Located on the equator, Uganda is a lovely country to visit most times of the year. That’s because there isn’t much variation in temperatures year-round. But, like the rest of Africa, it’s important to keep in mind that the country has two dry seasons and two wet seasons. Each of these seasons has its own charm and offers visitors a unique aspect of the natural beauty of the country.
Game spotting in national parks is also good at this time, as well as between February and March. Large numbers of wildlife can be seen at waterholes from September through to early October.
Temperatures barely change throughout the seasons, sitting around 24°C to 30°C, so you can visit Uganda all year round. The country is also fabulous for bird spotting at any time of year.
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.
Visiting 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 colorful, 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 September
This is the longest dry season with ideal conditions for gorilla tracking in the southern parks and for visiting Uganda overall, so if you can be flexible, we would advise visiting during this time. As gorillas reside in the rainforest, we still recommend taking waterproof clothing even during these drier months. This is peak season, so prices can be higher. Spotting other wildlife in Uganda at this time is also more likely.
Visiting Uganda in October
October is the start of Uganda’s “short” rainy season. Although the rains aren’t as heavy as the “long” ones from March through May, they are more frequent, and you should be prepared for the occasional heavy shower throughout the day and muddy conditions.
Because of the unpredictability of the rains, October isn’t a very popular month to travel to Uganda, making it a great time to score a last-minute gorilla permit if you’re an undecided traveler. Accommodations often run specials for October, and prices will be more reasonable. Don’t let the rains scare you off, though! It typically only rains for a few hours a day, and you’ll still have perfect pockets of sunshine and blue sky.
Visiting Uganda in November
November is shoulder season in Uganda, and you’ll likely get a mix of both rainy and dry days. It’s a good time to catch sight of the migratory birds returning, and photographers will be treated to dramatic skies and landscapes as late afternoon thunderstorms roll through the emerald-green countryside.
Temperatures can vary, with some days reaching 28ºC and others dipping to 18ºC, though less than half of the days in November are rainy. November is the last month to take advantage of off-season prices on accommodation and tours before the second peak season arrives.
Visting Uganda in December
December brings another dry season, and weather becomes more predictable as rainfall tapers off. This makes it a great month to soak up the sunny days in Jinja. Sitting on the shores of Lake Victoria, the town of Jinja is home to the source of the Nile River. Often called the “adrenaline capital of East Africa,” it has plenty of water activities, from rafting and kayaking to tubing and sunset cruising. Lake Victoria is one of the most ecologically diverse places on the continent, so keep your camera ready for when you spot Nile crocodiles and hippos.
When is the best time to see the mountain gorillas?
The best time to go to Uganda for a face-to-face encounter with the elusive mountain gorilla is between December and February or June and August. During these dry seasons, the skies are blue, days are clear, and hiking trails are relatively mud-free.
Although these incredible animals can be spotted year-round, conquering the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest during the rainy season can be slightly more challenging. Gorilla trekking can involve several hours of walking up and down hills, and during the wet months, trails will be muddy and slippery and thick tropical foliage can present some roadblocks. The off-season does have its benefits, though, and with fewer crowds, you might find yourself meeting a family of gorillas with only a handful of other trekkers.
In conclusion
Uganda is a true year-round destination for wildlife enthusiasts, but the best time to visit for optimal game viewing conditions is during one of the two dry seasons: December to February and June to September. Temperatures remain steady month-to-month, typically sitting between 24°C to 30°C, but heavy showers can impact the accessibility of some trails and roads during the rainy periods.