When to Go to Rwanda
To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.
Climate
A combination of tropical location and high altitude ensures that most of Rwanda has a temperate year-round climate. Temperatures rarely rise above 30C by day or below 15C at night throughout the year. However the upper slopes of the Virunga Mountains are colder, and the lower-lying Tanzania border area protected in Akagera National Park is hotter. Throughout the country, seasonal variations in temperature are relatively insignificant. Most parts of the country receive in excess of 1 metre of precipitation annually, with the driest months being June to September and the wettest March to May.
Seasonality
Rwanda is a destination that can be visited at any time of year. The long dry season runs from June to September, the wet seasons run from March to May and September to December. December to March is a generally unreliable period. Mountain gorillas can be accessed year-round but are easier to track in the dry. Chimps are normally more accessible when it’s wetter. Lake Kivu is beautiful at any time of year.
National Holidays
| Date |
Description |
| 01 Feb 08 |
National Heroes Day |
| 21 Mar 08 |
Good Friday |
| 24 Mar 08 |
Easter Monday |
| 07 Apr 08 |
Genocide Memorial Day |
| 01 May 08 |
Labour Day |
| 01 Jul 08 |
Independence Day |
| 04 Jul 08 |
National Liberation Day |
| 15 Aug 08 |
Assumption Day |
| 01 Oct 08 |
Patriotism Day |
| 25 Dec 08 |
Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec 08 |
Boxing Day |
| 01 Jan 09 |
New Year's Day |
