Best Time to Visit Uganda

Uganda’s Seasons at a Glance

• Dry Season – June to August: A long, dry spell with cooler temperatures. This is peak safari season, making it ideal for gorilla trekking. Wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around waterholes and vegetation is thinner. It coincides with summer holidays for many travellers, so parks can be a bit busier (especially gorilla permits sell out). Excellent for hiking and outdoor activities since rain is unlikely.
• Dry Season – December to February: Short dry season, generally hotter. Another excellent time for wildlife and outdoor activities. December holidays often see an uptick in tourists around Christmas and New Year. By February, some water sources in parks begin to dry up, concentrating wildlife. It is also a popular time for birders because migratory birds from Europe and Asia are in the area.
• Wet Season – March to May: The “long rains.” It rains often, especially in April. This is off-peak for tourism, meaning lower prices and fewer crowds – you might have a safari lodge almost to yourself. The scenery is very green and beautiful. While some roads may become muddy, travel is still very feasible with 4-wheel drive vehicles. Gorilla trekking is muddier but still doable (gorillas do not mind rain!). Photography is great with dramatic skies, but you will need rain protection. One highlight: May is the birthing season for many antelopes in parks like Queen Elizabeth – witnessing newborn wildlife can be a special experience.
• Wet Season – September to November: The “short rains.” Usually less intense than the long rains, with plenty of dry breaks. This period is a sweet spot: the environment is green from the rains, but it does not rain every day. Wildlife viewing remains good, and it is the start of another birding peak with migrants arriving around November. Gorilla trekking in September and early October is often fine (short rains typically ramp up later in October). You may score better lodge rates than in peak dry months. Please note that in late October/November, some remote routes may become temporarily soggy after a downpour, but nothing that would halt a determined traveller with a good guide and driver.

The consensus best times are June–August and December–February, aligning with Uganda’s dry seasons. But Uganda can be visited any time – it just depends on what trade-offs you are willing to make (a bit of rain vs. more personal space and lush scenery, etc.). Let us explore these considerations further.

Best Time for Wildlife Safaris

If your goal is to see Uganda’s big game – including elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffalo – in parks like Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, or Lake Mburo, the dry months are ideal. During June–August and December–February, the grass is lower and animals congregate around remaining water sources, making them easier to find. For example, in Queen Elizabeth NP’s Kazinga Channel, dry season boat cruises yield sightings of huge herds of buffalo and elephants coming to drink, along with numerous birds on the shores. In Murchison Falls NP, the Nile River becomes the lifeline, and you will reliably see wildlife along its banks.

During the rainy seasons, animals disperse when water is abundant across the park. You can still see plenty, but you may need to drive longer to find particular species. The vegetation is thicker, which can obscure sightings (though it is very scenic). One advantage of the wet season: many animals give birth when food and water are plentiful. As noted, late March through May often sees baby kob, warthogs, and other newborns – predators are also active then, so that you might witness some dramatic moments in the wild. Birdlife in parks is at its peak in wet seasons because resident birds are breeding (sporting colourful plumage and singing) and migrants join them.

Also, note temperature: The dry seasons are slightly cooler on average. For instance, a place like Kidepo (northeast) can be extremely hot in February (mid-30s to 30s°C). By contrast, in July and August, Kidepo’s daytime highs are more manageable, around 28°C, due to some cloud cover and cooling winds. For comfort on game drives, mid-year is ideal. In any case, early morning and late afternoon game drives (which are when you go on safari) are pleasant year-round; midday is when heat or rain might chase you indoors for a nap.

Best Time for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

Uganda is renowned for mountain gorilla trekking (in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla NP) and chimpanzee trekking (in Kibale Forest, Budongo, Kyambura Gorge, etc.). These activities involve hiking in dense forest, often on steep terrain. The dry season is unequivocally the best time for trekking because the trails are drier and less slippery. In Bwindi, during heavy rains, the paths can be very muddy, making the trek more challenging (though still safe with the help of guides and porters). Additionally, in the dry season, the gorillas tend to stick to the lower slopes (with less rain, they do not wander as widely for food), whereas in the wet season, they might roam further as there is plenty of foliage everywhere. That said, gorillas can be found and trekked year-round – park authorities limit permits to a small number per day, ensuring the experience remains intimate.

June–August and Dec–Feb are the top months for gorillas. These are the times when permits are in highest demand – if you are travelling then, you should book gorilla permits many months in advance. Uganda issues a limited number of gorilla permits per day (currently about eight permits per habituated gorilla family, with roughly 20 families available in Bwindi/Mgahinga). These can sell out, especially in July and August, as well as around Christmas and New Year’s.

If you are looking to save money, consider trekking in April, May, or November. During these off-peak months, Uganda Wildlife Authority sometimes offers promotional discounts on gorilla permits (for example, they have occasionally cut the $700 permit fee down to $600 or $450 in low season; check latest offers). Yes, it will be wetter then, but you might be willing to put up with rain to save a few hundred dollars and have a smaller group. Gorilla trekking in light rain can be quite mystical, as the mist in the “Impenetrable” forest gives it an ethereal atmosphere. Just wear waterproof gear and hire a porter to help if the trails are muddy – it also supports the local community.

For chimpanzees, the dry season (esp. July–Sept) is excellent in Kibale forest because chimps tend to stay on the ground longer (less fruit up in the canopy), so you have a better chance of seeing them up close. In the wet season, there is plenty of wild fruit, and chimps often feast high in the trees, which can make photography more challenging (still fascinating to watch, though). Kibale offers an excellent year-round success rate of sightings (~90%+ chance). If you visit during the rainy season, consider a longer habituation experience (a full day with chimps) to increase your time with them. Elsewhere, chimps in Budongo or Kyambura may be a bit more elusive during heavy rainy months, as they range farther.

Best Time for Bird Watching

Uganda is a birder’s paradise any time, but September to April covers the period when migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere are present, adding to the already huge resident list. November is particularly great – you have migrants in, resident birds breeding (sporting their best plumage and more vocal), and many fruits/flowers around. The downside is November is a wetter month, but birders often do not mind a bit of rain for the rewards of species diversity.

If you are keen on seeing the rare Shoebill stork, the dry season (Jan-Feb or Jun-Jul) is often best in wetlands like Mabamba Swamp, because water levels are slightly lower and the shoebill may come to fish in more confined channels. However, shoebills can be seen year-round with luck (and a good guide). For other specials, such as the Albertine Rift endemics (e.g., Rwenzori turaco, handsome francolin), any time is fine, although dry months make forest trails easier in Bwindi or Rwenzori.

One unique birding event occurs around March, when millions of pied cuckoos migrate through Uganda – a truly remarkable sight in some areas. Also, January/February is great in Murchison Falls NP for large congregations of waterbirds along the Nile (since it is driest then and they concentrate).

Best Time for Hiking and Adventure

If you plan on serious hiking or mountain climbing (such as summiting the Rwenzoris or Mt. Elgon, or hiking the Virunga volcanoes), the dry seasons are recommended for safety and enjoyment. The Rwenzoris have their drier windows typically from July to August and December to February (note that “drier” is relative – the Rwenzoris can experience rain at any time). Most Rwenzori climbs are scheduled in January-February or July-August when the trails are a tad less waterlogged. Similarly, for trekking Mount Elgon or Volcanoes like Muhabura and Sabinyo in Mgahinga, go in the dry months – the views from the top are more likely to be clear, and the trails will not be washed out.

White-water rafting on the Nile at Jinja is fine year-round – the river is dam-controlled to a degree, so season does not affect rapids dramatically. However, during heavy rains, the activity might be postponed for a few hours if there is lightning. The Nile water levels can be slightly higher during the rainy season, which may alter the rapids, but the rafting companies adjust accordingly. Many adrenaline seekers come in December-March and June-August when the weather is reliably good.

Wildlife hiking, such as guided walks in parks or nature reserves (like tracking rhinos on foot at Ziwa Sanctuary or hiking to Sipi Falls), is more pleasant in cool, dry months. But waterfall hikes can be more impressive after rains (Sipi’s volume peaks after April rains, for example).

If you are interested in cultural festivals and events:

• Uganda Martyrs Day, observed on June 3, is a significant pilgrimage event at Namugongo, near Kampala, where tens of thousands of people attend. That is a fixed date, often coinciding with the dry season.
• Entebbe Air Show or other local events – not annual major tourist draws. However, there are often activities around public holidays, such as Independence Day (October 9th) or cultural coronation anniversaries, mostly during the dry season.

Considerations for Fewer Crowds vs. Peak Experience

Uganda’s tourism is growing, but it has not yet reached the point of being overrun, unlike some other destinations. Even in peak season, you will not generally find huge crowds, except perhaps at popular lookouts or when a tree-climbing lion has been spotted, attracting several vehicles. But if you prefer a more solitary experience and potentially better prices:

• April and May, as well as November, are the low seasons when many lodges offer reduced rates (sometimes 20-30% off). You will have an easier time booking gorilla permits and enjoy a gorilla trek with fewer fellow tourists (sometimes only four visitors instead of 8 if permits were not all sold). The downside is rain and a slightly higher chance that an activity may be delayed.
• Shoulder months, such as March and September, can be fantastic, offering decent weather and moderate visitor numbers. For instance, late September often experiences breaks in rain before the heavier showers of October, and many travellers have returned home after the summer rush. March, similarly, marks the start of the rainy season, but it still includes plenty of dry days.

If you want to maximise wildlife viewing and minimise crowds, consider early June or late November/early December. Early June is just as the dry season starts (everything is still green from May rains, animals are healthy, and tourism is not entirely at peak yet).

Late Nov/early Dec, the short rains taper off, and many international tourists have not arrived until mid-December holidays – you could get great game viewing as animals enjoy fresh grass before dispersing too widely, and you might snag shoulder season rates at lodges right before high season kicks in.

Regional Differences – Best Timing by Area

Uganda’s climate has some regional nuances (as discussed in the climate section). If your itinerary is focused on one part:

• North (Kidepo, Murchison): avoid heavy rains Apr-May (Kidepo can be partially inaccessible in extreme rains). Best late Nov through March for Kidepo (though hot, wildlife is abundant at waterholes) or July-August.
• Southwest (Bwindi, Queen, etc.): year-round access, but best conditions are from June to August and December to February. Bwindi can be cold at night in June and July.
• East (Jinja, Elgon): quite good year-round, but Elgon hikes better in Jan-Feb or Jun-Aug. Jinja (rafting) has no significant seasonal issues; however, it is best to avoid the peak heavy rain weeks in April.
• Lake Victoria & Islands: The Ssese Islands or Lake Bunyonyi (although Bunyonyi is located at an altitude) are nice all year round, but are sunnier during the dry seasons. If you want a “tropical relaxation” segment, aim for at least a piece of dry season so you can lounge by the lake without interruption.

High Season vs Low Season Summary

High/Peak Season: June–September, and December–February Expect:

• Generally excellent weather (little rain, not too hot).
• Highest wildlife visibility.
• Gorilla permits must be booked far in advance.
• Prices for lodges are at their highest (some lodges are full months ahead).
• A vibrant atmosphere with more travellers – ideal for meeting people on group tours or at lodges. Still, Uganda never feels “touristy” the way some safari circuits do.

Low Season: March–May, October–November Expect:

• Lower prices (lodges often offer discounts, and you may receive free upgrades or personalised attention with fewer guests).
• Lush scenery (photographers love the green and clear air).
• Some rain – come prepared with appropriate gear and a flexible attitude.
• Certain remote roads or camps might close if impassable (few do; most remain open except in extreme weather events).
• Easier to book last-minute activities.
• Special experiences like the chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale often have more availability in off-peak (and sometimes you get more time with researchers if fewer participants).

Many safari experts love June and January as the ultimate months: June has just beautiful weather (often crisp blue skies after the rainy season and not too hot), and January has great wildlife action and a nice summer holiday vibe. But honestly, there is no bad time.

Some Quick Month-by-Month Pointers:

• January – Hot and dry. Wildlife great. Popular for tours. (Bring sun protection!)
• February – Very dry and hottest month, particularly in the north. Excellent for the game, a bit warm for some travellers.
• March – Rains begin late in the month, but conditions are still good early on. Shoulder visitor numbers.
• April – Wettest; quiet tourism. Amazing greenery. Can be heavy rain at times.
• May – Still rainy but tapering late May. Flowers are in bloom. Many newborn animals.
• June – Lovely weather marks the start of the high season, with everything green but drying. Best of both worlds.
• July – Peak dry, peak tourists. Festivals (e.g. cultural events).
• August – Dry, a bit warmer than July, still peak season.
• September – Some showers may start, but it will be largely great. Fewer tourists in late Sept.
• October – Rain increases. Shoulder/low season feel. Good for birders.
• November – Rainy, second wettest after April. Off-peak deals. Migrant birds arrive.
• December – Short rains fade by mid-month. Holiday tourist bump late Dec. Cool nights in highlands, otherwise lovely.