Best time to visit Rwanda

Visiting Rwanda in February

The last month of the short dry season leaves Rwanda with a warm and pleasant atmosphere, a good time to visit the capital of Kigali. Witness Umaganda, the communal cleaning day held on the last Saturday of every month. This regular event gives Kigali its reputation as one of Africa’s cleanest cities. You can also visit the Museum of Natural History, the many vibrant local markets and the city’s best coffee houses to try the local bean. 

Visiting Rwanda in March

As the first of the long rains arrive, the country remains a wildlife-watching hot spot. The ripening fruits of the season bring chimpanzee to the lower reaches of the forest canopy. 

While ape is the star of the show, Rwanda is also renowned as one of the best bird-watching destinations in the world. During the rains, you’ll see the birdlife of Rwanda at its most active. Look out for clusters of colourful sunbird, including Ruwenzori double-collared, purple-throated, blue-headed and the stunning regal sunbird.

Visiting Rwanda in April

Chimpanzee sightings are at their best in April, and the gorilla can still be found despite the rain. You can also take advantage of lower prices at this time of year. 

In Nyungwe Forest, rare ape become more visible as they search for a meal. As Ruwenzori colobus and l'Hoest's monkey race overhead, you can also find rare tropical butterfly species in great quantities – over 176 types find their home here. 

Visiting Rwanda in May

Although it’s still rainy season, the rains ease off in May, particularly towards the end of the month. Throughout the country, you can see young animals finding their feet under the watchful guard of their parents. The gorilla tend to stick to lower altitudes at this time of year, meaning they’re less arduous to locate on treks.

Visiting Rwanda in June

June brings the beginning of the long dry season, peak time for gorilla trekking. Don’t be deceived by the name – Rwanda gets a relatively high amount of rain throughout the year. However, these only tend to be short showers in the dry seasons. It’s also warmer in these months and there are more hours of sunshine. 

With less rain, the forest floor is firmer underfoot which means forest walks take less time. This is a great time to make the hike to the Karisoke Research Centre founded by Dian Fossey.

Visiting Rwanda in July

As the summer holidays in Europe and North America begin, gorilla permits need booking in advance. But you won’t notice any crowds when you’re deep within the rainforests of Rwanda. With only a little rain, you can access all parts of the forest as you search for these magical animals. Groups of up to eight are permitted to come within several metres of the gorilla, while porters and other members of the trekking team must wait back. This legislation prevents gorilla trekking from having any detrimental effect on their wellbeing. 

Visiting Rwanda in August

The long dry season continues, and gorilla trekking is most definitely on the agenda. However, Rwanda is often overlooked as a traditional safari destination despite being home to all of the Big Five. In August, the wildlife of Akagera National Park begins to concentrate around waterholes where they’re easiest to find. 

On 15 August, you can also witness the festivities of Assumption Day, celebrated by the large Christian community with feasting, music and celebration throughout the country.

Visiting Rwanda in September

The last month of long dry season, September is also when you can witness Kwita Izina, the gorilla baby-naming ceremony. This fascinating annual celebration has taken place ever since 2005. As well as welcoming the new young, Kwita Izina is also a celebration of Rwanda's conservation efforts – not to mention an opportunity to get close to cute baby gorilla.

Visiting Rwanda in October

The beginning of the short rainy season is marked by short bursts of rain which quickly clear. This is an excellent time for photographers who like to work with different light. Many trees and plants come into flower, while the butterfly and bird are active and visible throughout the forests. Spectacular mists can be seen drifting slowly through the forested valleys.  

Visiting Rwanda in November

The last month of the short rainy season brings growth spurts to the rich flora found throughout Rwanda and the thick forests come alive with vivid green colours. You can sometimes come across young gorilla playing in the rain while the adults take shelter nearby. 

With the increased humidity, November is one of the best months to get incredible photographs of gorilla with some frizzy hairdos. 

Visiting Rwanda in December

As the short dry season begins, the paths become more navigable and you can cover more ground as you follow the tracks. This is also a great month to visit the sandy beaches of Lake Kivu, where you can enjoy swimming, canoeing, fishing and boat trips. 

Christmas in Rwanda is also not to be missed. Rather than outrageous queues, you'll instead experience welcoming barbecues, neighbourly spirit and moving church ceremonies.