Kigali in December

In December, Kigali averages 26°C (79°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 25 days of the month see precipitation (95 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December offers comfortable temperatures in Kigali, with some rain to plan around.

26°C
Avg high
15°C
Avg low
25
Rain days
95 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Kigali

9th
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
11%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
12 h 14 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Kigali (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. December runs roughly the same as November (26°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (27°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Kigali

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:47 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:01 PM
Day length
12 h 14 min

Times shown for Kigali local time (Africa/Kigali), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Kigali — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Kigali's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:47 AM – 5:27 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:27 AM – 6:27 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:21 PM – 6:21 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:21 PM – 7:01 PM

📅 When to book — Kigali in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Kigali's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Kigali

High season

This is a busy month in Kigali — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Kigali

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.9
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Kigali in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 27°C / 80°F 15°C / 60°F 62 mm 23
February 27°C / 81°F 16°C / 60°F 72 mm 23
March 26°C / 80°F 16°C / 60°F 99 mm 28
April 25°C / 77°F 16°C / 60°F 128 mm 29
May 25°C / 77°F 16°C / 60°F 55 mm 22
June 26°C / 79°F 15°C / 59°F 10 mm 7
July 27°C / 80°F 15°C / 60°F 5 mm 4
August 28°C / 82°F 16°C / 61°F 29 mm 10
September 27°C / 81°F 16°C / 60°F 54 mm 20
October 27°C / 81°F 16°C / 60°F 115 mm 25
November 26°C / 78°F 15°C / 59°F 112 mm 28
December 26°C / 79°F 15°C / 59°F 95 mm 25

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kigali in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Kigali in December?

In December, Kigali averages a high of 26°C (79°F) and a low of 15°C (59°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Kigali in December?

December is quite rainy in Kigali, with about 25 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Kigali?

December is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Kigali in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Kigali for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Kigali on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.