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Equatorial Uganda has a pleasant warm and tropical climate with insignificant seasonal variations, making it the best time to go to Uganda 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 millimeters each year, but depending on time of year these can be short bursts which give rise to clearer skies.
JANUARY WEATHER AND WHERE TO GO
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. Uganda’s equatorial temperatures generally range from 17-28C throughout the year but figures in the mountainous regions and during the evenings may drop to around 13C.
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.
JANUARY CLIMATIC AVERAGES
Day time average maximum temperature 28 degrees Centigrade
Night time average minimum temperature 18 degrees Centigrade
Average amount of precipitation 46mm
Average number of daylight hours 12h06m
Most camps will be quieter in January than in December thanks to school holidays having finished and the Christmas and New Year period being over, however, as it is still a popular time to travel, prices will remain fixed at peak season rates.
Migratory birds are still present throughout Uganda until April so this can be a good time to travel to see a range of bird species.
If you wish to combine your Uganda safari with gorilla trekking in Rwanda this is a perfect time to do so.
FEBRUARY WEATHER AND WHEN TO GO
Although still being the dry season, February begins to see a drop in numbers of travelers, 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.
Temperatures will still be hot throughout the country, so afternoon relaxation between game drives will be pleasant and skies are likely to remain clear.
FEBRUARY CLIMATIC AVERAGES
Day time average maximum temperature 28 degrees Centigrade
Night time average minimum temperature 18 degrees Centigrade
Average amount of precipitation 61mm
Average number of daylight hours 12h06m
kibale forest national park is splendid in February so you will be able to witness up to 13 species of primate in the park from vervets and Colobus monkeys to the much-loved chimpanzees. As the trekking trails will be dry, walking shouldn’t be too strenuous, therefore this is a great time for travelers of all abilities to track chimpanzee.
MARCH WEATHER AND WHEN TO GO
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 opportunities 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.
Even during the wet season, rainfall is unlikely to perpetuate throughout the day and skies will brighten up after a downpour. Therefore, you will still have plenty of time to explore and relax during your safari.
As the rainy season continues, price of permits for gorilla tracking will reduce making it an even more affordable experience.
MARCH CLIMATIC AVERAGES
Day time average maximum temperature 27 degrees Centigrade
Night time average minimum temperature 18 degrees Centigrade
Average amount of precipitation 130mm
Average number of daylight hours 12h06m
Another benefit of travelling at the beginning of the rainy season is that there is a lot of food for gorillas on the lower slopes of the mountain. Therefore, although trekking may be tougher due to wet terrain underfoot, you are likely to encounter Gorillas closer to the beginning of the trail so distances covered will be shorter.
March is the last month you will be able to witness migratory birds in Uganda as they will begin to depart in April and won’t return to the country until November. Throughout the year Uganda boasts over 400 species of birds including the unique and impressive shoebill, so this is a bird-lovers paradise.
MAY WEATHER AND WHEN TO GO
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.
MAY CLIMATIC AVERAGES
Day time average maximum temperature 25 degrees Centigrade
Night time average minimum temperature 17 degrees Centigrade
Average amount of precipitation 147mm
Average number of daylight hours 12h07m
May is not the best time to travel to Bwindi impenetrable national park for gorilla trekking as the ground will still be wet making trekking more difficult, but permits will be cheaper so can be a good option for those on a tighter budget. Alternative parks that are good at this time include kibale for chimpanzee trekking and Murchison Falls allowing you to witness the mighty Nile.
Some roads and trails may be impassable at the beginning of May depending on the intensity of the rainy season so please ask in advance of booking if there are certain areas you would like to travel to
JUNE WEATHER AND WHEN TO GO
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 secure your space at your preferred accommodation.
Being the first month after the wet season, June still enjoys lush landscapes so can be a great time to travel if you want to combine wildlife viewing with photogenic scenery.
JUNE CLIMATIC AVERAGES
Day time average maximum temperature 25 degrees Centigrade
Night time average minimum temperature 17 degrees Centigrade
Average amount of precipitation 74mm
Average number of daylight hours 12h07m
As June lies within the dry season, temperatures are warm with clear blue skies making it ideal for both gorilla trekking and game drives as well as being pleasant for the afternoons spent at your leisure. It is possible that there may be some rainfall during your safari as Uganda is known for its tropical climate, but even still, the majority of your days will be sunny and clear.
JULY WEATHER AND WHEN TO GO
Thanks to Uganda’s equatorial climate and Lake Victoria’s unique weather patterns, the country is considered a year-round destination. However, July is known as one of the best months to travel 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.
Gorilla tracking, chimpanzee treks and game viewing to see the unique tree-climbing lions are great wildlife encounters you can experience in July.
JULY CLIMATIC AVERAGES
Day time average maximum temperature 25 degrees Centigrade
Night time average minimum temperature 17 degrees Centigrade
Average amount of precipitation 46mm
Average number of daylight hours 12h07m
The temperatures are particularly high when gorilla in July. This is also increased by the exertion of trekking and the recommendation of wearing longer (but lightweight) trousers and sleeves when in the forest. In the rest of the country, temperatures will be slightly cooler particularly around Lake Victoria due to the location being at altitude. Mornings and late evenings may still be cool so it is always good to have extra layers on hand.
Although children under the age of 15 cannot participate in gorilla tracking, thanks to the plethora of other safari options July can still be a good time to take a family holiday to Uganda.
AUGUST WEATHER AND WHEN TO GO
August can be 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.
It is possible that is may still rain at some points in August so it is best to pack for all weather conditions.
AUGUST CLIMATIC AVERAGES
Day time average maximum temperature 25 degrees Centigrade
Night time average minimum temperature 16 degrees Centigrade
Average amount of precipitation 86mm
Average number of daylight hours 12h07m
Although just over six hours of sunlight (thanks to the equatorial location) doesn’t seem like much, your days here in Uganda will be filled with activities; from early morning starts heading out gorilla tracking to sundowners overlooking stunning locations. Choose from some of Uganda’s fantastic accommodation to make the most of your evenings.
SEPTEMBER WEATHER AND WHEN TO GO
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 impenetrable 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.
Murchison Falls is a great place to travel year-round.
SEPTEMBER CLIMATIC AVERAGES
Day time average maximum temperature 27 degrees Centigrade
Night time average minimum temperature 17 degrees Centigrade
Average amount of precipitation 91mm
Average number of daylight hours 12h07m
The only park that is particularly bad in terms of weather in September is kibale national park Therefore, if you are hoping to go chimpanzee tracking it is probably best to consider another time of year to travel. January and February as well as June and July are the optimum seasons for encountering chimpanzees.
As always, Uganda’s temperatures remain stable despite some rain, so whatever time of year you travel there will be plenty of options for incredible wildlife experiences.
OCTOBER WEATHER AND WHEN TO GO
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.
OCTOBER CLIMATIC AVERAGES
Day time average maximum temperature 27 degrees Centigrade
Night time average minimum temperature 17 degrees Centigrade
Average amount of precipitation 97mm
Average number of daylight hours 12h06m
Prices of gorilla permits reduce significantly in the rainy seasons so this is a great time to get a good deal on accommodation and tracking safaris. Conditions underfoot will be more difficult so this time of year is not for everyone, but if you’re up for a challenge it can still be a great experience.
Depending on when the rains arrive the beginning of the month may even remain dry and until the heavy rains begin wildlife will still be gathering round dwindling waterholes.
NOVEMBER WEATHER AND WHEN TO GO
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 sees the start of the best birdwatching season (November-April) as migratory birds arrive. Uganda is known for its huge variety of birds so if this is something that you are particularly interested in, please do tell your guides and they will be able to point out some unique species.
NOVEMBER CLIMATIC AVERAGES
Day time average maximum temperature 27 degrees Centigrade
Night time average minimum temperature 17 degrees Centigrade
Average amount of precipitation 122mm
Average number of daylight hours 12h06m
Murchison Falls National Park is a year-round destination so a visit to see the powerful waters of the Nile surging through a cleft in the rift valley is a great add on to your safari at this time of year. Here you can witness Nile crocodiles, river hippos, elephants and numerous bird species.
DECEMBER WEATHER AND WHEN TO GO
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 travelers. December is a particular 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.
All migratory birds should have arrived by this time so there will be a huge range of species to look out for during your safari.
DECEMBER CLIMATIC AVERAGES
Day time average maximum temperature 27 degrees Centigrade
Night time average minimum temperature 17 degrees Centigrade
Average amount of precipitation 99mm
Average number of daylight hours 12h06m
The only park that is perhaps not at its best during December is Queen Elizabeth national park It will still be accessible but the best wildlife opportunities are usually from January to February and June to August.
Our Destination Specialists are happy to create tailored Uganda safaris for you and can discuss the best options based on your wildlife preferences and time of year you wish to travel.