When you think of winter, you might imagine icy winds and heavy snow, but Kigali feels nothing like that. The city sits close to the equator and keeps a steady, warm climate even in winter. You’ll find mild days with highs around 78–81°F (25–27°C), while nights cool down to about 61–63°F (16–17°C).
Winter in Kigali brings a change in rainfall patterns. From June through August, the city shifts into its drier season, so you get more clear skies and fewer wet days than in the wetter months.
This makes winter a great time to be outside, whether you’re hiking in the hills or exploring the city’s neighborhoods.
Cloud cover and sunshine hours also shape the winter vibe. You’ll spot brighter skies and longer stretches without heavy clouds, especially in July and August.
This mix of warmth, less rain, and clear skies gives Kigali’s winter climate a pleasant and reliable feel.
Overview of Kigali’s Winter Climate
Kigali’s winter stays warm and mild. Daytime highs hover around 80°F, and nights drop near 62°F.
Rainfall is light, and skies often clear up as the season goes on. You get steady daylight hours and comfortable weather that makes it easy to plan outdoor activities.
Winter Months in Kigali
Winter in Kigali runs from June through August. Temperatures stay stable, with highs usually between 75–82°F (24–28°C) and lows between 58–65°F (14–18°C).
July feels the coolest, with average lows near 61°F. August warms up a bit, especially during the day, with highs around 82°F.
Nights cool down, but you’ll almost never need heavy clothing.
Rain barely shows up, especially in early July. The odds of a wet day are lowest at the start of the season, around 5%, and climb a bit by late August to about 25%.
June and July mark the driest stretch of the year.
Daylight doesn’t really change, with about 12 hours of sun each day. Sunrise and sunset only shift by a few minutes, so there’s no need to adjust your plans.
General Weather Patterns
Kigali’s winter weather stands out for its clear skies and low humidity. Cloud cover drops from about 63% in June to under 50% by August.
You’ll get plenty of sunny or partly cloudy days.
Humidity stays comfortable, and muggy days almost vanish by mid-July. Dew points remain low, so the air feels dry and pleasant.
Winds stay light to moderate, averaging 5–6 mph. They blow mostly from the south in June and July, then shift eastward in late August.
This steady breeze keeps the air fresh without ever feeling harsh.
Rainfall stays modest, averaging 1.6–2.1 inches per month. Showers are quick and scattered, and they rarely mess up your plans.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Unlike spring and fall, winter in Kigali is drier and sunnier. April can bring heavy rain with a 69% chance of wet days, but in July, that drops to nearly zero.
Temperatures stay warm all year, but winter offers the most stable conditions. You avoid the sticky humidity of rainy months, and daytime heat stays moderate compared to the hotter stretches in September or January.
Daylight hours don’t really change, so you won’t notice the seasonal shifts you might see elsewhere.
Average Winter Temperatures in Kigali
Winter in Kigali brings mild and steady weather. You’ll enjoy warm afternoons, cooler nights, and barely any day-to-day change.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Afternoon highs in winter usually reach around 80°F (27°C). Temperatures rarely go above 86°F (30°C) or drop below 75°F (24°C).
This keeps the city feeling warm but never too hot.
At night, things cool down to about 62°F (17°C). Lows hardly ever fall below 58°F (14°C), so evenings feel pleasant, not chilly.
The warmest days usually show up in late August, with highs averaging 82°F (28°C). Early July brings the coolest nights, with lows near 61°F (16°C).
The small gap between the warmest and coolest days highlights Kigali’s steady climate.
Temperature Stability and Variability
Kigali’s winter weather barely changes from day to day. Highs and lows shift just a bit, making it easy to plan your time outside.
The city sits at about 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level, which keeps temperatures moderate all year. You won’t get extreme daytime heat or freezing nights.
Humidity and wind don’t swing much either, so you avoid sudden bursts of heat or cold.
Compared to places where winter can be unpredictable, Kigali gives you warm days and mild nights you can count on.
You can pack light clothing for the day and just a sweater or jacket for evenings. Many travelers say the predictability of Kigali’s winter weather is one of its best features.
Temperature in Kigali Compared to Other Cities
Kigali’s winter feels unique, even compared to cities at similar latitudes. Génova, Colombia comes closest, with similar warm days and cool nights.
Both cities sit high up near the equator, which explains why their climates match.
Other equatorial cities without elevation get hotter days and warmer nights. Places like coastal East Africa or Southeast Asia often deal with higher humidity and stickier nights.
If you look at temperate cities outside the tropics, the difference gets even bigger. Europe or North America often sees winter temperatures drop below freezing, while Kigali stays between 61°F (16°C) and 82°F (28°C).
This balance makes Kigali’s winter climate a comfortable pick for travelers who want warmth without the extremes.
Rainfall and Precipitation During Winter
Kigali’s winter months bring less rain than the peak wet season, but showers still pop up now and then. Early and late winter feel a bit different, with rainfall totals shifting by month and affecting how many dry days you’ll get.
Average Rainfall Amounts
In winter, Kigali gets moderate rain compared to the heavy spring downpours. The city picks up 20–80 mm of rain per month this season, with July being the driest.
This drop in rainfall marks the city’s dry season. July averages just 5 mm, while June and August see a bit more, usually 20–40 mm.
These numbers make winter one of the driest times of year. If you love outdoor activities and want to dodge heavy showers, this is the time to visit.
| Month (Winter) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| June | ~25–40 mm |
| July | ~5 mm |
| August | ~20–30 mm |
Number of Rainy Days
Rain totals stay low in winter, but knowing how many rainy days to expect still helps. In Kigali, you’ll usually get 4–10 rainy days per month during winter.
July stands out as the driest month, with just about 5 rainy days on average.
June and August bring a few more, but showers are short and much lighter than in the wetter months.
Rain usually comes in quick bursts, not all-day storms, so you’ll often have long stretches of dry weather even in months with a few rainy days.
This makes winter a good time for travel and outdoor fun.
Wettest Month in Winter
Of the winter months, June is usually the wettest. It averages around 25–40 mm of rain spread over about 8–10 days.
While that’s nothing compared to April’s 140+ mm, it’s still the highest precipitation you’ll see in winter.
July dries out fast. August starts to get wetter again as the city heads toward the short rainy season.
If you’re visiting in June, expect some showers, but they’re not disruptive. Rain usually falls in the afternoon or evening, so mornings stay mostly clear.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
During winter in Kigali, you’ll notice a balance between cloudy skies and sunny breaks. The city doesn’t get dramatic shifts, but changes in clouds and daylight hours can still shape your day.
Typical Cloudiness Patterns
Cloud cover in Kigali stays pretty steady, though you’ll see more overcast skies in wetter months. Winter often brings a mix of partly cloudy and mostly cloudy days, with fewer totally clear days than during the dry season.
Mornings usually start with light clouds, which can get thicker by midday. In the afternoons, humidity rises, and clouds often build up, blocking out some sun.
Heavy storms don’t show up much in winter, but you’ll still get the odd quick shower under thick clouds. It’s a good idea to keep your plans flexible, since weather can flip quickly.
Overall, winter cloudiness in Kigali is moderate, giving you a mix of shade and sun as the day goes on.
Average Hours of Sunshine
Sunshine during Kigali’s winter isn’t as strong as in the dry season, but you still get a fair bit of daylight. On average, you’ll see 4 to 6 hours of direct sunshine per day, depending on the month.
July often brings the most sun, hitting up to 8 hours daily. In contrast, wetter months like February might only get 4 hours per day.
This means you can usually count on a few solid hours of daylight, even if mornings or afternoons are cloudy.
Travelers often find mid-morning to early afternoon is the best window for clear skies.
If you rely on sunlight for your plans, try to get outside earlier in the day when the odds of sunshine are highest.
Seasonal Changes in Sunlight
Kigali’s equatorial spot keeps daylight hours steady, usually close to 12 hours per day. What really shifts is how much sun you get, thanks to clouds and rain.
During the dry season, skies clear out and you get longer stretches of bright sun. In winter, though, clouds and the odd shower cut down the bright hours.
July usually feels sunniest, while February or April can feel dimmer with shorter bursts of light.
These patterns matter if you’re planning tours, taking photos, or farming, since sunlight affects visibility and your daily routine.
Notable Winter Months: March and Other Key Periods
March in Kigali stands out for its higher rainfall and steady temperatures, setting it apart from the drier months that follow. You’ll spot changes in rain and sunshine that mark the shift between wet and dry times of year.
Weather in March
March kicks off Kigali’s long rainy season. You’ll get frequent showers, usually spread out over the month instead of packed into a few days.
Rain often falls in the afternoon or evening, so mornings stay mostly clear. This lets you plan outdoor activities early in the day if you want to dodge the rain.
Daylight sticks close to 12 hours, so you get reliable daylight even when skies are cloudy. Sunshine drops compared to the dry months, but the city still gets several hours of light each day.
Temperature and Rainfall in March
March usually brings stable temperatures. Daytime highs hang around 26–27°C (79–81°F), and at night, it drops to about 15–16°C (59–61°F). You won’t notice big changes between day and night.
Rainfall tells a different story. It jumps up sharply in March. The city gets about 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, spread over 15 days. It’s honestly one of the wettest months out there.
| Month | Avg High °C | Avg Low °C | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb | 27.4 | 15.5 | ~70 mm | ~11 days |
| Mar | 26.9 | 16.0 | 114 mm | 15 days |
| Apr | 26.2 | 16.1 | 154 mm | 18 days |
Humidity rises in March too. Afternoons can feel warmer than the numbers suggest.
Transition to Dry and Wet Seasons
March marks a big shift in Kigali’s seasonal rhythm. The city moves away from the drier weather of January and February and heads toward the heavy rains of April.
The weather in March feels mixed. It’s not as dry as the start of the year, but it’s not as wet as what’s coming next. Farmers usually start prepping their fields now, since the rain becomes more predictable.
Travelers need to stay flexible in March. Rain shows up often, but you’ll still find dry spells, especially in the mornings. If you want to explore or go for a walk, mornings are your best bet to avoid afternoon showers.
Additional Winter Weather Factors
Kigali’s winter months bring mild temperatures and some subtle weather patterns that can really shape your plans. Wind, humidity, and even occasional fog all play their part, sometimes in ways you might not expect.
Wind Speeds and Patterns
Winds in Kigali during winter usually stay light to moderate, blowing at 6–12 km/h (4–7 mph). Most of the time, winds come from the east or southeast, thanks to all those hills around the city.
You won’t run into strong gusts very often. Breezes in the evening can feel cooler, especially when it drops to 15–16°C (59–61°F). Evenings outdoors feel pretty nice, though you might want a light jacket.
Since winds stay calm, dust isn’t much of an issue. Outdoor activities go on without much disruption. Kigali’s not like coastal cities—strong seasonal winds just aren’t a thing here, so you get pretty stable air movement all winter.
Humidity and Air Pressure
Relative humidity in Kigali during winter sits at a moderate 65–75%. This level keeps the air from getting too dry, which is a relief compared to some other highland climates.
Mornings tend to feel a bit more humid. Afternoons dry out as it warms up. If you’re sensitive to humidity, you might notice a little stickiness, but it’s rarely a big deal.
Air pressure stays steady, averaging 1015–1018 hPa. You won’t see sudden weather changes or storms popping up. That kind of consistency makes it easier to plan your day and not worry too much about surprises.
Fog and Unusual Weather Events
You won’t see fog too often in Kigali, but it can show up during early winter mornings, especially down in the valleys or lower spots. Most mornings, the sun burns it off pretty fast.
Sometimes, you might catch a bit of haze from regional dust or smoke. Honestly, that’s not as common during the cooler months.
Thunderstorms don’t really happen much in winter, so you probably won’t get caught in any sudden downpours.
Extreme cold or frost just isn’t a thing in Kigali’s winter. Thanks to the tropical highland climate, things stay mild, and winter actually feels like one of the most stable times of the year.