Understanding the Climate of Uganda

Overall Climate Overview

In broad terms, Uganda’s climate can be described as tropical savannah with regional variations. Daytime temperatures across much of the country typically range between 25°C and 30°C (77–86°F) and drop to 17–20°C (63–68°F) at night in central areas. Because of Uganda’s equatorial location, there is little variation in temperature throughout the year; it remains fairly consistent month to month. What defines the seasons is rainfall. Uganda experiences alternating wet (rainy) seasons and dry seasons, rather than the four distinct seasons found in temperate regions.

Importantly, altitude significantly modifies the climate. Much of Uganda sits on a plateau 1,000–1,500 meters above sea level, which cools the air. This is why, despite Uganda lying on the Equator, it does not experience extreme heat. For example, Kampala (the capital) has average highs around 27°C and lows around 18°C – quite mild. In contrast, the low-lying Albert Nile Valley in the far north (with an elevation of around 600m) can become hotter, occasionally exceeding 35°C during the peak of the dry season.

Meanwhile, the highland areas like Kabale or Mount Elgon foothills can be much cooler; Kabale (approx 2,000m elevation) often sees night temperatures around 10°C or lower. Head into the Rwenzori or Virunga Mountains. At high altitudes, temperatures can drop to freezing or lower, and the Rwenzori peaks have snow and ice year-round. Travellers planning to hike these peaks need warm gear, a reminder of how diverse Uganda’s climate can be due to the terrain.

Humidity is generally moderate. It is more humid in the rainforest zones (such as Bwindi or Kibale) and near Lake Victoria, where the air can feel muggy, especially right before a rainstorm. In the far northeast, particularly in the Karamoja region, the air is much drier, resembling a semi-desert climate at times. However, overall, Uganda enjoys abundant moisture, which keeps its landscapes green.

Dry Seasons in Uganda

Uganda typically experiences two distinct dry seasons; a long dry season from June to August, as well as a shorter dry season from December to February. During these periods, rainfall is lower, and some areas experience almost no rain for weeks.

• June to August: This is generally the coolest and driest stretch in most of the country. For instance, July is often the driest month. Kampala may experience only occasional light showers during these months, with many days being sunny or partly cloudy. In the highlands (southwest), nights in June–July can be chilly (bring a sweater). The far north (Gulu, Kidepo area) experiences a pronounced single dry season that usually spans November to March, so by June it might already be getting some rains up north (since the north has one long wet and one long dry spell rather than two distinct wet seasons). However, for central, eastern, and western Uganda, the months of June to August are reliably dry.
• December to February: The second dry season is generally hotter than the mid-year one. December can have some showers lingering from the short rains, but January and February are often quite dry and warm. This is when Kampala and Entebbe can feel hotter (with highs around 29–30°C), and dust becomes more noticeable as the ground dries out. It is a great beach time at Lake Victoria or for hiking in drier trails. By late February, you might start feeling humidity build as the next rains approach in March.

During the dry seasons, wildlife viewing is excellent – in parks like Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth, animals gather around remaining water sources, grass is lower, and roads are more passable. It is also the preferred period for gorilla trekking (less rain in Bwindi means easier hiking conditions). The skies are often clear, offering great views of distant mountains (you can sometimes see the snow on Rwenzori peaks shining brilliantly in July).

However, note that dry does not mean absolutely no rain – Uganda’s equatorial climate can produce an odd shower even in “dry” months, especially in the Lake Victoria vicinity. Always have a light raincoat handy just in case, but generally you will enjoy lots of sunshine. Temperatures in dry months range from 24–30°C during the day to 12–18°C at night, depending on the region. With fewer clouds, nights can cool off nicely; it is not uncommon to enjoy a cool evening breeze after a warm day.

Rainy Seasons and Rainfall Patterns

Uganda experiences two main rainy seasons in the south and central parts of the country: March to May and September to November. In the northernmost parts, there is effectively one longer wet season, roughly April to October (and a long dry season, Nov to March). Here is what to expect:

• March to May (Long Rains): This is typically the heavier rainy season. As March begins, humidity rises, and you start getting showers, which increase in frequency through April. April is usually the wettest month in most regions. You can expect afternoon thunderstorms and downpours several times a week. In Kampala, it might rain hard for an hour or two and then clear up with sunshine afterwards – a pattern familiar to tropical climates. Roads, especially unpaved ones, can become muddy and difficult to navigate. In rural areas, the long rains are the planting season so you will see lots of agricultural activity. The landscape becomes beautifully green, and flowers bloom. For travellers, this period means you should bring waterproof gear: a good rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, and waterproof covers for your backpack or camera. National parks remain open (and gorilla trekking still goes on – gorillas do not mind the rain!), but some tracks might be slippery—one upside: fewer tourists, meaning a quieter experience and off-season rates at some lodges. Temperatures during rains drop slightly; when it is raining, it can feel cool (~17°C). Rains are “heaviest in the central and western regions but typically followed by sunny periods” – meaning it is rare to have a full day washout; often it rains, then the sun comes out, making everything glisten.
• September to November (Short Rains): After the mid-year dry spell, rains return around September. The September–November rains are usually less intense and shorter in duration than the March–May rains, hence “short rains.” October is the peak of this season. You’ll get regular showers, but also plenty of good weather in between. This is also a fantastic time for bird watching – many migratory birds arrive in Uganda around this time to take advantage of the abundant food available during the wet season. Travellers will still need rain protection and should expect some itinerary flexibility in case a storm delays an activity (like a boat ride on the Nile might be paused during a thunderstorm for safety). That said, many people do travel in these months; it is still a popular time to trek gorillas (especially September, which is a shoulder season with slightly lower prices but generally manageable weather). By November, the scenery is lush once again after the rains.

During both rainy seasons, note that thunder and lightning can be frequent, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Uganda records a high frequency of lightning strikes in some areas. It adds drama to the skies – you might witness spectacular lightning over Lake Victoria or the savannah in the distance. If you are camping or on safari, follow the guide’s instructions during storms (often it is simply to shelter until it passes, as storms usually move on quickly).

Rainfall amounts vary regionally. The Lake Victoria basin (south-central Uganda) gets the most rainfall annually (over 1,200 mm a year in some places), so it stays fairly green. The far north (around Kidepo) gets much less (maybe ~600–800 mm/year), which is why it has a more semi-arid landscape with dry thorn-bush and grass that browns in the dry season. The mountain slopes (like Rwenzoris, Mount Elgon) get much orographic rainfall – moist winds drop rain on the windward slopes, making those areas quite wet (Rwenzori mountainsides have rain and mist many days of the year). Meanwhile, the western rift valley around Queen Elizabeth NP is in a bit of a rain-shadow, so it is one of the drier parts of the country (QE Park gets enough rain to stay green in parts, but also has an almost semi-arid sector in the northeast near Kasenyi plains).

One more aspect to consider is road conditions during the rainy season. If you plan to self-drive, be aware that heavy rains can make dirt roads slippery or even temporarily flood. For example, the road to Bwindi can get very muddy in April. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended in wet months. Some remote areas might become hard to reach after downpours. That said, main tarmac roads between cities are usually fine year-round (maybe some potholes after rains, but passable).

Regional Climate Highlights

Uganda is not huge, but different regions have microclimates:

• Southern & Central (Kampala, Entebbe, Lake Victoria region): Equatorial climate moderated by the lake. Fairly uniform temperatures (warm days, mild nights). Rainfall is well-distributed, with peaks in March to May and September to November. Often cloudy mornings that give way to sun, or vice versa. Humidity is relatively high. Entebbe, lying on Lake Victoria, has perhaps the most constant weather – it is typically around 26°C max, 18°C min all year, with frequent nights of gentle rain or thunderstorms over the lake. If you are around Lake Victoria, expect more frequent rain showers (the lake can generate its microclimate).
• Western (Fort Portal, Kasese, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth area): This area includes highlands and the rift valley. Fort Portal (in the foothills of Rwenzori) is famously rainy – it can drizzle often, earning it the nickname “Portal Portal” by some locals. Nevertheless, that means it is green and lush, with beautiful tea plantations. Down in Queen Elizabeth NP (lower elevation savannah), it is hotter and drier – more sun, less rain than Fort Portal, even though they are not far apart. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (southwest) is wet and misty; it is a rainforest, so even in dry seasons, it can rain. However, there are also micro-dry spells even within the wet season in Bwindi. Kasese town (near Rwenzori, in the rift valley) is one of the hotter spots because it is low (around 30°C common). So in western Uganda, be prepared for both warm lowlands and cooler highlands within a short distance.
• Eastern (Jinja, Mbale, Mount Elgon, northeastern plains): Jinja and the Busoga region have a climate similar to that of central Uganda, though Jinja may receive slightly less rainfall than Kampala. Mbale and Mount Elgon have a cooler, wetter climate on the mountain – lots of rain on Elgon’s slopes, making Sipi Falls flow beautifully. The eastern lowlands, north of Elgon (in the Teso and Karamoja regions), are drier. For instance, Moroto (Karamoja) may experience months of dryness during the dry season, followed by intense storms in the wet season that rapidly green the landscape. Temperatures in Moroto can swing from 33°C during the day to 18°C at night in dry months (hot days but pleasant nights). Karamoja only really has one significant rainy season (around May–August) and is mostly dry the rest of the year.
• Northern (Gulu, Murchison area, Arua): The north has one rain season (roughly April to October) and a long dry season (Nov to March). Gulu in rainy months will be lush and farming thrives, but come January, it is dry and dusty. It also gets quite hot towards the end of the dry season (Feb). Murchison Falls NP area straddles this transitional zone – the south of the park (on the Nile’s south bank) gets more rain (two-season pattern). In contrast, the north bank leans towards one rainy season. So, the park has a mix: generally, December to February is very dry (bushfires are common in the park), and by late March, the rains start greening it up. The heat in the north may be more noticeable due to higher sunshine intensity and the absence of moderating forests or bodies of water.

One thing visitors often appreciate is that even during the rainy season, Uganda still receives plenty of sunshine. It is not like some monsoon climates where it might rain nonstop for days. In Uganda, a day could start clear, have a dramatic thunderstorm for an hour in the afternoon, and then end with a golden sunset. The phrase “four seasons in a day” can sometimes apply.

Travel Tips for the Climate

• Packing Advice: Due to Uganda’s diverse climate, layering is essential. Bring light, breathable clothing for warm, humid areas (such as t-shirts and convertible pants), but also remember to pack a sweater for cooler, highland evening weather. A waterproof rain jacket or trench coat is a must, especially when travelling in wet months (and even in the dry season if visiting rainforest parks). Good boots are essential if you plan on hiking or gorilla trekking – trails can be muddy. Do not forget sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), as the equatorial sun is strong even on cloudy days.
• Insect Considerations: The climate means mosquitoes thrive in wetter, lower areas. Malaria risk is year-round in most regions (less so in highlands above ~1,800m). Use mosquito repellent and consider sleeping under a mosquito net (most lodges provide these). After rains, mosquito activity can increase due to the presence of standing water, so be vigilant, especially at dusk.
• Best Time for Wildlife: Although the climate is comfortable year-round, the dry seasons (June–August, December–February) are often recommended for safaris and trekking because there is less rain to disrupt plans. The wet season can still be great for birding and photography (lush landscapes, dramatic skies). Waterfalls like Murchison or Sipi are at their most powerful right after heavy rains. Conversely, during extreme dry periods, some waterfalls may experience reduced flow (Sipi can sometimes be a trickle at the end of the dry season, although usually at least one fall still gushes). So each season has its perks.
• Regional Adjustments: If you are doing a circuit around Uganda, you might experience a small quantity of everything. For example, on a single trip, you might swelter under the sun at Murchison Falls, need a fleece in the chilly fog of Bwindi the next week, and then enjoy balmy beach weather on Lake Bunyonyi or Victoria. Embrace the variety! It is part of what makes Uganda exciting – you do not get weather monotony.
• Rain Etiquette: Ugandans are accustomed to the rains and often plan their activities around them. Do not be surprised if meetings or activities start late because “rain time” delayed things – it is quite normal. If you’re caught in a sudden downpour in town, you can duck into a shop or shelter; locals will be friendly and wait it out with you. Rainstorms often pass within an hour or two. After the rain, roads might have puddles – if walking, watch out for passing cars to avoid splashes.
• Climate Change: Locals might tell you that the seasons are no longer as predictable as they once were. The change in the climate has caused some variability – for instance, sometimes rains extend longer than usual, or come later. In 2020 and 2021, Uganda saw heavier rains and even flooding in some areas (like around Kasese, where there were floods from high Rwenzori rain). While this usually will not majorly affect a short trip, it is something to be aware of. Always check a recent weather forecast for your travel dates and consult with local guides about current conditions, especially if you plan to engage in outdoor expeditions.

Overall, the climate of Uganda is visitor-friendly, not too hot, not too cold, with a nice balance of sunshine and rain. Many travellers comment on how refreshing it is, especially those expecting equatorial heat and instead finding the air in the highlands pleasantly cool. Just remember the saying: there is no bad weather, only bad preparation! With the right gear and mindset, you can enjoy Uganda in any season, each of which reveals a different facet of the country’s natural beauty.