The short answer
The drier window is June to mid-September. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) names it as the easier time for walking, because paths are generally easier to use, though rain is still possible. The two wetter periods are roughly March to May and October to December. Expect muddier trails and some rough side roads when it rains.
The sources do not agree exactly on the dates. Meteo Rwanda stresses March to May and October to December, and elsewhere describes the second rainy period as September to December. RDB puts the rainy seasons at mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December. Treat the edges of each season as soft. Regions and years also differ a lot.
Rwanda weather by season
Two official descriptions side by side.
| Source | Rainy seasons | Drier window |
|---|---|---|
| Meteo Rwanda | Mainly March to May and October to December; the second peak is also described as September to December | – |
| RDB | Mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December | June to mid-September |
Rain stays possible in the drier window, so pack a rain jacket whatever the month. For the gorillas, RDB recommends sturdy walking boots, long clothing, gloves and rain protection. Our gorilla trekking guide has the rules and permit details.
Rwanda tours for any season
Gorilla treks, safaris and city tours across Rwanda, with live prices and availability.
Kigali weather month by month
Measured values at the Kigali Aero station (1,490 m) for the year 2024, from Rwanda's national statistics yearbook.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29.1 | 17.6 | 148.4 |
| February | 27.0 | 17.8 | 108.6 |
| March | 27.5 | 18.0 | 84.7 |
| April | 25.7 | 18.2 | 215.4 |
| May | 27.1 | 18.8 | 55.3 |
| June | 27.4 | 17.3 | 0.2 |
| July | 28.4 | 17.6 | 0.0 |
| August | 28.3 | 17.9 | 20.4 |
| September | 29.1 | 18.5 | 79.7 |
| October | 27.3 | 17.5 | 110.2 |
| November | 25.7 | 17.0 | 193.7 |
| December | 26.8 | 17.2 | 49.7 |
Read these figures with care. They are the values of one year at one station, not long-term averages and not a forecast. May 2024, for example, was far drier (55.3 mm) than the season description would suggest, and December was drier than November. What the table does show is the range: highs between 25.7 and 29.1 °C and lows between 17.0 and 18.8 °C all year, with June and July almost free of rain and April and November the wettest. Other regions differ from Kigali.
What each season means for a trip
Use this to match your dates to your plans.
June to mid-September
The drier window. Paths are generally easier to use, which helps on the volcano hikes and forest walks. See Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe.
Mid-September to December
The second rainy season. Meteo Rwanda's forecast of 21 August 2026 for September to December gives a higher probability of above-normal rain, with seasonal totals of 300 to 1,000 mm depending on the region. It also warns of strong wind, lightning, hail, runoff and erosion. If you travel now, allow extra time on side roads and keep your plans flexible.
January to mid-February
RDB lists no rainy season for this stretch. The 2024 table above still shows 148 mm in January and 109 mm in February, so carry rain gear.
Mid-February to May
The first rainy season. April 2024 was the wettest month in the table at 215 mm. Part of this period, November to May, is also the window for the low-season gorilla discount (below).
The low-season gorilla discount
From November to May, RDB offers a 30% discount on a gorilla permit for travelers who combine the gorillas with Akagera, Nyungwe or both. The regular price for international visitors is 1,500 USD, so the discounted permit works out to 1,050 USD. The conditions matter:
- You need 2 nights in the other park or parks with a payment receipt from the accommodation and a paid activity, or one night in each of the two parks on consecutive nights.
- Only 1 discounted gorilla permit is possible per 3 days and 2 nights.
- The application takes about 1 day to process, and cash payment at the park is not possible.
Permits are only sold through the official RDB booking channel. This site does not issue or sell them. The gorilla trekking page explains how booking works.
Best time to visit Rwanda: frequently asked questions
When is the dry season in Rwanda?
RDB names June to mid-September as the drier window. Rain is still possible, and the dates of the seasons vary by region and by year.
When are the rainy seasons?
Meteo Rwanda points to March to May and October to December. RDB gives mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December. The dates overlap but are not identical.
Is it hot in Rwanda?
In Kigali in 2024, monthly highs ran from 25.7 to 29.1 °C and lows from 17.0 to 18.8 °C. Other regions differ.
Is there a cheaper time to see the gorillas?
From November to May, a 30% discount applies to a combined trip with Akagera and/or Nyungwe, with conditions on nights, payment and the number of permits. The result is 1,050 USD instead of 1,500 USD for international visitors.
Are the monthly figures averages?
No. They are the measured values for 2024 at Kigali Aero. They show the pattern, but any other year will differ.
What is the weather forecast for the rest of 2026?
Meteo Rwanda's forecast of 21 August 2026 gives a higher probability of above-normal rain for September to December. Check the current weather close to your travel dates.