When is the Best Time to Visit Uganda?

The best time to visit Uganda is between its two dry seasons: December to February and between June and August. These times are the best for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Game viewing in Uganda’s savannah parks is best at the end of the dry seasons – February and March and September/early October – when wildlife is concentrated around water sources.

Destination	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest	25°C 89mm	25°C 114mm	25°C 138mm	24°C 174mm	24°C 124mm	24°C 54mm	25°C 41mm	25°C 96mm	25°C 136mm	24°C 156mm	24°C 166mm	24°C 118mm
Kampala	28°C 63mm	28°C 74mm	28°C 133mm	27°C 181mm	26°C 135mm	26°C 71mm	25°C 61mm	26°C 86mm	27°C 106mm	27°C 130mm	27°C 151mm	27°C 93mm
Kibale Forest National Park	30°C 36mm	30°C 48mm	29°C 107mm	28°C 172mm	28°C 119mm	27°C 72mm	27°C 71mm	27°C 124mm	27°C 142mm	27°C 159mm	28°C 135mm	28°C 59mm
Lake Mburo	27°C 43mm	28°C 56mm	27°C 98mm	26°C 127mm	26°C 72mm	26°C 17mm	27°C 16mm	27°C 54mm	27°C 85mm	27°C 91mm	26°C 112mm	26°C 73mm
Murchison Falls National Park	24°C 21mm	25°C 32mm	25°C 85mm	23°C 139mm	23°C 126mm	22°C 89mm	23°C 105mm	23°C 134mm	23°C 142mm	23°C 148mm	22°C 112mm	23°C 40mm
Queen Elizabeth National Park	30°C 32mm	30°C 50mm	30°C 83mm	29°C 126mm	29°C 84mm	29°C 44mm	29°C 31mm	30°C 72mm	30°C 101mm	29°C 97mm	29°C 113mm	29°C 59mm
Dry Season
Wet Season
Best Time for Safari
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

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Month by Month Guide for Travelling to Uganda

Visiting Uganda from January & February

January is a hot month and this weather is perfect for encountering chimpanzees and the endangered mountain gorillas, in some of the best places to visit in Uganda. The skies are clear, there is less rain and more sunshine. You can observe families on the move through the lush forests, a spectacularly connective experience with Mother Nature and her wild creatures.

February is quite a dry month which makes it an ideal time to pay a visit to the national parks in the south, and to do some gorilla trekking – without having to trek in muddy conditions. The north of the country can be quite hot and dusty during this period.

Travelling to Uganda from March to May

March marks the beginning of the first rainfall season. This is the perfect opportunity to spot the animals in the parks giving birth to their young and birdwatchers will be treated to an array of colourful, winged beauties.

April is by far the wettest month of the year. Many roads may be closed due to the consistent downpour and the parks are far quieter. However, this is a great time to take advantage of discounted rates for hotels, lodges, Uganda safari tours, and even on gorilla trekking permits – bearing in mind it will be a wet-weather journey.

May is another rainy month across the country, although there isn’t quite as much rainfall as April. Despite the weather in Uganda during this period, this can be a lovely time to explore the surrounding areas.

Visiting Uganda from June to August

June is one of the best times to visit Uganda and it is the start of the peak season for luxury Uganda safaris. When it comes to booking a gorilla trek, we advise that you book well in advance, especially for permits, to avoid any unnecessary hassles.

July is one of the best months for gorilla trekking and safaris in Uganda. The wildlife often tend to congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot in the national parks. This is a great time for seeing gorillas in Uganda, mostly due to the fine weather conditions – the hiking trails are clear of mud and are easier to navigate.

When visiting Uganda in August, anyone in search of fantastic game viewing will have the chance to not only see elephants and lions, they may even encounter the elusive leopard. This is pegged as one of the best times to visit Uganda’s many national parks.

Visiting Uganda from September to December

September is usually classed as the end of the dry season, but depending on when the rains arrive, you may experience some downpours on your safari. This is not an ideal time of year for gorilla trekking, however if you can brave the possibility of wet weather, you will certainly save on lodging and other travel costs.

October is not a busy month when visiting Uganda. Prices are reasonable and this is a good time of year for specials on gorilla trekking permits. Most of the game parks are still accessible at this time, but the rainfall can be a little unpredictable.

During November the rain continues. The dry plains in the countryside turn a vibrant green due to all the thunderstorms, but 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, making it a great month to visit Uganda. This is a good time to travel to the northern and southern regions for game viewing. Plus, it’s one of the best seasons for birdwatching, with a wide variety of migratory birds making their way into the area.