Best Time To Visit Rwanda
Rwanda's Weather is Unpredictable—But the Climate is Near-Perfect
Here's what every Rwanda safari guide tells you: "Visit during dry season (June-September, December-February) for the best weather."
Here's the truth from 20 years of operating Rwanda safaris: Rwanda's weather doesn't follow the calendar anymore.
Take 2025 for example. It rained through June, July, and September—supposedly the driest months of the year. The "rainy season" predictions? Meaningless. Climate patterns have shifted, and these traditional patterns aren't holding up anymore.
But here's what makes Rwanda exceptional:
Rwanda sits at high elevation (most of the country is 1,500+ meters above sea level) and close to the equator. This combination creates what might be the best year-round climate on earth:
- Temperature: Pleasantly warm year-round, 15-27°C (59-81°F)
- Consistent daylight: ~12 hours daily (sun overhead all year)
- Temperate climate: Elevation keeps it cool despite equatorial location
- No extreme heat: Rarely exceeds 30°C (86°F) even in hottest months
- No extreme cold: Rarely drops below 13°C (55°F) even at night
Annual rainfall: ~1,000mm (39 inches)**—moderate, not extreme
When it rains (and this is key): Usually early morning or evening. Rain rarely lasts all day. It comes, it goes, you continue your safari.
Traditional rain patterns (becoming unreliable):
- "Long rains": March-May (wettest: April with ~150mm)
- "Short rains": October-November
- "Dry season": June-August (driest: July with ~5mm)
Reality: Don't count on these patterns anymore. They're breaking down.
What this means for planning your Rwanda safari:
Forget scheduling around weather predictions. They're unreliable. Instead, plan around three factors that actually matter:
1. Event timing (Kwita Izina, Tour du Rwanda, Umuganura, Genocide Commemoration)
2. Low season discounts (30% off gorilla permits, hotel deals)
3. Your tolerance for mud at Volcanoes (easily managed with porters)
Rain makes it muddy at Volcanoes National Park, but nothing you can't handle if you're stable on your feet. If not, hire a porter for $15-20.
The best time to visit Rwanda isn't about the weather. It's about timing your trip to events you want to experience and savings you can leverage.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Budget: Low Season = Massive Savings
If you're asking "when is the best time to visit Rwanda to save money," here's your answer: October through May.
30% Gorilla Permit Discount: $450 Savings Per Person
From November through May (excluding Easter and Christmas weeks), gorilla permits drop from $1,500 to $1,050— if you spend minimum 2 nights in Akagera or Nyungwe before visiting Volcanoes.
That's $450 saved per person. For couples: $900 saved. For families: thousands saved.
The catch: You must provide proof of paid accommodation in Akagera or Nyungwe for 2+ nights. This isn't a loophole—it's Rwanda's strategy to drive tourism to all three parks, not just Volcanoes.
Low season months for 30% gorilla discount:
- November 1 - May 31 (excluding Easter week, December 24-31)
- Must book Akagera or Nyungwe accommodation first
- Must show payment proof when purchasing a Volcanoes permit
Hotel Low Season Discounts: 4-Night Packages
Most Rwanda hotels offer low-season rates and multi-night packages during the same October-May window. Combined with the gorilla discount, you're looking at 20-40% savings on total trip costs.
Strategic booking for maximum savings:
1. Book 2-3 nights Nyungwe or Akagera (qualifies for gorilla discount)
2. Negotiate 4+ night hotel package rates
3. Purchase a gorilla permit for $1,050 instead of $1,500
4. Total savings: $800-1,500 per person
[IMAGE: Alt text: "Rwanda gorilla trekking low season discounts - best time to visit Rwanda on budget"]
Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Events:
When to Go for Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences
Kwita Izina (Gorilla Naming Ceremony): First Friday of September
2025 Date: September 5
2026 Date: September 4
If you want to combine gorilla trekking with Rwanda's most star-studded event, time your visit for early September.
Kwita Izina (gorilla naming ceremony) happens annually on the first Friday of September. Select celebrities, philanthropists, and conservationists receive the honor of naming newborn gorillas. This is Rwanda's biggest conservation celebration—think red carpet, international media, Rwanda's president in attendance.
Why this matters beyond celebrity watching:
The week leading up to Kwita Izina is Rwanda Tourism Week. During this week:
- Free tourism consultancy at exhibition stalls across Kigali
- Tourism operators showcase packages and answer questions
- Cultural performances and exhibitions throughout the city
- Rwanda invites the world to celebrate conservation success
Bonus: September is transition month between high and low season. You might catch lower hotel rates if you book the second week of September (after Kwita Izina), though gorilla permits stay at $1,500 during September.
Tour du Rwanda (Cycling): February 23 - March 2
DOUBLE BLESSING: LOW SEASON + MAJOR EVENT
Tour du Rwanda is Africa's biggest annual cycling race—8 stages, 800+ kilometers, featuring international professional teams.
The race passes through multiple regions including near Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu, and Kigali. Roads get lined with enthusiastic spectators creating atmosphere you won't find anywhere else in African cycling.
Why this is perfect timing:
- February/March = Low season (30% gorilla discount available)
- Hotel rates are lower** (negotiate better deals)
- Weather typically good** (though unpredictable as always)
- Combine cycling spectating with gorilla trekking at discounted rates
2025 dates: February 23 - March 2 (confirmed)
2026 dates: Typically late February (TBA)
Umuganura (Harvest Festival): First Friday of August
DOUBLE BLESSING: LOW SEASON + RWANDA'S BIGGEST CULTURAL EVENT
2026 Date: August 7
Umuganura is Rwanda's 1,000-year-old harvest thanksgiving festival—now a national public holiday celebrated on the first Friday of August.
The celebration lasts a full week leading up to Umuganura day, with arts and cultural festivals across Rwanda. The absolute best place to experience Umuganura is Nyanza at the King's Palace, where you get:
- Rwanda's best cultural entertainment (traditional dance, music, ceremonies)
- Free admission to exhibitions and performances
- Deep insights into Rwandan culture and history
- Free guided hikes the day after Umuganura
- Traditional food sharing and community celebrations
Why this timing works perfectly:
August falls during the "high season" weather window but before the September rush. More importantly:
- Still qualifies for 30% gorilla discount (August is within Nov-May low season window—verify current year)
- Hotels may offer shoulder season rates
- You experience Rwanda's authentic culture, not tourist shows
- Combines cultural immersion with gorilla trekking
Planning note: If Umuganura is your priority, book Nyanza accommodation early. The King's Palace area fills up with domestic tourists during this celebration.Ironman 70.3 Rwanda: August (Annual)
DOUBLE BLESSING: LOW SEASON + ENDURANCE EVENT
Ironman 70.3 Rwanda (half Ironman) takes place annually in August in Rubavu along Lake Kivu shores.
The race:
- 1.9km swim in Lake Kivu
- 90km bike ride
- 21km run along the shoreline
- Total: 70.3 miles (113km)
Why August timing is perfect:
- Dry weather (Fingers crossed)
- Combines endurance sport with discounted safari
- Lake Kivu location = perfect for Congo Nile Trail hiking/cycling combo
For endurance athletes: Compete in Ironman 70.3, then recover with gorilla trekking at 30% discount. Or reverse it—gorilla trek first, then race. August gives you both at low-season rates.
For spectators/supporters: Cheer on racers in Rubavu, then explore Rwanda's three national parks during the same low season window.
Basketball Africa League (BAL): May 17-25 in Kigali
DOUBLE BLESSING: LOW SEASON + AFRICA'S PREMIER BASKETBALL
2025 Dates: May 17-25 (Nile Conference at BK Arena)
If you're a basketball enthusiast, the BAL brings Africa's top teams to Kigali's 10,000-seat BK Arena. This is the NBA's partnership with FIBA—professional-level basketball featuring players from 28 countries.
Why this is ideal timing:
- May = Low season (30% gorilla permits available)
- Hotel discounts active (negotiate packages)
- BK Arena is Africa's largest indoor stadium
- Combine city entertainment (basketball) with safari experiences
- March through June is BAL season (conference games in different African cities)
Strategy: Plan your Rwanda safari to start or end during BAL week. Watch games in Kigali, then head to Volcanoes for discounted gorilla trekking.
Congo Nile Trail Events
Lake Kivu Beach Expo & Festival:
DOUBLE BLESSING: LOW SEASON + LAKE KIVU CELEBRATION
Held at Boneza Public Beach along Lake Kivu in Rutsiro District, this week-long festival features:
- Hiking competitions
- Boat parties
- Cultural performances
- Local business exhibitions
- Activities promoting Rutsiro's tourism potential
Perfect for diaspora and east African residents. Combining Lake Kivu relaxation with event atmosphere during the low season. December qualifies for a 30% gorilla discount (outside Christmas week, Dec 24-31).
Best Time to Visit Rwanda: Month-by-Month Breakdown
January - February
Season: High season (January), transitioning to low season (February)
Weather: Generally dry but unpredictable
Events: Tour du Rwanda (Feb 23-Mar 2)
Gorilla permits: $1,500 (Jan), $1,050 with Akagera/Nyungwe stay (Feb)
Best for: Combining cycling event with discounted gorilla trekking
Hotel rates: High (January), dropping (February)
March - May
Season: Low season
Weather: Long rains" season—but often intermittent, not constant
Events: BAL Basketball (May 17-25 in Kigali), **Genocide Commemoration Week (April 7-14)
Gorilla permits: $1,050 with 2+ nights Akagera/Nyungwe
Best for: Maximum savings, fewer tourists, lush landscapes
Hotel rates: 20-40% discounts, multi-night packages available
Critical: Genocide Commemoration (April 7-14)
The first week of April, particularly April 7, marks the beginning of Rwanda's 100-day Genocide Commemoration period. While the entire 100 days are observed, the first week brings the nation nearly to a standstill:
- April 7: National day of mourning (shops, restaurants may close mornings)
- Government offices, many businesses operate limited hours first week
- Somber, reflective atmosphere across the country
- Public entertainment typically paused during first week
However: If you're interested in understanding Rwanda's genocide and recovery, this is the rawest and most meaningful time to visit genocide memorials and reconciliation villages. The entire country is engaged in reflection, remembrance, and testimony.
Practical planning for April 7-14:
- Book accommodations and transport in advance (some services limited)
- Expect memorial sites to be more crowded (Rwandans visiting)
- Respect the somber atmosphere (no loud celebrations, parties)
- This is when you'll hear the most powerful testimonies
- Expect some tourist activities to be limited first week
After April 14: Rwanda gradually returns to normal operations, though commemorations continue through July (100 days). This is still low season with full 30% gorilla discounts and hotel savings.
June - September
Season: High season
Weather: "Dry season" (but rained sometimes in June, July, Sept 2025—don't count on it)
Events: Rwanda Tourism Week (early Sept), Kwita Izina (Sept 5), UCI World Championships (Sept 21-28, 2025 only)
Gorilla permits: $1,500
Best for: Combining gorilla trek with Kwita Izina, best Akagera wildlife viewing
Hotel rates: Peak pricing, book 6+ months ahead
Reality check: This IS when most visitors come, but 2025 weather proved "dry season" is unreliable
October - December
Season: Low season (Oct-Nov), transitioning to high (mid-Dec)
Weather: "Short rains"—but again, unpredictable
Gorilla permits: $1,050 with Akagera/Nyungwe stay (Oct-Dec 23), $1,500 (Dec 24-31)
Best for: Post-high season savings, holiday travel (Dec), combining Lake Kivu events with safaris
Hotel rates: Discounted (Oct-Nov), peak (Dec 24-31), discounted again (early Jan)
This timing advice comes from 20 years of operating Rwanda safaris—from launching Akagera Safari in 2008 through Volcanoes Safari (2010) and Nyungwe Safari (2018). We've seen how weather patterns have shifted, watched event calendars evolve, and helped shape the low season discount program we now recommend. We're not guessing about Rwanda's timing. We built the framework for how it works.
What is the best time to visit Rwanda?
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