Rwanda in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Rwanda

26.7°C (80°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry-to-wet season transition means lush green landscapes at 1,400m (4,593 ft) elevation with crystal-clear mountain air and impressive photography conditions
Optimal gorilla trekking weather - mud isn't excessive yet, trails are manageable, and cooler morning temperatures (18-20°C/64-68°F) make the 2-6 hour hikes more comfortable
Post-harvest season means local markets overflow with fresh produce, coffee ceremonies use newly roasted beans, and cultural villages showcase traditional food preparation
Lower tourist numbers compared to June-September peak season result in more intimate wildlife encounters and 15-20% lower accommodation rates in mid-range properties

Considerations

Afternoon rain showers (typically 2-4pm) can disrupt outdoor activities for 30-45 minutes, requiring flexible scheduling and indoor backup plans
Higher humidity (70%) combined with elevation changes can feel uncomfortable for visitors not acclimatized to mountain climates, especially during midday hours
Some secondary roads to remote cultural sites may become muddy and require 4WD vehicles, limiting access to certain community tourism experiences

Best Activities in March

Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking

March offers ideal conditions before heavy rains begin - trails are still firm, vegetation is lush but not overgrown, and morning temperatures (18-20°C/64-68°F) make the 2-6 hour treks comfortable. Gorilla families are more active in cooler weather, increasing chances of extended viewing sessions.

Booking Tip: Reserve permits 6-12 months ahead through Rwanda Development Board - March permits cost $1,500 per person. Book through registered tour operators who provide proper gear and experienced guides. See current tour packages in booking section below.

Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk and Primate Tracking

March's moderate rainfall creates perfect conditions for primate activity - chimpanzees and colobus monkeys are more vocal and visible. The 50m (164 ft) high canopy walkway offers impressive views across the 1,000 sq km (386 sq mile) forest. Cool mornings are ideal for the 2-4 hour tracking sessions.

Booking Tip: Book primate permits 2-3 weeks ahead for $100-150 per person. Choose morning sessions (7am start) to avoid afternoon rain. Combine with canopy walk for $60 additional. See current tour options in booking section below.

Lake Kivu Island Hopping and Coffee Farm Tours

March coincides with coffee harvest season around Lake Kivu. Combine boat trips between Napoleon Island and Amahoro Island with visits to working coffee cooperatives. Lake temperatures remain warm (24°C/75°F) while afternoon breezes provide relief from humidity.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost $80-120 per person including boat transport and coffee tasting. Book through lakeside hotels in Gisenyi or Kibuye. Afternoon tours (2-6pm) work best around March rain patterns. See current lake tour options in booking section below.

Kigali City Cultural and Genocide Memorial Tours

March weather makes walking tours of Kigali's hills comfortable in mornings and late afternoons. The Genocide Memorial and cultural sites offer essential context before visiting rural areas. Indoor museums provide perfect rain shelter while outdoor markets showcase post-harvest abundance.

Booking Tip: Half-day city tours cost $40-70 per person. Memorial visits are free but guided tours ($20-30) provide crucial context. Book morning tours (8-11am) or late afternoon (3-6pm) to avoid midday heat. See current city tour options in booking section below.

Akagera National Park Game Drives

March brings excellent game viewing as animals gather around permanent water sources before rains intensify. The park's savanna ecosystem at 1,200m (3,937 ft) elevation offers comfortable temperatures for 4-6 hour drives. Recent rhino and lion reintroductions make sightings increasingly likely.

Booking Tip: Full-day safaris cost $150-250 per person including park fees and guide. Book 1-2 weeks ahead through registered operators. Early morning drives (6-10am) offer best animal activity before afternoon heat. See current safari packages in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Varies - check Rwanda Development Board for 2025 dates

Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony (if scheduled)

Rwanda's annual gorilla naming ceremony sometimes occurs in March, celebrating new gorilla births with traditional performances, conservation presentations, and community celebrations in Musanze

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 500m+ (1,640+ ft) elevation changes - essential for gorilla trekking on volcanic slopes and forest paths

Quick-dry long pants and long sleeves in neutral colors (required for gorilla encounters and protection from stinging nettles)

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - March showers last 30-45 minutes but can be heavy at 1,400m (4,593 ft) elevation

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at high altitude despite cloud cover, and reflection off Lake Kivu intensifies exposure

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET for forest areas where tsetse flies and mosquitoes are active during humid conditions

Layered clothing for temperature swings from 20°C (68°F) mornings to 27°C (80°F) afternoons across different elevations

Waterproof day pack cover - sudden rain can damage electronics and documents during outdoor activities

Comfortable walking shoes for Kigali's steep hills and paved surfaces, separate from hiking boots

Portable phone charger - rural areas have limited electricity and rain can extend travel times between locations

Cash in small bills (US dollars and Rwandan francs) - many community tourism sites and local markets don't accept cards

Insider Knowledge

Book gorilla permits for multiple days if possible - March weather can cause last-minute trek cancellations, and backup permits let you reschedule within your trip dates

Visit local markets between 8-10am on Saturdays for the best selection of post-harvest produce and to see coffee processing demonstrations that only happen during March harvest season

Pack a collapsible umbrella specifically for gorilla trekking - rain jackets rustle and can disturb gorillas, but umbrellas allow silent shelter during extended viewing sessions

Stay in Musanze town rather than luxury lodges if you want authentic cultural interaction - local guest houses cost $30-60/night and connect you with community tourism guides who speak local languages

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking only one gorilla permit day without weather backup - March's variable conditions can force trek postponements, and getting alternative dates during your stay is nearly impossible

Wearing cotton clothing for forest activities - 70% humidity plus rain makes cotton stay wet for hours, leading to discomfort and potential hypothermia at altitude

Planning tight schedules between locations - March road conditions can add 1-2 hours to travel times, especially on secondary routes to cultural sites and community tourism projects