Finding the Best Time to Visit Uganda
Choosing when to go to Uganda depends on what you want to do. Most people come to see gorillas or go on safaris. The weather plays a big role in these activities. Uganda is on the equator, so it does not have a winter or summer like Europe or North America. Instead, it has dry seasons and wet seasons.
The dry seasons are usually from December to February and June to September. These are the most popular months. The wet seasons happen from March to May and October to November. Each season has pros and cons for travelers. This guide breaks down what to expect so you can pick the right time for your trip.
The Dry Seasons: Best for Wildlife and Gorillas
The dry seasons are the busiest times for tourism. If you want easy trekking and great animal sightings, these are the months to choose.
June to September: The Long Dry Season
This is the peak time for visiting. The weather is clear and sunny most days. Because it is dry, the grass in the parks is short. This makes it easier to see lions, elephants, and leopards. Animals also gather around the few remaining water holes. You can sit in your vehicle and watch many different
species come to drink.
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the trails are firm. You will still hike through thick forest, but the mud is manageable. This makes the walk to find the gorillas less tiring. However, because this is the best time, permits sell out fast. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) limits the number of people who can visit each gorilla family daily. You should book your permits at least six months in advance for these months.
December to February: The Short Dry Season
These months are also great for safaris. It is often the hottest time of the year. In the north, at Kidepo
Valley National Park, temperatures can reach 40°C. The dust can be thick, but the animal viewing is excellent. It is also a good time for birding. Many birds from Europe fly to Uganda during these months to escape the cold northern winter.
The Wet Seasons: The Budget and Birding Choice
The wet seasons are often overlooked, but they offer great value. Some people call this the “Green Season.”
March to May: The Long Rains
During these months, Uganda receives heavy rainfall. It usually rains in the late afternoon or at night. The mornings can still be clear for activities. The landscape becomes very green and lush. For photographers, the air is clear of dust, and the colors are very bright
One major plus is the cost of accommodation. Many luxury lodges offer discounts during these months. You can stay in high-end places for 30% to 50% less than in the peak season. However, gorilla trekking is harder. The forest floor becomes slippery. You will need good waterproof boots and a strong rain jacket. The mountain slopes in Mgahinga can be quite muddy.
October to November: The Short Rains
This period is similar to the March-May season, but the rains are usually shorter. It is an excellent time for bird watchers. Migratory birds arrive in large numbers. The parks are quiet, and there are very few other tourists. If you prefer a private feel to your safari, this is a great time to visit.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
January: Clear Skies and High Heat
January is one of the driest months. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, the sun is out almost every day. It is a great time for boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel. You will see hippos and crocodiles clearly. In the north, Kidepo is very dry. The animals stay close to the permanent rivers.
For gorilla trekking, January is perfect. The sun dries the forest floor quickly after any light rain. You should pack a light hat and plenty of sunscreen. The average daytime temperature is around 28°C, but it feels hotter in the open savannah.
February: The Peak of the Dry Heat
This is often the warmest month in Uganda. It is the end of the first dry season. The grass is at its shortest. This is the best time for taking photos of big cats. They cannot hide as easily in the low grass. Water is scarce, so you will see huge herds of buffalo and elephants at the water holes.
If you are hiking the Rwenzori Mountains, February is a good choice. The trails are drier, making the climb to the peaks safer. In the south, Bwindi stays cool because of the altitude, but it remains dry.
March: The Transition to Green
By mid-March, the rains begin to fall. The dust from the dry season disappears. The air becomes fresh.
This is the start of the low season. You might find that some lodges start their discounted rates now.
You can still go on safari, but you must expect some rain during your game drives. Most safari vehicles have pop-up roofs, so you can stay dry while watching animals. The chimpanzees in Kibale Forest are very active now as there is plenty of fruit to eat.
April: The Rainiest Month
April sees the most rainfall across the country. In the south, the rain can last for several hours. The roads in the national parks can become difficult. A 4×4 vehicle is a must. If you are on a tight budget, April is the best time to find cheap lodge prices.
Gorilla trekking in April is for the fit. The forest is wet, and the gorillas may move to lower ground to find food. This can sometimes make the trek shorter, but it will be a muddy one. Always hire a porter in April. They help you navigate the slippery parts of the trail.
May: Flowers and Lush Views
The rain continues in May, but it starts to lessen toward the end of the month. The parks are full of flowers and new green grass. Many animals give birth during this time because there is plenty of food. Seeing a newborn zebra or antelope is common.
The birdlife is incredible in May. The resident birds are in their bright breeding plumage. It is a quiet month for tourism, so you will have the tracks in Murchison Falls National Park almost to yourself.
June: The Start of the High Season
June marks the beginning of the long dry season. The rain stops, and the ground dries out. This is when the tourist numbers start to rise. The weather is very pleasant, with cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Gorilla permits for June are very hard to get at the last minute. The Uganda Wildlife Authority sells these fast because the trekking conditions are so good. It is a great month for a long safari that covers both the south and the north of the country
July: The Busiest Month
July is the heart of the dry season. It is also school holiday time in Europe and America. Many families
visit Uganda now. The weather is stable. You can plan your outdoor activities with confidence.
In the savannah parks, the animals are easy to spot. The lions often spend time in the trees in Ishasha to escape the heat and flies. This is the best time to see them. Because it is so busy, you should book your rooms and transport early.
August: Great for All Activities
August is very similar to July. It is dry and perfect for trekking. For birders, this is the time when the African Green Broadbill is often seen in Bwindi. The forest is accessible, and the weather is cool.
The water level in Murchison Falls is good for boat trips to the base of the falls. You can see many elephants and giraffes along the banks of the Nile. The heat is not as intense as in February, making it a comfortable time for most people.
September: The Return of the Clouds
In September, the dry season ends. You will start to see clouds building up in the afternoons. The first rains usually arrive late in the month. It is a transition period. The parks are still fairly dry, so wildlife viewing is still good.
This is a good month for people who want to avoid the July crowds but still want decent weather. The permit pressure eases slightly, making it easier to book a trek.
October: The Short Rains Begin
October is a wet month, but the rains are often short bursts. The scenery becomes green again very quickly. This is a good time for photographers who want moody skies and dramatic lighting.
In the parks, the animals start to spread out as more water becomes available. You might have to drive a bit further to find them, but the parks are very beautiful. This is another month when you can find lower prices at some lodges
November: The Peak for Bird Watchers
November is a wet month, but it is the best time for birding. Migratory birds from the north are all over the wetlands and forests. If you visit Mabamba Swamp, you have a high chance of seeing the Shoebill Stork.
The rain can make some forest trails challenging. However, the misty forests of Bwindi look very special in November. It is a great time for people who love nature and want to avoid other people.
December: The Festive Season
The rains stop in early December, and the second dry season begins. This is a very popular time for travel, especially around Christmas and New Year. The weather is sunny, and the parks are full of life.
Many locals also travel during this time, so the parks can feel busy. You must book everything far in advance. The temperatures are warm, and the trekking is easy once again
Regional Climate Gaps: The North vs. The South
Most travel guides treat Uganda as having one weather pattern. This is not true. There is a “Regional Gap” you should know about.
The South (Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo)
The south follows the two-wet, two-dry season pattern strictly. Because of the mountains and forests, it receives more rain overall. The altitude in Bwindi (up to 2,600 meters) means it is much cooler than the rest of the country. Even in the dry season, you should bring a warm fleece for the night
The North (Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls)
The north is much hotter and drier. Kidepo Valley is semi-arid. It has one long rainy season from April to August, but even then, it rains much less than in the south. The dry season here is very intense. From December to March, the landscape can look like a desert. This makes the animals very easy to find because they must stay near the few water sources
The Budget Angle: How to Save Money
While the price of a gorilla permit is fixed by the government, your other costs are not.
Permit Costs
As of July 2024-2026, a gorilla trekking permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents. This price is the same all year round. In the past, there were low-season discounts, but the Uganda Wildlife Authority has removed them. You can also try the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi for $1,500. This allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas instead of one.
Lodge Discounts
The real savings happen with accommodation. In April, May, and November, many lodges have “low season rates.” You can often save $100 to $200 per night. Since a safari usually lasts 7 to 10 days, this adds up to a large saving
Transport
During the wet season, some tour companies might offer better deals on vehicle rentals or guided trips. It is always worth asking for a “Green Season” discount when you book your trip for these months.
What to Pack for the Dry Season
Light, breathable clothing for the day.
A wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses.
Sunscreen and insect repellent.
A light jacket or fleece for early morning game drives.
- Sturdy walking shoes for the savannah.
What to Pack for the Wet Season
A high-quality waterproof rain jacket.
Waterproof trousers for trekking.
At least two pairs of thick socks.
Gaiters to keep mud out of your boots.
Dry bags to protect your camera and phone from the rain.
Waterproof hiking boots with a deep grip.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to trek gorillas during the rainy season?
Yes, it is safe. The rangers at Bwindi and Mgahinga are very experienced. They know the trails well. You just need to be prepared for mud and slippery ground. The gorillas are there all year, so your chance of seeing them remains over 95%.
2. When is the best time to see the Shoebill Stork?
The best time is from January to March and June to September. This is when the water levels in the swamps are lower. It makes it easier for the boats to navigate the narrow channels in places like Mabamba Swamp or Murchison Falls.
3. Do I need a 4×4 vehicle in the dry season?
Yes, you should always use a 4×4 in Uganda. Even in the dry season, some park tracks can be sandy or uneven. If there is a sudden rain shower, the tracks turn to mud very quickly. A 4×4 ensures you do not get stuck.
4. Is Kidepo Valley worth visiting in the heat of January?
Yes, if you can handle the heat. It is the best time to see the big herds. Kidepo is very remote and beautiful. The heat is a dry heat, which is often easier to handle than the humidity of the southern forests.
5. Can I see lions easily in the wet season?
It is harder because the grass is tall. Lions like to hide in the long grass to hunt. However, in Queen Elizabeth National Park, they still climb trees in the Ishasha sector. You just might need a bit more time and a good guide to find them.
6. Are there more mosquitoes in the rainy season?
Yes, mosquitoes are more active when there is standing water. You must use repellent and sleep under a net. However, most lodges are at high altitudes where the mosquito count is lower. Always take your malaria medication as advised by your doctor.
Final Thoughts from the Field
As someone who spends every day in these parks, I tell my guests that there is no “bad” time to visit. If you want the easiest walk and the best sun, come in July. If you want to save money and love the quiet of the forest, come in May.
Uganda is a place that changes with the rain. The animals are always there, and the people are always welcoming. The most important thing is to book your permits early. Everything else can be planned around the weather. We look forward to seeing you in the forest or out on the plains soon.
