The climate of Rwanda
Rwanda, a landlocked country located in east-central Africa, is positioned a few degrees south of the Equator. Characterised by hilly and mountainous terrain, it is popularly known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills'. Its geography considerably impacts its climate, creating a unique blend of microclimates across the nation. Rwanda experiences a tropical savanna climate with a marked wet-dry seasonality. Despite its proximity to the Equator, the country's high altitude keeps temperatures relatively mild, typically ranging from 16°C (60.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F) throughout the year. Rainfall is inconsistent, with drier conditions prevalent in the eastern lowlands compared to the western highlands. The annual precipitation varies between 700mm (27.56") to 1400mm (55.12"), showcasing considerable spatial variability.
The Best Time to Visit Rwanda
The optimal period for visiting
Rwanda often hinges on the intended activities. For those looking to trek the gorillas, the dry seasons from
June to
September and from
December to
February are recommended. These periods offer more comfortable hiking conditions, with less rain and mud to contend with. Wildlife viewing in general is more fruitful during the dry seasons, as animals tend to gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. Average temperatures hover around 21°C (69.8°F), providing relatively warm and pleasant conditions for exploration.
The Worst Time to Visit Rwanda
Travellers may find the peak wet seasons from mid-
March to
May and from
October to
November less appealing for a visit. These months witness heavy rains, rendering some roads impassable and making trekking challenging due to muddy trails. Moreover, heavy cloud cover and fog can limit visibility, diminishing the overall wildlife viewing experience. Temperatures during these months remain mild, fluctuating from 19°C (66.2°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), but the high humidity can lead to discomfort.
Spring Weather in Rwanda
Rwanda does not follow a traditional spring season, given its equatorial location. Instead,
March to
May marks one of the country's wet seasons. This period sees heavy rains, particularly in the afternoon and evenings, while mornings generally remain clear. The precipitation can reach up to 150mm (5.91") per month, resulting in lush green landscapes. Despite the frequent showers, temperatures remain mild, varying between 16°C (60.8°F) and 24°C (75.2°F).
Summer Weather in Rwanda
Rwanda's 'summer' months,
June to
August, coincide with one of the dry seasons. During this time, rainfall decreases significantly to as low as 20mm (0.79") per month, and the skies are predominantly clear. The lack of rain and lower humidity make this period ideal for wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking. Temperatures remain quite stable, ranging from 18°C (64.4°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), and the weather is generally sunny and warm.
Autumn Weather in Rwanda
Autumn, as traditionally defined, aligns with a short rainy season in
Rwanda, occurring in
October and
November. During this time, short bursts of rain become frequent, although they typically do not disrupt activities significantly. This season sees the return of vibrant green landscapes, and birdwatchers in particular find this period rewarding. Average temperatures fluctuate between 19°C (66.2°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), and precipitation levels can rise to 110mm (4.33") per month.
Winter Weather in Rwanda
From
December to
February,
Rwanda experiences its 'winter', characterised by another dry period. Rainfall is sparse during these months, averaging about 30mm (1.18") monthly. Days are sunny and clear, and the nights cooler, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor pursuits. The temperature usually lies between 17°C (62.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), providing a warm environment despite being the region's 'winter' season. This period is also considered excellent for wildlife viewing and hiking adventures.
Weather in January
January sits within
Rwanda's shorter dry season, between the two major rainy seasons of the year. The climate across the country is relatively uniform due to its compact size, though minor variations can be observed owing to differences in altitude.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Following
January,
February continues the dry season in
Rwanda. As with the rest of the country, the city of Kigali exemplifies the climatic conditions with its central location and representative altitude. The weather during February is typically warm and relatively dry, allowing tourists and locals alike to enjoy outdoor activities uninterrupted by heavy rainfall. Average temperatures in February are largely similar to those in January, ranging from 17°C (62.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Rwanda signifies the commencement of the long rainy season. As is true for the rest of the country, Kigali, with its central location and representative altitude, experiences the same weather pattern. Despite the increase in precipitation, the country's equatorial position ensures that temperatures remain mild and favourable for travel. In March, the temperature typically fluctuates between 18°C (64.4°F) and 26°C (78.8°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
Rwanda,
April signifies the peak of the long rainy season. As with the other months, Kigali's weather serves as a reliable indicator of the overall climatic conditions due to its central position and typical altitude. While the month is characterised by substantial rainfall, the temperatures remain relatively warm and comfortable. The temperatures in April are similar to those experienced in
March, typically ranging from 18°C (64.4°F) to 26°C (78.8°F).
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Rwanda marks the tail-end of the long rainy season. As always, Kigali serves as a good barometer of the weather due to its central location and representative altitude. Although the month sees considerable rainfall, it is less intense compared to
April, and temperatures remain generally warm. In May, average temperatures are similar to those in April, typically oscillating between 18°C (64.4°F) to 26°C (78.8°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Rwanda represents the transition into the long dry season. The weather pattern in Kigali, the capital city centrally located and at a typical altitude, continues to serve as an accurate indication of the overall climatic conditions in the country.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is in the middle of
Rwanda's long dry season. Kigali, the capital, continues to serve as a reliable representative of the country's overall weather due to its central location and typical altitude. During July, rainfall is minimal, and temperatures remain warm but not excessively hot, making it an ideal time for various outdoor activities. Temperatures in July are quite consistent with those experienced in
June, generally varying from 19°C (66.2°F) to 27°C (80.6°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Rwanda continues the long dry season. As with other months, Kigali's weather patterns serve as a useful representation of the country's overall climate due to its central location and typical altitude. The month is characterized by low rainfall and consistently warm temperatures. Temperatures in August are quite similar to those experienced in
July, generally ranging from 19°C (66.2°F) to 27°C (80.6°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Rwanda marks the conclusion of the long dry season and the beginning of the short rainy season. The climatic conditions in Kigali, due to its central location and representative altitude, mirror the overall weather pattern in the country.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Rwanda signifies the continuation of the short rainy season. As has been the case throughout the year, Kigali's climate is a reliable indicator of the country's overall weather, due to its central location and typical altitude.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Rwanda marks the peak of the short rainy season. The weather pattern in Kigali, given its central location and typical altitude, is an accurate representation of the overall climatic conditions in the country. While the month sees a high amount of rainfall, temperatures remain warm. Temperatures in November are similar to those experienced in
October, generally fluctuating between 18°C (64.4°F) to 26°C (78.8°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Rwanda heralds the onset of the short dry season. The climatic patterns in Kigali, with its central location and typical altitude, continue to serve as an accurate reflection of the overall weather in the country. The month sees a reduction in rainfall from
November, while temperatures remain comfortably warm. Average temperatures in December range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), consistent with those experienced in November.
Weather in December » [Resources]