Rwanda in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Rwanda

27°C (80°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season begins - only 51mm (2.0 inches) of rain across 10 days, making it ideal for gorilla trekking with clearer forest paths and better visibility
Migrant bird season peaks with over 200 species active, including European migrants in Nyungwe Forest - perfect weather for dawn birding walks at 15°C (59°F)
Clearest mountain views of the year - January's low humidity means 85% chance of seeing Virunga volcanoes from Kigali on clear mornings
Festival season - Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony preparations begin, plus harvest celebrations in rural areas with traditional dancing and local banana beer

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation costs 40-60% higher than March-May, gorilla permits harder to secure without 6-month advance booking
Afternoon UV intensity reaches dangerous levels (index 8) between 11am-3pm at 1,500m+ (4,921ft+) elevation - requires serious sun protection and timing adjustments
Dust season on rural roads - January's dry conditions create significant dust clouds that affect photography and respiratory comfort during village visits

Best Activities in January

Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking

January offers optimal conditions with dry forest floors reducing trek difficulty by 30% compared to rainy months. Morning temperatures of 15°C (59°F) mean comfortable hiking before afternoon heat peaks. Gorilla families are more active in cooler morning hours, providing better viewing opportunities. Limited to 96 permits daily across 12 families.

Booking Tip: Book 6+ months ahead - January sells out fastest. Permits cost $1,500 per person. Choose morning slots (8am start) to avoid afternoon heat. See current availability in booking section below.

Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk and Primate Tracking

Peak primate activity during cool January mornings. Chimpanzee tracking success rates hit 90% as troops stay lower in forest canopy during dry season. The 50m (164ft) high canopy walkway offers spectacular views without rain interference. Colobus monkeys gather in larger groups during fruit season.

Booking Tip: Book canopy walk slots 2-3 days ahead. Chimpanzee permits $150, canopy walk $60. Start at 6am to catch peak primate activity. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

Lake Kivu Island Hopping and Coffee Farm Tours

Perfect weather for boat travel with minimal afternoon storms. January is coffee harvest season - witness picking and processing at lakeside farms. Water temperatures reach comfortable 24°C (75°F) for swimming. Clear skies provide impressive photos of terraced hills reflecting in the lake.

Booking Tip: Boat tours typically $30-50 per person for half-day. Coffee farm visits $15-25 including tastings. Book through lodges for best rates. See current lake tour options in booking section below.

Kigali City Tours and Genocide Memorial Visits

Comfortable walking temperatures in early morning (20°C/68°F) and late afternoon. January's clear air provides excellent city views from Kigali Heights. Memorial sites are less crowded mid-week. Perfect weather for exploring local markets during cooler hours.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically $25-40 for half-day including memorial sites. Start early (8am) or late afternoon (4pm) to avoid midday heat. Transport included in most packages. Current city tour options in booking widget below.

Akagera National Park Game Drives

Dry season concentrates wildlife around water sources, improving game viewing by 60%. January temperatures perfect for early morning drives (18°C/64°F start). Big 5 all present including recently reintroduced lions and rhinos. Clear weather ideal for photography with minimal rain disruption.

Booking Tip: Day passes $50 adults. Book vehicle and guide through park directly or tour operators ($100-150/day). Early morning drives (6am start) offer best wildlife viewing. See current safari options in booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

Throughout January

Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony Preparations

Local communities begin preparations for Rwanda's annual gorilla naming ceremony with traditional music practice and craft preparation. While main event is later in year, January offers authentic glimpses of cultural preparation in Musanze villages.

Mid to Late January

Coffee Harvest Festivals

Small village celebrations during peak coffee picking season around Lake Kivu and Southern Province. Experience traditional harvest songs, coffee processing demonstrations, and community feasts with local families.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index 8 at altitude is dangerous, reapply every 2 hours

Light rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers on 10 days, typically 20-30 minutes duration

Layered clothing for 7°C (13°F) temperature swings - cool mornings at 20°C (68°F), hot middays at 27°C (80°F)

Sturdy hiking boots - essential for gorilla trekking on steep, muddy forest paths even in dry season

Long pants and long sleeves in earth tones - required for primate tracking, dark colors prohibited

Dust mask or bandana - January's dry roads create significant dust clouds during rural travel

Waterproof camera protection - humidity and occasional showers require proper gear protection

Anti-malaria medication - start 1-2 weeks before travel, mosquitoes active despite dry weather

Portable water bottles with purification tablets - stay hydrated in dry climate, local water needs treatment

Cash in small denominations - rural areas and tips require Rwandan Francs, ATMs limited outside Kigali

Insider Knowledge

Book gorilla permits through Rwanda Development Board directly - third-party markups can add $200+ per permit, official price is $1,500

Hire porters for gorilla trekking even if fit - supports local community ($20 tip standard) and they know secret photography spots

Avoid driving between 11am-2pm in rural areas - dust clouds from dry roads reduce visibility to dangerous levels

Shop at Kimisagara Market early morning (6-8am) - best produce selection and coolest temperatures, locals finish shopping before heat peaks

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing dark clothing for gorilla trekking - rangers will turn you away, gorillas perceive dark colors as threatening

Not bringing enough cash - card acceptance limited outside Kigali, gorilla trek tips and rural purchases require cash

Scheduling outdoor activities midday - January's UV index 8 at altitude causes severe burns within 15 minutes without protection