When to visit Uganda

The Best Time to Visit Uganda

The best time to visit Uganda is dependant on the wildlife you'd like to see as the climate is good all year round. Equatorial Uganda has a pleasant warm and tropical climate with insignificant seasonal variations. There are some wetter months, however these can be easily factored in when planning your safari as some activities can become trickier to participate in.

A country full of a number of national parks and nature reserves, to the north is the Kidepo Valley National Park and Matheniko Reserve to the northeast. To visit these biological hotspots, be prepared for more frequent rains in the north. During the second dry season (June to September) , the rains will be less torrential, however the rainy season lasts longer, from March to October.

To visit western Uganda, including Kibale National Park, Mount Elgon National Park and the Sipi waterfall, the best time to visit is during June to September, or January to February. These months provide ideal weather for visiting and discovering the natural surprises which Uganda has to offer.

Travelling out of peak season, March to May and October to November see the highest rainfall in the country. This is a great time, however, to witness gorillas can still be seen lurking in the mist. Accommodation and gorilla permits will also be much cheaper and more freely available.

December to February

A peak time to travel, this short dry period is great for wildlife sightings The drier periods can be ideal for those looking to do other outdoor activities in Uganda such as hiking and climbing. Our preferred months of travel in the dry periods are February and September; this is because some preferential rates are available and it is less crowded than the traditional peak months of travel during the Christmas and peak summer months.

June to September

This is the longest dry season with ideal conditions for gorilla tracking in the southern parks and for visiting Uganda overall, so if you can be flexible we would advise visiting during this time. As gorillas reside in the rainforest, we still recommend taking waterproof clothing even during these drier months. This is peak season, so prices can be higher. Spotting other wildlife in Uganda at this time is also more likely.

Tracking Gorillas

Tracking groups of mountain gorillas is an incredible experience and is best to do between December and February, and between June and September, when conditions for trekking are particularly good and gorillas and chimpanzees are more easily spotted.

Visit Murchison Falls

See the power of the White Nile year round as it is forced through a narrow gap of seven metres, take a boat launch to below the falls and feel the sheer power! However, it is best to avoid the rainy season where hiking conditions may become more unfavourable.

Lake Bunyonyi

Relax by the stunning Lake Bunyonyi, sometimes known as the "Switzerland of Africa," and take in the views while swimming, canoeing, and island-hopping.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Go on a wildlife drive in this diversified park, which is well-known for its elephants, hippos, lions that can climb trees, and other bird species.

Rwenzori Mountains

The Rwenzori Mountains, commonly referred to as the "Mountains of the Moon," offer some of Africa's most breathtaking alpine landscapes, which may be seen by taking a walk across them.

Sipi Falls

Explore the magnificent waterfalls, go for a walk through the coffee fields and try abseiling at the Sipi Falls in Eastern Uganda.

Botanical Gardens

Discover the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, which are home to a variety of plants and birds and are located on the banks of Lake Victoria.