The best time to visit Rwanda to see gorillas or for a gorilla trekking tour is during the long dry season of June to September or during the short dry season of mid-December to early-February. During these dry seasons, days are clear and hiking conditions are easier.
Although these incredible primates can be seen year-round, gorilla trekking in the dense, tropical jungles of Volcanoes National Park during the rainy season can be slightly more challenging. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can involve 2 to 5 hours of walking up and down hills, and during the wet months, trails will be muddy and slippery.
The off-season does have its benefits, though, and with fewer crowds, you might find yourself meeting a family of gorillas with only a handful of other trekkers.
A Monthly Guide for Visiting Gorillas in Rwanda
January
January is one of the best times of the year to visit Rwanda to see gorillas and is a great opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery of this beautiful country.
This month is part of the short dry season that runs from mid-December and continues throughout the whole of January, and into February. Rwanda’s climate is very similar throughout the year but it may differ depending upon which area you are staying in.
During the dry season there are often light clouds across the country which offers refreshingly, light rainfall as well as being able to moderate the temperature.
You can expect fairly dry landscape, but being in the volcanic Virunga Mountains where gorillas live, weather can be a little unpredictable, and rain can come at any time.
February
The weather in Rwanda in February is relatively similar to January, concluding the short dry season. The beginning of the month will be drier than the end, making February a great time to visit Rwanda to see gorillas and other wildlife safari experiences.
However, dry landscape means that if you are looking to hike elsewhere in the country, canoe, or even climb a volcano, without the worry of rain cutting it short, this is a good choice, along with January and December.
But if you are planning to visit Rwanda gorillas during this dry season, keep in mind that prices are generally higher, and you need to plan well in advance.
March
March marks the beginning of the ‘long rains in Rwanda’ which usually last until mid-May. The rain throughout the country at this time can be heavy and persistent, but it can also stop as soon as it starts.
The rainforest flourishes under these downpours with green, luscious flora. However, during this time it should be considered that gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be relatively challenging. You will need good quality rain gear to brave the dense, wet forestry areas during this time of the year.
April
April is the peak of the season of the ‘long rains in Rwanda’, with the average rainfall at 186mm, the highest all year.
When deciding on the things to in Rwanda, it’s better to know that mountain gorilla trekking in the Virunga Volcanoes will be difficult at this time of the year.
The montane forest of Volcanoes National Park will be wet, slippery, and the rains can often be relentless, making hiking difficult, and doing no favours for those who have expensive equipment. However, you can still track gorillas in Rwanda at this time, and safari lodges and camps remain open, as they do year round.
May
By mid-May, the rains in Rwanda start to reduce. This is the best time to visit Rwanda to see gorillas if you want to avoid the tourist crowds, and you may have a better chance of grabbing a last-minute gorilla trekking permit. If you are an avid birder, May falls into the breeding season and the skies are filled with winged beauties.
June
June marks the beginning of the long dry season in Rwanda, and the start of the peak time for visiting to Rwanda, though it remains fairly quiet until we get into July and August, due to the summer holidays in Europe.
The season lasts until September, and is a popular time to go to Rwanda to see gorillas, for many reasons. There is often light cloud cover during this time of year and it makes for a comfortable climate for gorilla trekking.
July
Arguably viewed as one of the best times to visit Rwanda to see gorillas; we suggest that those wishing to visit Rwanda during July to plan well in advance. This is the start of the summer holidays for European and American schools meaning that hotels, lodges, safari camps and tourist activities in Rwanda will all fill up fast.
August
With weather conditions very similar to July, August is just as popular due to the warm and dry weather as well as it being considered the best time to visit Rwanda to see gorillas.
As with the month of July we strongly suggest that you book your Rwanda gorilla safari well in advance to ensure that you will be able to secure places for your dream accommodation as well as the permits for trekking the magnificent mountain gorillas.
September
September in Rwanda marks the end of the long dry season.
The temperature remains the same pretty much, but there is increased precipitation, particularly towards the end of the month. After three months of dry weather, September can be a little humid, but nothing too bad usually.
A highlight in Rwanda in September is the annual Kwita Izina Ceremony. This is when all the baby gorillas born over the previous 12 months are named.
October
October in Rwanda is the start of the short rains. Unlike the long rains in March and April, showers are often in quick heavy bursts, and should not affect your day too much.
You can get the odd thunderstorm too, which can be incredibly dramatic, especially if you get to watch from the comfort of your lodge. With the extra precipitation, trees and plants start to flower, making landscapes ever more green and that bit more beautiful, bringing with them lots more birdlife and butterflies.
This means October can be excellent for photography, and for birding. You could also take advantage of lower costs on gorilla trekking permits, hotels and Rwanda lodges – if you are not willing to let a little mud and rain deter you.
November
November in Rwanda continues the short rains, and the weather is similar to that of the end of October.
Rain comes in short heavy bursts, with an average of 140mm for the month as a whole. Similar to October, though this is not considered to be the best time to visit Rwanda to see gorillas, these incredible creatures can still be spotted foresting on the jungle floors.
Rainfall can come at any time of year anyway, so no matter when you travel you should always be prepared for with rain gear. The gorillas at this time can take shelter during the rains themselves, or youngsters can play out in the droplets.
December
December is an excellent time to visit Rwanda to see gorillas, as the weather marks the end of the short rains, and the start of the short dry season.
It is a peak month, so you will need to book well in advance of travel to secure the safari accommodation you want, and make sure you get hold of those ever-challenging gorilla trekking permits. Lodge prices can reflect the high season too.
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FAQs about the Best Time to Visit Rwanda to See Gorillas
1. What Is The Best Month To Visit Rwanda?
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the drier period from June to September, when you have the best chance at spotting the mountain gorillas.
The rainy seasons, from March to May and in November, are the optimum times for tracking chimpanzees. It’s also quieter then.
2. How Much Does It Cost To See Gorillas In Rwanda?
As of 2024, the cost of a single gorilla permit in Rwanda is US$1,500 for visitors from outside Africa.
This price is discounted to US$200 for citizens of Rwanda and other East African countries. The permit cost for foreign residents of Rwanda, as well as for citizens and residents of other African countries, is US$500.
At the time of writing, a discount of 30% was offered on gorilla permits during the low season, from November to May. So long as this discount is still offered, it reduces the cost for non-African residents to US$1,050 during these months.
However, the discount applies only to visitors who prebook at least two nights in either (or one night in each) of Akagera National Park and/or Nyungwe National Park.
3. How difficult is the trek to see the gorillas in Rwanda?
The trek is relatively difficult and is always easiest to trek in the dry season. In the wet season, the mud can make trails slippery and the trek tougher. Primates may also seek refuge from the rain in nests or trees, making them harder to find and see.
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Want To Go Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda?
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