Best time to visit Rwanda

The best time to visit Rwanda is between June and September. During these drier months fewer rain showers make conditions perfect for seeing mighty mountain gorilla families. The quieter rainy seasons of March to May and November are a good time to head south and visit Nyungwe National Park to track chimpanzees.

Rwanda has two wet seasons and two dry seasons, each showing a different side of the African Great Lakes region. In October, the country sees a short period of rain showers, followed by a dry season from December to February and a longer rainy season during the months of March to May. Over that period, the rain can be heavy and may make visiting some areas more challenging.

One of Rwanda’s main draws is the opportunity to go gorilla trekking but there are also other reasons to head to this lush central African country. There are three national parks to explore and a large wildlife population, as well as burgeoning tea and coffee industries.

When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

For many travellers, the main reason for visiting Rwanda is, understandably, the chance to see gorillas. And while it is possible to go gorilla trekking throughout the year, the best possible times are during the dry patch from mid-December to the beginning of February, and over the longer dry season from June to September. Drier weather means a lower risk of contracting malaria, as well as easier hiking through the forest terrain, which can be muddy and treacherous in wet weather. Because Rwanda is so close to the equator, it is wise to pack waterproof gear even during the dry months, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Gorillas aren’t the only attraction: you can also go chimpanzee trekking. The best time for that, if you’re visiting Nyungwe National Park, is during the rainier parts of the year – the middle of February to the beginning of June, and the middle of September to the middle of December. During these periods, it’s easier for guides to find the animals. In the drier seasons, the chimpanzees tend to venture further into the denser parts of the forests to find food, and so it’s not as easy to locate them.

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