in Rwanda: when to go?
tropical de montagne climate
Surnommé le "Pays des Mille Collines", le Rwanda bénéficie d'un climat tropical tempéré par l'altitude qui lui confère une douceur remarquable toute l'année. Perché entre 1000 et 3000 mètres, ce petit pays d'Afrique de l'Est échappe aux chaleurs écrasantes typiques de la région équatoriale. Deux saisons sèches ponctuent l'année : la grande saison sèche de juin à septembre, période idéale pour l'observation des gorilles dans le Parc des Volcans, et la petite saison sèche de décembre à février, parfaite pour découvrir Kigali et les lacs. Les saisons des pluies (mars-mai et octobre-novembre) transforment le paysage en écrin de verdure mais rendent les routes difficiles et limitent l'accès aux parcs. Les températures oscillent agréablement entre 15°C la nuit et 25°C le jour, nécessitant toujours une petite laine le soir. Pour un premier voyage, privilégiez juin à septembre : c'est la période où les conditions sont optimales pour toutes les activités, des trekkings aux safaris en passant par les rencontres avec les gorilles des montagnes.
- Best period
- December to February, June to September
- Good alternatives
- none
- Rainy season
- March to May, October to November
Year-round overview
Select a month to plan your trip
Climate in numbers
Monthly temperatures and precipitation
Temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
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Climate zones
Climate varies by region. Discover the unique characteristics of each zone.
Month by month
Find detailed climate information for each month of the year.
Temperature
15° — 25°C
Precipitation
75 mm
Average temperature
20°C
Rating
Bon
By climate zone
Excellent pour visiter Kigali et les lacs. Quelques averses courtes possibles.
Temperature
15.5° — 26°C
Precipitation
85 mm
Average temperature
20.5°C
Rating
Bon
By climate zone
Bonne période pour les trekkings. Paysages encore verts de la saison des pluies.
Temperature
15° — 25.5°C
Precipitation
125 mm
Average temperature
20°C
Rating
Moyen
By climate zone
Routes difficiles. Observation gorilles possible mais conditions humides.
Temperature
15.5° — 24°C
Precipitation
175 mm
Average temperature
19.5°C
Rating
Déconseillé
By climate zone
Pic des pluies. Déplacements très difficiles, parcs souvent inaccessibles.
Temperature
15° — 24°C
Precipitation
145 mm
Average temperature
19°C
Rating
Moyen
By climate zone
Amélioration progressive. Paysages magnifiques mais accès limité.
Temperature
13° — 23°C
Precipitation
25 mm
Average temperature
18°C
Rating
Idéal
By climate zone
Conditions idéales pour l'observation des gorilles. Ciel dégagé, routes praticables.
Temperature
12° — 23°C
Precipitation
15 mm
Average temperature
17.5°C
Rating
Idéal
By climate zone
Mois le plus sec. Parfait pour tous types d'activités outdoor.
Temperature
13° — 24°C
Precipitation
20 mm
Average temperature
18.5°C
Rating
Idéal
By climate zone
Excellent pour trekkings et safaris. Température idéale, peu de pluie.
Temperature
14° — 25°C
Precipitation
45 mm
Average temperature
19.5°C
Rating
Bon
By climate zone
Encore très favorable. Premières pluies courtes rafraîchissantes.
Temperature
14.5° — 25°C
Precipitation
95 mm
Average temperature
19.5°C
Rating
Moyen
By climate zone
Retour des pluies. Accès aux parcs plus compliqué.
Temperature
15° — 24.5°C
Precipitation
115 mm
Average temperature
19.5°C
Rating
Moyen
By climate zone
Fréquentes averses. Évitez les déplacements longs entre parcs.
Temperature
15° — 25°C
Precipitation
65 mm
Average temperature
20°C
Rating
Bon
By climate zone
Amélioration notable. Bon pour découvrir la culture locale à Kigali.
Frequently asked questions
Everything about the climate and the best time to visit in Rwanda
The best months to visit in Rwanda are June, July, August, September, December, January, February. This period offers favourable weather and ideal conditions for exploring the country at its best.
Yes, the tropical climate of Rwanda remains warm and humid year-round (average temperature 19.5°C). Seasonal variations mainly concern rainfall rather than temperatures.
The rainy season in Rwanda mainly affects March, April, May, October, November. Showers are generally short and intense, often occurring late in the day, followed by beautiful sunny spells.
Absolutely. Traveling in Rwanda during the rainy season even has its advantages: lush landscapes, fewer tourists, more favorable rates. Our local agency adapts itineraries based on actual weather conditions.
Underwater visibility in Rwanda is optimal during the dry season, between June, July, August, September, December, January, February. Water temperature remains pleasant year-round (around 28-30°C). Our agency guides you to the best spots according to the season.
If your travel dates don't match the ideal season in in Rwanda, the Nomadays network brings together more than 100 local agencies worldwide. Get in touch to find out which destination would be ideal for your dates.
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