda, you’re sure to have an amazing and unforgettable experience. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
In addition to its natural beauty, Rwanda has a rich history and culture—and you don’t have to travel far from Kigali to find it! To keep up with the latest travel trends and recommendations, check out Travel Moran.
