BEST TIME TO VISIT BURUNDI | WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO BURUNDI?

Are you wondering about the best time to visit Burundi for the exciting safari experiences you’ve always read about? This comprehensive guide will help you know the best time.

Burundi is a small country located in the heart of East Africa. It neighbours Rwanda, the democratic republic of Congo, and Tanzania. This country is best known for its rich culture, most evident in the traditional practice of drumming, often seen during a Burundi cultural tour, which allows travelers to immerse themselves in the local customs.

This charming country relies so much on its physical landscapes, which contribute much to its tropical climate, from Lake Tanganyika, one of the largest and deepest lakes in the world, where the temperatures are warm at around 23°C year-round (Jan Feb Mar Apr Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec), to the cooler temperatures of about 10 °C in the mountains.

Burundi and Rwanda share the same tropical climate, and the two countries experience similar the same seasonal rainfall patterns.

Burundi has two wet seasons, with the long one from September to November. There are also two dry seasons, the short one from December to February and the long one from June to August.

Both seasons have activities to engage in, but the right time to travel to Burundi is the drier season.

Below is the detailed information about the best time to visit Burundi.

The Short Dry Season in Burundi 

The hot season in Burundi runs from December to January. During these months, the country experiences cooler temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 23°C (73.4°F), especially at higher altitudes. There are only a few days of rainfall.

In this season, tourists on a Burundi vacation can explore some of Burundi’s landscapes since the rain received does not disrupt much of the tourist activities.

Weather in December 

December in Burundi marks the start of the short hot season. At the beginning of the month, the rains reduce as a sign of a hot season (dry) ahead.

The average amount of rainfall received this month is between 110mm and 140mm. The temperatures usually remain stable, which is not different from that of November, ranging from 20°C to 23°C. In some cities like Bujumbura, the temperatures range from 20°C to 26°C.

Among the things to do in December on a Burundi holiday are game viewing, bird watching, cultural tours for interesting cultural experiences, tasting Burundi’s local food, relaxing at beaches along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, one of the largest and deepest lakes in the world, and other interesting activities.

Book your top trip to Burundi in December for a mesmerizing safari experience.

 Weather in January in Burundi 

January is the continuation of the short hot season (dry) that is characterized by clear blue skies and less rainfall.

Burundi experiences moderate temperatures ranging from 20°C to 23°C. January conditions favor most of the tourist activities.

Things to do in January in Bujumbura include photography, game viewing, birding, game drives, city tours, cultural tours, and water sports like kayaking, among others.

January is part of the peak season, so booking your safari in advance will enable you to enjoy your Burundi safari at a relatively low price.

The long rainy season 

The long rainy season runs from February to May. In this season, the country receives heavy rain downpours of more than 100mm (3.94″) per month.  Temperatures during this season range from 17°C (62.6°F) to 20°C (68°F). The weather conditions greatly contribute to the lush green landscapes, thereby contributing to the country’s natural beauty.

Weather in February in Burundi 

February marks the beginning of the long rainy season in Burundi. As the month begins, the rainfall is not as much as compared to the one received at the peak of the wet season.

The average amount received is about 100 to 150 mm with warm temperatures of about 20 °C to 25 °C.

The rains received this month turn the great natural landscapes lush green; however, as the grasses begin to grow tall, spotting some wild animals on a Burundi wildlife tour in the national parks becomes difficult.

Some of the things to do include city tours, bird watching, photography, and cultural tours in different communities for a memorable cultural journey, among others.

Book your Burundi safari to witness the natural beauty of Burundi and a wide range of tourist attractions, all in one beautiful country.

Burundi Climate in March

March is a continuation of the long wet season. This month, Burundi receives more rain than in February, which is 150mm to 180 mm, making March one of the wettest months.

The average temperature experienced ranges from 20°C to 25°C. Expect a few hours of sunshine due to constant cloud cover.

Many safari activities, especially in the park, are impacted because heavy rains make the roads and other routes muddy. March continues to be the ideal time for tourists seeking quieter, less crowded safaris.

Some of the things to do in March in Burundi include birding, touring museums, shopping at the local markets, and attending cultural performances like drumming traditions to immerse yourself in the country’s culture, among others.

Contact our safari experts to help you plan your March safari in Burundi.

Weather in April

April is considered the wettest month (peak of the long wet season), where the average amount of rainfall received ranges from 190mm to 220mm.

Temperatures in this month rarely change from those of March, which range from 20°C to 23°C. Since April is the wettest month, expect a few days of sunshine and more days of cloud cover.

The heavy rains further the growth of grasses, making it hard to spot some wildlife in the different national parks and reserves.

April is ideal only for indoor activities and Burundi birding tours. Other tourist activities to do include attending Burundi’s drumming tradition during a Burundi cultural experience, visiting Lake Tanganyika shoreline, visiting museums, and visiting the Livingstone Stanley monument, among others.

April remains one of the best months for low-budget travelers since most accommodations and parks lower costs due to fewer crowds.

 Weather in May 

May marks the end of the long wet season and a transition to the short drier season. The month begins with heavy rains of about 170 mm to 200 mm, which slowly decrease towards the end of the month to about 100mm.

Burundi receives cool temperatures of about 15 °C to 23 °C during this month.

Among the tourist activities to engage in are birding, relaxation on the beaches along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, and photography community tours, among others.

Take advantage of the May discounts and enjoy a wide range of indoor activities, and some since it is part of the low season.

 The long dry season

The long hot seasons (dry) start from June to August, when the country sees many days of sunshine with only a few days of rainfall.  There are stable temperatures of about 20°C.

This period is regarded as the peak season, as more safaris are conducted due to favorable climatic conditions that facilitate both outdoor and indoor activities.

Weather In June – The Best Time to Visit Lake Tanganyika for Water Sports 

June marks the beginning of the long, hot season. There is little rain received in this month, which is between 20mm to 50mm. Moderate temperatures are received, ranging from 20°C to 25°C.

The drop in the levels of rainfall received this month indicated a transition from the wet season to the hot season. The reduced days of rainfall create conditions for outdoor activities.

Other interesting activities to do in June are bird watching, wildlife viewing, nature walks, and photography, among others. Places to visit for these activities may include Kibira NP, NP, Ruvubu National Park, Gishora Drum Sanctuary, and many others.

Why wait? Book your Burundi trip now for a mesmerizing experience.

Weather in July 

July is a continuation of the long, hot season (dry), and it is generally dry. There are many days of sunshine with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C.

There is about a 2% chance of rain this month, with an average of 5 mm of rainfall received.  The climatic conditions make most of the vegetation in the different national parks thin, forcing large gatherings of animals to move to the water points.

July is the ideal time to visit Burundi for game viewing, game drives in parks like Rusizi NP.

It is the opportune time to visit Kibira NP to see chimpanzees when on a Burundi chimpanzee trekking tour or primate safari.  Bujumbura city tours, hiking and trekking, cultural village visits at Gitega for cultural experiences, and the Gishora drum sanctuary that showcases traditional drumming often enjoyed by visitors on a Burundi cultural tour, among others.

You can also be part of Burundi’s celebrations of Independence Day, which happen on 1st July.

Visit Burundi in July for a memorable African safari. 

Burundi Climate in August

August marks the end of the long hot season (dry) in Burundi as it ushers the country into the wet season.  The temperatures received this month range from 14°C to 28°C.

This month sees low amounts of rainfall, slightly resembling the amounts received in July. However, as the month draws to a close, light rains begin, signaling the approach of the wet season.

August is among the prime times to visit Burundi for activities like game drives, wildlife spotting, birdwatching, tasting Burundi’s local food, relaxing at the beaches along Lake Tanganyika, kayaking, boat cruises, and city tours for a memorable cultural journey.

Book your Burundi vacation this month and enjoy a wide range of tourist activities for a fun-filled experience. 

Short Wet Season

The short wet season in Burundi runs from September to November. During this period, the country receives increased precipitation of above 100 mm. Temperatures range from 17°C to 20°C.

In this season, the vegetation thrives again, whereby different landscapes become lush green, thereby adding to the country’s natural beauty, worth seeing on Burundi nature walks.

Weather in September 

September marks the beginning of the short wet season. This month, the county receives an average rainfall of about 100mm to 130 mm. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, and the humidity is high.

The vegetation this month starts to grow tall, making it hard to spot small animals during Burundi wildlife trips in the parks and other protected areas. The growing vegetation presents an opportunity to witness the stunning natural beauty of Burundi. Some roads leading to the parks become muddy; however, some safaris can still take place.

September is the ideal time for low-budget travelers because the costs are cut down due to fewer crowds. Some of the activities done this month include birding, city tours, taking a cultural journey, and exploring national parks like Rusizi National Park.

Take advantage of this low season to visit Burundi for a memorable safari experience.

Weather in October in Burundi

October is a continuation of the short wet season. During this month, the country receives an average rainfall of about 140mm to 170mm, which is more than the rain received in September. The country receives warm temperatures ranging from 16 °C to 28 °C.

Expect to find lush green vegetation that grows tall due to rain conditions, making wildlife spotting hard.

The heavy rains make some roads muddy, and some outdoor tourist activities are also affected. This month is the right time to travel to Burundi for indoor activities like visiting the National Museum of Gitega when on a Burundi cultural safari.

Visiting Burundi in October is another opportunity to enjoy lots of fun at a low price since it is part of the off-season.

Weather in November 

November in Burundi marks the end of the short wet season, with the highest levels of rainfall in the year, which range from 180mm to 210mm. This implies that there is a significant increase from October.

The wet conditions are also associated with a high humid climate and few hours of sunshine, which is a signal of the coming short hot season.

Best things to do include exploring national parks like Kibira National Park, which shares the northern border with Rwanda, birding, visiting the Livingstone Stanley monument, city tours, and cultural tours, among other activities.

November is another good time for fun indoor activities. Book your top African trip now.

Burundi Travel Guide                                                                                           

This guide highlights other important things that you must consider before traveling to Burundi. These travel tips will help you have a successful safari in Burundi.

Security Situation in Burundi 

Burundi is generally safe for travel, particularly in various tourist destinations. However, reputable tour operators should provide you with the latest travel advisories and cautions before your trip. To ensure your safety, it’s advisable to steer clear of crowded areas and political gatherings.

For road safety and security concerns, avoid moving at night, especially in the dark corners of Bujumbura, and keep the car doors locked and windows closed.  While official roadblocks exist, it’s crucial to be mindful of unofficial roadblocks that aim to extort bribes from travelers.

For more safety advice and information about the security situation in Burundi, read more Burundi articles. Ensure that you exercise caution as given in the different travel guides for your safety and your belongings.

Make sure you also consider booking a reputable hotel with hotel safes to keep your belongings safe and intact when on a safari.

Road Conditions 

There are a few paved roads in Burundi. The poor infrastructure in Burundi highly affects safaris in different destinations.  

Landslides also lead to poor road conditions since they broke some main roads. Some roads are sometimes affected by landslides, and bridges are destroyed by flash floods during the wet season, making them impassable.

It is advisable that, as you travel, you inquire from the locals about the conditions of roads in some routes leading to different destinations so as not to be disrupted along the way.

In case of a road accident, it’s unlikely that the emergency services will respond quickly; however, you can contact the Red Cross Services by calling 109 for assistance.

It is also advisable to hire a 4X4 safari vehicle from a reputable travel agency and hire an experienced driver to help you drive to different destinations.

 Public Transportation in Burundi

Burundi manages public transportation poorly. The public transport vehicles, like taxis and minibuses, are poorly maintained; however, you can hire one that is in a good state from a reputable travel/safari company.

The fares for taxis, motor taxis, and motorcycles are highly variable and difficult to predict. There are no uniform transport fares charged to reach the different destinations. The best option is to hire a safari company to help you travel to different destinations with ease.

Fuel Shortages in Burundi

As you embark on your safari to different destinations, make sure you fill the car tank and also move with excess fuel. This is to save you from fuel shortages in some parts of the country.

 Health 

The country registered some cases of measles, Mpox, HIV/AIDS, and others, so you should move with a vaccination certificate like that for yellow fever.

It is also advisable that you visit a clinic or any health center for a checkup 6 weeks before you travel to Burundi. In case the travel date is due, it is better that you make an appointment with a healthcare unit through a reputable tour operator.

To maintain good health, you should use insect repellent, drink boiled water, and practice proper personal hygiene, especially since there are few health centers available.

 Illegal Drugs and Other Crimes 

Illegal drugs are prohibited, and heavy penalties are given to users. Cases of sexual immorality, like homosexuality, are considered illegal per local customs and are imprisoned to discourage the habit from spreading in the country.

Other crimes like theft and fraud are also punished by law.  Photography of airports, military installations, and government buildings is only allowed after seeking permission from local authorities.

Outdoor Activities in Burundi

Burundi has numerous tourist activities that can best be done during the two hot seasons, the short hot season (March to May) and the long hot season (June to August). Avoid traveling during the wet season if you are interested in outdoor activities.

Some of the outdoor activities include game drives, wildlife viewing, birding, Fishing, swimming, hiking, boat rides, and cultural tours, among other activities.

Most of the outdoor activities take place in national parks like Ruvubu National Park, Kibira National Park, and Rusizi National Park, among other places.

Consider packing the best clothes and other requirements that are needed to engage in these outdoor activities.

Important Travel Documents and Requirements for A Burundi Safari (Covered from More Burundi Articles) 

The entry requirements

One must fulfill all the entry requirements, which include having a valid passport, visa, and vaccination certificates.

To acquire some of these travel documents, contact the Burundian embassy. important documents like a visa card can be obtained on arrival from local authorities.

Currency and banking

The official and widely used currency in Burundi is the Burundian Franc (BIF). You should exchange your money so that you can have access to different services and goods from the local market.

Withdrawal of money should be done in advance for the banks that are only in urban centers, and credit cards are not widely accepted since the economy is cash-based.

It is worth noting that Burundi’s climate can be unpredictable, and if you are planning to take a Burundi trip, visit Burundi, and check Burundi’s weather forecast for perfect planning of your safari.

Best Time to Visit Burundi FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. When should I go to Burundi? 

The ideal time to visit Burundi is during the hot season that runs from June to August and December to mid-February.

2. Is Burundi good for tourists? | Can Americans visit Burundi? 

Burundi, a small country, is among the best tourist destinations for international tourism and travelers from different countries, including Americans, when it comes to safaris in Africa. This beautiful country offers a wide range of activities, from exploring its great natural landscapes to visiting the Gishora drum sanctuary, which showcases traditional drumming.

3. What is the hottest month in Burundi? 

The hottest month in Burundi is July, which is the middle of the long drier season.

4. Is Burundi cheap to travel to? 

Burundi is one of the cheapest countries to travel to, especially during the off-season when prices of almost everything are low. There are both budget-friendly and luxury safaris.

Knowing the best time to travel to Burundi to explore what Mother Nature has bestowed upon it is very important. You will have the opportunity to discover hidden gems, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, welcoming Burundians, and much more. We encourage you to book your safari now to ensure you don’t miss this incredible destination.