On the whole, Rwanda experiences four climatic seasons: a longer rainy season from March to May, followed by a longer dry season from June to August, a shorter rainy season between October and November, and a shorter dry season from December to February.
The months from June to the end of September are usually dry, with temperatures starting around 19 degrees Celsius in June and rising to about 20 degrees Celsius by late September.
July is the driest month, with rainfall as low as 14mm, yet temperatures remain moderate enough for comfortable travel. This season presents warm temperatures that dry up the hills and gentle slopes, making it ideal for gorilla trekking, especially in Volcanoes National Park, where slopes are gently inclined.
Gorilla trekkers prefer this season because the dry weather makes it easier to navigate the challenging but exciting trek to observe the great apes in the cool bamboo forests and grasslands of the Volcanoes.
Chimpanzee trekking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park is also favorable during this time, as the quieter forests allow trekkers to hear chimps calling out more easily. The still trees create dense canopies beneath which creeping plants rise, and trekking through this vegetation—feet crunching on dry leaves while marveling at the towering trees—is truly rewarding.
Birds play lavishly, flying widely and wildly under the beaming rays of sunshine, while other animals lay out to sunbathe.
The sights are immensely captivating. As temperatures rise in July and water sources dry up, the big mammals of Akagera National Park gather closer to the remaining water sources.
This season presents an opportunity to witness a wide range of animals displaying their survival tactics to the delight of tourists.
This period is often called the peak season by tour operators and travelers. Given the beautiful and favorable conditions, prices are generally high across all services due to demand.
Often, gorilla trekking permits are out of stock during the peak season, typically sold out six months in advance. It is therefore advisable to book permits early through a licensed tour operator.
The low season includes the months of March, April, May, and October-November, making up Rwanda’s wet seasons, with rainfall reaching up to 200mm. These months bring quick bursts of rain, but once cleared, the skies are a deep blue, creating perfect scenes for photography and filming.
The hills become slippery and challenging to trek, adding an exciting edge for the brave, young, and energetic adventurers.
For those willing to dream big, travel to far-off lands brings beauty beyond what our imaginations can offer.
An advantage of the low season is that prices are generally lower, with discounts on services as high as 30%. Budget travelers often take advantage of this period to explore extensively.
If you’re feeling that your travel plans are overdue but want to plan smartly, then the low season is your time. However, any time of the year is a good time to travel in Rwanda.
Whether to travel in peak or low season depends on one’s sense of adventure; by the time one decides to visit Rwanda, money becomes a smaller factor.
