| Activity |
Long Dry Season Jun–Sep |
Short Wet Season Oct–Nov |
Short Dry Season Dec–Feb |
Long Wet Season Mar–May |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Trekking | Excellent | Fair | Excellent | Fair |
| Chimpanzee Tracking | Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Big Five Safari (Akagera) | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Photography | Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Birdwatching | Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
While gorilla trekking is possible year-round, the dry seasons (June – September and December – February) are widely considered the best time to visit Rwanda. Trails are less muddy, visibility is clearer, and the experience is more comfortable overall. For many travelers, June and July stand out as ideal months – cool mornings…
For chimpanzees, the Rwanda rainy seasons (March – May and October – November) can actually be better. As fruit ripens, chimps spend more time in the lower canopy, making them easier to observe up close. The forest is alive with sound, calls echoing, branches shaking, and the experience feels especially engaging…
If you’re a birder, the rainy months are pure magic. Migratory birds arrive, resident species enter breeding plumage, and the forests of Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura burst with color and song. April and November are particularly rewarding for both sightings and photography.
Akagera National Park is rewarding year-round, but each season has its charm. Dry months concentrate wildlife around lakes and waterholes, making sightings easier. Rainy months transform the park into a lush paradise with a plethora of newborn animals and a sense of wilderness all to yourself.
Rwanda’s elevated position in the heart of East Africa gives it a pleasantly mild climate year-round. Average daytime temperatures hover between 15 °C and 27 °C (59 °F–81 °F), with cooler conditions in the high-altitude national parks and warmer, more humid weather along the shores of Lake Kivu and in the eastern savannahs. The country has two dry seasons and two rainy seasons, each providing unique travel experiences for wildlife enthusiasts, hikers, and cultural explorers.
December
The rains taper off and the landscape remains verdant. Great for birding at Lake Kivu and relaxed boat cruises. Popular for festive season travel, we recommend you book early.
January
Dry, sunny conditions make gorilla trekking ideal. Wildlife is active and easier to spot in more open vegetation.
February
Similar to January, with the bonus of fewer crowds. Excellent light for photography in the forests and savannahs.
March
Early March can still have good gorilla trekking conditions, but rain increases as the month progresses. Parks are quieter.
April
The wettest month of the year. Wildlife is harder to track, but the forests are alive with birds and orchids in bloom.
May
Rain continues but eases toward the month’s end. Clear post-storm skies can make for stunning photography.
June
Dry season begins, trails firm up, and panoramic views open across the highlands.
July
Peak trekking conditions. Book gorilla permits well in advance.
August
Prime time for both gorilla and chimp trekking. Warm, clear days dominate.
September
Still dry for most of the month, with wildlife viewing and trekking at their best.
October
Short rains may begin mid-month, but early October often retains dry-season advantages.
November
Excellent for birdwatching as migratory species arrive. Gorilla trekking is still possible with a good rain jacket and sturdy boots.
Welcome to Rwanda! Our 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla, Golden Monkeys and Lake Kivu tour is perfect for those who’d like to enjoy a little lakeside downtime after tracking pr
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Welcome to Rwanda! Our 5-day gorilla trekking itinerary is tailor-made for those who wish to see Rwanda’s primates in their natural habitat. The adventure begins
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Welcome to Rwanda! Our 8-day Rwanda Safari showcases the highlights of this small country’s history and enigmatic wildlife. The adventure begins in the Rwandan ca
Price From
Welcome to Rwanda! Our 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla, Golden Monkeys and Lake Kivu tour is perfect for those who’d like to enjoy a little lakeside downtime after tracking pr
Price From
Welcome to Rwanda! Our 5-day gorilla trekking itinerary is tailor-made for those who wish to see Rwanda’s primates in their natural habitat. The adventure begins
Price From
Welcome to Rwanda! Our 8-day Rwanda Safari showcases the highlights of this small country’s history and enigmatic wildlife. The adventure begins in the Rwandan ca
Price From
Yes. Trekking is possible year-round. While trails are muddier and more challenging, the rainforest atmosphere is especially dramatic, and permits are easier to secure.
Kwita Izina is Rwanda’s annual gorilla naming ceremony, held each September at Volcanoes National Park. It celebrates new gorilla births and honors conservation efforts with cultural performances, international guests, and community festivities.
Gorilla permits are limited and highly sought after, especially in the dry seasons. It’s recommended to book at least 6 – 12 months in advance to secure your preferred dates.
July falls in the long dry season. Expect cool mornings, clear skies, and comfortable trekking conditions, though temperatures drop quickly at altitude, layers are essential.
Yes. June marks the start of the dry season and is one of the best months for gorilla trekking, chimp tracking, and safaris. It’s also less crowded than July and August.
The rainy months (March – May and October – November) typically offer the best value. Lodges may run specials, and gorilla permits can sometimes be easier to obtain. While conditions are wetter, the experience is more intimate with fewer visitors.
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