Things to Do in Kigali in November

November Weather in Kigali

26°C (79°F) High Temp

16°C (60°F) Low Temp

122 mm (4.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperature balance: 26°C (79°F) highs make outdoor exploration comfortable without the scorching heat of dry season - ideal for walking tours and gorilla trekking preparation
Pre-peak season pricing: November sits just before December's tourist influx, meaning accommodation costs 25-30% less than peak months while maintaining full service availability
Optimal wildlife viewing conditions: Light rains keep vegetation lush but don't flood trails - perfect timing for Akagera National Park game drives with clearer water sources attracting animals
Cultural calendar sweet spot: Post-harvest celebrations in rural areas coincide with Kigali's emerging arts scene events, giving travelers authentic experiences without overwhelming crowds

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon downpours: Rain hits suddenly around 2-4 PM on 10 days throughout the month, lasting 45-90 minutes and disrupting outdoor activities
High humidity creates discomfort: 70% humidity makes 26°C (79°F) feel closer to 29°C (84°F), causing excessive sweating during walking tours and market visits
Limited mountain visibility: Cloud cover obscures views of surrounding hills and volcanic peaks on 60% of days, reducing photo opportunities from scenic viewpoints

Best Activities in November

Kigali Genocide Memorial and Historical Walking Tours

November's mild temperatures and lower humidity in early morning hours (7-10 AM) make this emotionally intensive experience more manageable. The memorial's outdoor sections are comfortable to navigate, and smaller November crowds allow for more reflective visits. Indoor exhibits provide perfect rainy day alternatives.

Booking Tip: Book guided historical tours 5-7 days ahead for better English-speaking guides. Tours typically cost RWF 15,000-25,000. Choose morning slots (8-11 AM) to avoid afternoon rains. Look for operators offering both memorial and city context tours.

Akagera National Park Safari Day Trips

November's light rains create ideal game viewing conditions - animals congregate around clearer water sources while vegetation isn't yet impenetrable. Morning temperatures around 20°C (68°F) mean comfortable early safari starts, and afternoon rains typically end by 5 PM, perfect for evening game drives.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead through licensed park operators. Full day safaris cost RWF 80,000-120,000 including park fees. Early morning departures (5:30 AM) essential for best wildlife viewing. Ensure operator provides covered vehicles for sudden rain.

Nyamirambo Market and Local Neighborhood Food Tours

November brings post-harvest abundance to markets - fresh produce, local specialties, and seasonal fruits at peak quality. Morning market visits (7-10 AM) avoid both midday heat and afternoon rains. The covered sections of Nyamirambo provide excellent rainy day exploration.

Booking Tip: Book food tours 3-5 days ahead for freshest experiences. Tours cost RWF 20,000-35,000 including tastings. Morning tours (8 AM start) beat both crowds and weather. Choose operators who include covered market sections and indoor restaurants.

Lake Kivu Day Excursions

November's moderate temperatures make the 2.5-hour drive to Lake Kivu comfortable, and the lake's calm conditions are perfect for boat tours and waterfront activities. Afternoon rains often clear by evening, creating stunning sunset opportunities over the water.

Booking Tip: Book lake excursions 7-10 days ahead through operators offering covered boats. Day trips typically cost RWF 45,000-65,000 including transport. Depart early (6 AM) to maximize clear weather time. Ensure return travel allows for afternoon rain delays.

Inema Arts Center and Kigali Cultural Quarter

November's variable weather makes indoor cultural activities essential. The arts center offers perfect rainy day alternatives, while the surrounding Kacyiru cultural quarter provides covered gallery spaces and cafes. Cooler evenings are ideal for opening events and cultural performances.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours cost RWF 12,000-20,000. Book art center visits 2-3 days ahead for guided tours. Evening events (6-8 PM) capitalize on post-rain cooler temperatures. Look for operators combining multiple indoor cultural sites for weather flexibility.

Volcanoes National Park Preparation Hikes

November offers perfect training conditions for gorilla trekking preparation - moderate temperatures, varied terrain, and manageable rain exposure. Local hills around Kigali provide excellent conditioning hikes without the commitment of full Volcanoes National Park visits.

Booking Tip: Preparation hike tours cost RWF 25,000-40,000. Book 5-7 days ahead with operators offering flexible weather policies. Morning hikes (7 AM start) essential for clear conditions. Choose guides experienced in Volcanoes National Park terrain for best preparation advice.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Rwanda Film Festival (RFF) Kigali Screenings

Annual film festival featuring East African cinema with special November screenings throughout the city. Indoor venues provide perfect rainy day entertainment while showcasing regional filmmaking talent.

Early to Mid November

Post-Harvest Cultural Celebrations

Traditional celebrations in surrounding rural areas accessible via day trips from Kigali. Local communities celebrate successful harvests with music, dance, and traditional food preparations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with good ventilation - afternoon downpours last 45-90 minutes and humidity makes waterproof gear stuffy

Quick-dry pants in dark colors - red dust from unpaved areas becomes muddy during November rains

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps moisture and odors

Closed-toe walking shoes with good tread - sidewalks become slippery during frequent light rains

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days due to 1,567 m (5,141 ft) altitude

Wide-brimmed hat - essential for morning activities before afternoon cloud cover develops

Lightweight scarf or shawl - temperature drops 10°C (18°F) from day to night, plus required for memorial visits

Waterproof phone case - sudden rains can damage electronics during outdoor activities

Insect repellent with DEET - November rains increase mosquito activity especially around dawn and dusk

Daypack with waterproof compartment - essential for keeping documents dry during market visits and walking tours

Insider Knowledge

Moto-taxi prices increase 50-100% during afternoon rains (2-4 PM) - plan indoor activities during this window or walk to covered areas beforehand

Local restaurants serve best traditional dishes on weekends when families visit from rural areas - Saturday and Sunday offer more authentic food experiences

KigaliFree WiFi network works better in the morning before daily system resets around 2 PM - download maps and information early in the day

Bring exact change for public transport - conductors rarely have change during busy periods, and November rain increases bus ridership significantly

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 2-4 PM when sudden downpours are most likely - plan museum visits or indoor markets during this window instead

Wearing flip-flops or open shoes - Kigali's hilly terrain becomes treacherous when wet, and red dust stains feet permanently

Not carrying small denomination RWF notes - many vendors and moto-taxi drivers cannot make change for large bills, especially during busy rainy periods when cashless payment systems experience higher usage