Rwanda: A Country with a Surprisingly Pleasant Tropical Climate
Due to its high elevation,
Rwanda enjoys a mild climate with lower temperatures than one might expect from a country so close to the equator. During the day, temperatures range between 20 and 27 degrees Celsius. As soon as the sun sets, you’ll want to throw on a hoodie, as temperatures can drop by about 10 degrees to around 9 to 13 degrees. The lowest point in Rwanda is the Rusizi River, where it is noticeably warmer than in the higher regions of this small East African country.
Rwanda has a tropical rainforest climate, with two rainy seasons: the long wet season from February to the end of May and the short rainy season from late September to November. When it rains, it can pour, but it rarely lasts all day. You can still visit Rwanda during the rainy season—just bring your wellies and be prepared for a wet morning and a dry afternoon. Plus, accommodation tends to be cheaper since it’s the low season.
Kigali: Discover the Modern City with a Pleasant Climate and a Rich History
Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, sits at an elevation of 1,700 metres. It is a city with a heavy past, as the infamous genocide between the Hutus and Tutsis began here in 1994. Perhaps this is why the people of Kigali are so focused on the future, making the city modern and progressive. It’s a vibrant place with plenty of opportunities.
But let’s get back to the weather. Kigali has a temperate tropical climate, with a steady 26 degrees Celsius year-round. From December to February, there is significantly more rainfall, but much like other parts of Rwanda, you’ll find yourself occasionally pulling out your umbrella no matter the season.
Southern Rwanda: A Tropical Rainforest Climate
In the south of Rwanda lies Butare, formerly known as Astrida, named after the Belgian queen at the time. Rwanda was once part of the Belgian kingdom, and Butare remains the cultural heart of the country, home to the National Museum and the University of Rwanda. As a university town, it has a lively arts and political scene.
Butare has a tropical rainforest climate, with its wet season arriving slightly earlier, from December to February. However, the average European traveller might not even notice—it’s still around 25 degrees, and even outside the wet season, a refreshing rain shower is not uncommon.
Eastern Rwanda: A Tropical Rainforest Climate
In the east of Rwanda, near the Tanzanian border, lies Kagera. The Kagera River runs through this area, attracting an incredible variety of wildlife. Here, you can find over 500 bird species, as well as lions, zebras, antelopes, hippos, buffalos, leopards, monkeys, impalas, giraffes, elephants, elands, and warthogs. The park features swamps, savannahs, and mountains.
Kagera has a tropical rainforest climate, with a dry season from June to September—an ideal time to visit, as the roads become trickier to navigate in the wetter months. But if you're up for a true off-the-beaten-track adventure, the rainy periods in March to May and November bring a wild, untamed beauty to the region. The average temperature here is about 28 degrees, but in the mountains, it’s about five degrees cooler. At night, temperatures drop by 10 to 15 degrees—perfect for a bit of snuggling, don’t you think?
Western Rwanda: High Temperatures with Rainy Days
In western Rwanda, you’ll find Kibuye on the shores of Lake Kivu, which forms the natural border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Ndaba Waterfalls are located here, and Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake. Unlike other African lakes, this one is free of crocodiles and hippos, making it safe for swimming—a relief, especially when summer temperatures climb to around 29 degrees.
During winter, temperatures drop and rainfall increases. Due to its location by the lake, Kibuye experiences occasional rain showers even in summer. It’s a peaceful retreat, perfect for relaxing and enjoying great food.
Off the Beaten Track: A Tropical Rainforest Climate in Kibungo
For a truly off-the-beaten-track experience, head to Kibungo. This town has a paved road leading to the Tanzanian border. Kibungo has a tropical rainforest climate and is best visited during the dry season from June to October.
