Nyungwe National Park

Weather & Climate

131 Nyungwe Chimp Tours

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Rwanda.

Climate Chart Nyungwe National Park – 1,629-2,870m / 5,344-9,416ft

Nyungwe National Park receives plenty of rain throughout the year. This, combined with the high altitudes, means that the climate is very wet and cool. Due to the forest’s close proximity to the equator, temperatures stay constant year-round. During the day, temperatures are around 20°C/68°F and it cools off at night to about 11°C/52°F.

Dry Season –June to September

Although it can rain at any time, there is a drier period from June to September. Bring waterproof clothing and shoes for hiking and warm clothing for the cold, damp evenings, regardless of when you visit.

June, July & August – These are the driest months of the year. This is an excellent time for hiking as the trails are drier. Daytime temperatures average 19°C/66°F, with an average of 11°C/52°F at night.
September – After drier weather, it will start raining more often at some point in September. Temperatures stay about the same.

Wet Season –October to May

It rains regularly, especially in the afternoons. In between showers, the sun might come through, but there is a lot of overcast weather too. You’ll need lots of warm, waterproof clothing.

October, November, December, January & February – It rains a lot and November is a peak month for rainfall. Temperatures will be around 20°C/68°F during the day, but will vary depending on altitude. Nights are cold, with an average of 11°C/52°F.
March, April & May – The rain picks up in March and peaks in April. Hiking can be more difficult in March and April as the trails get very slippery. Temperatures stay the same.