Rwanda in January is one of the best times of year for gorilla trekking. It is the short dry season, so trails are firmer, Kigali averages about 76 mm of rain against 102 mm in December, and gorilla permits still fall inside the 30% low-season discount that the Rwanda Development Board runs from November to May.
The catch is that plenty of travellers know this. Permits and lodges for Rwanda in January go early, and the discount only works with the right extra nights. Below are the weather in numbers, each park this month, checked fees, cost estimates and a seven-day route that qualifies for the cheaper permit.
Photo by Mike Arney on Unsplash
Quick Facts
- Season: short dry season, between the short rains (roughly October to mid-December) and the long rains (March to May)
- Kigali weather: about 26°C by day and 13°C at night, around 76 mm of rain and roughly 5 hours of sunshine a day (long-term averages)
- Gorilla permit: US$1,500, or US$1,050 with the 30% low-season discount (checked October 2026)
- Discount condition: two nights in Akagera or Nyungwe with a paid activity, or one night in each on consecutive nights
- Public holidays: 1 and 2 January (New Year) and 1 February (National Heroes’ Day)
- Booking window: reserve permits and Volcanoes lodges three to six months ahead for January
- Best for: gorilla treks on drier trails, Akagera game drives and a quieter Lake Kivu
What Is the Weather Like in Rwanda in January?
The weather in Rwanda in January is warm, fairly dry and fresh at altitude. Kigali’s long-term averages are 26°C highs and 13°C lows, about 76 mm of rain spread over around 17 days with some rain, and five hours of sunshine a day, according to Weather2Travel’s climate tables.
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Photo by Protais Benjamin MUGENZI on Unsplash
Those 17 “rain days” are mostly a passing shower or a short afternoon storm, not grey drizzle. Rwanda sits just south of the equator, so temperatures barely change and rainfall shapes the seasons. Rwanda in January is the low point between two wet spells: the hills are still green, but the red-earth roads dry quickly.
| Month (Kigali) | Rainfall | Days with some rain | Day / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | about 102 mm | 20 | 25°C / 13°C |
| January | about 76 mm | 17 | 26°C / 13°C |
| February | about 102 mm | 17 | 26°C / 13°C |
| March | about 117 mm | 20 | 26°C / 13°C |
The table shows why Rwanda in January stands out: it is the driest month of the first quarter, with February wetter and March heading into the long rains.
How cold does it get in the Virunga foothills?
The lodges around Kinigi and Musanze sit far higher than Kigali, so nights in Rwanda in January feel cool there. Expect a fleece at the early briefing, a fire after dinner and a warm middle of the day. Layers matter more than a heavy coat.
Is January a Good Month for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
Yes. Rwanda in January is one of the strongest times for gorilla trekking because the volcano trails are drier and less slippery than in the short rains, while permits still qualify for the low-season discount. The gorillas are found just as reliably in any month.
Photo by Paula Robinson on Unsplash
Treks in Volcanoes National Park begin with an early briefing at the Kinigi park headquarters, roughly two and a half hours’ drive from Kigali. Groups of up to eight visitors are assigned to a habituated family, and you spend one hour with the gorillas. The walk in takes under an hour or several hours, depending on where the family moved overnight. Our guide to how hard gorilla trekking really is explains how fitness, altitude and group allocation affect the day.
Trail conditions for gorilla trekking in Rwanda in January
Drier does not mean dusty. The undergrowth holds moisture, and one afternoon storm can turn the farmland approach to mud for the next morning. Waterproof boots, gaiters and gardening gloves remain the right kit for Rwanda in January, and our gorilla trekking packing list covers the rest. A porter, paid directly, makes the steep sections easier and supports families beside the park.
Golden monkeys and Mount Bisoke
Firmer ground in Rwanda in January helps the other walks too. Golden monkey trekking in the bamboo zone is gentler than a gorilla trek; the permit is US$100 for foreign adults (checked October 2026), and our golden monkey trekking guide explains the day. Fitter walkers add the full-day climb to Mount Bisoke’s crater lake, far nicer without heavy rain.
How Much Are Gorilla Permits in January, and Does the Discount Apply?
A gorilla permit for Rwanda in January costs US$1,500 per foreign visitor at the standard rate, or US$1,050 with Rwanda’s 30% low-season discount (checked October 2026). The Rwanda Development Board lists the discount as running from November to May, so trips to Rwanda in January are eligible if you meet the extra-nights condition.
According to the Rwanda Development Board’s low-season discount page, you qualify with two nights in Akagera or Nyungwe National Park, backed by a hotel payment receipt and one paid activity, or with one night in each park on consecutive nights. Each two-night stay unlocks one discounted permit per person, and a missed trek date means the permit expires. Confirm the terms when you book.
| Fee | Price per foreign adult | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla permit (standard) | US$1,500 | Volcanoes National Park, one hour with the gorillas |
| Gorilla permit (low-season discount) | US$1,050 | Needs a qualifying Akagera or Nyungwe stay |
| Golden monkey permit | US$100 | Minimum age 12 |
| Akagera entry (1 day or night) | US$100 | Boat trip from US$35, night drive US$40 |
| Nyungwe entry (1 night) | US$100 | US$150 for 2 nights; chimp tracking US$150, canopy walk US$40 |
The Akagera figures come from African Parks’ 2025 price list and the Nyungwe figures from the park’s 2025-2026 pricing scheme, both checked October 2026. Our full Rwanda gorilla permit guide covers booking, rescheduling and resident rates. Residents note: RDB’s promotional resident rates announced in January 2026 run to 31 December 2026, so check whether they cover Rwanda in January 2027.
What does a week in Rwanda in January cost?
These estimates are per person for seven days, sharing a private vehicle between two, with one discounted gorilla permit. They come from the fees above and typical published lodge rate bands, not Divulge package prices. Rwanda in January sits at the busy end of the low season, so book early.
| Travel style | Estimated total per person | Where you sleep |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | US$2,500-3,500 | Guesthouses and simple lodges |
| Mid-range | US$4,000-6,000 | Comfortable lodges close to each park |
| Luxury | US$9,000 and up | High-end lodges with activities included |
Secure a January gorilla permit before they run out
Tell us your dates and we will check permit availability, then build a Rwanda route with the Akagera or Nyungwe nights that unlock the low-season rate.
Akagera, Nyungwe and Lake Kivu This Month
Akagera, Nyungwe and Lake Kivu all reward a visit to Rwanda in January, and the first two count towards the permit discount. Akagera adds savannah, Nyungwe adds chimpanzees and Lake Kivu adds a slow day by the water.
Photo: Divulge Adventures
Akagera National Park
Akagera is Rwanda’s savannah park in the east, about two and a half to three hours by road from Kigali, and the only place in the country to see lion, rhino, elephant, giraffe and zebra. Drier weather makes game drives in Rwanda in January more comfortable than in the short rains, and the boat trip and night drive are both worth booking. Our six-day Rwanda gorilla trekking and Akagera wildlife safari spends two nights in the park, which meets the discount condition.
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe is a high mountain rainforest in the south-west, usually a five to six hour drive from Kigali. Chimpanzee tracking starts before dawn, and the canopy walkway gives you a view across the treetops. Nyungwe is wet in most months, so January changes it less than other parks. The two-day Nyungwe chimpanzee trek and canopy walk is the simplest way to fit it in.
Photo: Divulge Adventures
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu runs along Rwanda’s western border, and lakeside towns such as Rubavu and Karongi make an easy rest stop after the volcanoes, with kayaking and island boat trips. It does not count towards the discount, but a calm afternoon there is a fine reward after early starts.
Photo: Divulge Adventures
What Changes Around New Year, Heroes’ Day and Umuganda?
Three dates shape Rwanda in January: the New Year holidays on 1 and 2 January, National Heroes’ Day on 1 February, and Umuganda, the community work morning on the last Saturday of every month. None stops you trekking, but each affects planning.
New Year week is the busiest stretch, as the festive rush carries on from late December. From the second week of January, lodges are noticeably calmer. Umuganda falls on 30 January in 2027; most services stay closed until about midday, so avoid planning a long transfer for that morning.
Which Seven-Day Route Works Best?
The best route for Rwanda in January combines two nights in Akagera, which unlock the discounted permit, with three nights near Volcanoes National Park. You see the savannah first, trek gorillas once you have settled in, and finish with an easy day.
| Day | Plan | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Kigali, short city tour if time allows | Kigali |
| Day 2 | Drive to Akagera, afternoon boat trip | Akagera |
| Day 3 | Full day of game drives, optional night drive | Akagera |
| Day 4 | Long road day back through Kigali to the Musanze area | Volcanoes area |
| Day 5 | Gorilla trek with the discounted permit | Volcanoes area |
| Day 6 | Golden monkeys or a Bisoke climb, or a second gorilla trek | Volcanoes area |
| Day 7 | Drive to Kigali (about 2.5 hours) for your flight | Departure |
With more time, add two nights in Nyungwe and a night on Lake Kivu. A second discounted permit needs a second qualifying stay, so two nights in Akagera plus two in Nyungwe can cover two treks. Our Rwanda gorilla trek page shows the trips we run, which we tailor to your dates for Rwanda in January.
Insider Tips
- Book in this order: gorilla permit first, then the Volcanoes lodge, then Akagera or Nyungwe nights
- Keep the receipts: the low-season discount needs proof of your Akagera or Nyungwe hotel payment
- Avoid New Year week if you can: mid to late January is calmer and easier to book
- Plan around Umuganda: no long transfers on the last Saturday morning of the month
- Pack for two climates: sun cream for Akagera, a fleece and rain jacket for the volcanoes
- Check your visa: Commonwealth citizens get a free 30-day visa on arrival; many other nationalities pay at the airport
Visas, Health and Getting In
Most visitors get a visa on arrival in Kigali. According to GOV.UK’s Rwanda entry requirements, Commonwealth citizens get a free 30-day visa on arrival, passports need six months’ validity, and arrivals from yellow fever risk countries need a certificate (checked October 2026).
Many other nationalities, including US citizens and several EU countries, currently pay US$50 for a 30-day visa on arrival (checked October 2026). If you plan to combine Rwanda with Kenya or Uganda, the East Africa Tourist Visa may save money. Confirm visa rules before you fly. If you are torn between this month and the end of the short rains, our guide to Rwanda in December sets out the trade-offs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is January a good time to visit Rwanda?
Rwanda in January is one of the best times to visit. It is the short dry season, so gorilla trails are firmer than in November or December and Kigali averages about 76 mm of rain. Permits still qualify for the 30% low-season discount if you add qualifying nights in Akagera or Nyungwe.
Does it rain in Rwanda in January?
Rwanda in January does get some rain, but it is one of the drier months of the year. Kigali averages around 76 mm across roughly 17 days with some rain, usually as short showers or afternoon storms rather than all-day downpours. The volcano slopes can still be muddy after a storm, so waterproof boots and a rain jacket remain essential.
How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda in January?
A gorilla permit for Rwanda in January costs US$1,500 per foreign visitor, or US$1,050 with the 30% low-season discount (checked October 2026). To get the discount you need two nights in Akagera or Nyungwe with a paid activity, or one night in each on consecutive nights. Permits are limited, so January dates should be booked months ahead.
Is Rwanda busy in January?
Rwanda in January is busiest early in the month, especially over the New Year holidays on 1 and 2 January, when the festive rush from December carries on. From around the second week the parks and lodges are calmer, although January remains a popular month for gorilla trekking because of the drier weather. Book gorilla permits and lodges three to six months ahead.
What should I pack for Rwanda in January?
Pack for warm days and cool mornings. For Rwanda in January you need light layers for Kigali and Akagera, a fleece and waterproof jacket for Volcanoes National Park, waterproof hiking boots with good grip, gaiters, gardening gloves for nettles, a hat, sun cream and insect repellent. A small daypack with a rain cover is useful on every trek.
Final Thoughts
Rwanda in January offers the rare combination of drier gorilla trails and a discounted permit, as long as you plan the Akagera or Nyungwe nights that unlock it and book well ahead of the New Year rush. Mid to late January is the sweet spot for most travellers.
If you want us to check permit dates and build the route around them, send us your travel window and we will come back with a clear plan and quote.
Wondering if January permits are still open for your dates?
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