Best Time to Visit Rwanda: Dry Seasons, Rainy Seasons and Month-by-Month Tips

Rwanda lies just south of the equator but is high above sea level, so temperatures are mild rather than hot. The long dry season runs roughly from June to September and the short dry season from December to February. The main rains fall between March and May, and shorter rains arrive around October and November.

Gorilla trekking runs all year, but dry months make slopes less slippery, and trekking is generally more comfortable. For the matching month-by-month picture in Uganda, read Uganda month by month, because many visitors travel to both countries on the same trip.

This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Gorilla Trekking by Season

In the drier months paths are firmer and views are clearer. In the rainy months slopes become muddy, but crowds are thinner and the forest is green. Waterproofs, gaiters and gloves help in any season.

Akagera and Nyungwe

Akagera's animals gather around lakes in the dry season, which makes sightings easier. Nyungwe is a rainforest and is wet at any time of year, so pack for showers whatever the month.

Kigali and Lake Kivu

Kigali is pleasant all year, while Lake Kivu's beaches are most appealing in the drier months. See Kigali and Lake Kivu for what to do.

Planning Rwanda with Uganda? Tell us your dates and we will combine both countries in one smooth itinerary, with transfers and permits arranged.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team