The best time to travel in Rwanda

Choose the dry seasons to set off and discover Rwanda, and only June, July and August to take advantage of the beaches at Lake Kivu.

At a glance

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Rwanda has two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. A first rainy season stretches from February to May and is followed by a dry season from June to August. Then, the rain starts again from September to December, whilst January is dry. The best period to visit Rwanda is therefore between June and August, as well as January.

Beach travel

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Some beaches in Rwanda are worth the detour: those around Lake Kivu. You'll be able to relax there, but also participate in different nautical activities, as well as go fishing, notably at Gisenyi and Kibuye. It's the only part of the country where the climate is particular, i.e. there's only one dry season, between June and August. So, choose to go there then.

Travel in the National Parks

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Don't miss out on the legendary National Parks of Rwanda, such as the one in Akagera, which is a refuge for numerous animals: elephants, leopards, zebras, hippopotamuses... As for Nyungwe National Park, it has one of the largest forest reserves at altitude in Africa. You can go trekking there and see birds and monkeys. Preferably go there during the dry seasons.

Trip meeting gorillas

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Volcanoes National Park is one of the main attractions in the country and it's home to one of the last populations of mountain gorillas in the wild. Indeed, its main function is to protect some 380 gorillas which live in the park. Get a permit in advance and set off to meet this unusual species. Choose the dry seasons.

Trip discovering the flora

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Visit during the dry season to discover the incredible Rwandan flora. You'll admire the numerous eucalyptus trees, acacias and palm trees in the western mountains. In the South, you'll explore the primary forest of Nyungwe, home to species of thousand-year-old trees! You'll also see large amounts of orchids there.

Sporting trip

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

It's really nice to go cycliing in Rwanda. Not only can you see magnificent landscapes, but you can also move about on some roads which are completely inaccessible by car. You'll also be take up golf or fishing in Akagera National Park. And why not take a helicopter trip to admire the Rwandan scenery?

Tiphaine Leblanc

78 contributions

Updated 26 October 2018

Tour ideas

Rwanda at a glance

Approx. 6 days From $3,370

Multi-destination tour

Explore Rwanda with 4x4 vehicle and hot-air balloon

Approx. 15 days From $11,220

From the lush rainforest to magnificent volcano

Approx. 8 days From $3,150

In need of inspiration?

Receive our fortnightly newsletter: Top destinations, trip ideas, agent tips & more...

Welcome aboard!
Keep an eye out for trip inspiration and travel offers in your inbox...

I would like to receive Evaneos' newsletters by email

How does Evaneos use my personal data?