The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the drier months, June to September and December to February, when trails in Volcanoes National Park are firmer and easier to walk. You can trek all year, though. The wetter months bring greener forest and fewer visitors.
Here is what each season is like, month by month, so you can pick the right dates.
Plan your Rwanda gorilla trek
Rwanda gorilla trekking seasons
| Season | Months | Trails | Crowds | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long dry season | June to September | Firmest of the year | Busiest | Book permits 4 to 6 months or more ahead |
| Short rains | October to November | Muddy at times | Quieter | Showers usually pass quickly |
| Short dry season | December to February | Good | Busy over the holidays | Festive dates sell out early |
| Long rains | March to May | Wettest and muddiest | Quietest | Lush forest and easier permit availability |
Month by month
- January and February: drier, pleasant trekking and good light for photos. A popular choice after the holiday rush.
- March to May: the long rains. Expect frequent showers and slippery slopes, with the forest at its greenest and the fewest visitors.
- June to August: the classic trekking months. Cooler, drier and busy, with the most demand for permits and lodges.
- September: still mostly dry, with slightly fewer visitors than July and August.
- October and November: the short rains. Showers come and go; trekking runs as normal and permits are easier to find.
- December: mostly dry and very busy around Christmas and New Year.
Weather in Volcanoes National Park
The park sits at high altitude, so it is cool all year. Mornings on the mountain can be cold and misty, and rain can fall in any month. Bring layers, a waterproof jacket and good boots whatever the season. See our what to wear for gorilla trekking guide.
Is the rainy season a bad time to trek?
Not at all. Treks run every day of the year, and the rain rarely lasts all day. The trade-off is muddier, steeper trails in return for quieter forest and easier permit availability. A porter and gardening gloves make a big difference. Read more in our Rwanda rainy season planning guide.
Best time on a budget
Rwanda’s gorilla permit is US$1,500. If price matters, look across the border: in Uganda, the permit is US$800, and Bwindi’s southern sectors are about 4 to 5 hours by road from Kigali. See Rwanda gorilla permit cost.
Events worth timing your trip around
Rwanda’s Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony is held in Musanze each year, when new baby gorillas are given names. Dates vary from year to year, so ask us when you plan.
Our advice
- Want the easiest trails? Go June to September or December to February, and book early.
- Want quiet and value? Go March to May or October to November.
- Short on time? Any month works; Volcanoes is only 2 to 2.5 hours from Kigali.
Ready to pick dates? Browse our Rwanda safaris or send us your dates and we will check permit availability.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
June to September and December to February are the driest months, with firmer trails. July and August are the busiest.
Can you trek gorillas in Rwanda in the rainy season?
Yes. Treks run all year. Trails are muddier from March to May and in October and November, but there are fewer visitors.
When is the cheapest time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Rwanda’s permit is US$1,500. If price matters, Uganda’s permit is US$800.
How cold is Volcanoes National Park?
It is cool all year because of the altitude, with chilly, misty mornings. Bring warm layers and a rain jacket.
Last updated: October 2026. Park fees are set by the Rwanda Development Board and can change; we confirm current rates when you book.
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Official sources and further reading
About the author: Victoria Kayaga
Victoria Kayaga is a Ugandan-born safari expert and the founder of Afraeka Adventures, with over 7 years of experience in the East African tourism industry. She specializes in gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris and multi-country itineraries across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Planning a festive-season trip? Read Rwanda gorilla trekking in December for weather and trek conditions, Christmas safari in Rwanda for sample itineraries, New Year gorilla safari in Rwanda for holiday trips and New Year in Kigali for celebrations. Comparing countries? See Christmas gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Ready to choose dates? See our 4-day Rwanda gorillas and golden monkeys safari or the 5-day Rwanda gorillas and Akagera safari.
