Best Time for the Rwanda Loop: Volcanoes, Lake Kivu and Nyungwe by Month

Rwanda has two rainy seasons, roughly March to May and October to November, and two drier periods. Hills and forests make rain heavier and more local than a country-wide forecast suggests, so pack for showers in any month.

This page works with the combination guide and the national Rwanda best time guide.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Season Overview

Volcanoes National Park

Trails are driest in June to September, though the slopes can be wet and muddy even then. Cloud may hide the volcano summits. In the rains, trekking continues but you should expect mud and plan waterproofs. Gorilla permits sell out for the dry months, so book well ahead. See Volcanoes best time to visit.

Lake Kivu

The lake is pleasant most of the year, with warm days and cooler evenings. The dry months offer the clearest views and most comfortable boat trips, while the wetter months bring dramatic skies and quiet shores. There is no bad month for a rest stop, but rain can make the winding lakeside road slower. Read the Lake Kivu guide.

Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe is a high-altitude rainforest and can be wet at any time. It is cool and misty, so pack warm layers and waterproofs. Chimpanzee tracking is possible all year, and the dry months generally mean easier walking. Birds and flowers are good in the wetter seasons. See Nyungwe best time to visit.

Choosing Your Month

If you prioritise dry trails, choose June to September, and book permits early. If you want fewer people and green scenery, consider April, May or November, accepting rain. December to February offers a second good window. Read Rwanda in July, Rwanda in April or other month pages, and see the FAQs.

Month-by-Month Notes

In January and February the weather is generally drier and warm, which makes treks comfortable. March to May brings the heaviest rain, so trails are slippery and visibility can be reduced, but the countryside is lush. June to September is the best window for the driest conditions, and permits are in demand. October and November bring showers that pass quickly, and December offers another dry spell with festive crowds. Because mountain weather is local, plan for sun and rain on the same day, and pack accordingly. See Rwanda in January and Rwanda in September for month-specific notes.

Seasons and Wildlife

Primates are active throughout the year. Gorilla groups move across the slopes with the availability of food, and trackers locate them each morning. Golden monkeys favour bamboo zones, and Nyungwe chimpanzees range widely, so success depends on the day rather than the month. Birdwatchers may prefer the wetter months, when migrants and breeding activity add variety. Akagera is best in the dry season, when animals gather near water. If you want to combine both forests and savannah, pick a month that suits both, and read the Akagera best time guide.

What to Pack for Any Month

Bring waterproof jackets, sturdy boots, gloves for gaiters and vegetation, a warm layer and sun protection. A small dry bag protects cameras. See what to wear for gorilla trekking and the practical guide.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team