The best time to visit Uganda is dependant on the wildlife you'd like to see as the climate is good all year round. Equatorial Uganda has a pleasant warm and tropical climate with insignificant seasonal variations. There are some wetter months, however these can be easily factored in when planning your safari as some activities can become trickier to participate in.
A country full of a number of national parks and nature reserves, to the north is the Kidepo Valley National Park and Matheniko Reserve to the northeast. To visit these biological hotspots, be prepared for more frequent rains in the north. During the second dry season (June to September) , the rains will be less torrential, however the rainy season lasts longer, from March to October.
To visit western Uganda, including Kibale National Park, Mount Elgon National Park and the Sipi waterfall, the best time to visit is during June to September, or January to February. These months provide ideal weather for visiting and discovering the natural surprises which Uganda has to offer.
Travelling out of peak season, March to May and October to November see the highest rainfall in the country. This is a great time, however, to witness gorillas can still be seen lurking in the mist. Accommodation and gorilla permits will also be much cheaper and more freely available.
January lies in the short dry period of Uganda’s seasons meaning it is a fantastic time for both gorilla trekking and game viewing. Dry ground underfoot makes walking easy and despite being one of the hottest months of the year, trekking in Bwindi forest can be comfortable due to the altitude providing cooler temperatures. As Uganda’s climate is tropical it is possible that there will be some rainfall, but these are unlikely to affect your game activities, and gorilla treks will still be undertaken.
Although it is still the dry season, February begins to see a drop in the numbers of travellers, and prices and availability are likely to change accordingly. As with January, now is a great time for bird watching, gorilla trekking and particularly game viewing. As Uganda moves towards the end of the dry season, vegetation will become sparse and therefore wildlife is easier to spot as they start to gather round the remaining waterholes.
March sees the start of the long rainy season throughout the country. However, this does not mean that Uganda is completely off limits. Although none of the parks are at their optimum during this time, there will be plenty of opportunity for wildlife sightings and as this month lies outside of the peak season, prices are likely to be lower and there will be plenty of availability at a wide selection of lodges. As the rainy season continues, the price of permits for gorilla tracking will reduce making it an even more affordable experience.
With the weather being slightly cooler, and the carnival season over, the main cities and beaches can be a bit quieter this time of year, making travel pleasant for those that don’t enjoy the heat so much. Due to the flooding in the Amazon, venture through the varzeas can be an interesting adventure to see lots of bright and colourful birds, although other wildlife may not be able to be as visible as much.
The long rains of March and April continue into May so this month is not considered the best time to travel. However, if you’re not too worried about experiencing some rain during your trip it can be a lovely time to explore Uganda. Landscapes will be lush and verdant after months of rain which may make wildlife more difficult to see, but the vegetation will create stunning backdrops for photography. The wet season is also the peak time for animals to give birth so May is a good time to look out for young in the game reserves.
June is the start of the dry season meaning all parks are accessible again, enabling you to witness everything that this amazing country has to offer. As it is the peak season, prices will be higher and permits will need to be booked well in advance. However, one of the benefits of Uganda, as opposed to some other African destinations, is that the parks rarely feel busy or overcrowded allowing you intimate wildlife encounters and unforgettable experiences. Some boutique lodges may fill up fast during the peak season so book early to secure your space at your preferred accommodation.
July is known as one of the best months to travel to Uganda as it lies within the dry season. Warm temperatures and minimal rainfall mean the climate is at its best and all activities are accessible. Although peak season corresponds with higher prices, easy trekking conditions make it a preferred time to travel.
August is a fantastic time to travel to Uganda. As it lies quite late on in the dry season, wildlife is easier to spot in the game reserves meaning you should have fantastic sightings of elephants, lions and perhaps even elusive leopards. All of the country's parks are at their best at this time, so travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park to see four of the big five and then on to Bwindi National Park to track gorillas. This is a truly awe-inspiring experience and being able to do it at a time when the weather is at its peak is even better.
September is usually classed as the end of the dry season, however, depending on when the short rains arrive it may be that there are some downpours throughout your safari. In Bwindi National Park gorilla treks always go ahead as planned despite rainfall, so please be prepared for a wet walk. You may be lucky and have a completely dry month, in which case wildlife will be easier to spot thanks to grazed-down vegetation and the fact that waterholes will be dwindling by this point in the season so animals will gather around the remaining water supplies.
October is the start of the shoulder season so prices will be lower and lodge availability will start to free up. This does of course mean weather will be more unpredictable, but despite rain, temperatures are likely to remain warm. Most of Uganda's parks will be accessible at this time; they just won't be at their best. The climate at Murchison Falls is steady year-round so a visit to see the Nile and the impressive falls is a great add on to an October safari. Wildlife sightings will still be possible in the game reserves so look out for tree-climbing lions hiding out during rain showers or gorillas sheltering under large leaves.
Thanks to the rains throughout October, Uganda’s vegetation is starting to thrive in November. Dry plains become verdant and although this makes wildlife sightings more difficult the landscapes are stunning. As November is a shoulder season in Uganda, prices may be lower at this time. If you’re not opposed to some arduous trekking and potential rain, it is possible to track gorillas at this time but please be aware this is not the optimum time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. November also sees the start of the best birdwatching season (November-April) as migratory birds arrive.
By December the short rains have stopped, making it an ideal time to travel. Not only are the landscapes lush and photogenic but all parks are accessible too. The ground underfoot will start to dry out as well, meaning gorilla and chimpanzee trekking will be more manageable. However, with more desirable conditions comes more travellers. December is a particularly busy time to travel as Ugandan families are on holiday, as are western tourists looking to get away over Christmas and New Year. If you wish to travel during this period it is essential you book in advance to secure gorilla tracking permits and to ensure your preferred lodges are available.
A peak time to travel, this short dry period is great for wildlife sightings The drier periods can be ideal for those looking to do other outdoor activities in Uganda 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.
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.
Spend your time in Uganda immersing yourself in a true primate focussed safari, staying in the best accommodations on offer. Begin with your chimpanzee tracking experience before heading to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
From 23000 per person
With only a short time to get away, this is the perfect trip which you will always remember. Fly inyo Entebbe and straight onto Bwindi Impenetrable National Park so you can start tracking the gorillas the next day.
From 8000 per personTracking groups of mountain gorillas is an incredible experience and is best to do between December and February, and between June and September, when conditions for trekking are particularly good and gorillas and chimpanzees are more easily spotted.
See the power of the White Nile year round as it is forced through a narrow gap of seven metres, take a boat launch to below the falls and feel the sheer power! However, it is best to avoid the rainy season where hiking conditions may become more unfavourable.
Relax by the stunning Lake Bunyonyi, sometimes known as the "Switzerland of Africa," and take in the views while swimming, canoeing, and island-hopping.
Go on a wildlife drive in this diversified park, which is well-known for its elephants, hippos, lions that can climb trees, and other bird species.
The Rwenzori Mountains, commonly referred to as the "Mountains of the Moon," offer some of Africa's most breathtaking alpine landscapes, which may be seen by taking a walk across them.
Explore the magnificent waterfalls, go for a walk through the coffee fields and try abseiling at the Sipi Falls in Eastern Uganda.
Discover the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, which are home to a variety of plants and birds and are located on the banks of Lake Victoria.
