Best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; however, this is a commonly asked question to the starters or those planning to visit the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, it is well known that Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a tropical rainforest where rain is unpredictable but still this can’t stop you to access the park since the temperature doesn’t vary much in these regions and you can visit at any time of the year. However, the highest daytime temperature ranges from 22 c to 24 degrees Celsius, while the lowest tempests during the night may remain between 10 degrees Celsius and 12 Celsius. More relevant to your question is the wet–dry cycle. This is not different from other continents, the reserve experiences two dry seasons and two wet seasons.
There are different monthly seasons at Mgahinga – Dry, Hot, Wet Rainy & Cool;
The best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National park is during the peak season –Dry Months occur; in June, July, and August.
Take note, September is peak season but is a wet rainy season.
Dry and Wet Rainy Months; Good time and high season to visit Mgahinga; Starts at the end of December, January, and early parts of February.
Wet Rainy Months, Very Good Time, and High Season to Visit Mgahinga; March and September both months are both rainy seasons though September is also a peak period with a high number of visitors to Mgahinga. These two months is also the start of the lush green season.
The wet Rainy Season, Least Good Time, and Low Season to Visit Mgahinga; Happens in April, May, October, and November.
Hot and Cool Months; This experiences only a 1-2 Celsius degrees’ variation in temperature in between months at Mgahinga. The hottest months; January, February, and September vary with a high temperature of about 24 degrees Celsius during the day and lows of 11 degrees Celsius at night while June and July are the coolest months with highs of 22 degrees Celsius during the day and lows of 10 degrees at night. Then other months range from 22 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius during the daytime while nighttime temperature averages from 10 Celsius and 12 degrees Celsius
Best Time for Birding Tours in Mgahinga; The best time for bird-watching tours in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park starts from the end of May to September. The migratory birds arrive in November and leave by April.
Note; The best time to visit Mgahinga should be in the long dry season which starts in June to July and August.
Although, the wet season offers low footfall, lush greenery, superb birding, and discounted room prices.
The possibility of viewing mountain gorillas is throughout the year though the area experiences the wet season which typically remains in the lower slopes.
The dry season attracts several tourists and we see many tourists arriving to visit the attraction in the park.
The highest daytime temperature ranges from 22 Celsius to 24 Celsius and the lowest temperatures during the night are between 10 Celsius and 12 degrees Celsius.
Climate and Weather Conditions to Visit Mgahinga;
When booking Uganda Gorilla safari tours to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, we do advise our visitors to first know the best time to go which could be during the long dry season of Mgahinga. The period starts and goes through June and Augusts. During these months, rainfall can be less thus not damaging the trekking trails with muddy and slippery. You can opt to visit the park’s activities in September, which is also a peak season. Although the weather is likely to be wet and rainy the best time for birding and getting attracted to the lush greenery of Mgahinga.
There is a short dry season that tends to occur in December, January, and the first weeks of February. These months are also a favorable time to visit since there are only intermittent showers and most of your safari will be filled with a gainful view of primates. However, you should keep in mind that global warming has made weather conditions uncertain in the entire world, including Africa.
Best Time to Go On Safari- Mgahinga During the Dry Season;
Mgahinga is best visited during the long dry season starting in June to August. Since it experiences two dry seasons long and short. However, the short dry season happens in January and February and this is a very good time to travel or to do gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National park.
Dry seasons ate typically preferred by visitors visiting the park who come from North America and Europe. During these seasons schools can be closed and children on vacation whereby, whereas children over 15 years can go for a holiday tour with their parents to trek gorillas or golden monkeys, and bird watching among others. Travelers are likely to encounter fewer buds which lowers the risks of malaria. More so, makes gorilla trekking excursions easier and leads to an increase in tourist arrivals in Uganda during the dry.
Wet Rainy Season in Mgahinga;
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also experiences a wet rainy season that brings with them a fresh burst of vegetation and the park seems to take on scenic beauty. During the wet season, the accommodation offers discounted rates on rooms, making a safari holiday during this time cheaper. For those planning to have a budget safari in Mgahinga, we advise you to plan your visit in March, April, and May period of long rainfall. The short rain tends to start in September, and October and last all of November till Mid-December. The best activity to do in the wet season includes; Birdwatching and photography on safari and also gorilla trekking, all you need is to pack the right essentials to make your gorilla trek memorable items like a waterproofed bag –jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, a long-sleeved shirt and trouser, warm clothes, hand gloves among.
Lastly, if you’re planning for ultimate safari holiday with your family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, keep in mind that, during the wet season, rain does not rain continuously throughout the day. It might rain in the morning and then after it stops and activities goes on.
