Unlike the Gregorian calendar which begins in January, the Rwandan calendar started in September. Consequently, the New Year was celebrated in September, reflecting seasonal rhythms of new rain after a long dry season.
| # | English | Kinyarwanda | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January | Mutarama | |
| 2 | February | Gashyantare | |
| 3 | March | Werurwe | |
| 4 | April | Mata | |
| 5 | May | Gicurasi | |
| 6 | June | Kamena | |
| 7 | July | Nyakanga | |
| 8 | August | Kanama | |
| 9 | September | Nzeri | |
| 10 | October | Ukwakira | |
| 11 | November | Ugushyingo | |
| 12 | December | Ukuboza |