- Temperature
- 16–28°C
Updated September 2026 · Sources cited: weather-and-climate.com, climatestotravel.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Kigali's temperate climate year-round—daytime highs consistently between 26–28°C—makes it suitable for outdoor activities in any season.
- Despite high annual rainfall (~1,000 mm), most rain falls in concentrated bursts during peak months rather than continuous drizzle.
- The dry season (June–August) coincides with the most sunshine and is ideal for trekking, city exploration, and outdoor activities.
- Pack layers for evenings—nighttime temperatures cool to 16–17°C even during the 'warm' months, a marked contrast to daytime heat.
- UV index is extreme year-round (typically 11–12), especially in June–August; sun protection is essential even on overcast days.
Peak Month
- Month
- August
Daytime High
- Celsius
- 28
- Fahrenheit
- 82
Nighttime Low
- Celsius
- 16
- Fahrenheit
- 61
Off Peak Month
- Month
- November
Daytime High
- Celsius
- 26
- Fahrenheit
- 79
Nighttime Low
- Celsius
- 16
- Fahrenheit
- 61
Kigali has a tropical highland climate, mitigated by its altitude of 1,450 meters. The city experiences stable temperatures year-round with little seasonal variation, ranging only about 2°C between warmest and coldest months. Two distinct rainy seasons punctuate the year.
Sunshine
July is the sunniest month with approximately 8 hours of daily sunshine, while February is the darkest with around 4 hours per day. The variation is significant across the year.
Rainfall And Seasons
Two rainy seasons dominate the climate. The long rainy season runs from mid-February to May, peaking in April with around 149–154 mm of rainfall. The short rainy season occurs from mid-September to mid-December, with peak rainfall in October–November (around 105–140 mm). A pronounced dry season extends from June to August, with July being the driest month at approximately 11 mm of rainfall.
Best And Worst Months
Best months to visit: January, February, May, June, July, August, and September—offering drier conditions and comfortable temperatures. Worst months: March–May and October–November experience heavy rainfall, though temperatures remain pleasant. June–August is the ideal window with minimal rain and excellent sunshine.
Humidity And Conditions
Humidity is highest during the rainy months, with April reaching 78–79% relative humidity. The driest months (June–August) see humidity drop to around 48–54%. Rainfall typically occurs as brief downpours or thunderstorms rather than sustained rain.
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this climate & weather research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Kigali
Data last updated September 2026 · Verify anything important.