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Uganda offers a true once-in-a-lifetime safari experience – from the forest of Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the country's wildlife is unique.
Best time to visit Uganda
Choosing when to travel to Uganda is often crucial. As a general rule of thumb, the months of June to September, along with December to February, are perfect with an eye on good weather. However, visitors can also hedge their bets and travel in late May, or even into early October. Both options are clever ways of avoiding the crowds and a lack of availability.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
January - Best month to visit Uganda
- January is part of Uganda’s short dry season and one of the hottest months. Days are generally dry and sunny.
- It’s an ideal time for gorilla and chimpanzee treks, as the ground is dry and easier to walk on.
- January is a popular month to travel in Uganda, so property prices stay at peak-season rates.
- Game-viewing is excellent, as wildlife is lured out of the dry bush in search of water.
- Gorilla permits need to be booked well in advance.
Peak season
Max temp 82 F
Possibility of rain
Gorilla-trekking month
Some mosquitoes
Migratory birdlife
February - Best month to visit Uganda
- February is ideal for gorilla and chimpanzee treks. You can look out for lots of species coming to quench their thirst at the rivers.
- The weather in Uganda in February is a short dry season month with warm days, yet temperatures can drop at night.
- Boat safaris are brilliant this month, as wildlife tends to congregate at the water sources.
- Kibale Forest National Park comes to life in February, with 13 primate species to look out for.
- It’s a great time for birdwatchers in Uganda in February, as thousands of migrant birds are present in national parks.
Short dry season
Max temp 82 F
Some rain
Gorilla-trekking month
Mosquitoes in the forests
Great photo ops
March - Good month to visit Uganda
- February is ideal for gorilla and chimpanzee treks. You can look out for lots of species coming to quench their thirst at the rivers.
- The weather in Uganda in February is a short dry season month with warm days, yet temperatures can drop at night.
- Boat safaris are brilliant this month, as wildlife tends to congregate at the water sources.
- Kibale Forest National Park comes to life in February, with 13 primate species to look out for.
- It’s a great time for birdwatchers in Uganda in February, as thousands of migrant birds are present in national parks.
Rainy season
Max temp 82 F
Heavy downpours
Great birding month
Mosquitoes
Don't forget waterproofs
April - Mixed month to visit Uganda
- April is a mixed month in Uganda. It is usually the wettest month of the year, but that also means it features gorgeously green landscapes.
- There’s heavy rainfall throughout the month, and some properties close down during the long rainy season.
- Forest trails become wet and slippery from the rain, and the thicker foliage makes it harder to spot wildlife.
- Properties have excellent availability and rates are relatively low.
- Gorillas tend to linger on the warmer lower slopes of the mountains during the rainy season, so your trek is likely to be shorter.
Low season
Max temp 77 F
High chance of rain
Waterproofs are essential
Mosquitoes
Young/baby wildlife
May - Mixed month to visit Uganda
- May in Uganda is one of the rainiest months in Uganda, it isn't the best time for gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as the forest trails are muddy and slippery.
- Some lodges close down during the rainy season and some roads may become impassable.
- However, May has some fabulous highlights including lush landscapes, lots of newborns, flocks of migratory birds.
- The properties that remain open have good availability and are significantly cheaper during the rainy season, so this is a good time to visit for those on a tighter budget.
- May is terrific for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. It is also when Murchison Falls is at its most impressive.
Low season
Max temp 77 F
High chance of rain
Lush landscapes
Low rates
Lots of mosquitoes
June - Best month to visit Uganda
- June is the first month of Uganda’s long dry season, characterised by clear blue skies, still-lush landscapes, and increasingly good wildlife viewing.
- This is one of the best times for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking – the ground is dry and easier to traverse.
- Gorilla permits increase in price, and can sell out months in advance.
- Properties have limited availability during the dry season, so it’s worth booking your first-choice accommodation early.
- June is ideal for game-viewing, as wildlife tends to congregate around waterholes and there’s less vegetation to block your view.
Peak season
Max temp 77 F
Some rain
Gorilla-trekking month
Book in advance
Scenery is beautiful
July - Best month to visit Uganda
- A dry-season month, Uganda in July is one of the best times for wildlife viewing and gorilla treks in Uganda.
- July is the optimum month to see tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- It is peak season for both gorilla permits and accommodation – make sure to plan early and book in advance.
- In the north of Uganda, it’s still wet season and there are over 1,000 bird species flying about.
- Temperatures can be hot, making it slightly uncomfortable for some for trekking, but Uganda has a tropical climate so there’s still a small chance of rain.
Peak season
Max temp 77 F
Little rainfall
Gorilla-trekking
Hiking activities can get hot
Ideal for game viewing
August - Best month to visit Uganda
- August in Uganda is the end of dry season, and a fantastic month for gorilla treks, chimp treks, and general wildlife viewing.
- We advise booking accommodation well in advance during the dry season, as properties have limited availability.
- August is a peak-season month, but it’s very unusual for parks in Uganda to feel busy and overcrowded.
- Hundreds of different bird species are still present in the north of the country.
- The Bayimba art festival takes place on the shores of Lake Victoria, showcasing Uganda’s finest arts and music.
Peak season
Max temp 77F
Small chance of rain
YZ favorite month
Gorilla-trekking month
Bayimba art festival
September - Best month to visit Uganda
- Uganda in September sees the return of the rains to Uganda, usually towards the end of the month and accompanied by lots of tropical butterflies.
- Until the time the rains start, though, it is almost entirely dry all month, so safari activities including treks are excellent.
- It’s a peak month, so availability is still low and prices are high.
- September is exceptionally good for game drives and gorilla treks. Wildlife is easier to spot with less vegetation, and animals continue to congregate around the water sources.
- Kibale Forest has bad weather in September, so this is not the best time to visit this national park.
Peak season
Max temp 81 F
Some rain
Gorilla-trekking month
Wildlife photography
Tropical butterflies
October - Best month to visit Uganda
- In October, the rains have returned across many safari areas, but there’s still plenty of wildlife on show across Uganda.
- You can look out for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- The weather is unpredictable at this time of year and heavy rainfall can damage the roads, causing problems with access into national parks.
- October is a shoulder month, so there’s good availability of properties, prices are relatively low, and gorilla permits are a lot less expensive.
- The dry plains start to turn green with the arrival of the rain.
Shoulder season
Max temp 81 F
Short downpours
Dramatic photo ops
Kampala city festival
Mosquitoes
November - Good month to visit Uganda
- It’s wet season in November in South Uganda, but dry in the north – and a big highlight of this month is the beginning of birding season.
- Gorilla tracking can be challenging in the wet weather conditions, and this is not the best month for visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Short yet heavy rain showers occur throughout the month – don't forget your waterproofs.
- In high rainfall areas, some properties close down.
- Properties have good availability and rates are significantly lower in November than during other months.
Shoulder season
Max temp 81 F
High chance of rain
Migratory species
Mosquitoes
Waterproofs are essential
December - Good month to visit Uganda
- The weather in Uganda in December is a dry, with wildlife starting to gather around decreasing water sources and spectacular sights of migratory birds.
- It’s a great month for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, as the ground underfoot is dry and easy to traverse.
- December is one of the busiest months of the year in Uganda, as both Western and Ugandan families are on vacation.
- Gorilla permits sell out quickly, so you’ll need to book these a few months before you travel.
- Properties book up quickly, so YZ recommends sorting out your accommodation well in advance.
Dry season
Max temp 81 F
Short downpours
Gorilla-trekking month
Book early
Great wildlife & bird viewing
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The top national parks to explore on your Uganda safari
Luxury Uganda safari lodges and camps
For an incredible stay in Uganda, take a look at our selected lodges and hotels in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale.
Top safari trips in Uganda
All of our Uganda tours are tailor-made, and designed entirely to suit your needs and budgets. The sample trips below are intended to give you inspiration of what is possible for your safari vacations.
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