Best Time to Visit Rwanda

• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• December
• January
• February
• March

One of the key focuses of any visit to Rwanda is to engage with its famous mountain gorillas, and the best time for trekking is during the drier months. To take advantage of the milder climate and avoid the heaviest crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder months. With early starts and clearer days, the hilly trails are more pleasant and the experience even more rewarding.

• Peak Season: The main dry season from May to September is the most popular time for trekking.
• Permit Planning: You must obtain gorilla permits several months in advance, especially for peak-season travel.
• Milder Climate: Consider late May, early June, or December to March to avoid heavy crowds, while still enjoying great weather.
• Clearer Trails: The drier seasons offer more manageable and pleasant trekking conditions on the mountainous paths.
• Longer Days: Clearer, longer days are perfectly suited to the early-morning start times required for gorilla treks.

Learn more with the Rwanda and Uganda: What to Expect When Gorilla Trekking.

• June
• July
• August
• September
• October

As many safaris in Kenya and Tanzania take place in the milder, drier months, June through October is the best time to add a Rwandan gorilla trek to your journey. This period aligns perfectly with the Great Migration, providing a seamless entryway to another dream-like opportunity: witnessing gorillas in their natural habitat before discovering the charms of the capital city, Kigali.

• Perfect Pairing: This is the ideal time to add a gorilla trek to a classic Kenya or Tanzania safari.
• Migration Season: Your visit aligns with the Great Migration, which takes place in East Africa between July and October.
• Dream Combination: Witnessing the Great Migration and then trekking for gorillas is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
• Favorable Weather: These months are typically drier and milder across the region, making for comfortable travel.
• Urban Charms: Easily combine your epic wildlife adventures with a fascinating cultural discovery of Kigali.

For more information, take a look at our Six Best Places to Visit in Rwanda for Safari.

• June
• July
• August
• September

While gorilla trekking is the most popular reason for visiting Rwanda, this beautiful country offers adventures in diverse national parks, forests, and grasslands. The best time to visit these is from June through September, when the drier weather will provide you with excellent animal sightings and the temperate climate encourages immersive walks and hikes through the wilderness.

• Beyond Gorillas: Discover incredible canopy walks, chimpanzee trekking, and bird watching in Rwanda's other parks.
• Nyungwe Adventures: Explore the lush Nyungwe National Park with its famous canopy walk and chimpanzee populations.
• Akagera Birding: Experience picturesque bird watching in the scenic savannas of Akagera National Park.
• Excellent Sightings: The drier weather makes wildlife easier to spot as animals gather near water sources.
• Comfortable Hikes: The temperate climate during these months is perfect for enjoying walks and hikes.

For inspiration on planning a trip to Rwanda, see our Rwanda gorilla-trekking and safari tours.

• May
• June
• July
• August
• September

The best time to discover Rwanda for its rich history and culture is from May through September. While you can certainly visit the cities throughout the year, combining your urban stay with a gorilla or chimpanzee trek during the drier months is a fantastic idea. No matter when you choose to visit, your experience will be extraordinary as you immerse yourself in the destinations that reveal the story of Rwanda.

• Ideal Combination: Easily pair your cultural and historical tours with a gorilla or chimpanzee trek.
• City Discovery: Explore the clean, safe, and fascinating capital of Kigali, one of the best places in the country to visit.
• Community Visits: Connect with communities in towns like Ruhengeri before venturing into Volcanoes National Park.
• Fewer Crowds: Visit in late May and early June for pleasant temperatures and a quieter experience.
• Extraordinary Experience: Immerse yourself in the cities, towns, and villages to learn about Rwanda's resilient spirit.

For a glimpse into Rwanda’s history and culture, embark on our History and Culture of Rwanda Tour Plus Gorilla Trekking and Safari.

• December
• January
• February
• March
• June
• September

The best time to visit Rwanda to avoid the largest crowds is during the shoulder seasons that flank the main tourist peak. Traveling in the off-season will give you the chance to explore without masses of other visitors. Establishments are quieter and time spent in the cities, parks, and forests feels much more relaxed and personal.

• Off-Season Travel: Explore the country without the bustle of peak season for a more intimate experience.
• Quieter Treks: Enjoy gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey treks with fewer tourists on the trails.
• Shoulder Months: Consider the milder periods of late May to early June and the beginning of September.
• Dryer Periods: The drier months of January and February are great for wildlife encounters.
• Relaxed Feel: Enjoy quieter lodges and a more personal feel in parks and cities.

Enjoy Zicasso’s Remarkable and Rare Primates of Rwanda, Including Gorilla Trekking during the quieter seasons.

• October
• November
• December
• January
• February

The best time to visit Rwanda for spring and summer activities is from October through February, during the "green season." The rains that arrive in late October bring a lush vibrancy to the landscape. This creates a stunning backdrop for trekking and birding. A short dry break between December and March offers a perfect window to embark on gorilla and chimpanzee adventures.

• Lush Landscapes: The rains transform the country into a green, blossoming wonderland teeming with life.
• Prime Birding: This period is a wonderful and active time for bird viewing in Akagera National Park.
• Trekking Window: A short dry spell from late December to January offers a fantastic opportunity for trekking.
• Pack Accordingly: Be sure to take a good rain jacket to fully enjoy the beauty of the vibrant green season.
• New Life: Step out into Mother Nature’s wonderland as new life blossoms across the hills and forests.

Activities

• Bird Watching in Akagera National Park
• Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Our Signature Rwanda Safari will take you to Akagera and Volcanoes national parks, as well as Nyungwe Forest.

• June
• July
• August
• September

The best time to visit Rwanda for fall and winter activities is during the main dry season, particularly from June to September. This popular period is perfect for stepping out into national parks, exploring walking trails, or embarking on an inspiring gorilla trek. The cooler, drier days make for comfortable trekking and ideal conditions for safaris and city tours.

• Dry Season: This is the most popular time for exploring national parks and embarking on gorilla treks.
• Comfortable Trekking: The cooler, dry days create pleasant and more manageable conditions for trekking.
• Canopy Walks: Explore the famous treetop canopy walk in Nyungwe in a pleasant, temperate climate.
• City Tours: Enjoy a walking tour of Kigali’s vibrant neighborhoods in crisp, mild weather.
• Ideal Safaris: The dry season makes it a perfect time for classic wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park.

Activities

• Visit the Genocide Museum in Kigali
• Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Golden Monkey Trails in Virunga Mountains

Embark on Zicasso’s Best of Africa’s Primate Safari. Beyond the country’s iconic animals, you will also tour Kigali and the National Genocide Memorial.

Rwanda is a beautiful country in which you will find breathtaking landscapes intertwined with rich culture and lovely. Spend time learning about the history of the nation and embark on gorilla treks and walking trails while enjoying captivating mountains.

To find out more about your Rwanda, take a look at our Rwanda gorilla-trekking and safari tours.