Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate, earning its nickname as the land of a thousand hills and eternal spring. Kigali at 1,567m averages 16-27°C year-round, with the long rains from March to May and short rains from October to November. Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking is possible year-round, with the driest months (June to September and December to February) offering the best trail conditions. Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking follows the same pattern: easier hiking in the dry months. Lake Kivu is pleasant year-round at 1,460m elevation, with Gisenyi and Kibuye offering lakeside relaxation with temperatures of 18-26°C.
