Planning the ideal trip to Rwanda, a small landlocked nation in the East African region, requires knowledge of the country’s environment and weather throughout the year. The nation is sandwiched between large East African countries like Tanzania and Uganda, and it shares borders with both Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
One of the most densely inhabited countries on the African continent, the tiny country of 12.2 million inhabitants occupies an area of about 26,338 square kilometers (10,169 square miles). It is also the third greenest country in the world (according to The World Travel Guide 2015), a pioneer in conservation initiatives, and the proud guardian of four national parks.
Today, tourists looking for a luxury experience are just as likely to be found here as those camping out or visiting the nation’s renowned gorillas and chimpanzees, yet that hardly scrapes the surface of this stunning location.
Rwanda is full of promise and amazement, from inspiring historical institutions to fantastic meals served high above the city bellow’s dazzling lights. You will feel both emotional and enlightened after exploring it. To plan a Rwanda safari vacation that won’t be impacted by weather, you must be familiar with Rwanda’s climate and weather trends, just like any other traveler.
In Rwanda, there are no significant differences in the weather from one region to another or from one season to another. Rwanda is only 2 degrees south of the equator, so you might anticipate it to have a hot, tropical climate. However, because of its hilly topography (the “land of a thousand hills”), high altitude, and elevation, the country enjoys a pleasant temperate tropical highland climate and gets a lot of rain.
Rwanda’s Temperatures.
Depending on the height, different parts of the country experience very different temperatures. The temperature typically fluctuates between 22°C and 27°C during the day and between 16°C and 21°C at night. It is neither too hot nor too cold, unlike many other African nations that are located far from the equator.
There are some regional differences in temperature; the mountainous west and north are often colder than the eastern plains. Temperatures in the higher mountains, which make up much of the country, range from 10°C to 15°C.
The year-round average temperature in Kigali’s capital city is a consistent 26/27 °C (79/81 °F) during the day and 15/16 °C (59/61 °F) at night. Due to the year-round pleasant weather, Evergreen Rwanda can be visited on a personal or family safari vacation at any time of year.
Knowing what kind of weather to expect will help you determine the best time to travel while planning an African safari in Rwanda for gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking, or wildlife game viewing in Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, or Akagera National Park.
The wet season of Rwanda.
The long, rainy season (March to May).
Rainfall is heavy, frequent, and continuous. It’s ideal for photo opportunities because of the lush green grass and the clear blue skies. Rains remove the smog, restoring the region’s beautiful greenery. This time of year is a great time to go birding.
minimal wet season (October to November).
Geographically, rainfall varies; the west and northwest of the nation experience higher yearly precipitation than the east and southeast. Rainfall frequently occurs overnight or in the early hours of the morning, and the sun returns during the day. You occasionally have afternoon thunderstorms and showers as well as early morning rain.
The pattern of the rainy seasons has changed as a result of global warming. Climate change has decreased the number of wet days in a year, but it has also increased the frequency of severe downpours. Additionally, during the day, it may only rain in a few places while the rest stay dry. In the northeast, where rainforest covers the volcanoes, it rains more regularly and strongly.
Although the track may be muddy and treacherous, gorilla tracking is nevertheless possible in Volcanoes National Park during the brief rainy season. Since it is warmer at lower elevations than at higher altitudes during the wet season, gorillas are inclined to stay there. Additionally, there is more food nearby, so they might not stray too far.
It’s a perfect time of year to see some of the rare orchids and beautiful butterfly species that Nyungwe National Park is known for. The tallest peak in Rwanda, Karisimbi (4507m), frequently has snow on its summit.
In comparison to Volcanoes National Park, walking through Nyungwe forest might be quicker because chimpanzees also choose lower elevations during the wet seasons.
Traveling off-season is advantageous because many lodging and activity providers provide discounts. So, if you’re a traveler on a tight budget, it could be best to go during this time.
Dry season.
Long dry season. ( June to September).
The peak season for leisure tourism in Rwanda occurs during this time, and July through August is the greatest time to go gorilla tracking. There is frequently little to no rainfall during this time. It is more difficult to get a gorilla permit during this season because it is the busiest. Therefore, be sure to order your permissions well in advance. Nkuringo Safaris can process your permits.
Travel with appropriate attire because there won’t be much rain during this period, and the atmosphere will be rather dusty.
Brief dry season (December to February)
Rain is possible, but it is sporadic and typically does not persist very long.
Maximum daytime temperatures range from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius. In these seasons, the minimum nighttime temperatures stay between 13°C and 16°C. Even in the drier months, expect periodic showers due to the climatic fluctuations. You might need warm clothing in the early morning or late evenings in the mountain parts of Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest Park due to the somewhat colder weather.
This is a great season to see wildlife because they like to concentrate near water sources and the foliage is generally thin, making it easier to see them.
Since the trails are less muddy, the undergrowth is thinner, and there are less bugs, such mosquitoes, it is simpler to track mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. In contrast to the lush greens of the wet season, the gently undulating hills are deserted. Since the primates go farther in quest of food, the journey may be lengthy.
What to pack for a Rwanda Safari.
You must prepare for the Rwandan climate by packing appropriately. Along with other things, you’ll need a raincoat or poncho, sunscreen, insect repellent, light clothes, warm clothing for early mornings or late evenings, durable hiking shoes, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and much more.
When is the best time to visit Rwanda?
The entire year can be spent traveling to Rwanda. It is better to be ready for any weather because weather patterns are becoming less predictable.
The routes are drier and simpler to travel on during the dry seasons. Viewing wildlife is simpler as the vegetation is less dense. Given that primates travel great distances in quest of food, you might need to make a long excursion.
You can still engage in a range of activities in Rwanda during the rainy season. Even though it may rain most of the day during the rainy season, the sun always comes out brightly after it stops. Although tracking may be difficult due to mud or ice, primates are simple to spot at lower altitudes. Additionally, you can benefit from reduced overnight prices at lodging facilities.
You will undoubtedly enjoy the varied habitat, wildlife viewing, trekking the magnificent primates in their natural habitat, and the warm hospitality and friendliness of the Rwandese, who typically go out of their way to make you feel welcome and at home, no matter what time of year you decide to visit.
The majority of visitors appear to find Rwanda’s weather to be perfect for them, and the country generally has decent weather
