Rwanda is positioned South of the Equator, East-Central Africa and it is surrounded by Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi. It is dubbed the Land of a Thousand Hills and like other states, it features a unique climate and weather. The climate of Rwanda is generally warm and pleasant throughout the year with cool nights due to its elevation. Rwanda straddles largely within plateau of about 1500m and its elevation decreases below a 1000m in the Western side of the country, on the River Rusizi which make up border area with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is the only place where it can be hot and temperatures can rise up to about 35 degrees Celsius.
Rwanda experiences tropical kind of climate which is not very hot or too cold. Temperatures fluctuate depending on the altitude of the area. Temperatures here rise from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius and it is characterized by 4 seasons. The long dry season occurs starting from late May, June, July, August, September and short season occurs in December, January, February to early March.
Heavy rains are experienced beginning from March, April, May and October, November. Rains are heavier from Western and Northwestern mountains than the Eastern savannas of Rwanda. The precipitation in Rwanda ranges from 1000-1400mm each year although this depends on the location.
December, January, February receive minimal rainfall amount of about 100mm per month and April, May experience precipitation of about 150mm each month. Kigali capital city of Rwanda lies at the heart of this magical country and straddles at elevation of about 1500m. Kigali receives maximum rainfall in April and minimum rainfall amount in June, July, August. Temperatures in Kigali are usually stable throughout the year and can rise up to 26 to 27 degrees Celsius.
As you go to the East where Akagera National Park is situated at elevation of about 1300m, Lake Kivu in the West at 1450m, temperatures reduce and can be cool during the night. The average temperatures in Ruhengeri where Volcanoes National Park is found range from 11 to 13 degrees Celsius (minimum) and maximum temperature ranges from 23 to 25 degrees Celsius. This area receives rainfall amount of about 1200mm just like in Kigali.
The southern province of Rwanda receives low rainfall amount especially from December, January and February. Rwanda is generally mountainous due to the Virunga Volcanoes which make up part of the Virunga Chain Mountains. The highest peak rises up to 4507m which is Karisimbi Volcano in Volcanoes National Park.
Best time to visit Rwanda
The weather and climatic conditions in Rwanda are generally favorable making it an all year-round travel destination. The best time to go Rwanda safari is usually during the dry season which occurs in the late May, June, July, August, September and December, January, February. This season is perfect for one to visit Rwanda for mountain gorilla trekking, game viewing and chimpanzee tracking because it is characterized by low rainfall and the ground is kept relatively drier.
Birding tours are perfectly conducted during the wet or rainy season and this begins in March, April, May and October, November. The challenge with this season is that, much rain is experienced and this makes it a bit challenging for one to hike through the dense vegetation and slippery steep slopes.
What pack for Rwanda safari
Depending on when you plan to embark on Rwanda safari, a successful travel experience in Rwanda can be attained when you have packed appropriately. If you are interested in gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and based on the nature habitat where this adventure is carried out, you need gardening gloves, waterproof hiking boots, long sleeved shirts, trousers, sunglasses, hat, sweater, camera with no flashlight, pair of binoculars, walking stick, insect repellents, sunscreen and others.