When Is The Best Time To Visit Rwanda For Safari?
As a traveler, being on this page means you are probably planning for safaris in Rwanda or rather thinking of when to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
First things first, same as all other East African safari countries, Rwanda safari seasons are marked by short dry seasons, short wet seasons, long dry seasons and long wet seasons, meaning you can identify some of the best months for visiting Rwanda. Being a top safari destination for primates tracking, you’ll also be looking for the best times to see gorillas in Rwanda.
That said, you still want to make sure you are also keeping an eye at some of Rwanda’s climate guide so as to better understand what to expect on your first trip to Rwanda.
Month-By-Month Guide On When To Go To Rwanda
In this guide, we explain further about the best time of the year to visit Rwanda for a safari by month, and apart from sharing with you insights to Rwanda’s best safari months, our listed Rwanda monthly climate guide is designed to assist you plan your ultimate safaris in Rwanda.
Travelling to Rwanda from June to September (Dry Season) – Best months for wildlife game viewing and for gorilla trekking
Travelling to Rwanda from October to May – It’s the best time for chimpanzee trekking
Best Weather – June to August
Travelling for Rwanda safari in January?
Rwanda in January – the climate is warm and dry, it’s a good time for Gorilla trekking through the rainforests and tracking chimpanzees, as for other hikes in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks. Low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night, you’ll certainly appreciate the drier and cooler months of January and February, and June to September.
Travelling for Rwanda safari in February?
Rwanda in February is known as the short dry season which also is the best time to see gorillas in Rwanda, including chimpanzees and enjoy the Rwanda cultural experiences. The low-lying Akagera National Park is hot by day, and warm by night providing excellent conditions for these unforgettable adventures.
This is a popular time to go on a Rwanda safari and is a great opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery of this beautiful country. Just be aware that towards the end of February in Rwanda, you are more likely to run into rain, especially near Volcanoes National Park.
Travelling for Rwanda safari in March?
Rwanda in March is the start of the rainy season, with showers continuing right through until mid-May. Despite the wet weather, these conditions are best for tracking chimpanzees that inhabit this magical landscape. The scenery during this period is lush and breathtaking, and with good quality rain-gear, primate treks are still possible during this period.
Travelling for Rwanda safari in April?
Rwanda in April follows suit with May’s wet conditions – it’s the middle of the main rainy season and the wettest month in many parts of the country with a Monthly rainfall is around 150-200mm.
April in Rwanda is not a good month for trekking gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be very wet underfoot and there are showers most days.
When deciding on places to visit in Rwanda on this month, it’s also best to know that climbing the volcanic peaks of the Virungas will be tough at this time of the year.
Travelling for Rwanda safari in May?
Rwanda in May, the rains begin to ease by mid-May. This is a good month to avoid the tourist crowds, and you may have a better chance of grabbing a last-minute gorilla trekking permit – Gorilla trekking is less suited to this period, although if you are looking to track the chimpanzees in the Nyungwe area this can be an ideal time, as the figs and fruits within the forest ripen and they tend to be seen lower down in the trees eating, are more stationary and also seen in larger groups. For passionate birdwatchers, May falls into the breeding season and the skies are filled with colourful, winged beauties.
Travelling for Rwanda safari in June?
Rwanda in June offers an ideal safari climate for exploration – Between June and September it’s the dry season and is a popular time to go to Rwanda.
June brings pleasant temperatures and often light clouds covering the forests, making it a comfortable climate for gorilla trekking safaris.
Visit Rwanda in June for the popular Kwita Izina Ceremony – This is when all the baby gorillas born over the previous twelve months are named, whereas in September the Rwanda Film Festival is another highlight on the calendar, showcasing local filmmakers and a selection of international favourites.
Travelling for Rwanda safari in July?
Rwanda in July – is part of the dry season characterized by less rainfall, clear skies, and more manageable gorilla trekking trails. The dry weather significantly reduces the risk of slippery and muddy hiking paths, making the trek safer and more adaptable. This dry season falls between July and September and is definitely the best time to visit Rwanda.
Travelling for Rwanda safari in August?
Rwanda in August is an excellent month for gorilla trekking, chimpanzees tracking, and for other hikes in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, since conditions tend to be dry underfoot and the odds of being drenched by a shower are as low as it gets in a rainforest.
Although August in Rwanda is a dry month, the short rains may start towards the end of the month. Monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is low (under 50mm).
Travelling for Rwanda safari in September?
Rwanda in September is part of the dry season which ensures a manageable gorilla trekking ground, lower malaria risk, and breathtaking landscapes.
September can feel slightly humid in the rainforest although it’s a great time to spot mountain gorillas. This is a great safari month across most destinations, therefore you can consider combining Rwanda with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania for wildlife adventures.
Visiting Rwanda In September features the Rwanda Film Festival, yet another highlight on the safari calendar, showcasing the work of promising local filmmakers as well an international selection of Africa-themed movies whereas the other highlight includes the Kwita Izina annual gorilla –naming ceremony also takes place in this month and is a fantastic celebration of the newborn mountain gorillas.
Travelling for Rwanda safari in October?
If you’re planning to go to Rwanda in October, offers a pleasant tropical highland climate, a short rainy season with brief bursts of showers that quickly disappear are common in these months that clear to reveal blue skies.
If you are still willing to visit Rwanda in September – not willing to let a little mud and rain discourage you, it will be a good chance also take advantage of lower costs on gorilla trekking tours, hotels and Rwanda lodges.
Travelling for Rwanda safari in November?
Rwanda in November is not an ideal month for tracking mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be quite wet underfoot and there are frequent showers. If you’re planning to go to Rwanda between November and December, you will be arriving during the short rainy season. Short bursts of showers are common in these months that clear to reveal blue skies.
That said, plenty of people do track gorillas in November and you have a better chance of getting lower costs on gorilla trekking permits, hotels and Rwanda lodges.
Travelling for Rwanda safari in December?
Rwanda in December falls within the short rainy season and monthly rainfall in most parts of the country is high (100mm or higher). December is not an optimum month for tracking mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, since conditions tend to be quite wet underfoot and there are frequent showers, though this is less of a risk towards the end of the month.
Rwanda in Mid-December to early February, known as the short dry season, also provides excellent conditions for these unforgettable adventures. Hiking conditions are at their best with firm terrain underfoot, and the risk of malaria is minimal.
That said, plenty of people do track gorillas in December and you have a better chance of a last-minute gorilla trekking permits.
Ready to Start Planning Your Visit to Rwanda?
Not yet close to finding your best time to travel to Rwanda? Worry not, chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help tailor-make a trip that’s right for you.
