Given the fact that Rwanda is located just 2 degrees below the equator, you might think that it has a hot and tropical climate. Since the country sits at an elevation and has a hilly topography, giving it the name “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” it actually boasts a pleasant, temperate climate that is perfect for vacationing at most times of the year depending on your adventurous tastes and preference. As a small country located in the heart of Africa, Rwanda does not have extreme variations in the weather patterns from one region to another nor from one season to another, and it is cooler than most of the East African countries around it. The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season when visitors can enjoy all the popular things to do in Rwanda.
Just like the rest of the African countries, Rwanda has two seasons that is, two wet and two dry seasons. It is during the long dry season (June to September), that the terrain is easier for gorilla trekking, game is easier to spot in the lowland national parks and there are fewer mosquitoes. The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season of June to September. This is also the best time of year to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda as these periods offer the best hiking conditions. There is often light cloud cover during this time of year and it makes for a comfortable climate for gorilla trekking. In June, it’s always a Rwanda’s annual Kwita Izina Ceremony. This is when all the baby gorillas born over the previous twelve months are named.
During the months of December and February, high and medium-altitude regions comprising Kigali, Lake Kivu as well as Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Parks, are hot during the day but cool in the evenings. Low-lying regions like Akagera National Park are hot during the day but warm in the evenings. This period of time is popular to go on a Rwanda safari because it offers great opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery of this beautiful country. The warm climate and sunshine in these months create for unforgettable forest treks despite of the fact that prices for each activity is generally high. Therefore, in this period you need to plan well in advance.
The wet seasons begin in March upto mid-May and October to November. Despite the wet weather, these conditions are still good to be able to trek in search for these shy primates that inhabit the mystical landscape. If you decide to visit Rwanda within these months, its better to know that hiking around the Volcanoes will be so tough and certain areas may experience road closures and there are limitations on some outdoor activities. Therefore, good quality rain gear is needed to brave the dense wet forestry areas during this period. The Rains begin to reduce by mid-May. This is a good month period to avoid the tourist crowds and you may have a better chance of grabbing a last-minute gorilla trekking permit. For bird watchers, May falls into the breeding season and the skies are filled with colorful and winged beauties.
In conclusion, if you’re planning a trip to Rwanda, it’s important to consider the time and seasons of the year that you visit to ensure that you get the most out of your safari. Whether you prefer the dry season or the wet season, Rwanda’s natural beauty is sure to leave you in awe with the help of Naturenest safaris more than ready to handle you