Classic Rwanda

Most come to Rwanda for the gorilla-trekking, which is technically a year-round activity. The optimum hiking conditions however are the dry months from mid December to early February, or the warm summer months from June to September. Though it's fine to visit outside of this time, rain can make steep paths slippery; the malaria risk is also markedly higher. If seeing chimpanzees are your priority, the rainy seasons are preferable; these fall mid-February to early June, and mid-September to mid-December. In the dry season, chimps travel further into the forest to find food and are therefore harder to find. Weather-wise, temperatures vary depending on altitude, but averages at around 21 degrees C in the capital, Kigali. Rain is heavy and persistent March to May, but then dry during the summer months of June to mid-September. As these are also prime gorilla-viewing months, the summer is deemed the best time to visit.