Climate Rwanda
Although it is located just south of the equator, Rwanda enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year. The sun shines almost every day but temperatures remain pleasant with an average of 24°C in all seasons. Nights are generally cool and rarely exceed 10°C. This mildness of the climate can be explained by the high altitude of a part of the country, but also thanks to the presence of many large lakes and rivers that tend to cool the atmosphere. In Rwanda, there is no winter or summer, only two rainy seasons interspersed with drier periods. While it is possible to travel all year round in the Land of a Thousand Hills, the dry seasons are more conducive to certain activities such as hiking, kayaking or visits to the gorillas. The ideal time to visit is between May and September.
A temperate climate all year round
The central zone of the country, which includes the capital Kigali, is located on a plateau about 1,500 m above sea level. The climate here is ideal, with temperatures ranging from 19 to 26°C. Even when the sun shines, the heat is rarely stifling. In the northwest of the country, the altitude is very high and can reach 3 500 m in the Volcanoes National Park. The climate is therefore cooler and more humid than in the rest of the country. Temperatures at daybreak and during the night can fall below 5°C and not exceed 10°C during the day. We therefore recommend that you bring warm clothing when visiting the gorillas or hiking the trails of the Virunga Mountains. In the east of the country, in the savannahs of the Akagera National Park, temperatures are higher, hovering around 26°C. This border region with Tanzania is drier and warmer because the altitude is much lower than in the northwestern mountains, only 1,300 to 1,800 meters above sea level. The hottest region of the country is in the southwest, along the Rusizi River that marks the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here, the altitude drops below 1,000 m, causing temperatures to rise significantly to 35 °C. In some desert areas where there is a lack of vegetation, it is sometimes difficult to find shade to take shelter during the heat peaks.
Two rainy seasons and two dry periods
In Rwanda, there is no spring, summer, fall or winter. Only two rainy seasons break the monotony of the climate. The first, from October to December, is characterized by generally light rainfall, while the second, from February to the end of May, is characterized by heavy rainfall interspersed with clear spells. During this period, the abundance of rainfall makes some roads difficult to drive on. Forest roads are often slippery and muddy. Thus, it is better to avoid hiking in certain areas of the country such as the Virunga Massif or the Nyangwe Forest. Landslides are common, especially in agricultural areas where the almost non-existent vegetation cannot hold back the mudflows. The best time to travel to Rwanda is during the long dry season, which begins in June and ends in September. The short dry season, from December to January, is also good for tourism and hiking. If you like peace and quiet, this period is ideal because there are fewer tourists. During the dry season, the sky is sometimes slightly cloudy but the temperatures are always pleasant, warm without being stifling.
