Rwanda in January: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for January
Average temperature across Rwanda in January.
City Weather in January
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kigali | 26° | 15° | 77 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Gisenyi | 25° | 15° | 82 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Ruhengeri | 24° | 12° | 89 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Nyagatare | 27° | 15° | 54 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Muhanga | 24° | 14° | 94 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Butare | 24° | 14° | 115 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Kibuye, Rwanda | 24° | 15° | 100 mm | extreme | Mild |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Kigali & Central Plateau
January opens the year warm and dry across Kigali; daytime highs feel tropical but tempered by the city’s 1500m elevation, so afternoons sit comfortably in the mid-20s°C while nights drop to the mid-teens. With little rain, the city hums with markets and festivals - it’s an easy month for walking the Kimironko market or visiting the Genocide Memorial without mud or closed roads. Pack light layers for cool evenings and a sunhat for daytime; expect moderate crowds from domestic travel.
Northern Highlands & Volcanoes (Musanze, Volcanoes NP)
January delivers crisp mountain mornings and cool nights around Musanze and the Volcanoes foothills; daytime temperatures feel fresh and rarely hot. Trails for gorilla trekking are drier and more comfortable, but mornings can be misty and summit hikes along the volcanic ridge are breezy - bring gloves and a warm layer. This is one of the most popular times for permits, so book in advance; volcanic slopes remain green and waterfalls are pleasant.
Western Lakeside (Lake Kivu - Gisenyi, Karongi, Rusizi coast)
January at Lake Kivu feels warm and pleasantly humid; Gisenyi and Karongi enjoy sunshine and calm waters that make boat trips and island hopping comfortable. Lakeside resorts are lively and easy road access from Kigali makes weekend escapes popular, but evenings can carry mosquitoes so repellent is wise. Pack swimwear, a light rain jacket for occasional showers and a sunhat for bright afternoons.
Southern Highlands & Nyungwe Forest (Huye/Butare, Nyungwe)
January in the southern highlands is warm but frequently misty in the Nyungwe canopy; this is a good month for chimp trekking when trails are relatively accessible and rainfall is lower than in the long rains. The tea estates around Huye and Nyanza are verdant and pleasant for walks, but expect damp undergrowth in the forest interior. Pack waterproof footwear, a light fleece for cooler mornings and insect repellent for evening lodge verandas.
Eastern Lowlands & Akagera (Akagera NP, Kayonza, Eastern plains)
January brings hot, dry conditions to the eastern lowlands, and Akagera’s savanna is open and well-suited to game drives where visibility for wildlife is excellent. Daytime temperatures can be noticeably warmer than the highlands, so early-morning and late-afternoon safaris are recommended to avoid the heat and see predators at their most active. Pack sun protection, a brimmed hat, and plenty of water for game drives.