When to Travel to Uganda
Explore Uganda through the seasons and learn when the weather, wildlife, and landscapes align for the ultimate adventure.
Uganda Travel Seasons
Uganda’s best travel months are January–February and June–September, when the days are dry, sunny, and ideal for gorilla trekking and safaris. The rainy seasons from March–May and October–November bring lush greenery and great birdwatching, while December offers a calm, pleasant mix of both and fewer crowds.
Uganda Best Travel Months
January & February
January and February are among the best months to explore Uganda. The country enjoys warm, sunny days with little rainfall, making it perfect for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale. The savannah parks – Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Lake Mburo – offer clear visibility and excellent wildlife sightings as animals gather near water sources.
Expect comfortable daytime temperatures and cooler evenings in higher-altitude regions. It’s a popular time for safaris and adventure travel, so lodges can book up quickly, early planning is advised.
March to May
March marks the onset of the long rainy season, which usually lasts until May. Heavy showers can make some roads muddy and gorilla treks more challenging, but the landscapes transform into a lush green paradise teeming with life.
For photographers and birdwatchers, this is a beautiful time to visit the forests, which are alive with colour, and migratory birds are abundant. Lodges and tour operators often offer lower rates during this period, and gorilla trekking permits can sometimes be discounted. Just be sure to pack solid rain gear and waterproof boots if you plan to trek.
June to September
This is Uganda’s peak travel season, dry and clear, ideal for both wildlife safaris and trekking adventures. Paths in Bwindi and Mgahinga are firm and easy to navigate, while game viewing in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley is at its best.
These months also coincide with the gorilla trekking high season, so it’s wise to secure permits well in advance. Expect pleasant temperatures across most regions and minimal rain. The skies are often bright, perfect for photography and long days outdoors.
October to December
October brings the short rains, which continue intermittently through November and taper off in December. The showers are usually brief and followed by sunshine, keeping the landscape beautifully green without disrupting travel too much.
This shoulder season offers an outstanding balance, fewer visitors, great wildlife viewing, and excellent conditions for gorilla trekking. By December, the country settles into another mild dry spell, making it a popular time for festive travel.
If you don’t mind the occasional downpour, this period is rewarding for photographers, bird lovers, and travellers looking for a more peaceful safari experience.
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