The New Times (Kigali) By Irene Nayebare. Rwanda's long rainy season lasts from about March to May, when the rain is heavy and persistent. In many countries, the rainy season also coincides with the best time of year to see young animals and migrant bird species. Take advantage of the lower prices this month for accommodation, traveling around the country as well as getting to know the vibrant city of Kigali. Rwanda, though one of the lushest and most spectacular countries on earth, can be pretty tricky when it comes to weather. According to Dr Jose Nyamusore, the director of food and waterborne diseases unit in Rwanda Biomedical Centre, there are many dangerous diseases that come with the heavy rains and most of them are hygiene-related. During The Rainy Season In Africa The southern areas have not 1, but 2 rainy periods: Apr-Jul and Sep-Oct. Tuesday April 28 2020. You can track gorillas year round in Rwanda, however you will want to bear in mind that the rainier months will make tracking more difficult with muddy conditions. Gorilla trekking areas range from 7500 - 9500 feet. In Kenya, it happens in April to June, and a little bit in November and December. Recommended City Tour Season Guide For Best Time To Go To Kigali. March, April, May: There is more rainfall throughout the country during these months, with a clear peak in April in the south. Thanks to this ample rainfall, the jungle trees and flowers flourish and bloom during these months. Kigali has dry periods in June and July. National Heroes Day celebrates and remembers the lives of the victims of the Rwandan genocide, as well as those that fought against the genocidal mandate in 1994. As gorillas reside in the rainforest, we still recommend taking waterproof clothing even during these drier months. August is another dry month at the peak of high season. Make sure to book activities and accommodation in advance, as tourists around the world use their vacation time to visit Rwanda as well. Rains are usually pretty heavy but also short – they last for an hour or two. This month should be avoided if you are not a big fan of rain. Average annual rainfall varies from 600 mm in the east to 1,200 mm in the central plateau and 2,400 mm on the Congo–Nile divide. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Photographs at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Rwanda's impressive Nyungwe National Park, Grey Crowned Crane in Akagera National Park, The canopy walk over the rainforest is one of the park's highlights. Much of the country experiences four seasons; a major dry season from June to September, a short rainy season … The coldest month is July with an average maximum temperature of 24°C (75°F). At rainy season Lake Victoria is wavy and its water temperature varies from 25 °C (77 °F) at March to 23 °C (73 °F) at May. Also, every last Saturday of every month is reserved for Umuganda — a day of national service for Rwanda. This is Rwanda’s long rain season, and it can be unrelenting, which is particularly marked in the mountainous regions. Prepare for some serious rain though, and pack accordingly. Talk to one of our specialists for further details on travelling to Rwanda. There’s great biological activity in the reserves, beautiful green landscapes and panoramas, but muddy, slippery, conditions for gorilla trekking. In many countries, the rainy season also coincides with the best time of year to see young animals and migrant bird species. The second advantage of trekking mountain gorillas in rainy season is that wet seasons are referred to as low season and low seasons in Uganda and Rwanda tend to attract discounts on rates for Lodges, hotels and transport to and from gorilla treks. Jun–Aug & mid-Dec–mid-Mar Perfect climate to head to the national parks and for gorilla/chimp tracking.. Sep Baby gorillas are named during the Kwita Izina ceremony; ideal for hiking.. Apr–May Can by rainy, but fewer travellers means gorilla permits are easier to obtain. This is the best time for gorilla trekking since it will be a dry season in the rain forests where the chimps and the gorillas stay but you can also carry a rain coat and the boots since it might rain any time. The capital of Kigali enjoys an average temperature of 21°C or 70°F. The Mashariki African Film Festival also often occurs at the end of March, showcasing some of the continent’s most impressive cinematography. The second advantage of trekking mountain gorillas in rainy season is that wet seasons are referred to as low season and low seasons in Uganda and Rwanda tend to attract discounts on rates for Lodges, hotels and transport to and from gorilla treks. The rainy season is yet to come – Rwanda Meteorological Service Director , at Rwanda Meteorological Service The recent rains and cool temperatures do not mark the beginning of the short rainy season, but it is rather a result of windy activity above Lake Victoria, the Indian Ocean and the Congo Basin. Average annual rainfall varies from 600 mm in the east to 1,200 mm in the central plateau and 2,400 mm on the Congo–Nile divide. Animal sightings are more common at this time, with golden monkeys and mountain gorillas as well as habitat tolerant species such as buffalo and elephant all more visible in the dry season. PHOTO | CYRIL NDEGEYA . At harvest time, farmers spend most of the day picking cherries by hand. January is a great month to check out Rwanda. With Season A land preparation rate at 49.8 per cent, RAB says that there is already a delay across most parts of the country, which could affect output. Rwanda Meteorology Agency has warned of a heavy rainfall. Rains are often short and sharp, with plenty of sunshine in between. Jun–Aug & mid-Dec–mid-Mar Perfect climate to head to the national parks and for gorilla/chimp tracking.. Sep Baby gorillas are named during the Kwita Izina ceremony; ideal for hiking.. Apr–May Can by rainy, but fewer travellers means gorilla permits are easier to obtain. Rwanda Meteorology Agency has warned of a heavy rainfall. In addition, there are two annual rainy seasons, the first from mid-February to May and second from mid-September to December. October to mid-December is defined as Rwanda ’s short rainy season, and during this time you may encounter occasional light showers, mainly in the afternoon. When to go and weather in Rwanda. 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