Best Time To Visit Rwanda : When is the best time to visit Rwanda? Typically, the dry seasons of June through September and December through early February are the best times to visit Rwanda. However, since gorilla viewing is the main reason tourists come to Rwanda, the best time to visit is typically whenever a highly sought-after permit becomes available. Don’t let Rwanda’s rainy season deter you either. You’ll have the forests, lakes, and mountains to yourself during the shorter rains in November and the longer rains from March to May, plus gorilla permits are occasionally less expensive. Photographers might even prefer the rainy season because there is less contrast in the light in the forests, making it easier to focus on your subject.
Rwanda has quickly established itself as one of the best safari destinations in East Africa, famous for providing the most luxurious Mountain gorilla trekking safaris. And, when it comes to Rwanda safari tour and other activities, people frequently ask, “When is the best time to visit Rwanda?” We look at the various reasons you want to visit Rwanda—why and where you want to go. The weather at the time of your travel is the most consistent factor. Rwanda is located south of the Equator and has a mountainous landscape, resulting in a tropical highland climate. Temperatures vary throughout the year, depending on where you go. Kigali is normally the warmest city in the country, with temperatures averaging around 29°C.
Many visitors come to Rwanda to see the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, the country’s only gorilla park. While these great apes can be visited at any time of year, the best months to visit are from December to February and June to September. The forest terrain is less muddy and slippery during the drier months of the year, making gorilla treks easier.
However, you can still go to Rwanda gorilla trekking safari during the rainier seasons. Just remember to bring plenty of warm clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Additionally, you can go on fantastic excursions in Rwanda’s stunning mountains, forests, and wetlands during the wet months of October through November and March through May. After all, certain safari lodges, etc., offer discounted rates during the wet season. Let’s examine the ideal months to visit Rwanda, one by one.
VISITING RWANDA BETWEEN DECEMBER AND FEBRUARY
The short season in Rwanda, which lasts from December to February, is marked by warm days and chilly evenings, making it one of the best times to travel there. The forest terrain in Volcanoes National Park is dry and less slick during this time, making Mountain gorilla treks simple and memorable.
Additionally, the warm weather makes now the ideal time to travel to Rwanda’s other high-altitude areas, including Kigali, Lake Kivu, the chimpanzee sanctuary in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and others. Additionally, the best time to see wildlife is during the dry season in the majority of Africa’s safari destinations, including Rwanda. Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park, provides amazing game viewing. The best time to see migratory bird species from Europe and Northern Africa is now, according to serious birdwatchers. However, you must make careful preparations if you intend to travel to Rwanda during this time, keeping in mind that costs are typically high.
VISITING RWANDA BETWEEN MARCH AND MAY
In Rwanda and throughout East Africa, the long rainy season, which lasts from March to May, is characterized by torrential downpours, especially in the highlands. Given the rough, muddy, and slippery terrain in the forests, going gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park can be difficult. Mountain gorillas, on the other hand, visit the lower slopes during the rainy season. This is because the lower slopes are warmer and have more food available. This is good for tourists as well because it means shorter treks and easier access to mountain gorillas. For navigating the foggy jungle, you’ll need high-quality rain gear, including waterproof hiking boots and bulky, warm clothing.
The best time to go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is also during this time. Additionally, May is a fantastic month for birding safaris in Rwanda because it is bird breeding season. The skies are currently filled with a large number of stunning birds. After all, visiting Rwanda at this time of year results in special rates on a few accommodations, which lowers the standard prices for Rwanda safari tours.
VISITING RWANDA BETWEEN JUNE AND SEPTEMBER
The ideal time to visit Rwanda is during the lengthy dry season, which lasts from June to September. The best weather for trekking gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park is present during this time due to the hot and cool conditions. Additionally, this is the ideal time to see chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park and wildlife in Akagera National Park.
Additionally, Kinigi is where the annual Kwita Izina Ceremony takes place in Rwanda. One of the highlights of this time is the ceremony where all of the baby gorillas born throughout the year are named. It is considered a high-peak travel season because the months of June to September offer such favorable travel conditions to Rwanda. If you are considering traveling during this time, you should book your accommodations, gorilla permits, and other tours in advance due to the high demand. Simply, let Focus East Africa Tours take care of everything for you.
VISITING RWANDA BETWEEN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER
In Rwanda, the short rainy season, which lasts from October to November, features calmer, lighter rains as well as lush, beautiful vegetation. The rains are not as intense as they are from March to April, though. While gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park is still a little difficult, game viewing in Akagera National Park is excellent right now. Additionally, November in Rwanda is a great month for birding because there are many migratory birds there. You can also benefit from the cheaper rates on some of the lodging options in Rwanda.
WHEN IS THE WORST TIME TO VISIT RWANDA?
Beautiful landscapes, exotic wildlife, and locations to learn about the history and culture of Rwanda make it a year-round East Africa tourist safari destination. Everyone can be comfortable due to the moderate climate, but most tourists prefer to avoid the rain. There are two rainy seasons in Rwanda, and during one of them, parts of national parks may have to close because of the heavy rainfall.
The lengthy rainy season, which lasts from March to May, is the worst time to travel to Rwanda. April is the wettest month of the year, and in some places, long rains can last for several days. The rain forest receives a lot of rain throughout the year, but these months see the highest averages.
The brief rainy season in October and November is another time to avoid visiting Rwanda. The rain and cooler temperatures return after a few months of dry weather in a big downpour.
Because it’s the best time to see chimpanzees in the national parks and when the country’s landscape is most vibrant with harvest-season flora blooming all over, some tourists may prefer visiting Rwanda during the rainy season. To decide whether visiting Rwanda during the rainy season is better for you, think about the things you want to do there.
BEST TIME TO VISIT RWANDA: THE DRY SEASON VS. THE RAINY SEASON
Advantages of Dry Season
- It is the best time for gorilla and golden monkey trekking because the forest trails are less slick.
- It is the best season for chimpanzee and Colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe National Park.
- It is also the best time to see wildlife in Akagera National Park because animals congregate around waterholes and are thus easy to spot.
- The skies are clear, and despite the heat, the weather is frequently cool.
- Malaria risk is reduced.
Advantage of Rainy Season
- Landscapes are lush and lovely.
- Some accommodations and other Rwanda safari tours are discounted.
- It is the best time to see wild animals giving birth in Akagera National Park
- Authentic safari since Rwanda’s national parks have few visitors.
- With the presence of migratory species, this is the best time for bird watching.
Disadvantages of Dry Season
- Rates on gorilla permits and accommodations are high and need to be booked in advance.
- Large crowds
Disadvantages of Rainy Season
- Trekking trails are muddy and slippery, affecting gorilla trekking.
- High risk of malaria
- Muddy and slippery roads
CONCLUSION: THE BEST TIME TO VISIT RWANDA
When is the ideal time to visit Rwanda? In general the dry season, which lasts from June to September, is the ideal time to visit Rwanda. As these times of year provide the best hiking conditions and the lowest risk of malaria, they are also the best times of year to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
Outside of these ideal times of year, you can trek to see mountain gorillas and visit Rwanda, but be aware that the terrain may be more challenging due to rain and steep, muddy trails. Before beginning your trek, you should be in reasonably good physical condition because you’ll be hiking through Rwanda’s dense, tropical jungles to see mountain gorillas.