If you’re planning a trip to Kigali at Christmas, you’ll get warm days, mild nights, and a festive vibe—no wild weather swings to worry about.
Around Christmas, Kigali’s average temperature hovers near 22°C (72°F). Daytime highs usually reach about 27°C (81°F), while nights cool off to around 16°C (61°F).
Rain falls pretty often in December, but showers tend to be short—no endless downpours.
You’ll likely see about two weeks of rainy days through the month, but the sun still breaks through plenty.
Humidity runs high, which keeps the air warm but never stifling, thanks to Kigali’s altitude.
Outdoor activities are totally doable, though you might want a backup plan in case of a sudden shower.
This blend of weather makes for a pretty memorable holiday.
You can wander Kigali’s lively streets and nearby hills without dealing with the heavy April rains or the bone-dry, dusty air of July.
Christmas lands in a sweet spot—warm, green, and buzzing with energy.
Typical Weather Conditions in Kigali During Christmas
Expect mild warmth during the day, cooler nights, and frequent but manageable rain in December.
The high humidity can make the air feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
In December, Kigali stays warm in the daytime and cools off at night.
Daytime highs usually hit 25–28°C (77–82°F), which feels great for being outdoors.
Nights drop to about 13–15°C (56–59°F), so tossing a light sweater or jacket in your bag is smart.
This balance—warm days and cool nights—comes from the city’s elevation, about 1,567 meters (5,141 feet) above sea level.
The altitude keeps things moderate, way more comfortable than you might expect for a city so close to the equator.
You won’t see wild temperature swings, so you can plan sightseeing or evening outings without worrying about weather throwing a wrench in your plans.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December is one of the wetter months in Kigali.
You should expect frequent rainfall, but showers usually come and go quickly.
Rainfall averages 80 mm to 120 mm for the month, spread over several days.
Showers often roll in during the afternoon or evening.
Some roads might get muddy, but the city usually handles rain without much fuss.
If you’re heading out, grab an umbrella or a light rain jacket—just in case.
Even with the rain, you’ll get plenty of sunny spells, so it’s not a total washout for travelers.
Humidity Levels in December
Humidity stays high in Kigali during December, averaging close to 90%.
This makes the air feel warmer and heavier than the numbers alone suggest.
All that moisture keeps the landscape lush and green, but you might feel sticky if you’re outside for long stretches.
To stay comfortable, stick with light, breathable clothes and drink water often.
Most hotels and restaurants have good ventilation, so you can step inside for a break from the humidity.
High humidity is just part of the December package in Kigali, so it’s good to be ready for it.
Daily Weather Patterns Around Christmas
Around Christmas, afternoons in Kigali are warm, nights cool off, and you’ll see a mix of clouds and some rain.
The weather forecast usually shows stable highs and mild lows, with only minor changes day to day.
Daytime Weather and Sunshine Hours
During the day, temps tend to reach the upper 70s °F (about 25–27°C).
It rarely gets hotter than the low 80s °F, so you can enjoy being outside without roasting.
The air does feel humid, but you probably won’t run into oppressive heat.
Clouds are common in December, and skies often look overcast or mostly cloudy.
Still, you’ll catch some sun, especially late morning or early afternoon.
Rain showers can pop up on many days, but the chance of rain drops a bit as Christmas gets closer.
Rainfall averages about 2–3 inches for the month, and it’s usually in short bursts rather than long storms.
Daylight is steady—just over 12 hours a day.
Sunrise comes around 5:50–5:55 AM, and sunset is close to 6:00 PM.
This gives you a solid window for sightseeing and outdoor plans.
Nighttime Weather and Cooling Trends
At night, temps dip to the lower 60s °F (about 16–18°C).
You’ll notice the cool-down, but it’s not chilly—maybe just sweater weather if you’re out late.
Humidity sticks around, but it usually doesn’t feel uncomfortable.
Only about 7% of nights get muggy.
Clouds linger overnight, and skies stay partly to mostly cloudy.
Rain can fall at night, though it’s less common than in the afternoons.
Winds stay light, averaging about 4–5 mph, usually coming from the east.
The calm air makes evenings nice for walking or grabbing dinner outside—no strong breezes to worry about.
Sunshine, UV Index, and Daylight Hours
In late December, Kigali gives you steady sunshine, not much change in daylight, and a UV index that’s worth paying attention to if you’re out and about.
These factors really shape how your days feel—and how you plan outdoor activities.
Average Sunshine Duration
Kigali’s tropical highland climate brings a mix of sun and clouds around Christmas.
On average, you’ll see 5 to 6 hours of direct sunshine per day in December.
That’s less than you’d get in June or July, but it’s still enough for sightseeing or outdoor fun.
Rain is lighter than in April or November, but scattered showers can cut down on the sun.
Luckily, those showers usually pass quickly and the skies brighten up again.
Just to give you an idea:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day |
|---|---|
| June | 7–8 hours |
| December | 5–6 hours |
So even during the holidays, you’ll get several bright stretches every day.
UV Index and Sun Protection
Kigali’s UV index stays high to very high all year because of its spot near the equator and its elevation—about 1,560 meters.
In December, the UV index often lands between 8 and 10 at midday if the skies are clear.
That’s strong enough to burn skin in under 20 minutes if you’re not careful.
You’ll want to use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), toss on a hat, and wear sunglasses with UV protection.
Some practical tips:
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if you’re outside
- Find shade during peak sun (10 a.m.–3 p.m.)
- Wear lightweight, long sleeves
Even on cloudy days, UV rays get through. It’s worth taking precautions so you can actually enjoy the weather.
Length of Daylight
Daylight in Kigali barely changes because it’s close to the equator.
Around Christmas, you get about 12 hours of daylight daily, with sunrise near 6:00 a.m. and sunset close to 6:15 p.m.
The difference between the longest and shortest days is only about 13 minutes.
That makes planning easy—no need to worry about shifting daylight hours.
Evenings cool off fast after sunset, so if you’re out late, a light jacket is smart.
The steady daylight helps give Kigali’s climate a reliable, easygoing rhythm.
Comparing December Weather to Other Months
Kigali’s climate stays warm year-round, but rainfall and daily temps do shift with the seasons.
December brings more rain than the dry middle months, but temperatures hang out in a comfortable zone.
Temperature Trends Throughout the Year
Kigali’s temperature doesn’t change much month to month.
In December, you’ll see highs around 25–26°C (77–79°F) and lows near 15–16°C (59–61°F).
February is usually the warmest, with highs about 27–28°C (81–82°F).
July nights are the coolest, dipping to around 13–14°C (55–57°F).
Even with these changes, you rarely get extreme heat or cold.
The higher elevation helps keep things milder than most tropical cities.
Even during warmer months, nights cool off enough for comfortable sleep—no air conditioning needed.
Here’s a quick look at average temps:
| Month | Avg High °C | Avg Low °C |
|---|---|---|
| Feb | 27–28 | 15–16 |
| Jun | 25 | 13–14 |
| Dec | 25–26 | 15–16 |
Rainfall and Humidity Comparison
Temps might not bounce around much, but rainfall definitely does.
December averages 100–110 mm of rain, spread over 16–20 days—so it’s one of the wetter months.
April usually brings the most rain, sometimes over 150 mm, while the driest stretch is from June to August (often below 30–40 mm).
During the dry months, skies clear up and humidity drops, so you’ll get more sunshine.
Humidity climbs during rainy months—often above 85–90%—but feels lighter in the drier stretch.
If you visit in December, pack for frequent showers but expect sunny breaks too.
Rain usually comes in short bursts, not all-day storms, so you can still get outside.
Impact of Christmas Weather on Travel and Activities
December in Kigali brings mild, comfortable weather, with daytime temps between 17°C and 26°C.
Light rain is possible but rarely ruins plans.
You get a reliable setup for exploring the city or heading out on short trips.
Best Outdoor Activities for December
The steady climate makes it easy to enjoy all sorts of outdoor stuff—no need to worry about extreme heat or cold.
Hiking Mount Kigali gives you sweeping city views.
Nyandungu Eco Park offers shady walking trails and good picnic spots.
Wildlife tours are also a hit this time of year.
A day trip to Akagera National Park means you might spot elephants, giraffes, and antelopes in comfortable weather.
If you want something quieter, head to Lake Kivu for swimming, boat rides, or just relaxing by the water.
Markets and cultural centers keep buzzing in December.
You can browse crafts at Kimironko Market or catch a seasonal concert at the Kigali Cultural Village.
With the weather so pleasant, these activities work for families, solo travelers, or groups.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Flights from Lagos and other big cities fill up fast around the holidays.
Book early to get better prices and avoid last-minute hassle.
A 5-hour flight from West Africa lands you right at Kigali International Airport.
Bring a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings, and comfy walking shoes—lots of attractions involve strolling or short hikes.
For getting around, moto-taxis are cheap, but ride-hailing apps offer convenience.
Keep some Rwandan Francs (RWF) handy, even though US dollars and mobile payments work in many places.
Check the weather forecast before heading out, just in case you need to dodge a passing shower.
Kigali’s Unique Climate Features
Kigali’s weather usually feels steady and predictable, probably thanks to its high elevation and tropical location. Temperatures almost never swing to extremes. Still, the rainfall changes with the seasons, and that really shapes how you experience the city throughout the year.
Elevation and Its Influence on Weather
Kigali sits at about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level. That elevation really shapes its climate.
At this height, the air stays cooler than in a lot of other tropical places. Daytime highs usually land between 25°C and 27°C (77°F–81°F) for most of the year.
Nights feel mild, with lows around 15°C to 16°C (59°F–61°F). Evenings stay comfortable, and you won’t find the heavy humidity you get in lower-altitude Rwandan cities.
The elevation keeps temperature swings in check, so you almost never have to deal with sudden heat waves or cold snaps.
Kigali’s higher terrain affects rainfall, too. Moist air rises over the city’s hills and brings frequent showers, especially during the wet seasons.
That steady rain keeps the city lush and green, and it helps support farming in the areas around Kigali.
Tropical Climate Characteristics
Kigali sits in the tropical savanna climate (Aw) zone according to the Köppen system. You’ll notice a pretty obvious split between rainy and dry months, but temperatures don’t really budge much.
Rain comes down hardest from March to May and again from October to November. June to August usually feels much drier.
On average, the city gets about 1,000 mm (39 inches) of rain each year. April tends to bring the most, sometimes over 150 mm (6 inches), but July might only get 10–20 mm (0.4–0.8 inches).
Even with the seasons changing, daylight barely shifts—there’s almost always about 12 hours per day. You’ll see between 5 and 7 hours of sunshine daily, with clearer skies when it’s dry.
The UV index stays high all year, so honestly, grabbing some sun protection is a good idea no matter when you visit.