Rwanda in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Rwanda
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect gorilla trekking conditions - February marks the end of short dry season with clearer forest paths and 85% gorilla encounter success rates (vs 70% in wet months)
- Optimal photography weather with dramatic cloud formations and excellent visibility reaching 50+ km (31+ miles) on clear days across the Virunga Mountains
- Lower accommodation rates - February falls in shoulder season with hotel prices 20-30% below peak July-September rates, plus easier last-minute bookings
- Prime time for Akagera National Park game drives with animals concentrated around water sources during drier conditions, making wildlife spotting 40% more successful than wet season months
Considerations
- Unpredictable afternoon rain showers on 10 days throughout the month can disrupt outdoor activities between 2-5pm, requiring flexible daily scheduling
- Higher humidity at 70% makes mid-day hiking more strenuous, particularly challenging for gorilla treks starting after 10am
- Some secondary roads to remote locations may still be muddy from January rains, requiring 4WD vehicles and adding 30-45 minutes to journey times
Best Activities in February
Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking
February offers ideal trekking conditions with drier forest floors and clearer mountain visibility. Morning treks (8am start) avoid afternoon humidity peaks and rain showers. Success rates reach 85% due to gorilla families staying in lower altitude areas during transitional weather. The comfortable 20°C (68°F) morning temperatures make the 2-6 hour trek more manageable.
Akagera National Park Safari Drives
February's drier conditions concentrate wildlife around permanent water sources, making game viewing exceptional. Early morning drives (6-9am) and late afternoon sessions (3-6pm) offer the best wildlife encounters with comfortable temperatures around 22°C (72°F). The big five including recently reintroduced lions are most active during these cooler periods.
Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walking and Primate Tracking
February's moderate rainfall keeps the forest lush while maintaining accessible trails. The 160m (525ft) canopy walk offers spectacular views on clear mornings before afternoon clouds roll in. Chimpanzee tracking has 70% success rates in February as troops stay in lower forest areas. Colobus monkey sightings are nearly guaranteed.
Lake Kivu Water Activities and Relaxation
February's warm afternoons (reaching 29°C/84°F) make Lake Kivu perfect for swimming, kayaking, and boat trips. The lake temperature stays comfortable year-round at 24°C (75°F). Island hopping tours take advantage of calmer morning waters before afternoon breezes. Gisenyi and Kibuye beaches offer excellent sunset viewing.
Kigali Cultural Tours and Genocide Memorial Visits
February's moderate temperatures make walking tours of Kigali comfortable throughout the day. The city's elevation at 1,567m (5,141ft) keeps temperatures pleasant even during midday. Indoor memorial sites provide shelter during brief afternoon showers. Local markets are busy with February harvest produce.
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
February offers excellent golden monkey encounters with 90% success rates as troops remain in accessible bamboo forest zones during stable weather. The 1-2 hour treks are less demanding than gorilla tracking, making them perfect for mixed-fitness groups. Clear morning skies provide excellent photography conditions with golden bamboo lighting.
February Events & Festivals
Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Preparation Activities
February marks the preparation period for Rwanda's annual gorilla naming ceremony. Local communities organize cultural performances and conservation education programs. Visitors can participate in community tourism activities that directly support gorilla conservation efforts.