Rwanda in January -- The Underrated Month
January is one of Rwanda's best-kept travel secrets. Most international visitors focus on the June-September peak. January offers the same excellent conditions -- dry weather, good gorilla trekking, beautiful landscapes -- with less competition for permits and accommodation, and often lower prices. Here is the complete January picture.
January Weather in Rwanda
- January falls in Rwanda's short dry season (December-February)
- Generally dry and sunny with occasional afternoon showers possible in early January as the wet season fully clears
- Kigali: 18-25 degrees. Comfortable year-round temperatures.
- Volcanoes NP mornings: cool (12-17 degrees) -- take a fleece for the 5 AM departure
- Road conditions: good on all main routes. The rains of October-November have cleared and tracks are firm.
Gorilla Trekking in January
- Forest conditions: very good. Dry trails relative to the rainy season.
- Permit availability: significantly better than June-September. January permits can sometimes be booked 4-6 weeks ahead rather than months ahead.
- Photography: clear light and dry forest conditions make January one of the better months for gorilla photography.
Why January Is Good Value
- Many Kigali hotels offer lower January rates after the Christmas and New Year peak
- Musanze lodges have better availability and sometimes discounted rates
- Akagera and Nyungwe lodges are not full -- walk-in availability often possible
- Car rental availability is excellent -- our widest fleet availability is typically January-March
What Is Particularly Good in January
- Birdwatching: migratory birds are present and the post-rain vegetation is lush
- Lake Kivu: calm water, warm temperatures, excellent for swimming and kayaking
- Kigali city: less busy than conference season, restaurants and hotels more relaxed
- Nyungwe Forest: the wet season has made everything intensely green -- beautiful photography
What to Watch For in January
- Early January (first week): some lingering rain possible from December wet period
- Some mountain dirt tracks (Twin Lakes, Nyungwe trailheads) still wet from November-December -- 4x4 recommended
January is an excellent Rwanda travel month for value-conscious visitors who have done their research. Book your gorilla permit first, then your car and accommodation will fall into place easily.
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-> Browse our full fleet -- good January availability
