Best Time to Visit Uganda: Weather, Safari Seasons & Gorilla Trekking Guide

Best time to visit Uganda is during the two dry seasons: June to September and December to February. These months offer the easiest wildlife viewing, the most comfortable gorilla trekking conditions in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, and excellent game drives across Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Parks. Roads are dry, vegetation is low, and animals congregate around water sources, making sightings spectacular.

That said, Uganda is a true year-round destination. The “low” rainy seasons (March–May and October–November) bring lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, discounted gorilla permits and lodge rates, and some of the world’s best birdwatching.

At Gorilla Nests Safaris, we operate 12 months a year and love helping travelers choose the perfect season for their dream Uganda safari.

Uganda Climate Overview – What to Expect

Uganda sits on the equator, which means consistently warm temperatures year-round (daytime averages 25–29°C / 77–84°F) with little variation. What changes dramatically are the two wet and two dry seasons:

Long rains: March – May
Long dry season: June – September
Short rains: October – November
Short dry season: December – February

The south-west (Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo) receives more rainfall than the drier north-east (Kidepo Valley and Karamoja region). Altitude also plays a role — expect cooler nights in highland areas like the Rwenzoris or Mgahinga (10–18°C / 50–64°F).

Dry Season (Peak Season): June to September

This is the most popular time to visit Uganda — and for good reason.

✓ Best gorilla trekking conditions: less mud, lower risk of slippery trails in Bwindi and Mgahinga

✓ Excellent wildlife viewing: animals concentrate around rivers and waterholes in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls

✓ Clear skies and comfortable hiking temperatures

✓ Ideal for climbing the Rwenzori Mountains or Mount Elgon

Downsides: gorilla permits sell out 6–12 months in advance, lodge rates are at their highest, and popular parks feel busier (though never as crowded as Kenya or Tanzania).

At Gorilla Nests Safaris, we recommend booking your June–September trip at least 9–12 months ahead to secure permits and your preferred lodges.

Short Dry Season: December to February

The second dry season is shorter but equally rewarding.

✓ Warm, sunny days perfect for game drives and boat safaris

✓ Gorilla trekking is still very comfortable

✓ Prime birdwatching season — Palaearctic migrants arrive from Europe

✓ Popular with families and holiday travelers (Christmas & New Year)

February is often the driest and hottest month — excellent for spotting tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Wet Season (Low Season): March–May & October–November

Don’t rule out the green season! Many experienced travelers deliberately choose these months.

Advantages:

Up to 40–60% discounts on accommodation and vehicle hire
Gorilla permits are easier to obtain last-minute
Lush scenery and dramatic skies — perfect for photographers
Fewer tourists = more intimate wildlife encounters
November–April is the absolute best time for birdwatching (over 1,070 species)

Challenges:

Heavy afternoon showers (usually 1–2 hours)
Some dirt roads in remote parks can become muddy
Thicker vegetation can make wildlife spotting slightly harder

Our 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs handle the wet season perfectly, and we always carry rain ponchos for gorilla treks.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The dry months — June–September and December–February — are universally considered the best time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Trails are less slippery, leeches are fewer, and the trek is physically easier.

That said, gorilla families are tracked 365 days a year. Rainy season treks offer:

Cheaper habituated gorilla permits (sometimes available just weeks ahead)
Cooler temperatures in the forest
Dramatic misty atmosphere in Bwindi

Gorilla Nests Safaris Tip: If your budget is flexible, book the dry season. If you want to save money and don’t mind a little rain, March–May and October–November can be magical.

Best Time for Wildlife Safaris

For classic Big 5-style game viewing, the dry seasons win again:

June–October → Animals concentrate around remaining water sources
January–February → Short grasses after controlled burns = excellent predator sightings

Top parks and best months:

Queen Elizabeth NP → June–September & January–February (tree-climbing lions in Ishasha)
Murchison Falls NP → December–March (best boat safari conditions)
Kidepo Valley NP → Any dry month (extremely remote, almost no crowds ever)

Best Time for Birdwatching in Uganda

Uganda is Africa’s #1 birding destination with 1,070+ species. The absolute best months are November to April when Afro-tropical and Palaearctic migrants are present. Wet season means active feeding and breeding plumage.

Highlight: The prehistoric-looking Shoebill is easiest to see June–September in Mabamba Swamp and Murchison Falls.

Best Time for Adventure & Cultural Experiences

White-water rafting on the Nile (Jinja) → Year-round (Grade 5 rapids are fuller in rainy season)
Rwenzori Mountains hiking → December–February & June–August
Mount Elgon hiking → June–August
Cultural festivals → Imbalu circumcision ceremonies (even years, August in Bugisu)

Month-by-Month Guide to Visiting Uganda

January – Dry, warm, excellent wildlife viewing

February – Driest month, great for savanna parks

March – Start of long rains, prices drop, lush scenery

April – Wettest month, lowest prices, fewest tourists

May – Rains easing, good shoulder month

June – Start of peak dry season, gorilla permits scarce

July–August – Peak season, book 12 months ahead

September – Still dry, slightly fewer crowds than July/August

October – Short rains begin, excellent value

November – Great birding, low rates

December – Dry again, festive season atmosphere

Temperature & Rainfall Chart (Kampala / Entebbe averages)

Month	Avg High °C	Avg Low °C	Rainfall (mm)	Season
January	29	18	70	Dry
February	29	18	60	Dry
March	28	18	130	Wet
April	27	18	240	Wet
May	27	18	210	Wet
June	27	17	70	Dry
July	27	17	60	Dry
August	28	17	90	Dry
September	28	17	110	Dry
October	28	18	170	Wet
November	28	18	150	Wet
December	28	18	100	Dry

Peak vs Shoulder vs Low Season Comparison

Factor	Peak (Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb)	Shoulder (Oct, Mar, May)	Low (Apr, Nov)
Gorilla permit cost	Full price ($800)	Full price	Full price
Lodge rates	Highest	20–40% off	40–60% off
Crowds	Moderate	Low	Very low
Roads & trekking	Easiest	Good	Muddy at times
Wildlife viewing	Excellent	Very good	Good
Best for	First-timers, families	Photographers, repeat visitors	Budget travelers, birders

FAQs about Best time to visit Uganda

Is July the best month to visit Uganda?

Yes — July sits in the middle of the long dry season. Perfect weather, but book permits early.

Can I visit Uganda in the rainy season?

Absolutely! Many of our guests love April/May and November for the savings and solitude.

What is the cheapest month to visit Uganda?

April and November usually offer the deepest discounts.

When is gorilla trekking easiest?

June–September and December–February — less mud and shorter trekking times on average.

Is Uganda safe during rainy season?

Yes. We use well-maintained 4×4 vehicles and experienced driver-guides who know every road condition.

Ready to Plan Your Perfect Uganda Safari?

Whether you dream of tracking mountain gorillas in the mist, spotting tree-climbing lions at sunset, or rafting the Nile under a rainbow, Gorilla Nests Safaris will craft the ideal itinerary for your preferred season and budget.

Tailored gorilla trekking & safari packages
Last-minute rainy season deals
Expert advice on the best time for your specific interests

Let’s make your Uganda adventure unforgettable — no matter what month you choose!

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