When to Kigali
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January marks the end of the short rainy season with moderate rainfall and warm temperatures. The month offers pleasant weather with occasional showers, making it good for most activities. Tourist numbers are moderate as the holiday season winds down.
February
February is the warmest month of the year with the highest temperatures and moderate rainfall. The weather remains pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This is considered a good time to visit with comfortable conditions and manageable tourist crowds.
March
March begins the main rainy season with increased precipitation and slightly cooler temperatures. While rainfall picks up significantly, the showers are often brief and the landscape becomes lush and green. Tourist numbers start to decrease as the wet season begins.
April
April is the peak of the main rainy season with the highest rainfall of the year. Despite frequent showers, temperatures remain comfortable and the countryside is at its most beautiful. This is considered low season for tourism due to the wet conditions.
May
May concludes the main rainy season with decreasing rainfall and comfortable temperatures. The weather begins to transition toward drier conditions while maintaining the lush green landscapes. Tourist crowds remain low, making it good for budget travelers.
June
June marks the beginning of the dry season with dramatically reduced rainfall and pleasant temperatures. This is one of the best months to visit Kigali with excellent weather for all outdoor activities. Tourist numbers begin to increase as conditions improve.
July
July is the driest month of the year with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures. This represents peak dry season conditions with clear skies and excellent visibility for mountain activities. Tourist crowds are high due to the optimal weather conditions.
August
August continues the dry season with very low rainfall and warm temperatures. This is peak tourist season with excellent conditions for gorilla trekking and hiking. Expect higher accommodation prices and busy attractions due to high visitor numbers.
September
September transitions from dry to wet season with slightly increasing rainfall but still favorable conditions. Temperatures remain warm and pleasant for most activities. Tourist crowds begin to decrease as the dry season ends, offering good value for visitors.
October
October begins the short rainy season with increasing precipitation and comfortable temperatures. While rainfall becomes more frequent, conditions remain suitable for most activities between showers. Tourist numbers are moderate with fewer crowds than peak season.
November
November is in the heart of the short rainy season with high rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures. Despite wet conditions, the weather remains pleasant between showers and the landscape is beautifully green. This is low season with fewer tourists and better prices.
December
December concludes the short rainy season with decreasing rainfall and comfortable temperatures. The weather begins to improve toward year-end, making it a pleasant time to visit. Tourist numbers increase during the holiday season despite the wet conditions.