The best time to visit Rwanda, month by month
Aline Uwase · Trip planner, KigaliUpdated 12 Sep 2026 · 6 min read
Gorillas can be tracked all year, but the seasons change everything else. Here is what each month is really like on the ground.
The short answer
Best overall: June to September
The long dry season brings firmer trails in the Virungas, short grass and animals at the lakes in Akagera. Book gorilla permits 4–6 months ahead.
Rwanda sits just south of the equator, so temperatures barely change through the year — around 24–27°C in Kigali, cooler in the mountains. What changes is the rain: two dry seasons and two wet ones, and they shape everything from trail conditions to lodge prices.
Month by month
A quick guide to Rwanda’s seasons. Rain usually falls in afternoon showers rather than all day.
| Months | Season | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | Short dry | Gorillas, Akagera, fewer crowds |
| Mar – May | Long rains | Lush forest, lower prices |
| Jun – Sep | Long dry | Everything — peak season |
| Oct – Nov | Short rains | Birding, green hills |
| December | Dry spells | Holidays — book early |
Gorilla trekking by season
Treks run every day of the year. In the rains, slopes are muddier and the hike can take longer, but the forest is at its most atmospheric and permits are easier to find.
In the dry months, trails are firmer and the views clearer — and permits sell out months ahead. If you are set on June to September, book as soon as your dates are fixed.
Recommended tourGorilla trekking & golden monkeys in the Virungas · 3 daysFrom $1,890 ppAkagera by season
Game viewing in Akagera is best in the dry months, when the grass is short and animals gather near the lakes. In the rains the park turns emerald, the birdlife is spectacular, and you may have sightings to yourself.
Our recommendation
If you can travel between June and September, do — and book early. If you prefer quieter parks and lower prices, late January and February are the sweet spot. Either way, tell us your dates and we will check permit availability the same day.
