Climate and monthly weather forecast
Kigali, Rwanda

Based on the Köppen climate classification, the predominate climate of Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is "Aw" also known as Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. The geographical location of Kigali on hilly terrain near the geographical heart of Africa, accounts for a moderate tropical highland climate throughout the year.

A uniform weather pattern is observed with minor variations in temperature and rainfall. The high temperatures throughout the year are relatively stable, ranging from 25.9°C (78.6°F) to 28.2°C (82.8°F). Similarly, the low temperatures vary in a narrow range from 15°C (59°F) to 16.2°C (61.2°F). Quite remarkably, the city boasts uniform daylight throughout the year at around 12.2 hours per day.

Rainfall exhibits a definite seasonality with the highest rainfall recorded from 114mm (4.49") in March to 154mm (6.06") in April. The driest months fall between June and August with the lowest rainfall recorded at 11mm (0.43") in July. It is worth noting that January and February, despite being part of the dry season, witness 11 days of rainfall each.

The sun shines approximately 5 to 7 hours per day in Kigali. Sunnier days are experienced amid the dry season, with the pinnacle reached in June and July boasting 7 hours of sunshine each day. Interestingly, the UV index remains notably high throughout the year standing at 12 units.

Depending on visitor preference, the best time to visit Kigali runs from June to August. In this period, rainfall levels drop remarkably low, constituting less than 4 rainfall days in a month on average and triggering more sunshine hours. Moreover, minimum temperatures are on the lower end of the scale, creating remarkably pleasant nights.

The time period from March to May could be regarded as a less desirable time to visit Kigali. This is due to the significant increase in rainfall, with April being the wettest month with a record of 154mm (6.06"). Not only does it rain more, but the number of rainfall days increases to 18 in April, potentially disturbing outdoor activities.

The spring months in Kigali, namely March, April, and May, are characterized by high rainfall. March records 114mm (4.49") of rainfall distributed over 15 days and sees a high temperature of 26.9°C (80.4°F). On the other hand, April receives the highest rainfall of the year escalating to 154mm (6.06") over 18 days, pulling down the sunshine hours with high and low temperatures at 26.2°C (79.2°F) and 16.1°C (61°F) respectively. In contrast, May experiences a slight drop in rainfall, falling down to 88mm (3.46") over 13 days and temperatures remain stable.

Kigali's summer months from June to August are relatively dry with June and July recording the least rainfall of the year. June sees only 2 days of rain on average with a meager 19mm (0.75") rainfall, while July records the driest month with 1 day of rainfall totaling around 11mm (0.43"). August experiences a minor increase in rainfall to 31mm (1.22"). High temperatures in summer months are around 27°C (80.6°F), while low temperatures close to 15°C (59°F) to 16°C (60.8°F).

The autumn months in Kigali mark a transition from the dry to the wet season. September receives 70mm (2.76") of rainfall distributed over 10 days, while October jumps to 106mm (4.17") of rainfall over 17 days. November continues the trend with 113mm (4.45") of rainfall also over 17 days. The high temperatures throughout these months remain relatively steady ranging from 27.2°C (81°F) to 26.1°C (79°F) while low temperatures hover between 15.9°C (60.6°F) to 15.5°C (59.9°F).

Winters in Kigali are marked by moderate temperatures and precipitation levels falling from the autumn highs. December has 14 days of rainfall adding up to 77mm (3.03") and maintaining the high and low temperature around 26.4°C (79.5°F) and 15.6°C (60.1°F) respectively. The sunshine hours hold steady at 5 hours during winter months while the UV index stays at a high of 12 units.

Weather in Kigali is a mixture of sensations in January. Being the beginning of a new year, the city experiences a warm and welcoming climate. The daylight hours stand at 12.2 hours, offering a perfectly balanced day with equal amounts of light and dark. Weather in January »

Coming out of January, Kigali in February continues the weather trend, with slight variations. The highest temperature in February differs by a small margin to 27.4°C (81.3°F), slightly warmer than the previous month. The daylight duration remains the same, standing at 12.2 hours. Weather in February »

The weather takes an interesting turn in Kigali during March. The temperature, though largely similar to February, sees a slight dip, going down to 26.9°C (80.4°F) at its peak. However, the number of rainfall days witnesses a notable rise, which makes the air crisp and adds a refreshing touch. Weather in March »

Entering the second quarter of the year, April brings a significant change in Kigali's weather. Despite a similar high temperature of 26.2°C (79.2°F), April stands out with the heaviest rainfall of the year, reaching 154mm (6.06"). Weather in April »

Post-April's intense rainfall, Kigali's weather in May takes on a milder tone. The temperature fluctuates minimally from the previous month, and the signs of change are largely noticeable in the humidity levels. The city basks in 12 hours of daylight, providing ample time for outdoor activities. Weather in May »

Halfway into the year, June brings an interesting shift to Kigali's weather. The city experiences a reduced rainfall compared to May which marks the transition into the drier half of the year. Though the temperature continues on a constant trail, similar to the previous month, the weather conditions vary distinctly. Weather in June »

July witnesses the driest period in Kigali, setting it apart from the rest of the year. A drastic reduction in rainfall marks this month, turning the city into the epitome of a dry, tropical climate. The rolling hills of Kigali bask in the dry, warm weather, the city glows with the bright sunshine, and the overall temperatures remain comfortably warm. Weather in July »

Leaving behind the extremely dry July, Kigali steps into August. This month brings along a slight increase in rainfall, particularly when compared to July. The city slips into a semi-dry state, where the weather contradicts the typical rainy characteristics of a tropical climate. Weather in August »

September marks a return to moderate, stable weather in Kigali. The city gradually transitions back to its usual weather patterns, with an increase in the rainfall to 70mm (2.76") compared to August. September stands out with its increased hours of sunshine, making the days seem pleasantly long. Weather in September »

As October approaches, Kigali starts to experience weather that precedes the transition towards the year’s end. The city witnesses an increase in rainfall, although the temperature remains much the same as September. October showcases a balanced bout of rain and sunshine, making for a pleasant environment. Weather in October »

The penultimate month of the year, November, brings the second highest rainfall in Kigali, with a total of 113mm (4.45"). Despite being one of the wettest months, the temperature shows a negligible variation from the previous month. Weather in November »

As the year comes to a close, Kigali's weather in December reflects a soothing end. The degree of rainfall drops compared to November, accentuating the pleasant charm of the city. Temperatures tend to be stable, marking a calm transition into the new year. Weather in December »