Things to Do in Kigali in December

December Weather in Kigali

27°C (80°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

December marks the dry season's beginning with significantly less rainfall than November - only 10 rainy days versus 16 in November, making it ideal for exploring the city's hills and outdoor memorials
Tourist crowds are at their lowest before the holiday influx, meaning easier access to popular sites like the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Nyamirambo walking tours without booking pressure
December brings the coffee harvest season - you can visit working plantations just 30 km (18.6 miles) outside the city and participate in actual coffee picking and processing
The jacaranda trees bloom throughout Kigali's neighborhoods in December, creating spectacular purple-lined streets perfect for photography, particularly in Kimihurura and Nyarutarama districts

Considerations

Temperature swings from 27°C (80°F) during the day to 16°C (61°F) at night require layered clothing and can catch tropical-climate travelers off guard
December 7th (Genocide Against the Tutsi Memorial Day) means many businesses and attractions close for commemorations, requiring careful itinerary planning around this solemn national holiday
While rainfall decreases, the 70% humidity combined with Kigali's elevation at 1,567 m (5,141 ft) can cause unexpected fatigue for visitors not accustomed to high-altitude humid conditions

Best Activities in December

Coffee Plantation Tours in Nyamasheke Region

December is peak coffee harvest season in Rwanda. Visit working plantations 2-3 hours from Kigali where you can participate in actual coffee picking, washing, and processing. The weather is perfect with minimal rain disrupting outdoor activities. Morning temperatures of 16°C (61°F) make the physical work comfortable before midday heat.

Booking Tip: Book directly with cooperatives or through Kigali tour operators 5-7 days ahead. Full-day tours typically cost RWF 25,000-35,000 ($25-35). Look for tours that include transportation and lunch. Reference booking widget below for current plantation tour options.

Kigali City Moto Tours

December's reduced rainfall makes motorcycle taxi tours ideal for covering Kigali's seven hills efficiently. The clear weather provides excellent views from Kigali Heights and Mount Kigali. Early morning tours (7-10am) take advantage of the cooler 16°C (61°F) temperatures before afternoon humidity peaks.

Booking Tip: Book certified moto tour guides through established operators. Half-day tours cost RWF 15,000-20,000 ($15-20) including helmet and safety briefing. Always verify insurance coverage. See current city tour options in booking section below.

Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walks

December's dry weather makes the 3-hour drive to Nyungwe National Park more reliable, and the reduced rainfall means better visibility from the 70 m (230 ft) high canopy walkway. Morning mist clears by 9am, providing spectacular views. The 70% humidity is less oppressive at Nyungwe's higher elevation.

Booking Tip: Book canopy walk permits through Rwanda Development Board at least 2 weeks ahead - only 64 people per day allowed. Day trips from Kigali cost RWF 45,000-60,000 ($45-60) including transport and park fees. Check current availability in booking widget below.

Akagera National Park Game Drives

December marks the beginning of the dry season in Akagera, concentrating wildlife around permanent water sources. Animals are easier to spot as vegetation thins out. The park's lower elevation means warmer daytime temperatures perfect for early morning (6am) and late afternoon (4pm) game drives when animals are most active.

Booking Tip: Book overnight packages to maximize wildlife viewing during optimal morning and evening hours. Two-day packages typically cost RWF 80,000-120,000 ($80-120) including accommodation and meals. Park entry is $30 for non-residents. Current safari options available in booking section below.

Lake Kivu Beach Activities in Rubavu

December's reduced rainfall and warm 27°C (80°F) afternoon temperatures make the 3-hour journey to Lake Kivu worthwhile. The lake's methane extraction operations create unique sightseeing opportunities, and local fishing communities offer cultural experiences. Water activities are comfortable in December's stable weather patterns.

Booking Tip: Book lake activities through Rubavu-based operators or Kigali tour companies offering day trips. Full-day trips cost RWF 30,000-45,000 ($30-45) including transport. Overnight stays recommended to fully enjoy sunset boat trips. See current Lake Kivu tours in booking widget below.

Kandt House Museum and Cultural Walking Tours

December's manageable rainfall (only 10 rainy days) makes walking tours through Kigali's cultural districts highly reliable. The cooler morning temperatures of 16°C (61°F) are perfect for exploring Nyamirambo's craft markets and traditional healing centers. Afternoon museum visits provide air-conditioned respite during peak heat and humidity.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost RWF 10,000-15,000 ($10-15) and last 3-4 hours. Book morning tours starting at 8am to avoid afternoon humidity. Museum entry is RWF 3,000. Cultural tour options available through booking widget below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Festival Follow-up Celebrations

While the main festival occurs in September, December features community celebrations in villages around Volcanoes National Park. Local communities showcase traditional dance, crafts, and gorilla conservation education programs. These grassroots events offer authentic cultural immersion away from tourist crowds.

Throughout December

Coffee Harvest Festivals

Local cooperatives in coffee-growing regions around Kigali host harvest celebrations featuring traditional music, dance, and coffee ceremonies. These community events coincide with the peak harvest season and offer visitors chances to participate in authentic Rwandan cultural practices.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool or moisture-wicking long sleeves for 16°C (61°F) morning temperatures - cotton gets uncomfortably damp in 70% humidity

Waterproof day pack cover - afternoon showers still occur 10 days in December and can be intense for 20-30 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 is dangerous at Kigali's 1,567 m (5,141 ft) elevation with thinner air

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Kigali's hills become slippery even after brief showers on the city's clay soil

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - December showers are short but heavy, and you'll want protection while walking between indoor venues

Layers for temperature regulation - 11°C (20°F) temperature swings between day and night require adaptable clothing strategies

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - December humidity keeps mosquitoes active, particularly important for malaria prevention

Cash in small denominations - many local tour operators and cooperatives don't accept cards, and ATMs can be scarce outside central Kigali

Portable phone charger - longer day trips to coffee plantations and national parks may not have reliable charging access

Light scarf or shawl - useful for covering shoulders when visiting genocide memorials and religious sites, plus warmth during cool evenings

Insider Knowledge

December 7th is a national holiday (Genocide Against the Tutsi Memorial Day) - most businesses, banks, and tour operators close. Plan museum visits and shopping for December 6th or 8th instead.

Local Rwandans call December 'Ukuboza' season when families harvest and celebrate - you'll see more community gatherings and traditional activities than any other time of year.

Moto taxi fares increase by 20-30% during December harvest celebrations as demand peaks - negotiate rates in advance or use official taxi services during busy periods.

The best coffee plantation visits happen before 10am when workers are most active and temperatures are coolest - afternoon visits often find empty fields as work stops during peak heat.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the 11°C (20°F) temperature difference between day and night - tourists often pack only for warm weather and get caught unprepared for chilly evenings

Planning too many outdoor activities on December 7th without realizing it's a solemn national holiday when most tourism services are suspended

Expecting typical equatorial climate behavior - Kigali's high elevation creates unique weather patterns that don't match what travelers expect from other African destinations at this latitude