When To Visit Uganda

What are the best months for travelling and safaris in Uganda?

With the equator running through Uganda one is guaranteed that temperature variations are kept to the minimum, no matter the season (as you can see below on the temperature charts).

The best time to visit if you are basing your decision on temperatures alone would be all year round, unfortunately, it is the rainfall and rainy season that typically throws that proverbial spanner in the works. Most who visit Uganda will not be deterred by a little rain. In fact, it is part of this country's charm, from those lush forested mountains and valleys to the majestic waterfalls and fast-running rivers.

Rain can and most likely will occur throughout the year as one can see on the below rainfall graphs. One simply wears a raincoat when out viewing the gorillas or wandering away from one's safari vehicle or lodge, it really is that simple. The joys of a safari on the equator.

April and May are the rainy months in travel in Uganda, safaris over this period do tend to get a little tricky with longer travelling times, bad roads and if you are gorilla trekking prepare to get very very wet. Waterproof bags for camera gear is a must.

As a quick guide on high and low seasons for safaris and holidays in Uganda (high season = high prices / low season = lower prices).

High season Months;

• December to February
• June to September

Low season Months;

• March to May
• October to November

Bear in mind that the best time to safari Uganda does not always line up with the best time to safari in Kenya or Tanzania. A little bit of compromise here and there and we will be able to get the best out of both all regions (should you, of course, be visiting Uganda as part of an addon to a Safari in Kenya/ Tanzania).

Best months for gorilla trekking;

There are two dry seasons that are the best for gorilla trekking, making it easier to hike the forests, these periods are; June to September and January and February.

Best months for wildlife viewing;

The end of the dry months is best, wildlife over this period congregate at waterholes making it easier to spot and photograph; September and early October as well as February and March.

Best months for birdlife viewing;

Birding in Uganda really has no season as it is excellent year-round, although keep in mind that migrant species arrive between November and April.

Uganda Weather Charts

 

Entebbe Temperature Chart

 

Entebbe Average Rainfall (mm)

 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Temperature Chart

 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Average Rainfall (mm)

 

Murchison Falls National Park Temperature Chart

 

Murchison Falls National Park Average Rainfall (mm)