Volcanoes National Park has a cool, temperate climate, thanks to its high altitude. The park sits between 2,400 and over 4,000 meters above sea level, so expect misty mornings, light rain, and moderate temperatures year-round. Days are generally mild, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 20°C, while nights can be chilly, sometimes dropping to around 5°C, especially at higher elevations.

Rain can fall at any time of year, but the wettest months are typically March to May and again in October and November. Even during the drier seasons, June to September and December to February, the forest floor can still be damp and muddy, so good hiking boots and layered clothing are recommended. Despite the rain, these mists and cool conditions are part of what makes the park so magical, wrapping the forest in a quiet, almost otherworldly atmosphere.