BEST TIME TO VISIT UGANDA | BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT UGANDA FOR A MEMORABLE SAFARI EXPERIENCE

Are you asking yourself of the best time to visit Uganda, the pearl of Africa, for an unforgettable safari experience? Look no further. This guide outlines the best season and month to visit Uganda to behold its tourist attractions and participate in the various activities the country offers.

From the two dry seasons and two wet seasons that Uganda has, there are different places to go, things to see, and things to do in a particular season, and the best month to ensure that you have the best of your safari in Uganda.

Come and discover Uganda’s stunning natural wonders, engage with locals, enjoy views of wildlife, and explore many other attractions and activities during the best time that suits you.

Below are the details of the best time to visit Uganda, depending on its season.

Uganda’s weather and seasons vary by month. These dry seasons run from the month of December to February, and the other from June to August. The wet season runs from March to May, and the other from September to November.

Dry Season in Uganda by Months

The first dry period in Uganda is in December and ends in February; it is the longest dry season of the year.

Visiting Uganda in January

This month marks the beginning of the year, implying that it begins amid the first dry season, which runs from December to late February or mid-March. During this month, the country experiences hot days and nights with temperatures ranging from 75ºF to 90ºF.

Most days are typically sunny, but you might experience some rain in some of Uganda’s forests. It is the best time of the year for most wildlife safaris.

Top Places to Visit in Uganda in January

• Queen Elizabeth NP
• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Kibale Forest National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Kampala city
• Local markets

Fascinating Things to Do in January

• Gorilla trekking
• Chimpanzee trekking
• Kampala city tour
• Community tours
• Beach tours
• Tracking tree-climbing lions
• Game viewing, to see animals in the field and their natural habitat, among others
• Mountain climbing due to dry hiking trails
• Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking to see gorillas and Chimpanzees

January is one of the hottest months. As you plan for your safari, pack only light clothes and book early, for it is prime season when safaris are at their peak.

Visiting Uganda in February

February is another month in the dry season that marks the end of the dry period and the peak season. The temperatures in this month range from 77ºF in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to 84°F in Kampala.

After a long period of too much sunshine, the grassland in most parts of the country’s parks looks dry. This condition makes spotting wildlife very easy due to less vegetation.

Expect to find clear skies that will make views of different attractions clearer. Hiking in certain mountains and forests can be difficult during the wet seasons. The dry days of February often create optimal trekking conditions.

 Best Places to Visit in Uganda in February

• Murchison Falls National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kidepo Valley NP
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Kibale Forest National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla NP
• Lake Bunyonyi

Safari Activities to Do in February

• Mountain Gorilla trekking and Chimpanzee trekking to see gorillas and Chimpanzees
• Sporting other wildlife
• Mountain climbing
• Bird watching, especially views of migratory birds
• Cycling
• City tours
• Cultural tours and going to local communities
• Game viewing

Note that of all the game parks, Kidepo Valley NP is located at lower altitudes, and it has one long hot season that runs from July to February and one wet season that runs from March to May.

Visiting Uganda in March— Beginning of The Longest Wet Season 

Early March marks the complete end of the dry season and the beginning of the long, wet season. The long rainy season runs from March to May.

The country receives heavy downpours; if not early in the morning, at times rain continues up to afternoon and evening hours.

This is the best month for bird enthusiasts to come and see both migratory birds and native birds. Expect to see the stunning greenery and view flowers that bloom during periods of heavy rains.

Top Places to Visit in Uganda in March

• Queen Elizabeth NP
• Lake Bunyonyi
• Mountain Elgon
• Lake Victoria
• Uganda National Museum

Best Thing to Do in Uganda in March

• Lush green landscapes
• Birdwatching
• Cultural tours
• Watching the waters roaring
• Diving and paddling for experienced participants

Note that during the period of too much rain, like in March, most of the places to go to are less crowded due to fewer visitors since it is off-season. However, traveling to some places may be hard since some routes tend to be muddy.

Weather In April in Uganda

April is always the wettest month, with heavy downpours almost every day throughout the country. The season during this month is marked by temperatures ranging from 16 °C (61°F) in the morning to 26 °C (79°F).

April is the best time to drop by the country to enjoy its beautiful greenery. For those interested in wildlife viewing, foliage makes it hard to spot the different wildlife. Forest and mountain trails are always slippery due to too much rain.

Though April and some other months receive much rainfall, Uganda is open for tours year round.

Places To travel to in Uganda in April

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla NP
• Kayabwe equator line
• Lake Bunyonyi
• Murchison Falls National Park is greatly affected by the dry climate.

Things To Do in April

• Photography
• Shorter gorilla treks to see gorillas for a few hours
• Shorter chimpanzee treks due to muddy conditions
• Spotting wildlife like zebras grazing
• Bird watching for both native and migratory birds

Note that in this wettest month of the wet season, gorilla trekking permits and other permits for other safaris are always cheap since it is a low season for tourism in Uganda.

Uganda Weather in May

This month marks the end of the long rainy season. During this time, the weather patterns begin to change at the end of the month.   The temperature of the day is 16°C (61°F) in the mornings and 28°C (82°F) on average.

This month, the safari packages are cheaper compared to the peak season. Gorilla trekking permit costs are cut down. At this time, you have a chance to trek the mountain gorillas only with a few other trekkers since there are fewer travellers.

Places To Visit in Uganda in May

• Entebbe Botanical Gardens
• Lake Bunyonyi
• Beaches like Lutembe Beach and Serena Resort Beach
• All game parks
• Entebbe Botanical Gardens

Safari Activities in Uganda in May

• Bird watching for native and migratory birds
• Cultural tours
• Shorter treks to see mountain gorillas for a few hours
• Photography for stunning greenery and landscapes
• Intimate wildlife encounters
• Kampala city tours
• Explore Entebbe’s beautiful gardens.
• Swimming

May marks the end of the first wet season.

As you plan for a safari in May, make sure you carry clothes fit for the rainy periods, and also book your safari earlier.

Weather In Uganda in June – This Marks the Beginning of The Long Dry Season 

June marks the beginning of the second dry season. It is characterized by temperatures of around 27 °C (81°F) on average. At the beginning of the month, there is lush greenery, but toward the end of the month, the vegetation starts to thin due to a temperature rise.

In the same month, lodges, hotels, game parks, and the like start to raise the prices of their packages since the month marks the beginning of another peak season.

Places To Visit in June Include

• Namugongo martyrs’ shrines
• All the game parks
• Lake Victoria
• Jinja city
• Kampala city
• Local markets
• Entebbe
• Historical sites and Museums

Things To Do in June

• Take a tour to the Namugongo martyrs’ shrines
• Trekking to see gorillas and Chimpanzees
• Encounter with locals
• Cultural tours
• City tours
• Photography
• Spotting wildlife like the big five animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Nature walks

 Gorilla trekking permits and accommodation are booked in advance since gorilla permits tend to sell quickly as the peak season opens.

Uganda Weather in July

July is another month for the peak season that is characterized by high temperatures in Kampala, the capital city, ranging from 77ºF (25ºC) to 61ºF (16ºC) and 77ºF, occasionally dropping to 55ºF in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This weather creates the best time for outdoor activities, which many travelers come to enjoy in Uganda.

There are many game drives in July in most of the game parks. Here, many animals can be seen congregating around watering holes.

Places To Visit in Uganda in July

• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Ssezibwa fall
• Like Victoria
• Kazinga channel
• All the game parks
• Budongo Forest National Reserve

Safari Activities to Do in July

• Spotting rhinos
• Bungee jumping
• Rafting
• Trekking Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees
• Gorilla trekking
• Game viewing
• Nature walks

July is the best time to visit Uganda for most of the game drives, and during this time, mountain gorillas tend to climb back to the misty mountains, but the absence of rainfall makes gorilla trekking easier.

Uganda Weather in August

This is the month that marks the end of the peak season. It is also associated with many game drives, given the dry plains and less vegetation because of little or no rainfall and more sunshine, a condition that makes spotting different wildlife easier. Some hard-to-spot animals can be spotted this season.

The weather in Uganda in this month is characterized by high temperatures of 27 °C (81°F) at maximum and 17 °C (63°F). The average temperature is always 77ºF (25ºC) throughout the country. Toward the end of August, the country begins to receive rain in the northern region.

Some Of the Places to Go to In August in Uganda

• All game parks
• Entebbe Botanical Gardens
• Kampala city
• Lake Victoria, among other places
• Kasenyi sector

Things To Do   

• Wildlife viewing
• Photography
• Monkey tracking
• Trekking for mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
• Bird watching
• Take a tour of the Gaddafi national mosque
• Cultural tours, such as going to the Kabaka’s palace in Buganda, are available.
• Batwa cultural experiences

Consider August the best time to visit Uganda for the best safari experiences.

Uganda Weather in September – Beginning of The Shortest Rainy Season 

September is a month to travel to Uganda. It marks the beginning of the short rainy season; during this month, with an average temperature of about 27 °C, Uganda receives less rain, but as it approaches October, lots of rain begin to pour.

Since at the beginning of September the rainfall is not that much, some activities that are best done during the, like chimpanzee trekking, can still be done. Many of the outdoor activities are done during the wet season/rainy season.

Places To Visit in September

• Kalinzu forest
• Kibale Forest National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
•  Kazinga Channel
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Edward and George Lakes

What To Do in September

• Spotting crocodiles and pelicans at Edward and George Lakes
• Take a tour of the Batwa Pygmy community for cultural experiences
• Take a tour of the Ndere Cultural Center
• Take a tour of the Museum
• Bird watching
• Go shopping in places like Acacia Mall.
• Travel to the Rubaga Cathedral.
• Enjoy casino games in Mayfair Casino & Club.

If you want to travel on a budget and have quieter trails, consider September one of the best months to travel to Uganda. This is because flights to and from Uganda, as well as holiday packages, are less expensive. 

Uganda Weather in October

This month marks the period when there is more rainfall, which is slightly similar to that of March. Temperatures in this month range from 17 °C / 63 °F to 28 °C / 82 °F. The rain pours are occasionally unprepared for in that it can rain at any time of the day, making most of the roads muddy during the rainy periods.

Top Places to Visit in October  

• Gift shops like Kona, Maridadi, Kampala Fair, Kardamom & Koffee
• Lake Bunyonyi
• Uganda National Museum
• Acacia Mall
• Mayfair Casino & club

Things To Do  

• Photography
• Bird watching, especially for migratory birds
• Cultural tour
• Some water sports
• Shopping
• Take a tour of museums for insights into Uganda’s history
• Take a tour of the Antique Gallery
• Take a tour of Kona, a gift shop run by a group of women
• Take a tour of Maridadi Craft
• Walking tours

The unpredictable heavy rain showers fall, making October unpopular, thereby receiving only a handful of tourists, since the rains affect most of the activities. Few wildlife activities take place, but instead, indoor activities can be arranged.

Weather In Uganda in November—Often Referred to As the Shoulder Season

November is a unique month of the year, and it is referred to as the Shoulder season, which is made up of two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Though it is one of the wettest months, November marks the end of the wet season as it ushers us into the dry period. Unpredictable heavy rain showers fall at any time of the day. There are also varying temperatures, with some days rising up to 82ºF and others dropping to 64ºF.

The month seems to have around 12 days of heavy rain showers that happen in the southern region around Bwindi, making tours in that region harder. but the northern region seems to be drier, making safaris in that region at least more accessible.

During this month of the season, birders are likely to see some migratory birds returning to Uganda. November closes the off-season when the cost of accommodation, transport, and some safari packages is relatively low.

Places To Visit in Uganda in November.

• Lake Bunyonyi
• Kampala city
• Jinja city, the adrenaline capital of East Africa
• Lake Mburo NP
• Kibale NP

Things To Do in November

• Game viewing, though there is much foliage
• Birding
• Shorter gorilla trekking through the muddy trails makes it challenging.
• Nature walks
• Kampala city tours for cultural and historical experiences
• Enjoying the local cuisine in hotels and restaurants.
• Explore the Kasoga community to learn fishing practices
• Explore the Batwa community for insights about the lives of indigenous people
• Kayaking and rafting at the source of the Nile
• Attending Karamojong cultural festivals

Consider November rewarding when it comes to traveling. Though it is associated with muddy conditions, it is cost-friendly and less crowded, yet it offers a unique blend of activities.

Weather In Uganda in December

December is a month with many celebrations, excitement, and travel for the end of the year. It is the perfect time for safaris since it marks the one that officially sets us into the first dry season and a peak season where most of the tourist activities are done with ease. The daytime temperatures go up to 27 °C, while at night they drop to 17 °C.

Places To Visit In December

• All game parks and reserves
• Entebbe botanical gardens
• Mabamba swamp in Entebbe
• Bigodi wetland system, among others
• Big cities

Things to do in December

• City tours
• Water sports
• Cultural tours
• Birding
• Game viewing
• Nature walks
• Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking to see gorillas and Chimpanzees in their natural habitat

December remains the best time to visit Uganda for an unforgettable safari experience since it is also a festive season.

Best Time to Visit Uganda | FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

1. What Is the Best Month to Go to Uganda?

The best month or time to visit Uganda is during the dry season, which is from June to late August and from December to February.

2. What Is the Best Time to See Gorillas in Uganda? | What Is the Best Time to See the Gorillas? 

The best time to see mountain gorillas in Uganda is during the two dry seasons from June to August, and from December up to February, when the trekking trails are not muddy.

3. What Is the Hottest Month in Uganda?

January and February are the hottest months, when average temperatures are between 24°C and 32°C, or 75°F to 90°F.

4. How Many Days Should I Spend in Uganda? | How Many Days Do You Need in Uganda? 

The number of days in Uganda depends on the safari package that one has booked. Some safaris can go up to 20 days.

5. Is Rwanda or Uganda Better for Gorillas? 

Uganda is better for gorillas, accommodating half of the world’s mountain gorillas. However, each country offers a unique experience of gorilla trekking.

6. Which Months Are the Rainy Season in Uganda? 

Months for the rainy season are March, April, May, September, October, and November.

7. Is Uganda Good for Tourists?

Uganda is generally good and safe for tourists. It offers a diverse range of tourist attractions and activities at many of its destinations.   Is It Safe for US Citizens to Travel to Uganda?

Uganda is open for tours all year round. Travel to Uganda in the comfort of your time for the unforgettable safari experience. Contact our team to help you plan for your holiday.