Rwanda in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Rwanda

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season begins - only 10 rainy days with short afternoon showers that clear quickly, perfect for gorilla trekking visibility
Moderate temperatures 20-25°C (68-77°F) ideal for hiking - not too hot for strenuous mountain treks, comfortable for long walking safaris
Clearest mountain views of the year - Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke are visible most days, exceptional photography conditions
Baby gorilla season continues - newborns from September-October are more active and playful, creating memorable wildlife encounters

Considerations

Peak tourism season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% higher than March-May, gorilla permits at full price $1,500 USD
Higher humidity (70%) makes afternoon hiking more exhausting - plan morning departures for Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park
Occasional afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor lunch plans and evening game drives

Best Activities in November

Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking

November offers optimal gorilla viewing conditions with clear morning visibility and dry forest floors. The short rainy season has ended, making steep mountain trails less muddy and dangerous. Baby gorillas born in September-October are now mobile and playful, creating exceptional photographic opportunities. Morning temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) at altitude are perfect for strenuous hiking without overheating.

Booking Tip: Book permits 6-8 months in advance through Rwanda Development Board - permits cost $1,500 USD and sell out quickly for November. Choose morning departures (7:30am start) to avoid afternoon humidity. Budget $1,800-2,200 total including transport from Kigali. Reference booking widget for current tour packages with transport included.

Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walking and Primate Tracking

The forest is lush from October rains but trails are drying out, creating ideal conditions for chimpanzee tracking. November mornings are crisp and clear, perfect for the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) canopy walk at 60m (197 ft) above ground. Colobus monkeys are most active in the cooler morning temperatures, and the reduced rainfall means fewer tour cancellations.

Booking Tip: Book chimpanzee permits ($100 USD) and canopy walk slots ($60 USD) 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators. Start early (6:30am departure from accommodation) to catch primates during peak activity hours. Combine both activities in one day - typical tour packages cost $180-250 per person including transport.

Lake Kivu Island Hopping and Coffee Farm Tours

November is coffee harvest season around Congo - witness the picking and processing firsthand at family-owned farms. Lake conditions are calm with minimal afternoon storms, perfect for boat transfers between Rubavu, Karongi, and Napoleon Island. Water temperatures stay warm at 23°C (73°F) for swimming, while pleasant breezes keep humidity manageable.

Booking Tip: Book coffee farm tours directly with cooperatives - harvest tours cost $25-40 per person and include cupping sessions. Lake boat transfers run $15-25 per route and operate 8am-5pm daily. Stay 2-3 nights minimum to experience different farm varieties and avoid rushed boat connections.

Akagera National Park Game Drives and Boat Safaris

Animals concentrate around permanent water sources as dry season intensifies, making wildlife spotting more predictable. Morning game drives (6:30-10am) offer cooler temperatures and active predators, while afternoon boat safaris on Lake Ihema provide hippo and crocodile sightings. The park's malaria risk is lowest during this drier period.

Booking Tip: Book park accommodation 6-8 weeks ahead - camping costs $30 per person, lodges $180-350 per night in November peak season. Game drive packages typically cost $400-600 for 2-day/1-night including meals and guided drives. Boat safari add-on costs $35 per person for 2-hour trips.

Kigali Cultural and Historical Walking Tours

November's moderate temperatures make walking tours comfortable throughout the day. The city is at its most busy post-harvest season, with fresh produce filling Kimironko Market and outdoor restaurants bustling. Clear skies provide excellent views from Kigali's seven hills, and the Genocide Memorial gardens are in peak bloom condition.

Booking Tip: Book half-day walking tours through certified local guides - costs typically $35-50 per person for 4-hour tours including market visits and memorial sites. Start tours at 8:30am to avoid afternoon humidity peaks. Combine with cooking classes ($40-60) featuring seasonal ingredients available in November markets.

Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo) Scenic Drives and Village Visits

November offers the clearest mountain reflections in the twin lakes, with minimal morning mist and calm water surfaces. Traditional fishing activities are at peak season, providing authentic cultural encounters with local communities. The 45 km (28 mile) scenic drive from Musanze offers spectacular volcano views on clear November days.

Booking Tip: Hire 4WD vehicles with local drivers - day trips cost $120-180 including fuel and guide fees. Visit during morning hours (8am-12pm) for best photography conditions and active fishing scenes. Community visits can be arranged for $20-30 per person through village cooperatives.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Kwita Izina (Gorilla Naming Ceremony)

Rwanda's most prestigious conservation event where baby gorillas born in the past year receive names from celebrities and conservationists. The ceremony includes traditional Intore dancing, cultural performances, and conservation presentations. Attendance requires advance registration and provides unique access to researchers and park officials.

Throughout November

Coffee Harvest Festival Season

Family-owned farms around Congo and Huye celebrate harvest completion with traditional ceremonies, coffee cupping competitions, and processing demonstrations. Visitors can participate in picking, sorting, and tasting sessions while learning about Rwanda's specialty coffee industry transformation.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight hiking boots with ankle support - trails can be muddy from recent rains and steep volcanic terrain requires grip

Quick-dry trekking pants - long pants mandatory for gorilla trekking to prevent stinging nettle contact and scratches

Packable rain jacket - afternoon showers are brief but intense, lasting 15-20 minutes

Sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 at high altitudes, reflection off lakes intensifies exposure

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - mosquito activity increases after rain, essential for Akagera visits

Warm fleece or jacket - morning temperatures at altitude drop to 15°C (59°F), especially in Volcanoes National Park

Gaiters for hiking - protect against stinging nettles and wet vegetation on gorilla trekking trails

Waterproof daypack cover - protect cameras and electronics during unexpected afternoon showers

Breathable cotton or merino wool clothing - avoid polyester which traps moisture in 70% humidity

Sturdy gloves for gorilla trekking - essential for gripping vegetation and protecting hands from thorns

Insider Knowledge

Book gorilla permits for weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) - weekend groups are larger and noisier, reducing gorilla encounter quality

Carry small denomination Rwandan Francs (500-1000 RWF notes) - many village cooperatives and local guides prefer local currency over USD for small purchases

November is road maintenance season - allow extra 30-45 minutes for journeys to Volcanoes and Nyungwe as crews repair rainy season damage

Local restaurants serve special harvest season dishes in November - try ibinyama (fresh green vegetables) and seasonal fruit varieties not available other months

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating gorilla trekking physical demands - some families require 4-6 hours of hiking at 2,400m (7,874 ft) elevation, train beforehand

Booking only 1-2 days in each park - November's excellent conditions warrant longer stays, especially 3+ days in Volcanoes for multiple gorilla families

Ignoring afternoon shower timing - plan indoor activities or covered lunch spots between 2-5pm when brief thunderstorms are most likely