Climate and monthly weather forecast
Rwanda

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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 »
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Rwanda

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