Best Time to Visit Uganda for Gorilla Treks & More!

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Best Time To Visit Uganda

Best Time to Visit Uganda

Need help with timing your safari to Uganda? While Uganda enjoys a year-round summer vibe, it’s still useful to know when the dry and rainy seasons take place. The dry seasons, from December to February and June to September, are the best time to visit Uganda. We’ve gathered all the essential information to ensure you’re well-prepared for your trip. Have more questions? Feel free to get in touch with our team at Greenway Nature Tours Africa —we’re happy to assist!

What is the weather like in Uganda?

Uganda boasts a wonderfully moderate climate, neither as hot and humid as the coastal regions of Kenya and Tanzania nor too cold. The temperatures are fairly stable throughout the year, ranging between 24°C and 30°C. The hottest regions are around Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and farther north in Karamoja Region and Kidepo Valley National Park.

If you prefer cooler weather, you can avoid these areas, particularly during the hotter months of January and February. In contrast, Uganda’s cooler areas are located at higher elevations, such as around Mount Elgon, the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi.

The regions famous for chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking, like Kibale Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga also offer a cooler climate, with the dense forest providing ample shade. Be sure to bring a warm sweater or jacket if you’re visiting these cooler spots!

Why Dry Season Is the Best Time to Visit Uganda?

During Uganda’s dry season, the roads and hiking trails become much more accessible, free from the disruption of heavy rains. With less rainfall, the weather is more predictable, creating the perfect conditions for activities such as gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and birdwatching.

In the savannah regions of Kidepo, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo national parks, vegetation thins out, and animals congregate around water sources, making it easier to spot wildlife. This is also an ideal time to tackle the summits of the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Elgon.

Uganda Rainy Season

Rainfall in Uganda can truly influences your travel experience. The rainy seasons, especially from March to May and October to November, bring heavy downpours that can make some trails and roads difficult to navigate, as well as pose challenges for certain activities.

However, if you’re seeking a quieter Uganda with fewer tourists, these months are perfect for you. With fewer crowds, many lodges offer reduced rates during the low season. Expect more rainfall during this period, particularly in areas like Entebbe, Jinja, Sipi Falls, and Uganda’s southwestern region. That said, the rain is unpredictable and can come earlier or later than anticipated.

While the rains are often heavy, they tend to be short-lived, followed by bursts of bright sunshine. This is an ideal time to immerse yourself in Uganda’s lush, green landscapes, breathe in the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and enjoy some adventurous off-road driving through muddy tracks.

A word of caution, though: it’s not the best time to attempt summiting the peaks of Mount Elgon National Park or the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

best time to see gorillas in Uganda

If seeing gorillas in the wild is on your bucket list, the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, which run from December to February and June to August. These months offer sunny weather with clear skies and warm temperatures.

Most importantly, the trails are much easier to navigate, as the ground is dry and less slippery, making your hike through the dense rainforests of Bwindi and Mgahinga more enjoyable. Keep in mind, however, that rainforests are naturally wet and slightly cooler than other parts of the country. Regardless of whether it’s the dry or wet season, you’re likely to encounter some rain during your trek. So, pack water-resistant clothing, forget about looking stylish, and focus on enjoying the incredible experience!

When is high season in Uganda?

Tourists visit Uganda throughout the year, but the peak times are during the summer holidays, from December to January and July to September.

While the parks themselves remain pleasantly uncrowded, it’s wise to book your gorilla permits, and accommodations well in advance to ensure availability and avoid any last-minute disappointments.

Uganda by Month

Visiting Uganda In January

Highlights: January is the hottest month of the year in Uganda, with sunny days and temperatures ranging from 24^oC to 32^oC. But the cooler mountain regions of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park provide the perfect escape. It’s in the middle of the shorter dry season, so rainfall is less frequent.
Best for: Hiking and trekking in cooler conditions.

Visiting Uganda In February

Highlights: February is one of the driest months of the year, making it an ideal time for mountain gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris in Uganda. With reduced rainfall, trails are easier to navigate, and wildlife is more visible due to decreased vegetation. Expect clear skies, sunshine and average temperatures of 29ºC in Kampala city and 25ºC in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Best for: Clear skies, dry trekking conditions, and excellent game-viewing.

Uganda From March To May

Highlights: Uganda’s long rainy season begins in March and lasts through May. While this can lead to heavy rains and slippery trails, the lush green landscapes make for beautiful scenery, and the heavy rainfall enhances birdwatching opportunities. It’s quieter in the parks, so you can enjoy a more serene experience.
Best for: Birdwatching and enjoying the vibrant, green landscapes.
Advantages for Budget Travelers: With fewer tourists around, accommodation prices drop significantly. You may also find discounted safari packages.

Uganda In June

Highlights: The rains start to taper off in June, leaving behind a beautifully green landscape. It marks the beginning of Uganda’s peak season, and the country’s national parks come alive with activity. It’s the perfect time for both gorilla trekking and game viewing safaris in savannah parks. You will want to book accommodation early and secure your gorilla permit as soon as possible, though, since they tend to sell out quickly.

Best for: Peak-season excitement and vibrant wildlife.

Uganda In August & July

Highlights: July and August offer the driest weather and mild temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities like safaris and boat cruises. Visibility is excellent for game viewing, and the sparse landscape increases your chances of spotting elusive wildlife, including leopards.
Best for: Clear skies, great game drives, and prime wildlife photography conditions.

Uganda In September

Highlights: September marks the end of the dry season, making it a great time for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, Kalinzu Forest Reserve and Budongo Forest. The conditions are ideal for hiking, and wildlife sightings remain plentiful.
Best for: Chimpanzee trekking and game viewing.

Visit Uganda In October

Highlights: October brings Uganda’s short rainy season, but the showers are usually brief and don’t hinder travel much. This is a great time to find last-minute deals on permits and accommodation.

Best for: Affordable travel and fewer crowds.

Uganda In November

Highlights: November is a shoulder season, offering a peaceful experience with a mix of dry and rainy days. Migratory birds return, and photographers will appreciate the dramatic skies and landscape.
Best for: Quiet parks, birdwatching, and capturing stunning photos.

Uganda In December

Highlights: December ushers in the second dry season, and the weather becomes predictably sunny. It’s an excellent time for adventure activities in Jinja, such as rafting and kayaking on the Nile River, or relaxing by the water.
Best for: Adventure activities and relaxation by the Nile River.

More Tips for the Best Time to Visit Uganda

1. Best Time for Budget Travelers

If you’re looking to travel on a budget, the rainy season (March to May) and the shoulder season (October-November) offer lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds. This is an excellent time to find last-minute deals and enjoy more affordable gorilla trekking permits.

2. Best Time to Visit Uganda with Kids

For families traveling with children, the dry seasons (December to February, June to September) are ideal. The weather is more predictable, and outdoor activities like safaris and treks are more comfortable.

3. Best Time for Photography in Uganda

If you’re a photography enthusiast, the dry months (June-August) are great for capturing stunning landscapes and wildlife with clear skies and vibrant colors. The sparse vegetation in these months also makes it easier to capture wildlife on safari

Conclusion: the Best Time to Visit Uganda

For optimal game viewing and mountain gorilla trekking conditions, the dry months of December to February and June to September offer the best experiences.

The dry seasons provide ideal conditions for wildlife safaris, easier access to trails, and optimal trekking conditions to see gorillas in their natural habitat. However, each season in Uganda offers something unique — whether it’s the vibrant greenery and birdwatching of the rainy season or the tranquil, less crowded parks in the shoulder months. No matter when you choose to visit, Uganda’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife make it a destination worth exploring all year long.

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