Best Time to Visit Rwanda

Best Months: May • June • July • August • September or December to March

One of the key focuses of any visit to Rwanda is to engage with gorillas, and the best time to visit for gorilla trekking is in the drier months of May to September. This is peak season in Rwanda, so ensuring gorilla permits are obtained several months before your trek is key.

To take advantage of the milder climate and avoid heavy crowds, consider planning your visit for the end of May, June, early September, or any time between December and March. Your treks will start early and the clearer, longer days make the hilly trails pleasant.

Learn more: Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Guide

Best Months: June • July • August • September • October

As many safaris in Kenya and Tanzania take place in the milder, drier months of May through September, if you are considering adding a gorilla trek to your journey, June through October is the best time to visit.

The Great Migration is a much-sought-after highlight of an East African safari and takes place between July and October, providing a perfect entryway to another dream-like opportunity of witnessing gorillas in their natural habitat and discovering the charms of the capital city, Kigali.

Learn more: East Africa Safaris & Tours

Best Months: June • July • August • September

While gorilla trekking is the most popular reason for visiting Rwanda, this beautiful country offers adventures in national parks, nature reserves, forests, grasslands, and dramatic sloping hills, and the best time to visit these is from June through September.

Discover canopy walks and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park or bird watching in picturesque Akagera National Park. Focusing these adventures in the milder winter months of June, July, and August provides the best opportunity to enjoy the wilderness and wildlife, the drier weather allowing for excellent animal sightings and the temperate climate encouraging walks or hikes.

Best Months: May • June • July • August • September

The best time to discover Rwanda for its history and culture is from May through September. While you can certainly visit the cities throughout the year, considering combining your urban stay with a gorilla or chimpanzee trek is a good idea.

Discover Kigali, one of the best places to visit, or visit communities in Ruhengeri before setting foot in Volcanoes National Park, making the most of the milder, less crowded time of late May and early June, when the temperatures are just right.

No matter when you choose to learn about Rwanda’s past and culture, your experience will be extraordinary, as you immerse yourself in the cities, towns, and villages throughout the country, with each new destination revealing a new truth about Rwanda.

Best Months: December • January • February • March • June • September

The best time to visit Rwanda to avoid the crowds is from December through March, May to June, and in September.

Traveling off-season offers you the chance to explore without masses of tourists. Establishments are quieter and spending time in the cities, parks, and forests feels more relaxed.

The beginning of the year offers a few dry months, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy gorilla treks and golden monkey discoveries, as well as being perfect for those wishing to do some chimpanzee trekking. Consider the milder period between late May and early June, as well as the beginning of September, just before and after peak season.

Best Months: October • November • December • January • February

The best time to visit Rwanda for spring and summer activities is from October through February.

The rains arrive in Rwanda at the end of October, with a short break between December and March, and with this comes a lush landscape and perfect weather for trekking.

Bird viewing in the Akagera National Park is wonderful at this time of year and late December through January offers a great opportunity to embark on gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Take a rain jacket and step out into Mother Nature’s wonderland as new life blossoms.

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

Best Months: June • July • August • September

The best time to visit Rwanda for fall and winter activities is during the dry season, particularly from June to September.

Late fall and winter are popular for stepping out into national parks, onto walking trails, or exploring tree-top canopies, not forgetting embarking on ever-inspiring gorilla trekking.

The dry season makes it perfect for safaris and the cooler days make for comfortable trekking. Enjoy a walking tour of Kigali and spend time relaxing at your accommodations in a crisp, mild climate that makes it an ideal place in which to unwind after a busy day exploring.

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

Rwanda is a beautiful country that offers visitors a breathtaking landscape intertwined with a rich culture and unique, once-in-a-lifetime encounters. 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 itinerary options, take a look at our Rwanda safaris and gorilla-trekking tours or explore our African safari travel guide.