What is the best time to visit Rwanda?

Best Time to Visit Rwanda

The best time to travel to Rwanda is during the dry season from June to September and the wet season from December to February.

Dry Season in Rwanda

The dry season in Rwanda lasts from June to September and is the most popular time to visit. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, with temperatures ranging from a low of 18°C (64°F) to a high of 30°C (86°F). This is the perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and gorilla trekking. The dry season also coincides with the country’s biggest festivals, including Kwita Izina, the annual gorilla naming ceremony, and the Rwanda International Trade Fair.

Wet Season in Rwanda

The wet season in Rwanda lasts from December to February and is the least popular time to visit. During this time, the weather is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from a low of 17°C (63°F) to a high of 29°C (84°F). Rainfall is frequent during this time, but it usually doesn’t last for long. Despite the wet weather, this is a great time for bird watching and game viewing in the national parks. It’s also a great time to explore the country’s vibrant cities and vibrant culture.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Rwanda

Rwanda in January

Weather

January in Rwanda is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 18-30°C (64-86°F). Rainfall is common, with an average of 10-15 days of rain throughout the month.

Events

• Kigali International Marathon: Held in the capital city of Kigali, the Kigali International Marathon is a major event for runners and sports enthusiasts. The marathon is usually held in late January and attracts runners from around the world.
• Rwanda National Day: Rwanda National Day is celebrated on the 4th of January to commemorate the country’s independence from Belgium in 1962. The day is marked with parades, speeches, and other festivities.
• Rwanda Film Festival: The Rwanda Film Festival is held in Kigali in late January and showcases the best of Rwandan cinema. The festival includes screenings of feature films, documentaries, and short films.
• Gorilla Trekking: January is a great month for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The dry season provides perfect conditions for trekking in the Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
• Kigali Jazz Festival: The Kigali Jazz Festival is held in late January and features some of the best jazz musicians from around the world. The festival is held in various venues around the city and is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant music scene of Rwanda.

Rwanda in January

Weather

January in Rwanda is typically warm and humid. Daytime temperatures average around 24°C (75°F) and drop to around 17°C (63°F) at night. Rainfall is common, with an average of 10 days of rain per month.

Events

• Kigali International Peace Marathon: This annual event takes place in January and attracts runners from around the world. It is a great opportunity to explore the beauty of Rwanda and to raise money for charity.
• Kwita Izina: This is an annual event that celebrates the birth of baby gorillas in Rwanda. It includes a ceremony where baby gorillas are named, as well as a variety of cultural activities.
• Kigali Up Music Festival: This is an annual music festival that takes place in Kigali. It features a variety of local and international acts, and is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant music scene in Rwanda.
• Rwanda National Day: This is an annual celebration of Rwanda’s independence, which takes place on 1st January. It is marked with a variety of cultural activities, including traditional dancing and music.
• Kigali Jazz Junction: This is an annual jazz festival that takes place in Kigali. It features a variety of local and international acts, and is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant jazz scene in Rwanda.

Rwanda in March

Weather

The weather in Rwanda during the month of March is warm and humid. Daytime temperatures average around 26°C (78°F) and nighttime temperatures drop to around 16°C (61°F). Rain is common, with an average of about 19 days of rain in a month.

Events

• The first week of March is celebrated as National Unity Week, which recognizes the unity of the Rwandan people.
• On March 6th, Rwanda celebrates Genocide Memorial Day, which commemorates the victims of the 1994 genocide.
• On March 8th, Rwanda celebrates International Women’s Day, which is a day to celebrate the achievements of women around the world.
• On March 21st, Rwanda celebrates Independence Day, which marks the day in 1962 when Rwanda gained its independence from Belgium.
• On March 25th, Rwanda celebrates Liberation Day, which marks the day in 1994 when the Rwandan Patriotic Front took control of the country.

Rwanda in April

Weather

April in Rwanda is warm with temperatures ranging between 15-25°C (59-77°F). The days are generally sunny with occasional showers.

Events

• Rwanda Genocide Memorial Day: April 7th marks the anniversary of the start of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Memorial services and events are held throughout the country to remember the victims and survivors.
• Kigali International Peace Marathon: The annual Kigali International Peace Marathon is held in April and draws thousands of runners from around the world.
• Kwita Izina: Kwita Izina is an annual event held in April to celebrate the birth of baby gorillas. It is a cultural ceremony that includes traditional dancing, singing, and speeches.
• Rwanda National Arts Festival: The Rwanda National Arts Festival is held in April and showcases the best of Rwandan music, dance, and art.
• Rwanda International Film Festival: The Rwanda International Film Festival is held in April and showcases the best of Rwandan and international films.

Rwanda in May

Weather

May is the start of the dry season in Rwanda, with temperatures ranging from 18-25°C. The days are sunny and clear, with occasional showers in the evening.

Events

• May 1st: Labor Day is celebrated in Rwanda, with parades, concerts, and other festivities.
• May 4th: Rwanda celebrates Liberation Day, commemorating the end of the civil war in 1994.
• May 17th: Rwanda celebrates Heroes Day, honoring those who have made a significant contribution to the nation’s development.
• May 24th: Rwanda celebrates Unity Day, celebrating the country’s diversity and unity.
• May 25th: Rwanda celebrates Memorial Day, honoring those who have lost their lives in service to the country.

Rwanda in June

Weather

June in Rwanda is a warm and wet month, with average temperatures ranging between 16°C (60.8°F) and 22°C (71.6°F). The average amount of rainfall is around 140mm (5.5in).

Events

• Kigali International Peace Marathon: Held annually in Kigali, the Kigali International Peace Marathon is a major event in Rwanda. The marathon is held on the last Sunday of June and is a great way to explore the country.
• Kigali Jazz Junction: Held in the capital city of Kigali, the Kigali Jazz Junction is a popular music event that takes place in June each year. It features a variety of jazz, soul, and funk music.
• National Day of Mourning: On June 4th, Rwanda commemorates the National Day of Mourning, which remembers the victims of the 1994 genocide.
• Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Census: This event takes place every four years in June and is organized by the Rwanda Development Board. It is a census of the mountain gorilla populations in the country.
• Rwanda International Trade Fair: Held in Kigali, the Rwanda International Trade Fair is a major event in the country. It showcases the best of Rwandan products and services.

Rwanda in July

Weather

July is the warmest month in Rwanda, with temperatures ranging from 18°C (64°F) to 28°C (82°F). Rainfall is common during this month, with an average of about 10 days of rain.

Events

• Rwanda National Dialogue Week: This event is held annually in July and is an opportunity for Rwandans to come together to discuss the country’s progress and challenges.
• Kigali International Peace Marathon: This annual marathon is held in July and is a celebration of peace and unity in Rwanda.
• Kwita Izina: This annual event celebrates the birth of baby gorillas and is held in July in the Volcanoes National Park.
• Rwanda International Film Festival: This annual event is held in July and showcases the best of Rwandan film and culture.
• Kigali Up Festival: This annual music festival is held in July and celebrates the best of Rwandan music and culture.

Rwanda in August

Weather

August in Rwanda is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from an average low of 16°C (60.8°F) to an average high of 26°C (78.8°F). The average amount of precipitation is about 124 mm (4.9 inches).

Events

• Rwandans gather to celebrate Liberation Day on August 4th, which marks the day in 1994 when the Rwandan Patriotic Front took control of the country and ended the genocide.
• The annual Kigali International Peace Marathon is held in August, bringing together runners from all over the world to promote peace and unity.
• August is the month when Rwandans celebrate Umuganura, a traditional Rwandan festival that marks the end of the harvest season.
• The Rwanda International Film Festival is held in August, showcasing the best of Rwandan and international films.
• August is the month when the Rwanda National Football Team plays in the African Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

Rwanda in September

Weather

September in Rwanda is a warm month, with temperatures ranging from lows of around 17°C (62°F) to highs of around 25°C (77°F). The days are usually sunny and dry, with occasional showers in the afternoons.

Events

• The Kigali International Peace Marathon is held in September, bringing together runners from all over the world. The marathon is a celebration of peace and unity, and is a great opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Kigali.
• The Rwanda International Film Festival is held in September, showcasing the best of Rwandan and international films. The festival is a great opportunity to explore the vibrant film culture of Rwanda.
• The Rwanda International Trade Fair is held in September, showcasing the best of Rwandan and international products. The fair is a great opportunity to explore the vibrant trade culture of Rwanda.
• The Rwanda National Day is held in September, celebrating the country’s independence and its progress in the years since. The day is marked with parades, music, and other festivities.
• The Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Festival is held in September, bringing together trekkers from all over the world to explore the beautiful Rwandan countryside. The festival is a great opportunity to learn about the gorillas and the conservation efforts in Rwanda.

Rwanda in October

Weather

October is the beginning of the dry season in Rwanda. Temperatures are mild, ranging from highs of 24°C (75°F) to lows of 13°C (55°F). Rainfall is minimal with an average of only 8mm per month.

Events

• Rwanda Genocide Memorial Day: On October 7, the nation commemorates the victims of the 1994 genocide. Memorial services are held throughout the country.
• Kigali International Trade Fair: This annual event is held in October and features a variety of vendors selling traditional Rwandan crafts and goods.
• Rwanda International Trade Show: This event is held in October and features exhibitors from around the world showcasing their products and services.
• Rwanda International Music Festival: This annual event is held in October and features a variety of local and international musicians.
• Rwanda International Film Festival: This event is held in October and showcases the best of Rwandan and international films.

Rwanda in November

Weather

November in Rwanda is characterized by warm days and cool nights. The average temperature during the day is around 25°C (77°F), while at night it drops to around 15°C (59°F). Rainfall is common during this month, with an average of about 150mm (6 inches) of rain.

Events

• The Rwanda International Trade Fair is held in Kigali in November. This event is a great opportunity to learn about the country’s economy and to meet people from all over the world.
• The Kigali International Marathon is held in November. This event is a great way to explore the city and to support the local community.
• The Rwanda Film Festival is held in November. This event showcases the best of Rwandan cinema and provides a platform for local filmmakers to promote their work.
• The Rwanda National Day is celebrated in November. This event is a time to reflect on the country’s history and to celebrate its achievements.
• The Rwanda International Jazz Festival is held in November. This event is a great way to experience the country’s vibrant music scene.

Rwanda in December

Weather

December is the start of the dry season in Rwanda, with temperatures ranging from 17-26°C. Rainfall is low, with an average of around 15mm per month.

Events

• Kwita Izina, the annual gorilla-naming ceremony, is held in the Volcanoes National Park. It is a celebration of the conservation efforts of the Rwandan people, and is attended by dignitaries from around the world.
• The Rwanda International Film Festival is held in Kigali. It is a celebration of Rwandan film and culture, and features screenings, workshops, and panel discussions.
• The Rwanda Marathon is held in Kigali. It is a 42km race that takes place on the streets of the city, and is open to both professional and amateur runners.
• The Kigali Jazz Festival is held in Kigali. It is a celebration of jazz music, with performances from local and international artists.
• The Rwanda National Day is held in Kigali. It is a celebration of the country’s independence, with parades, music, and fireworks.