Kigali, Rwanda Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Kigali
Located in Rwanda, Kigali experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate with year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. Afternoon temperatures peak near 81°F (27°C) in August and dip to about 77°F (25°C) in April, with around 33.7 inches (857 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: August - highs near 81°F (27°C)
- Coldest month: April - highs near 77°F (25°C)
- Record high: 91°F (33°C) · Record low: 52°F (11°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: April (22 rainy days) · Sunniest: May (10.8 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on August. Highs average 81°F (27°C) and overnight lows stay near 60°F (16°C). The coolest month is April, with typical highs of 77°F (25°C) and lows around 59°F (15°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 91°F (33°C) and dropped as low as 52°F (11°C).
Rain, sun and snow
April is usually the wettest month. It brings about 5.3 inches (134 mm) of rain over 22 days, while July is the driest. May brings the most sunshine, averaging 10.8 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 79° | 59° | 13 | 3.0 in | 10.4 h/day | 72% |
| February | 80° | 59° | 11 | 2.6 in | 10.4 h/day | 73% |
| March | 79° | 59° | 17 | 3.6 in | 10.6 h/day | 76% |
| April | 77° | 59° | 22 | 5.3 in | 9.8 h/day | 81% |
| May | 76° | 60° | 13 | 2.3 in | 10.8 h/day | 75% |
| June | 78° | 58° | 2 | 0.4 in | 10.6 h/day | 63% |
| July | 80° | 59° | 1 | 0.1 in | 10.5 h/day | 53% |
| August | 81° | 60° | 5 | 1.0 in | 10.3 h/day | 56% |
| September | 81° | 60° | 11 | 2.1 in | 10.6 h/day | 66% |
| October | 80° | 59° | 17 | 4.3 in | 10.5 h/day | 71% |
| November | 78° | 59° | 21 | 4.8 in | 10.0 h/day | 78% |
| December | 78° | 58° | 19 | 4.1 in | 10.6 h/day | 78% |
Kigali month by month
Kigali weather in January
January brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 13 wet days.
Kigali weather in February
February brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 11 wet days.
Kigali weather in March
March brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 17 wet days.
Kigali weather in April
April brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 22 wet days - typically the coldest month and the wettest month of the year in Kigali.
Kigali weather in May
May brings highs around 76°F (25°C), lows near 60°F (15°C), about 13 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Kigali.
Kigali weather in June
June brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 58°F (15°C), about 2 wet days.
Kigali weather in July
July brings highs around 80°F (26°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 1 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Kigali.
Kigali weather in August
August brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 5 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Kigali.
Kigali weather in September
September brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 60°F (15°C), about 11 wet days.
Kigali weather in October
October brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 17 wet days.
Kigali weather in November
November brings highs around 78°F (25°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 21 wet days.
Kigali weather in December
December brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 58°F (15°C), about 19 wet days.
Seasons in Kigali
September through November
September through November in Kigali is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 80°F (26°C) and nights around 59°F (15°C); expect showers on roughly 49 days across the season.
December through February
December through February in Kigali brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 79°F (26°C) and nights around 59°F (15°C); expect showers on roughly 43 days across the season.
March through May
March through May in Kigali is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 77°F (25°C) and nights around 59°F (15°C); expect showers on roughly 53 days across the season.
June through August
June through August in Kigali is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 80°F (26°C) and nights around 59°F (15°C); rain falls on about 8 days over the three months.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Kigali?
Is Kigali hot in summer?
Is Kigali cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Kigali get in a year?
Best time to visit Kigali
The best time to visit Kigali is generally June to September and February, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 80°F (27°C).
Pack for Kigali with a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - August nights average 60°F (16°C).
Kigali temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.