When Is The Best Time To Visit Uganda?
The dry season from December to February and June to August is renowned for being the best time to visit Uganda. These months offers comfortable conditions for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
And are perfect for game viewing in the savannah national parks. The dry season is also the best time to travel on Uganda’s dirt roads, and when the risk of malaria is lowest.
However, Uganda is located on the Equator. It has a pleasant, warm tropical weather, with slight variations across regions and seasons.
So, it is a lovely country to visit at any time of the year. A rainy season visit to Uganda (from March to May and September to November) is well worth considering.
And, for those visiting at short notice, it is far easier to obtain a permit for gorilla trekking at the last minute. You will also take advantage of lower, off-season rates for some Uganda safari lodges. Note the seasons for when planning your Uganda safari:
- Long wet season: March to May
- Short rainy season: September to November
- Long dry season: June to August
- Short dry season: December to February
Uganda Weather Chart
What are the best months for safari in Uganda? (Month By Month Guide)
1. Visiting Uganda In January & February
January is a hot month in Uganda. And this weather is perfect for mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Parks.
There is less rain and more sunshine. The skies are clear. You can observe gorilla families and chimpanzee communities on the move through the verdant tropical rainforests. January is also a fantastic month for watching migratory birds. Migratory birds are superb subject for keen photographers.
February in Uganda is quite a dry month. This makes it an ideal time to pay a visit to the parks in the southwest do gorilla trekking – without having to trek in muddy conditions.
Like January, February is also a great time game viewing. Boat safaris on the Nile River to the bottom of Murchison Falls and Glazing Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park are brilliant during this month. Wildlife tends to gather at the water sources.
2. Visiting Uganda From March & May
The month of March marks the beginning of the first rainfall season in Uganda. Days are comfortably warm and temperatures are pleasant. This is the perfect opportunity to spot the animals in the parks giving birth to their young. Birdwatchers will be mesmerized by an array of winged beauties.
April is the wettest month of the year in Uganda. Some roads may be muddy and impassable due to the consistent downpour. And the national parks are far quieter in April.
However, this is a best time to take advantage of discounted rates for hotels, Uganda safari lodges, and Uganda safari tour packages. But you should note that it may be a wet-weather journey.
May is the end of the first rainfall season in Uganda. The rainfall is not quite as much rainfall as April. Despite the weather being wet in Uganda during this period, this can be a lovely time to explore the surrounding areas. The landscapes will be lush and verdant.
The vegetation will create stunning backdrops for photography.
3. Visiting Uganda Between June & August
June marks the beginning of Uganda’s first dry season. It is one of the best times to visit Uganda. When it comes to booking your gorilla trekking tour, we advise that you book in advance, especially for gorilla permits, to avoid any unnecessary hassles.
July is also among the best months for gorilla trekking safaris. The weather conditions are fine weather. The hiking trails are clear of mud and are easier to navigate. All Uganda safari activities are accessible. Animals tend to congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot in the national parks.
August is a fantastic time to visit Uganda’s many national parks. You will enjoy fantastic game viewing. You will have a chance to see elephants, buffalo, hippos, and lions. You may even encounter the elusive leopard. We advise you book accommodation well in advance.
4. Visiting Uganda From September To December
September is usually the end of the first dry season in Uganda. And depending on when the rains arrive, you may experience some rainfall on your safari. This is not an ideal time of year for Uganda gorilla safaris. But, if you can brave the possibility of wet weather, you certainly save on lodges/camp and other travel costs.
The month of October is not a busy month when visiting Uganda. Prices are reasonable. Most of the game parks are still accessible at this time, but the rainfall can be a little unpredictable.
During November the rainfall continues in Uganda. Uganda countryside dry plains turn a vibrant green. There are fewer visitors this month because of less than ideal weather conditions.
December is the end of the wet season when rainfall eases off. It is a great time of the year to visit Uganda for safaris. This is a good time to travel to the northern region. The southern regions are also great for game viewing, chimpanzee trekking, and gorilla trekking safari tours. Plus, it’s one of the best seasons for bird watching tours in Uganda, with a wide variety of migratory birds making their way into the area.
Trip ideas for exploring Uganda
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best month to visit Uganda?
The best month to visit Uganda are December, January, February, June, July, and August. These are the dry months, and when conditions are particularly good for trekking to see wild gorillas and chimpanzees. Game watching in national parks is also good at this time.
2. Is August a good time to see gorillas in Uganda?
Yes, August is good time to see gorillas in Uganda. It is, in fact, one of the best times to visit Uganda. The temperatures are warm and there is almost no rainfall.
If you want to combine gorilla trekking with game viewing in the savannah, animal will be easy to spot as they congregate at watering holes. Also roads will be in good condition. Book accommodation and gorilla permits early in advance to avoid missing out.
Read More: best time to visit Uganda gorillas
3. What is the hottest month in Uganda?
Located on the equator, Uganda has little year-round fluctuation in temperature. But the hottest months are January and February. The average daytime range during these months ranges from 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F) with peaks of up to 40°C/104°F in the far north.
3. Which month is rainy in Uganda?
The climate in Uganda is largely tropical with two rainy seasons per year; March to May and September and November. The far northern region, which forms one quarter of the country, is located outside the tropical belt, and hence experiences only one rainy season from March to October.
4. Where is the coldest place in Uganda?
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern region of Uganda, which is perhaps the coldest region in the country. The cold climate here and temperatures are because the national parks are located at a high altitude. Climate ranges from wet, to cold, to mild.
5. Is January a good time to go to Uganda?
Yes. January is one of the best times of year to visit Uganda. Uganda straddles the equator line, which means rainfall should be expected in any month. But, at the turn of the year the rainfall is very sporadic and short. Average daytime temperatures are in the high 20s (°C) in the south and in the 30 (°C) in the north.
6. Is February a good time to go to Uganda?
February is also a great month to visit Uganda. It is part of the dry season and the wildlife will be lured to waterholes, making this a great time for water-based safaris.
7. Is Uganda safe to visit?
Uganda is largely a safe country for travelers. It is a popular tourism destination and visitors rarely experience crime. Experienced rangers, and often security, accompany travelers into the forests to visit the mountain gorillas; most treks are trouble-free.
8. What to do in Uganda?
- Gorilla trekking
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Game drives
- Boat cruises
- Bird watching
- Rhino tracking
- Cycling tours
- White-water rafting
- Kayaking
- Bungee jumping
- Canoe rides
- Kampala city tour
- Cultural tours
- Ziplinning
- Nature walks, etc
Ready to Start Planning Your safari to Uganda?
Get in touch with one of our Uganda Safari Experts to help tailor-make a safari in Uganda that is right for you.