• Large Focal G3020 Bisate Lodge

The best time to visit Rwanda

The best time visit Rwanda is from mid-May to mid-October, this is the long dry season and has perfect conditions for tracking gorillas. There are four seasons to consider when planning your Rwanda safari, however the weather is fairly temperate and favours travel year round, thanks to its compact size, proximity to the equator and high altitude, which gives it a fresh highland feel and consistent temperature. The average daytime temperature is around 30°C or 86°F. The capital of Kigali enjoys an average temperature of 21°C or 70°F.

You can track gorillas year-round in Rwanda, however, you will want to bear in mind that the rainier months will make tracking more difficult with muddy conditions. 

Contact our Destination Specialists for personalised advice on the best time to visit Rwanda and plan your trip to make the most of your time there. 

Landscape view - Virunga Lodge, Rwanda

when to go by season

March – mid-May 

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. 

Read more about each month on the following pages:

Mid May – mid-October 

This is the long dry season with ideal conditions for gorilla tracking 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. 

Read more about each month on the following pages:

Mid-October – November 

A short rains 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. 

Read more about each month on the following pages:

December - February 

Another peak time to travel, this short dry period is better for animal sightings. The drier periods can also be ideal for those looking to hike, canoe or climb, with no need for shelter from rain. Lodge prices tend to be higher during these busier times of year. 

Read more about each month on the following pages:

Mountain gorillas, Rwanda

When to go if you want to see...

  • Chimpanzees: Nyungwe Forest is one of the largest areas of montane forest with its 13 species of primates - the most popular trek is for chimps. The best time is outside of the rainy season. 

 

 

 

Chimpanzee, Kjersti Joergensen

Your Next Steps

View our Rwanda safaris, or talk to one of our specialists for more details on travelling to Rwanda. Please note we recommend a budget of from £7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination.