Best Park

Volcanoes National Park Best Time To Visit

By Philip Briggs
Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Rwanda.

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Volcanoes National Park is open for trekking and hiking throughout the year. Sightings of gorillas are almost guaranteed and don’t depend on the weather. However, the trails become very slippery in heavy rain and hiking is definitely easier in the Dry season months, from June to August, and to a lesser extent in September, January and February.

Best Time June to August (It is drier and hiking is easier)

High Season June to September (Permits may sell out and lodges charge higher rates)

Low Season March, April, October and November (These are the peaks of the rains)

Best Weather June to August (Least rain)

Worst Weather March and April (Most rain, forest trails are slippery)

June to August Dry Season

Drier trails make hiking easier and more pleasant
The sun is more likely to break through the clouds
Gorilla trekking is easier
It is hard to obtain the limited gorilla trekking permits in the high season
Lodges might be full and charge more

September to May Wet Season

Gorilla permits are easier to obtain
Lodges might have discounted rates
It mostly rains in the afternoon and activities are held in the morning
Rain makes forest trails challenging
Visibility might be poor

Best Time To Go by Major Park

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Akagera National Park
Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park Best Time To Visit

June to August Dry Season

September to May Wet Season

Best Time To Go by Major Park

Want To Visit Volcanoes NP?

Safari Tours to Volcanoes NP

4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour

7-Day Highlights of Rwanda

3-Day Rwanda Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys Tour