Kigali in December

Drier again; Christmas and year-end crowds.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

December is rated good. These months rate higher:

• JanuaryGreatDry and warm; short dry season.
• FebruaryGreatDry, warm; good month.
• JuneGreatLong dry season begins; dry, mild.
• JulyGreatDry; Jul 4 Liberation Day and Jul 1 Independence Day holidays.

• KigaliHighs around 26 °C (79 °F), lows around 16 °C (61 °F), rain on about 12 daysHighs around 79 °F (26 °C), lows around 61 °F (16 °C), rain on about 12 days
• Central plateau, Rwanda · Kigali, Huyefine

  Mild around 25 °C (77 °F) by day; two rainy seasons.Mild around 77 °F (25 °C) by day; two rainy seasons.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Umuganda

  Last Saturday of each month, 08:00–11:00Last Saturday of each month, 8:00 AM–11:00 AM · Citywide

  Traffic restricted; most shops closed until midday.

• Christmas and year-end

  25 December · Citywide

  Public holiday; hotels and restaurants busy.

• Christmas

  25 December

  Public holiday; shops close and hotels are busy.

Crowds · Rwanda overall

Medium

Prices · Rwanda overall

High

Rwanda overall: Rains ease mid-month; Christmas trips fill lodges.

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Kigali, side by side.

• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →