Climate of Rwanda
Seasons
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Short dry season | January to February | The drier spell between the two rainy seasons |
| Long rainy season | March to May | One of the two peak rainfall seasons |
| Long dry season | End of June to end of August | Highs of about 23–28°C and lows of about 15°C |
| Short rainy season | September to December | The second peak rainfall season, centred on October to December |
Source: Meteo Rwanda: Climatology of Rwanda; Embassy of Rwanda in Germany: Practical information1,3
Temperatures change little through the year; what changes is the rain. Daytime highs rarely pass 30°C and nights rarely fall below 15°C.1,2
Temperature by altitude
Altitude decides the temperature more than the season does. The country rises from the lowlands in the east and south-west to the volcanoes of the north-west.1
| Area | Average temperature |
|---|---|
| Bugarama valley, south-west | 23–24°C |
| Eastern lowlands | 20–21°C |
| Central plateau, including Kigali | 17.5–19°C |
| Highlands of the north and west | Below 17°C |
Source: Meteo Rwanda: Climatology of Rwanda1
Planning a visit
- The dry months of June to August and January to February are the most popular for gorilla trekking and safaris.
- Business travel works all year; meetings, conferences and site visits rarely stop for the rain.
- Pack layers: Kigali evenings are cool, and slightly heavier clothing is useful in Volcanoes and Nyungwe national parks.
- A light waterproof jacket and solid walking shoes are useful in the mountain parks.
Source: Visit Rwanda: Rwanda destination guide; Embassy of Rwanda in Germany: Practical information; Visit Rwanda: What to wear2,3,4
Rainfall varies from year to year, and extreme seasons such as the El Niño floods of 1997/98 do happen. Check Meteo Rwanda forecasts before road trips in the rainy seasons.1
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Rwanda?
Mild all year. Kigali averages about 21°C, daytime highs rarely pass 30°C and nights rarely fall below 15°C.
When are the rainy seasons?
March to May and October to December.
Where is it warmest?
In the Bugarama valley, which averages 23–24°C. The highlands average less than 17°C.
Sources
- Meteo Rwanda: Climatology of Rwanda
- Visit Rwanda: Rwanda destination guide (PDF)
- Embassy of Rwanda in Germany: Practical information
- Visit Rwanda: What to wear
Facts checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information.
