Quality of Life in Rwanda
Climate
Temperatures in Kigali rarely go above 30°C or below 15°C. There are two rainy seasons and two drier ones.
| Season | Months |
|---|---|
| Long rains | Mid-February to May |
| Long dry season | June to mid-September |
| Short rains | Mid-September to mid-December |
| Short dry season | Mid-December to mid-February |
Source: Visit Rwanda (Rwanda Development Board): Weather1
Health care
- Community-based health insurance (Mutuelle de santé) covered 88.3% of the population in 2024/25. It is run by the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB).
- Employees in the formal sector are covered by RSSB medical insurance through their employer.
- Expatriates usually add private international health insurance for treatment in private clinics or abroad.
Clean and orderly
- Plastic carry bags have been banned since 2008. A 2019 law extended the ban to single-use plastics, with exceptions by permit from the Rwanda Environment Management Authority.
- Umuganda, a community work morning, takes place on the last Saturday of each month, from 8 to 11 am. Plan meetings and deliveries around it.
Getting in and getting around
- Since 1 January 2018, citizens of every country can get a visa on arrival.
- Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie countries get a free 30-day visa.
- The single-entry visa costs at most USD 50 and the multiple-entry visa at most USD 70.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like in Kigali?
Kigali has a mild highland climate with an average temperature of about 21°C, and two rainy seasons, from March to May and from October to December.
How many Rwandans have health insurance?
Community health insurance covered 88.3% of the population in 2024/25. Life expectancy at birth was 69.6 years at the 2022 census.
Are plastic bags banned in Rwanda?
Yes. Plastic carry bags have been banned since 2008. With Umuganda, the monthly community work morning, the ban helps keep the streets clean.
Sources
- Visit Rwanda (Rwanda Development Board): Weather
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: Fifth census, main indicators report
- Rwanda Social Security Board: Overview presentation, 2025
- Rwanda Environment Management Authority: Authorization to use single-use plastics and plastic carry bags
- Rwanda Governance Board: Impact assessment of Umuganda, 2007–2016
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Visa on arrival
Figures checked 8 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
