The climate of Rwanda: when to go to Rwanda

The climate of Rwanda, a country located at high altitudes, between 950 meters of the River Rusizi and 4,507 meters of Mount Karisimbi, is an equatorial climate of altitude, moderate and very pleasant. The climate is mostly influenced by altitude, but in a secondary way affect the climate also the presence of large lakes and the physical shape of the land.

The temperatures are stable, they vary of 1/2 ° C on a seasonal basis, while there are variations of about 10 ° C on a daily basis between day and night. In the capital Kigali, which is located at 1,500 meters above sea level, the average maximum temperature varies during the year between 26 ° C and 28 ° C, while the average minimum temperatures vary between 15 ° C and 16 ° C. The northern and western mountainous areas are cooler than the eastern savannahs.

The seasons are divided into two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The first rainy season runs from February to May. Then follows a dry period which includes the months between June and August. So another rainy season between mid-September and mid-December. Finally a shorter dry period between mid-December and January.

The average rainfall varies between 800 mm and 1,300 mm per year. The rains tend to be higher in the  west and north-west mountain ranges, particularly in the Virunga mountains, while they are lower in the eastern savannas. On the highest mountains sometimes the snow falls.

During the rainy season, usually every day, Rwanda has heavy downpours alternating with sunny weather. In the areas around Lake Kivu rainfall is more evenly distributed and this area has a unique short dry season between June and August.

WHEN TO GO TO RWANDA

The best time to travel to Rwanda are the driest months between June and August / September. Even the months between December and January can be good.

THE CLIMATE OF RWANDA: CLIMATE TABLES