Weather in Kigali

Planning a trip or simply curious about the weather in Kigali? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions and detailed forecasts to help you be prepared for any of nature's surprises.

Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is distinguished by a pleasant temperate tropical climate, largely due to its location at a high elevation. Air temperature here is surprisingly stable throughout the year, with average values hovering around 19-21°C. Daytime highs usually reach a comfortable 24-26°C, while nighttime lows rarely drop below 15°C. This creates ideal conditions for visiting the city at almost any time of the year.

Despite the temperature stability, two main seasons are clearly defined in Kigali: dry and rainy. The dry season falls during the months from June to August, when rainfall is minimal and sunny days are most frequent. During this period, only 0-1 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days does not exceed 1-6. This is followed by two rainy seasons: a longer one from March to May (peaking in April with 7 mm of precipitation and 27 rainy days) and a second, slightly less intense one, from October to December (November and December with 6 mm and 5 mm of precipitation respectively, and over 20 rainy days in each).

Thus, the weather in Kigali offers travellers a choice: enjoy sunny days and cool evenings during the dry season or witness lush greenery and refreshing rains during the wet periods. Overall, the city's climate can be described as mild, without sharp temperature fluctuations, making it attractive for tourists seeking comfortable weather conditions.

The temperature pattern in Kigali is characterized by remarkable stability throughout the year, making its climate very comfortable. The average annual temperature fluctuates within a narrow range, mainly between 19°C and 21°C. The warmest month is usually August, when the average temperature reaches 20.9°C, and daytime highs can rise to 25.9°C. July and September are also considered warm, with average temperatures of 20.4°C and 20.5°C respectively, and maximum daytime values around 25.3°C - 25.5°C. The "coolest" months, if one can say so given such insignificant fluctuations, are November and December, when the average temperature is about 19.3°C - 19.5°C, and nighttime lows drop to 14.8°C.

In terms of seasonal sensations, the "summer" months, coinciding with the drier period (June-August), bring pleasantly warm daytime weather. During the day, the air warms up to 24.4°C - 25.9°C, which is ideal for walking and outdoor activities. Nights in these months remain fresh, with temperatures around 15.3°C - 15.9°C. In periods that can tentatively be called "winter" or, more accurately, wetter (for example, March-May and October-November), daytime temperatures are slightly lower, averaging 23.8°C - 24.9°C, and nighttime temperatures may drop to 14.8°C - 15.3°C. The weather during these periods feels mild and refreshing, especially after the rains.

One of the characteristic features of Kigali's climate is the noticeable diurnal temperature variation. The difference between daytime maximum and nighttime minimum temperatures within a single day averages 8-10°C. This means that even after a warm day, the evening and night bring pleasant coolness. Therefore, when travelling to Kigali, it is worth taking a light jacket or sweater for evening walks, regardless of the season.

In Kigali, there is a fairly clear division of the year into seasons based on the amount of precipitation. The city experiences two distinct wet periods interspersed with drier stretches of time. Understanding these cycles will help you better plan your trip, especially if you prefer specific weather conditions.

The main rainy seasons in Kigali fall during the spring months, from March to May, and the autumn-winter period, from October to December. The wettest month is traditionally considered to be April, when an average of 7 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days reaches 27. Significant rainfall (6 mm) and a large number of rainy days (24) are also characteristic of March and November. It is important to note that despite the high frequency of rain during these periods, the total amount of precipitation remains moderate. This suggests that rains in Kigali are most often light or moderate, possibly short showers or drizzle, rather than prolonged heavy downpours. Snow, given the tropical location of Rwanda, does not fall in Kigali.

The driest period in Kigali lasts from June to August. June and July are the driest months, when there is practically no precipitation (0 mm), and the number of days with rain is reduced to a minimum – just 1-2 days. August is also very dry, with 1 mm of precipitation and approximately 6 rainy days. Months such as May (3 mm of precipitation, 17 rainy days) and September (2 mm of precipitation, 13 rainy days) can be considered transitional, when the amount of rainfall either decreases after the wet season or begins to gradually increase before the next one.

When planning a trip to Kigali, it is important to consider the peculiarities of the local climate so that your wardrobe is as comfortable as possible. Although the average annual temperature stays in a pleasant range of 19-21°C, daily fluctuations can be significant: during the day the air warms up to 24-26°C, and by evening and night, the temperature drops to 15°C. Therefore, the key principle when packing is layering. Bring light t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, a thin sweater or fleece jacket, as well as a light jacket or windbreaker. Since Kigali is located on hills, comfortable walking shoes are simply essential. Do not forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the sun in Rwanda is active all year round.

When choosing clothes, it is also worth focusing on the season. Kigali has two main rainy periods: from March to May (peak precipitation and rainy days in April) and from October to December (especially wet November and December). If your trip falls during these months, be sure to pack a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella. Clothes made from quick-drying materials will also be an advantage. The dry season lasts from June to August, when rainfall is minimal. At this time, it is sunny and warm during the day, but cool evenings still require a light jacket or sweater. Regardless of the time of year, insect repellent will be useful, especially for evening walks or trips into nature.