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Best Time to Visit Rwanda (Volcanoes NP Gorillas)

East Africa · Month-by-month weather, seasons and what to do — from Noura's Destination Finder.

Noura's timing tip: Gorilla permits cost USD 1,500 per person, are capped at eight visitors per family per day, and sell out months ahead, so book early; the minimum trekking age is 15. Pack full waterproofs and gaiters as the volcano trails are steep and muddy year-round.
Best months
Jan–Feb, Jun–Sep, Dec
Flights from the US
🟡 One connection
Great for
couples · adult group · multi-gen
Seasons at a glance
JanuaryFebruaryJuneJulyAugustSeptemberDecember MarchOctober AprilMayNovember

🟢 Peak season  ·  🟠 Shoulder  ·  ⚪ Off-peak

Rwanda (Volcanoes NP Gorillas) month by month

Average temperatures, sunshine and the feel of each month. Getting the timing right is half of a great trip.

MonthAvg °FSunRainSeasonWhat it's like
January 62–83°F 6h Moderate (77mm) Peak Short dry season: firm trails and clear Virunga views for prime gorilla trekking.
February 62–83°F 6h Moderate (91mm) Peak Warm, drier days and misty volcanoes make for excellent trekking in lush forest.
March 61–82°F 6h High (114mm) Shoulder Long rains begin: emerald, misty forest, fewer trekkers and lower rates.
April 62–80°F 6h High (154mm) Off-Peak Wettest month: dripping rainforest and muddy trails but vivid green and quiet.
May 62–80°F 6h Moderate (88mm) Off-Peak Rains taper off into lush, humid days with the Virungas at their greenest.
June 61–80°F 8h Minimal (19mm) Peak Long dry season starts, drier trails and superb gorilla and monkey trekking.
July 61–82°F 8h Minimal (11mm) Peak Peak dry season: firmest trails, clear volcano views and prime trekking.
August 62–83°F 7h Low (31mm) Peak Warm, dry and clear, ideal conditions across the Virunga volcanoes.
September 62–83°F 7h Moderate (70mm) Peak Dry, clear skies and the joyful Kwita Izina gorilla-naming ceremony.
October 62–82°F 6h Moderate (106mm) Shoulder Short rains freshen the forest; green slopes and quieter trekking trails.
November 61–80°F 6h High (113mm) Off-Peak Wet, misty and lush, atmospheric gorilla treks at low-season prices.
December 61–81°F 6h Moderate (77mm) Peak Rains ease toward the short dry season; festive, green and great for trekking.

Data cross-referenced from climate and flight sources; conditions vary year to year.

Things to do in Rwanda (Volcanoes NP Gorillas), month by month

Hand-picked ideas for every month of the year — from Noura's Destination Finder.

JanuaryPeak62–83°F
  • Trek to a mountain gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park
  • Track golden monkeys on the bamboo slopes
  • Hike to Dian Fossey's grave and the Karisoke site
  • Explore the Musanze (Ruhengeri) lava caves
  • Reflect at the Kigali Genocide Memorial
FebruaryPeak62–83°F
  • Go gorilla trekking in the Virunga volcanoes
  • Climb Mount Bisoke to its summit crater lake
  • Track playful golden monkeys near Kinigi
  • Relax on the shores of Lake Kivu
  • Take a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
MarchShoulder61–82°F
  • Trek gorillas on lush, misty forest slopes
  • Track golden monkeys between the showers
  • Hike the Dian Fossey trail through wet rainforest
  • Chimp-trek in Nyungwe Forest National Park
  • Enjoy quieter trails in the green season
AprilOff-Peak62–80°F
  • Trek gorillas through the emerald, rain-fed forest
  • Photograph the mist-wrapped Virunga volcanoes
  • Track golden monkeys in the dripping bamboo
  • Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial on a wet day
  • Enjoy low-season lodge rates around Musanze
MayOff-Peak62–80°F
  • Gorilla-trek the lush late-rains forest
  • Hike Mount Bisoke's crater lake between showers
  • Track golden monkeys on the volcano slopes
  • Cruise and unwind on Lake Kivu
  • Chimp-trek in green Nyungwe Forest
JunePeak61–80°F
  • Trek gorillas in the drier, firmer-trail season
  • Summit Mount Bisoke to its crater lake
  • Track golden monkeys near Kinigi
  • Hike to the Dian Fossey Karisoke research site
  • Explore the Musanze caves and twin lakes
JulyPeak61–82°F
  • Gorilla-trek on the best dry-season trails
  • Climb Mount Karisimbi, the Virungas' highest peak
  • Track golden monkeys in the bamboo forest
  • Take the Nyungwe canopy walkway among chimps
  • Relax on the beaches of Lake Kivu
AugustPeak62–83°F
  • Trek mountain gorillas under clear dry skies
  • Summit Mount Bisoke's crater lake
  • Track golden monkeys on the volcano slopes
  • Safari for Big Five in Akagera National Park
  • Unwind on Lake Kivu at Gisenyi
SeptemberPeak62–83°F
  • Attend the Kwita Izina gorilla-naming ceremony
  • Trek gorillas on prime dry-season trails
  • Track golden monkeys near Volcanoes National Park
  • Hike the Dian Fossey trail to Karisoke
  • Chimp-trek and canopy-walk in Nyungwe Forest
OctoberShoulder62–82°F
  • Gorilla-trek amid freshening green forest
  • Track golden monkeys between light showers
  • Hike Mount Bisoke to its crater lake
  • Explore the Musanze lava caves
  • Relax on Lake Kivu's shores
NovemberOff-Peak61–80°F
  • Trek gorillas through misty, rain-washed forest
  • Photograph the lush Virunga volcanoes
  • Track golden monkeys in the wet bamboo
  • Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial
  • Enjoy low-season rates in Musanze lodges
DecemberPeak61–81°F
  • Trek gorillas as the short rains ease
  • Climb Mount Bisoke's crater lake
  • Track golden monkeys near Kinigi
  • Chimp-trek in Nyungwe Forest
  • Celebrate the holidays on Lake Kivu
Where to go in January Where to go in February Where to go in June Where to go in July

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