Akagera National Park

Weather & Climate

142 Akagera Tours

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Rwanda.

Climate Chart Akagera National Park – 1,286-1,718m / 4,219-5,636ft

The climate in Akagera National Park is moderate to warm. Average temperatures are quite uniform throughout the year. It is advised to take warm clothing for early morning or night game drives. Akagera's Dry season is from June to September. The rainy season has two parts. The short rains are from October to December and the long rains are from March to May. Mid-December to mid-February tends to be a drier spell.

Dry Season –June to September

There is very little rain during these months. Vegetation thins out and animals are attracted to the lakes and wetland areas in the park. Temperatures are warm and pleasant.

June, July & August – Afternoon temperatures are usually around 26°C/79°F. Most days are sunny with a fine, clear sky. It gets cold at night, with minimum temperatures around 16°C/61°F. It’s usually cold in the early morning as well.
September – Early September is still dry, but sometime this month the short rains might start. Temperatures remain the same.

Wet Season –October to May

As in the Dry season, temperatures are warm. Afternoon temperatures are usually around 26°C/79°F, while nighttime temperatures hover around 15°C/59°F. During the Wet season it rarely rains all day, but afternoon thundershowers can be expected. There is a drier spell between the short and long rains.

October, November & December – ‘Short rains’ – The rains start in October (or September). It is rare for it to rain throughout the day. Afternoon showers are common. Daytime temperatures are usually around 25°C/77°F, while night and early morning temperatures are about 16°C/61°F.
January & February – These months tend to be drier as mid-December to mid-February is a drier spell between the short and long rains. The exact timing is unpredictable though.
March, April & May – ‘Long rains’ – This is the wettest period. It tends to rain most days, although seldom for the whole day. It is often cloudy. The average temperatures remain about the same.