Best Time to Visit Uganda – Climate Guide –Safari Destination
The best time to visit Uganda is during two dry seasons between December and February and June to August, when climate conditions are particularly good for trekking forest trailheads in search of great mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Game drive viewing in game parks also can be easy at this time since the national parks can be out of water sources.
Between February and March and September and October, you can easily see large concentrations of wildlife at waterholes.
Uganda experiences temperatures that change throughout the seasons, ranging from around 24 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius, meaning you can visit Uganda all year round. The country is also rewarding for birding all year around.
Visit Uganda Month by Month – January to February
January to February is one of the dry seasons and one of the best times to visit Uganda. Although rainfall can fall any day in these months. Wildlife viewing is particularly rewarding at this time of the year; there can be less vegetation and no long grass to obstruct your view and a variety of animals can be spotted along waterholes.
However, it’s a rewarding time to engage in gorilla trekking activity and chimpanzee tracking, while birders can enjoy great views of migratory birds.
March, April and May
These months of the year receive the heaviest rainfall in the country, then shorter rains tend to fall in October to November. Though there can be a rainy season, it doesn’t affect your chances of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural environment—Bwindi Impenetrable Forest—although be prepared for a slippery trek.
Along with trekking, do not forget to carry waterproofs and waterproof boots; energy-eating snacks and drinks are essentials. The research shows that the gorillas live on the warmer, lower slopes during wetter weather, which may ease your trekking experience.
During this period of the year, wildlife can also be scenic and rewarding, as you can be able to adventure with a lot of game in the parks, like Queen Elizabeth National Park, though thicker green vegetation makes spotting animals a little harder. So be aware of dirty and slippery roads, and for this matter, we advise you to use 4 wheels.
Murchison Falls, located northeast of the driest regions, is a safari destination to visit during the wet seasons.
During rainy seasons, there can be discounts on some activities due to heavy rain, which leads to few visitors in the park and most of the lodges in the park can be closed. So the Uganda Wildlife Authority a body responsible for updating rates of activities and park entry fees, in regard to issuing gorilla trekking permits, has the attendance of offering discounts of up to 25 percent in the months of April, May and November. Worth time for those on budget.
The months of July, August, and September are the peak season, as millions of tourists flock to the national parks during this time because it is generally dry, although rain can fall at any time. During this period, we can see school buses visiting the game parks.
Note, during this time it can be the best time to visit Uganda. And we recommend you book your Uganda safari in advance.
December, January and February are also good months to visit. Most especially during dry seasons, though rain can fall in December. The wildlife viewing can be easily seen along the waterholes, thus making a good time for boat safaris. During this period migratory birds can be present.
Please note this: throughout the country, the temperature drops considerably at night. So you will need to carry your jumper, poncho, cotton stockings, and warm clothing. Thus, making your sleep comfortable.
