Best Time To Visit Uganda ~ NatureTrack Expeditions

This is a no-brainer, any time is the best time to visit Uganda. Uganda’s weather patterns are really difficult to predict. From the formation of the Albertine rift valley running from the south-west up the western border with DR Congo, as you head up north-eastern Uganda, it gets hotter.

Uganda has just two major seasons, wet and dry – that’s it! It could rain five times in one day, but the sun will still shine, erasing any trace of a downpour, and constantly reminding you that the sun after the rain is more beautiful than the sun before the rain.

So, when is the best time to visit Uganda?

For a clear picture on the best time to visit Uganda, let’s take a detailed look at month-by-month:

March, April and May see the heaviest rainfall in Uganda, with shorter rains in October to November. This doesn’t affect your chances of spotting gorillas, although be prepared for a soggy, slippery trek! Waterproofs, and waterproof boots, are essential. It’s also believed that the gorillas linger on the warmer, lower slopes during wetter weather, so your trek may be shorter.

The wildlife is not migratory in Uganda so you can still see plenty of game in parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, although thicker vegetation makes spotting the animals a little harder. Do be aware that the roads in the parks are not paved but with slow game drive you may not notice the bumpy “free African massage”.

Murchison Falls in the northeast has a drier climate, so is a good place to head during the wetter months.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority, which issues gorilla tracking permits, offers discounts of up to 25 percent in April, May and November – well worth it if you’re on a budget.

June, July, August and September are the peak months as they are generally dry (though rain can fall at any time), and coincide with school holidays. This is the best time to visit Uganda, but book well in advance, especially if tracking gorillas – as gorilla permits will sell out months in advance.

December, January and February are also great months to visit. Generally dry (though rains can linger into December), the wildlife will be lured to waterholes, making this a great time for boat safaris. For bird watching enthusiasts, migratory birds are also present.

Throughout the country, the temperature drops quite considerably at night – you’ll need a jumper or cardi. This makes it much easier to sleep. But it never reaches the chilly extremes of places such as Kruger of the Kalahari.

References: Responsible Travel, Climate and average weather in Uganda