Rwanda in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Rwanda

28°C (82°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season perfection - August sits in Rwanda's main dry season (June-September) with minimal rainfall at 51 mm (2.0 inches), meaning clearer mountain gorilla tracking conditions and better road access to remote parks
Peak wildlife viewing - Animals congregate around water sources during the dry season, making game drives in Akagera National Park exceptionally productive with 60-70% higher wildlife spotting rates
Crystal-clear mountain views - The dry air and reduced cloud cover offer spectacular visibility of the Virunga Volcanoes, perfect for photography and scenic drives with visibility extending 15-20 km (9-12 miles)
Festival season coincides - Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony typically occurs in September, but August sees increased cultural programming and traditional dance performances as communities prepare for this major event

Considerations

Premium pricing peak - August falls during Rwanda's high season, with gorilla permits at full price ($1,500 USD vs potential discounts in shoulder months) and lodge rates 20-30% higher than low season
Dusty conditions - The dry season creates dusty roads and hiking trails, particularly affecting those with respiratory sensitivities during the 4-6 hour gorilla treks
Competitive permit availability - August gorilla tracking permits often sell out 6-8 months in advance due to peak demand from international visitors during Northern Hemisphere summer holidays

Best Activities in August

Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

August's dry conditions create optimal gorilla tracking with minimal mud on mountain trails and clearer forest visibility. Early morning departures (7 AM) take advantage of cooler temperatures at 20°C (68°F) before afternoon warming. The 70% humidity is manageable at altitude, and reduced rainfall means fewer trail closures.

Booking Tip: Book permits 8-12 months ahead through Rwanda Development Board - August sells out fastest. Permits cost $1,500 USD. Choose morning slots to avoid afternoon heat buildup. Book through licensed operators with 4WD vehicles for park access (see current tour options in booking section below).

Akagera National Park Safari Drives

Dry season concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources, increasing big five sighting opportunities by 60-70%. Morning game drives (6 AM start) and late afternoon drives (3 PM start) avoid midday heat peaks of 28°C (82°F). Dusty conditions actually help spot animals moving through the savanna.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 day packages through licensed operators for best value, typically $400-600 USD per person including park fees and accommodation. Self-drive permits available but 4WD essential. Morning and evening drives most productive (see current safari options in booking section below).

Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walks and Chimp Tracking

August's lower humidity at 70% makes the challenging 2-3 hour chimp tracking hikes more comfortable. The 50 m (164 ft) high canopy walkway offers spectacular forest views with clear air visibility. Morning tracking sessions start at 5 AM when temperatures are coolest at 20°C (68°F).

Booking Tip: Combine canopy walk ($60 USD) with chimp tracking ($90 USD) for full forest experience. Book chimp permits 1-2 weeks ahead through park headquarters. Stay overnight at nearby lodges to make early morning starts manageable (see current forest tours in booking section below).

Lake Kivu Island Hopping and Water Activities

August's stable weather with minimal rainfall creates perfect conditions for boat transfers between lake islands. Water temperatures remain comfortable year-round, and the dry season means reliable boat schedules. Afternoon breezes help counter the 28°C (82°F) daytime highs.

Booking Tip: Multi-island day trips typically cost $80-120 USD per person including boat transfers and lunch. Book through lakeside hotels or licensed boat operators. Afternoon departures catch cooling breezes. Swimming and kayaking equipment usually included (see current lake tours in booking section below).

Kigali Genocide Memorial and City Cultural Tours

August's dry conditions make walking tours of Kigali's hills comfortable, with minimal risk of afternoon rain interruptions. The moderate humidity at 70% is ideal for 3-4 hour cultural walking tours. Morning tours start at cooler 20°C (68°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours typically cost $40-80 USD per person including memorial entrance and local guide. Book through hotels or cultural centers. Combine with local market visits and craft cooperatives. Free memorial audio guides available in multiple languages (see current city tours in booking section below).

Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

August offers excellent golden monkey viewing as these primates are more active in cooler, drier conditions. The 1-2 hour tracking duration is perfect for the moderate morning temperatures before heat peaks. Clear weather provides better photography opportunities in bamboo forests.

Booking Tip: Golden monkey permits cost $100 USD, significantly less than gorilla permits but equally rewarding. Often available with shorter notice (1-2 weeks ahead). Combine with cultural village visits for full day experience. Book through park headquarters or licensed operators (see current primate tours in booking section below).

August Events & Festivals

Throughout August

FESPAD Pan African Dance Festival Preparation Events

While the main FESPAD festival occurs biennially, August features preparatory cultural events and traditional dance workshops leading up to related celebrations. Local communities practice traditional Intore dance performances and craft demonstrations.

Late August

Umuganura Harvest Festival Lead-up Activities

Traditional harvest celebrations begin in August as communities prepare for the main Umuganura festival. Local markets feature seasonal produce displays, traditional brewing demonstrations, and community preparation events.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants in natural fabrics - essential for gorilla tracking dress code and protection against stinging nettles in mountain forests

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - crucial for muddy, steep gorilla tracking trails that can include 500 m (1,640 ft) elevation gains

High SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at Rwanda's high altitude (1,500+ m/4,900+ ft) creates intense sun exposure even on cloudy days

Light rain jacket or poncho - despite dry season, afternoon showers can occur on 10 days and mountain weather changes quickly

Dust mask or bandana - dry season creates dusty road conditions, particularly problematic during 3-4 hour drives to national parks

Insect repellent with DEET - while malaria risk is lower at high altitudes, forest areas still have mosquitoes and other biting insects

Layers for temperature variation - morning temperatures at 20°C (68°F) to afternoon peaks of 28°C (82°F) require flexible clothing options

Comfortable walking shoes separate from hiking boots - for Kigali city tours on paved surfaces and cultural site visits

Portable water bottles - staying hydrated is crucial during active days, especially at altitude with 70% humidity levels

Power bank and universal adapter - Type C and J plugs used in Rwanda, and long safari/tracking days limit charging opportunities

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights between Kigali and Akagera through RwandAir for $180-220 USD instead of 5-hour road transfers - locals use this time-saving option but tourists often don't know it exists

Shop at Kimironko Market in Kigali on Saturday mornings when rural farmers bring fresh produce to the city - you'll find the same organic vegetables served at luxury lodges for 80% less

Gorilla tracking groups are limited to 8 people and assigned randomly, but arriving 30 minutes early at park headquarters sometimes allows swapping to groups tracking closer gorilla families (shorter hikes)

Local cooperative lodges like those run by former poachers-turned-conservationists offer real feels at 40-60% less than international luxury chains, with equally good gorilla tracking access

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating gorilla tracking physical demands - many tourists assume it's a gentle nature walk, but steep mountain terrain at altitude requires genuine fitness preparation

Booking only one gorilla tracking day - weather, gorilla movement, or health issues can cancel permits, and August's high demand makes rebooking nearly impossible without backup dates

Overpacking heavy luggage - domestic flights have strict 15 kg (33 lb) limits, and lodge-to-lodge transfers use smaller vehicles with limited storage space