The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. These drier periods see ideal trekking conditions for tracking mountain gorillas and chimpanzees with little to no mud especially on steep paths.
Although Rwanda features several seasons which should be considered when planning a safari here, the weather is fairly temperate and favours travel all year round due to its compact size, proximity to the equator and high altitude.
However, many safari-goers will head to Rwanda during these months, so often the best time to go can be based on permit-availability. This being said, don't be put off by the rainy season in Rwanda either.
The shorter period of rain in November and longer rains from March to May will provide lush, verdant forests and full lakes all to yourself. Gorilla permits are occasionally cheaper during these rainy seasons and photographers may prefer the atmosphere more where less light contrasts against the forest, allowing more focused shots.
January is part of the first dry period running from mid-December and continuing throughout the whole of January, and into February, and a great time for gorilla trekking. The climate in Rwanda is very similar all year round however it may differ depending upon which area you are staying in. During the two dry seasons there is often light clouds across the country which offers refreshingly, light rainfall as well as being able to moderate the temperature. You can expect fairly dry terrain, but being in the Virunga’s, weather can be a little unpredictable, and rain can come at any time.
The weather at this time is relatively similar to January, concluding the short dry season. The start of the month will be drier than the end, making February the start of a great time to track chimpanzees, and gorillas in the same safari. But Dry terrain means that if you are looking to hike elsewhere in the country, canoe, or even climb, without the worry of rain cutting it short, this is a good choice, along with January and December.
Marking the start of the ‘long rains’ which will last until mid-May, the rain throughout this time can be heavy and persistent, but it can also stop as soon as it starts. The rainforest flourishes under these downpours with green, luscious flora. However, during this time it should be considered that hiking becomes treacherous and many of Rwanda’s unsurfaced roads become tricky to navigate.
April is the peak of the season of the ‘long rains’, with the average rainfall at 186mm, the highest all year. At this time, it is wet, slippery, and the rains can often be relentless, making trekking tough, and doing no favours for those who have expensive equipment. It is, however, still possible to track them at this time, and lodges remain open, as they do year round.
Throughout the month of May there is still a large amount of rainfall which can be very persistent, however; this enables the luscious and thick rainforest to flourish and truly come to life as well as its copious range of flora and fauna which inhabit it. Trekking through this type of land will always be difficult as the rainforest will always be quite marsh-like, so if you don’t mind the wet weather, don’t be put off booking your gorilla trekking holiday in May.
June marks the start of the long dry season, and the start of the peak time for travelling to Rwanda, although it remains fairly quiet until we get into July and August, due to the summer holidays in Europe. The season lasts until September, and is a popular time to go, for many reasons.
Arguably viewed as one of the best months to visit Rwanda; we advise those wishing to travel during July to plan well in advance. This is the beginning of the summer holidays for European and American schools meaning that hotels, lodges and activities will all fill up fast.
With conditions very similar to July, August is just as popular due to the warm and dry weather as well as it being viewed as the best time of the year for trekking the mountain gorillas. As with the month of July we strongly advise that you book well in advance to ensure that you will be able to secure places for your dream accommodation as well as permits for trekking the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas.
In September, Rwanda welcomes the end of the long dry season, with more rainfall this month, starting from about mid-September. The temperature remains the same pretty much, but there is increased precipitation, especially towards the end of the month. After three months of dry weather, September can be a little humid, but nothing too bad usually.
October is the start of the short rains. Unlike the long rains in March and April, showers are often in quick heavy bursts, and shouldn’t affect your day too much. You can get the odd thunderstorm too, which can be incredibly dramatic, especially if you get to watch from the comfort of your lodge. With the extra precipitation, trees and plants start to flower, making landscapes ever more green and that bit more beautiful, bringing with them lots more birdlife. This means October can be excellent for photography, and for birding.
November continues the short rains, and the weather is similar to that of the end of October. Rain comes in short heavy bursts, with an average of 140mm for the month as a whole. Similar to October, although this is not considered to be the best time to go to Rwanda to track mountain gorillas, these incredibles creatures can still be spotted foresting on the jungle floors. Rain can come at any time of year anyway, so no matter when you travel you should always be prepared for it. The gorillas at this time can take shelter during the rains themselves, or youngsters can play out in the droplets.
December is an excellent time to travel to Rwanda, as the weather marks the end of the short rains, and the start of the short dry season. It is a peak month, so you’ll need to book well in advance of travel to secure the accommodation you want, and make sure you get hold of those ever-challenging gorilla tracking permits. Lodge prices can reflect the high season too.
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.
This is the long dry season with ideal conditions for gorilla trekking 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.
A short rainy 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.
Great safari for anyone who is limited for time in Rwanda or is looking to combine with another east African adventure, heading into the forest to take part in two gorilla tracks still allowing you the best opportunity to spend time with these amazing animal
From 11500 per person
Experience two mountain gorilla trekking experiences with our Specialist leader Donal Boyd on our exclusive 7 guest gorilla trekking photography safari.
From 13000 per person
Take in the highlights of Rwanda and Tanzania tracking the gorillas and big game of East Africa. This beautiful 11 day safari explores the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater and famous Northern Serengeti, before flying to Rwanda to track the magnificent mountain gorillas. Staying in fantastic accommodation throughout, and offering some of Africa's best wildlife experiences, this is a wonderful safari for those who want to see the best bits. This highlights safari can also be done in reverse, starting in Rwanda, giving you the option of a beach extension to the stunning Tanzanian Coast or 'spice island' of Zanzibar for a bit of relaxation after your adventure.
From 15500 per person
A unique opportunity to track the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Led by experienced gorilla trackers and guides, this safari will take you face to face with several habituated gorilla families, giving you the chance to observe the behaviour of these captivating creatures in their natural environment.
From 18500 per person
The opportunity to visit Rwanda's three main wildlife hotspots whilst staying in the most luxurious accomodation and transferring vy helicopter, from tracking the world famouns mountain gorilla and meeting the doctors of the mountain gorilla vetinary project, to tracking the cheeky chimpanzee in Nyungwe and searching for a multitude of wildlfie on game drives in Akagera National Park.
From 39000 per personWhilst gorillas can be seen year-round in Rwanda, the best time to go gorilla trekking is anytime December to February and the dry season of June to September. These months offer the best hiking conditions and lower risks of malaria. Gorillas can be seen throughout the year in Rwanda but bear in mind that weather conditions including rainfall may make steep paths muddy and slippery to hike.
The best time to see chimpanzees in Rwanda is also during the long dry season of June to September through December to February. During this time the forests are not too thick and hiking trails will not be muddy and slippery making it much easier to see chimpanzees.
Volcanoes National Park is also home to critically endangered golden monkeys in addition to gorillas. Another amazing wildlife experience is trekking to view them.
Discover the historic Nyungwe Forest, a sanctuary for primates and wildlife. Go on chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, and guided hikes.
Visit Akagera National Park to go on a safari and see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) and other animals.
Gorilla Trekking Experts
Originally founded as World Primate Safaris in 2005, Natural World Safaris has a long-established pedigree in primate-focused travel. We have been sending clients to Rwanda for almost two decades and know exactly how to build a seamless, transformative gorilla tracking experience, whether it’s your first time or a return visit.
Exceptional Perspectives
We don’t just take you to the gorillas — we elevate the journey. Scenic helicopter transfers over the Virunga Volcanoes, curated luxury lodge stays, and access to Rwanda’s top guides are just the beginning. Every element of your safari is meticulously planned to ensure maximum time in the field and an experience that’s both personal and powerful.
Exclusive Conservation Access
Our deep-rooted conservation partnerships in Rwanda allow us to offer extraordinary experiences beyond standard treks. Join a habituation safari, spend time with the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project team, or enjoy a private dinner with a Gorilla Doctor at your lodge. We tailor these moments to your interests, connecting you to the frontline of gorilla conservation.
