Best time to visit Rwanda
The dry seasons, more comfortable for trekking and safaris, are mid-December to early February and June to September. ![]()
The best time to visit Rwanda is usually in the dry seasons in June-September and December-early February. That said, most visitors travel to Rwanda to see gorillas, and so the best time is often whenever you can get a highly in-demand permit. Don’t be put off by the rainy season in Rwanda, either. The shorter rains in November and longer rains from March to May will give you the forests, lakes and mountains all to yourself, plus gorilla permits are occasionally cheaper. Photographers may even prefer the rainy season, with less light contrast in the forests allowing you to focus on your subject matter.
Rwanda, month by month
Things to do in Rwanda
Our Rwanda Vacations
Rwanda highlights, tailor made tour
Enjoy highlights of this amazing place with a turbulent past
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£3225
9 days
ex flights
Rwanda highlights tour
Chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking & Lake Kivu relaxation
From
£5250 to £6900
7 days
ex flights
Rwanda primates & Mafia Island vacation
Trek to mountain gorillas, then relax by the Indian Ocean
From
£4250 to £7000
12 days
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Tailor made safari, gorillas, Masai Mara & Zanzibar
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, safari in Kenya, plus Zanzibar
From
£5950 to £7800
11 days
ex flights
3 day Rwanda gorilla safari
A gorilla safari taking in some of Rwanda’s iconic locations
From
£1250
3 days
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Primate tour in Rwanda and Uganda
Track down mountain gorillas and chimps in Uganda & Rwanda
From
£4595
11 days
ex flights
Rwanda Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
13
26
75
FEB
13
26
102
MAR
13
26
118
APR
14
25
186
MAY
13
25
107
JUN
12
26
23
JUL
12
26
9
AUG
13
26
35
SEP
13
26
90
OCT
13
26
109
NOV
13
25
140
DEC
13
25
101
Our top Rwanda Vacation
Rwanda highlights, tailor made tour
Enjoy highlights of this amazing place with a turbulent past
From
£3225
9 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
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Responsible Travel recommends
Paul Calcutt at our supplier of gorilla trekking vacations in Rwanda, Natural World Safaris:
“A lot of people think it is going to be searingly hot, because of the misconception that all Africa is hot. But in fact it is quite temperate during the day, early to mid-20°Cs, and at night time we will light a fire and stick a hot water bottle in the room for you. So, jumpers and things to keep warm in the evening are good.”
Marta Marinelli from our Rwanda supplier, Exodus Travels:
“The dry season goes from June to mid-September so this is generally the best time to visit as rain may make some of the activities such as the gorillas and chimps treks much harder due to the mud. There is also a short dry season from December to February. It is quite special to spend New Year’s Eve in front of a group of 12 gorillas so those looking to spend a different Christmas and NYE have this choice.”
More about Rwanda
Visiting Rwanda is a bit like doing a triathlon. It’s challenging, exciting, tiring and emotional. It also has three important aspects: people and culture, national parks and gorilla watching…
Volcanoes, verdant rainforest, Virunga Mountains and a vast array of wildlife. The most revered being the mountain gorilla. It is also now a country full of vitality…
There are many wonderful things to do in Rwanda, and all are thought provoking, exciting and, in many cases, life affirming…
Gorilla trekking through Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga Mountains is one of the world’s most sought after wildlife experiences. Also one of the greatest…
Tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of the most sought-after travel experiences in the world and the reality seldom disappoints.
From trekking to taking in the history, cultural awareness to local cuisine, Rwanda is a fascinating country and even better when you get the experts’ tips…
Responsible tourism in Rwanda revolves around peace, respect and understanding. For the people, their lands, and their loss. Read on for more of our thoughts…
