Discover Its Beauty and Wildlife

The Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes Seasons at a Glance

To make planning simple, here’s a snapshot of Volcanoes National Park’s seasons and how they align with its most popular activities:
Activity Long Dry Season
Jun–Sep
Short Wet Season
Oct–Nov
Short Dry Season
Dec–Feb
Long Wet Season
Mar–May
Gorilla Trekking Excellent High Excellent Good
Golden Monkey Tracking Excellent High Excellent Good
Hiking and Volcano Climbs Excellent Good Excellent Fair
Photography Excellent Good Excellent Fair

Gorilla Trekking

Long Dry Season
JUN–SEP
Excellent
Short Wet Season
OCT–NOV
High
Short Dry Season
DEC–FEB
Excellent
Long Wet Season
MAR–MAY
Good

Golden Monkey Tracking

Long Dry Season
JUN–SEP
Excellent
Short Wet Season
OCT–NOV
High
Short Dry Season
DEC–FEB
Excellent
Long Wet Season
MAR–MAY
Good

Hiking and Volcano Climbs

Long Dry Season
JUN–SEP
Excellent
Short Wet Season
OCT–NOV
Good
Short Dry Season
DEC–FEB
Excellent
Long Wet Season
MAR–MAY
Fair

Photography

Long Dry Season
JUN–SEP
Excellent
Short Wet Season
OCT–NOV
Good
Short Dry Season
DEC–FEB
Excellent
Long Wet Season
MAR–MAY
Fair

Best Time for Your Main Interest

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Mountain gorilla trekking is available year-round, but the long dry season (June – September) offers the best trail conditions and visibility. The short dry season (December – February) is equally excellent, clear views, comfortable temperatures, and rewarding family interactions in the misty forest.

Best Time for Golden Monkey Tracking

Golden monkeys are lively and photogenic throughout the year. June – February offers ideal footing for trekking and beautiful light beneath the bamboo canopy, making this the most enjoyable and accessible tracking period.

Best Time for Photography

Volcanoes National Park is incredibly atmospheric, and June – September delivers the clearest volcano views and vibrant vegetation. From December – February, crisp mountain air and dramatic skies enhance portrait and landscape photography alike.

Volcanoes Month-by-Month Travel Guide: Plan Your Visit with the Seasons

Volcanoes National Park has a cool, mist-kissed tropical highland climate due to its elevation. Daytime temperatures generally range from 50 – 75 °F (10 – 24 °C).

Traveling to Volcanoes: January & February

  • Clearer skies, stable conditions, and excellent trekking define this short dry season, a perfect time for both gorilla and golden monkey adventures.
  • What to pack: Warm layers, waterproof jacket, gaiters, gloves.
  • Temp: 55 – 75 °F (13 – 24 °C). Rain: Low (50 - 80 mm/month).

January

Superb photography and comfortable trekking conditions.

February

Warm and rewarding trekking before rains return.

Traveling to Volcanoes: March to May

  • The long rains bring dramatic mist, lush forest growth, and fewer travelers. Trails become muddier, but sightings remain strong for adventurous trekkers.
  • What to pack: Sturdy waterproof boots, rain gear, quick-dry layers.
  • Temp: 50 – 70 °F (10 – 21 °C). Rain: Highest in April (150 - 200 mm/month).

March

Forest alive with new growth and bird activity.

April

Wettest month; most challenging trekking conditions.

May

Rains ease but lush scenery remains.

Traveling to Volcanoes: June to September

  • This is peak season for gorilla trekking. Trails are firmer, vegetation thinner, and volcano views more frequent, making encounters feel even more powerful.
  • What to pack: Breathable warm layers, sunscreen, hiking poles.
  • Temp: 50 – 72 °F (10 – 22 °C). Rain: Low (30 - 50 mm/month).

July

Outstanding trekking and scenic clarity.

August

High demand, book permits well in advance.

September

Strong sightings with fewer visitors by month-end.

Traveling to Volcanoes: October, November & December

  • Short rains refresh the forest canopy, creating dramatic atmosphere and vibrant photography conditions. December brings drier weather and excellent trekking once again.
  • What to pack: Waterproof pants, layered clothing, sturdy hiking boots.
  • Temp: 52 – 75 °F (11 – 24 °C). Rain: Moderate in October - November; low in December.

October

Moody mist and active primates in dense foliage.

November

Brief but intense showers; quiet trails and striking views.

December

Clearer days return with excellent gorilla encounters.

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Historical Temperature Average

Temperatures in Volcanoes National Park remain cool year-round at high altitudes, typically 50 – 75 °F (10 – 24 °C). Dry seasons offer the best trekking, while rainy seasons bring lush backdrops and mystical atmosphere for photographers and nature lovers.

General weather summary in November

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General weather summary in December

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General weather summary in January

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General weather summary in February

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General weather summary in March

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General weather summary in April

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General weather summary in May

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General weather summary in June

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General weather summary in July

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General weather summary in August

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General weather summary in September

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General weather summary in October

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Safari & Trekking Tours in Volcanoes

Explore Volcanoes through tailored itineraries featuring gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and optional volcano hikes. Many travelers extend their experience by combining Volcanoes with Big Five safaris in Akagera or with chimpanzee encounters in Nyungwe. Every journey is customized to match your trekking goals and the best seasonal conditions.

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4-Day Rwanda Gorillas and Akagera Wildlife Safari

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Rwanda Safari

3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari

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Rwanda Safari

4-Day Rwanda Gorillas and Akagera Wildlife Safari

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Welcome to Rwanda!  Our 4-Day Rwanda Gorillas and Akagera Wildlife Safari is tailor-made for those who’d like to see Rwanda’s keynote savannah and rainforest speci

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Rwanda Safari , Uganda Safari

African Rainforest Adventure Safari

Bwindi Impenetrable Queen Elizabeth Volcanoes National Park

This action-packed 8-day Uganda safari combines the special experience of meeting the highly-endangered mountain gorillas in both Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes

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