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.
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.
