Last updated: August 31, 2025
In January, Kigali, Rwanda experiences a vibrant climate characterized by maximum temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F) and an average of 21°C (69°F). The month sees minimum temperatures dipping to 13°C (56°F), providing a pleasant range for both day and night activities. With precipitation totaling 79 mm (3.1 in) over 14 days, the city enjoys a lush landscape, nurtured by high humidity levels at 84%. This combination of warm temperatures and intermittent rain makes January an enchanting time to explore Kigali's natural beauty and cultural richness.
In Kigali, Rwanda, January brings a delightful tropical climate, showcasing temperatures that range from a mild 13°C (56°F) at night to a balmy 30°C (86°F) during the day. The average temperature hovers around 21°C (69°F), making it a comfortable time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Notably, the trend in January is consistent with the months that follow; February maintains similar temperatures, while March sees a slight dip in both average and maximum temperatures. As the months progress into April and May, the slight cooling continues, yet the climate remains pleasant. Throughout the year, temperatures generally fluctuate within a narrow range, indicating Kigali's stable tropical climate, perfect for visitors looking to experience the city's vibrant culture amidst comfortable warmth.
In January, Kigali experiences a moderate precipitation level of 79 mm (3.1 in), spread over approximately 14 rainy days. This sets the tone for the month, as the city transitions from the dry season of December into a wetter climate. As the year unfolds, precipitation trends upward, peaking in April with a significant 173 mm (6.8 in) over 26 days of rain. The initial deluge gives way to a much drier June and July, which see a sharp dip in rainfall, with only 14 mm (0.5 in) and 5 mm (0.2 in) respectively. Interestingly, the pattern resumes by August, indicating a seasonal ebb and flow that culminates in the increased rainfall of the later months. Throughout this cycle, January acts as a gentle precursor, hinting at the lush, vibrant landscape that follows as Kigali embraces its dynamic weather.
In January, Kigali experiences a high humidity level of 84%, setting the tone for a month that feels lush and vibrant. As the year progresses into February, humidity dips slightly to 82%, but the air remains comfortably moist. The trend continues with March seeing a further decrease to 78%, hinting at a gradual transition towards the drier months ahead. However, April welcomes a slight resurgence in humidity to 81%, while May peaks at an even higher 87%, emphasizing the region's wet season. As the dry period approaches, June and July show a notable decline, with humidity levels dropping to 78% and 70%, respectively. The trend stabilizes into late summer, with August and September bringing in even lower levels of 66% and 70%. The humidity levels then rise again in the final quarter, culminating in November and December, where they soar to 91% and 92%, enveloping Kigali in a warm, moist embrace as the year draws to a close. Overall, January marks the beginning of a dynamic humidity cycle, reflecting the region’s diverse climatic character.
In January, Kigali experiences a staggering UV Index of 15, categorizing the exposure as extreme, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This high level of UV radiation marks the beginning of the year when sun protection is crucial, a trend that continues into February and March, where the UV Index peaks at 16. As the months progress, although the UV Index slightly decreases, it remains in the extreme category through April and May, signaling the need for vigilant sun safety practices. From June to August, there’s a minor dip to 12 and 13, yet the burn time remains a fleeting 10 minutes, reminding residents and visitors that the sun still poses a significant risk. As the year wraps up, similar levels persist, underscoring the importance of being UV-aware year-round in Kigali. For more detailed information, visit the Kigali UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Kigali basks in approximately 264 hours of sunshine, marking the beginning of a year filled with vibrant days under the Rwandan sun. As the months progress, the city experiences a steady increase in sunshine hours, reaching a peak of 334 hours in May, which is tantalizingly close to the mid-year. The sunny trend continues, with June through October maintaining impressive figures, all above 300 hours. Notably, the city experiences a consistent pattern of sunny weather, with slight fluctuations, ensuring that residents and visitors alike enjoy a warm and inviting climate throughout the year. As December approaches, the sunshine hours settle back to a comfortable 319, wrapping up the year on a bright note. This trend signifies not just a geographical blessing but also a lived experience that enhances the vibrancy of life in Kigali year-round.
In Kigali, Rwanda, January experiences a 25% chance of sunny weather, marking it as one of the cooler months for sunshine compared to others. As the year progresses, the likelihood of sunny days tends to rise, peaking in August with an impressive 45% chance. This trend suggests that while January might not be the sunniest month, it serves as a gateway to a gradual increase in pleasant weather as the dry season approaches. With June and July also showcasing 37% chances, it seems that those seeking more sun should plan their visits for mid-year when the skies are clearer and more inviting.
In Kigali, Rwanda, January marks the start of a unique rhythm in daylight that continues unwaveringly throughout the year. With a consistent 12 hours of daylight each day, the city enjoys a balanced illumination that fosters vibrant morning activities and lively evening gatherings. This remarkable stability is emblematic of the region's equatorial climate, where day and night remain almost equal in duration across the months. Whether basking in the sun's warmth or savoring the coolness of twilight, residents and visitors alike can relish the predictability and beauty of each day, making Kigali an enchanting destination year-round.
In January, Kigali enjoys a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 1.3 m/s (3 mph), creating a pleasant ambiance as the city embraces the new year. This tranquil wind persists into February, maintaining the same speed, before gradually picking up to 1.4 m/s (3 mph) in March through May. As the months progress into the dry season, the winds become slightly more robust, reaching 1.6 m/s (4 mph) in June and further enhancing to 1.8 m/s (4 mph) in July, reflecting a subtle but noticeable increase. August sees a slight dip, reverting to 1.6 m/s, while September and October bring a gentle return to 1.7 m/s and 1.6 m/s, respectively. By November and December, the winds mellow once more, tapering back down to 1.6 m/s and returning to January’s calm starting point of 1.3 m/s. This evolving wind pattern encapsulates Kigali's transition from the rainy season to the sun-drenched savannahs, blending nature's rhythm with the city's vibrant energy.
Weather in Kigali varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Kigali, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February experience similar temperature ranges in Kigali, with both months displaying minimum temperatures of 13°C (56°F), average temperatures of 21°C (69°F), and maximum temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F). However, February sees a slight increase in precipitation, averaging 87 mm (3.4 in) over 17 days compared to January’s 79 mm (3.1 in) over 14 days. The humidity is also slightly lower in February at 82%, compared to January’s 84%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Kigali weather in February.
In January, the weather in Kigali is characterized by temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), with an average temperature of 21°C (69°F). The month experiences 79 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation over about 14 days and a relatively high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, March sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), while the average remains similar at 20°C (69°F). However, March has significantly higher precipitation at 138 mm (5.4 in) over 23 days and lower humidity at 78%. For more details on March's weather, visit Kigali weather in March.
In January, the weather in Kigali boasts an average temperature of 21°C (69°F), with highs reaching up to 30°C (86°F) and lows around 13°C (56°F). This month experiences moderate rainfall, totaling 79 mm (3.1 in) over approximately 14 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, April sees slightly cooler average temperatures at 20°C (68°F), with maximum temperatures of 28°C (83°F) and the same minimum of 13°C (56°F). However, April is characterized by significantly increased precipitation, amounting to 173 mm (6.8 in) spread over 26 days, and a slightly lower humidity of 81%. For a more detailed look at the weather conditions during this month, you can visit Kigali weather in April.
In January, the weather in Kigali is characterized by a warm climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F). The average temperature settles around 21°C (69°F), accompanied by 79 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation distributed over 14 days, resulting in a relatively high humidity level of 84%.
In contrast, May brings slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (55°F) and a maximum of 28°C (82°F), and an average temperature of 20°C (69°F). However, May experiences more rainfall, totaling 112 mm (4.4 in) over 20 days, which contributes to an increase in humidity to 87%. Despite the subtler temperature drop, the wetter conditions in May can make it feel more humid. For more insights on the weather, check out Kigali weather in May.
In January, the weather showcases warmer temperatures with a minimum of 13°C (56°F), an average of 21°C (69°F), and a maximum reaching up to 30°C (86°F). This month also experiences significant rainfall, totaling 79 mm (3.1 in) over approximately 14 days, accompanied by higher humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, June offers a slightly cooler climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to an average of 21°C (70°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F). Rainfall in June is considerably lower, with only 14 mm (0.5 in) over just one day, and the humidity drops slightly to 78%. For more detailed insights, check out Kigali weather in June.
In January, the weather in Kigali is characterized by warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F), averaging around 21°C (69°F). This month also sees considerable rainfall, with about 79 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation over 14 days and high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, July experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), maintaining a similar average of 21°C (70°F). Remarkably, July has very little precipitation, only about 5 mm (0.2 in), with no rainy days and lower humidity at 70%. For a more detailed look at the weather in July, you can visit Kigali weather in July.
In January, the weather typically features a minimum temperature of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 21°C (69°F), with a maximum reaching up to 30°C (86°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, averaging 79 mm (3.1 in) over 14 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, August offers slightly warmer conditions, with an average temperature of 22°C (71°F) and a maximum of 31°C (89°F), while maintaining the same minimum temperature of 13°C (56°F). Notably, August sees much less precipitation at 41 mm (1.6 in) over only 6 days, along with lower humidity at 66%. For more details, check out Kigali weather in August.
In January, the weather showcases a warm summer vibe with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, with 79 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation spread over 14 days, contributing to a notably high humidity level of 84%.
Conversely, September offers slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures peaking at 31°C (87°F) and averaging around 21°C (70°F). Precipitation decreases to 67 mm (2.6 in) over just 10 days, resulting in lower humidity at 70%. For a detailed overview, check out Kigali weather in September.
In comparing the weather between January and October, both months experience similar minimum temperatures, around 13°C (55-56°F), but October has a slightly cooler average and maximum temperature, with averages at 20°C (69°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), compared to January's averages of 21°C (69°F) and maximum of 30°C (86°F). Precipitation is notably higher in October, with 129 mm (5.1 in) over 19 days, contrasted with January’s 79 mm (3.1 in) spread across 14 days, indicating a wetter month. Humidity levels remain relatively close, at 84% in January and 83% in October, making both months feel quite humid. For more details on October's weather, you can refer to Kigali weather in October.
In January, temperatures in Kigali range from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), with an average temperature of 21°C (69°F). The month experiences about 79 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation over 14 days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 84%. In contrast, November sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (55°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging 20°C (68°F). However, November is wetter, receiving 128 mm (5.0 in) of rainfall over 22 days, and humidity is higher at 91%. For a more detailed look at the weather in November, you can check Kigali weather in November.
When comparing the weather in January and December, both months maintain a similar minimum temperature of 13°C (56°F), indicating consistent nighttime warmth. However, January features an average temperature of 21°C (69°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F), slightly warmer than December’s averages of 20°C (69°F) and a max of 28°C (83°F). Precipitation levels are higher in December, with 104 mm (4.1 in) over 19 days compared to January's 79 mm (3.1 in) across 14 days, suggesting a wetter month. Additionally, humidity is notably higher in December at 92%, compared to 84% in January, which can affect overall comfort levels. For more detailed insights, check Kigali weather in December.
January in Kigali is characterized by a warm and humid climate, setting it apart from the cooler months preceding it. With maximum temperatures reaching a comfortable 30°C and an average of 21°C, it offers a pleasant escape into the New Year. However, expect frequent showers, as precipitation occurs on about half the days of the month, contributing to a humidity level of 84%. This blend of warmth and moisture creates a lush environment, making January a vibrant time to experience the city’s natural beauty. For a deeper dive into the city's climate patterns throughout the year, visit Kigali Climate.