Equatorial Uganda has a pleasant warm and tropical climate with insignificant seasonal variations, making it good to visit year round. There are wetter months that make certain plans and activities somewhat trickier which are worth factoring into your planning.  

Average temperatures in Uganda are around 21.5°C or 71°F, dropping to a minimum of 12°C or 54°F at night time, with altitude also affecting this. Being on the equator, rainfall ranges between 1,000 and 2,000 millimetres each year, but depending on time of year these can be short bursts which give rise to clearer skies. 

NEXT STEPS

• Browse our Uganda holidays
• Download our free gorilla guide
• Contact our  Destination Specialist for advice

Buffalo vs Lion: You can see this year-round in Kidepo, best to avoid the rains from June to September. 

Chimpanzees: Kibale Forest is the best place to see chimps as they move swiftly through the forest. 

Mountain Gorillas: Best time to track the gorillas is the dry season; from December to March and June to October. 

Shoebill Stork: Found in the Mabamba swamps, one of the most sought-after birds in Africa. 

March to mid-May

The first of the southern rain seasons, those looking to trek to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga National Park may want to avoid this period. Gorilla trekking is not impossible at this time, however these southern regions experience more rain generally, and the trekking conditions are more favourable during drier months. The northern rain season runs from April to October, but most of the northern areas are unvisited by tourists.

Read more on the following pages:

• March
• May

Mid May to mid-October

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.

Read more on the following pages:

• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October

Mid-October to November

A short rains period, gorilla trekking may again be slightly harder during these months as it is wetter under foot. These months can also be great for birding, as trees and plants are flowering and birdlife is visible. It is even possible to enjoy specialist birding tours at the end of the rainy seasons. Photography conditions are excellent, with short rains giving rise to blue skies that create some great, clear images.

Read more on the following pages:

• October
• November

December to February

Another peak time to travel, this short dry period is good for wildlife sightings The drier periods can be ideal for those looking do other outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing. Our preferred months of travel in the dry periods are February and September; this is because some preferential rates are available and it is less crowded than the traditional peak months of travel during the Christmas and peak summer months.

Read more on the following pages:

• December
• January
• February

Kyambura Gorge: Stay at Kyambura Gorge to track chimpanzees year-round but for the best weather avoid the long rains (Apr-May) and short rains (Nov).  

Murchison Falls: See the power of the White Nile year round as it is forced through a narrow gap of 7 metres, take a boat launch to below the falls and feel the sheer power! 

The Equator: The Equator crosses Uganda 32 ams south of Kampala. You can do this year-round.

White Water Rafting: The best time to do this in Jinja is January, February and June – October.