The question of ‘’When is the best time to visit Uganda?’’ is a question we get asked a lot. Uganda is a country in East-Central Africa. It is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south by Tanzania. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, shared with Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda is in the African Great Lakes region. Uganda also lies within the Nile basin, and has a varied but generally a modified equatorial climate.
Thanks to the size and unique areas in Uganda, this means that it is a year-round destination. Uganda has a warm tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 25-29°C (77- 84°F), apart from in the mountainous areas, which are much cooler; the top of Mount Elgon is often covered with snow. Most regions of Uganda, apart from the dry area in the north, have an annual rainfall of between 1,000mm and 1,500mm. Here we highlight the best time to visit certain areas. It is critical to consider the time of year when planning your gorilla safari in Africa.
The seasons
When is the best time to visit Uganda? There are two seasons in Uganda; the dry season and the wet season. The best wildlife viewing months in Uganda are during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. During these months, wildlife is generally easier to spot during the dry season when waterholes become a focus for activity and the scenery of the Savannah is much greener during wet months too which might
From June to September, December, January to February, the Uganda climate is hot, dry and humid with the best game viewing. In Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, Gorilla trekking is a year-round African safari activity, but it is more comfortable in the steep, mountainous rain forests in the dryer, cooler period from June to September, or between the drier period of January and February, although temperatures are higher. July and August are the busiest months for an East African safari, because the weather is optimal for viewing wildlife and it’s the right time of year for most families to take a vacation. We do recommend you plan your safari far in advance if you wish to go during the dry season.
These are also the best times for game viewing on the Ugandan Savannah national parks like Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, and Semliki National Parks, while from November, April and May are the best times for bird watching when migrant species join the rich endemic population.
But rainfall is especially high from March to May and November which can prove very inconvenient. It is often less expensive to travel during these rainy seasons, however the road conditions within national parks, and between parks can get messy. Some of the more remote camps may close for a few months during the heavy rains, and some areas may only be accessible by aircraft, thereby adding to the cost of your safari. But don’t get worried about visiting during the rainy seasons of the year, in Uganda Rains come and go and even during the rainy season, the sun comes out and dries up the rain-soaked African soil and life goes on.
However, you may prefer to look for chimpanzees in Kibale during either of the two rainy seasons, between February and June or September and December. This is because food is harder to find in the dry and chimps rove further afield in the search, so they are more difficult to locate. No matter what your preferences may be, it is soon apparent that the Uganda wilderness is extremely complex and variable making it difficult to combine the elements you prefer in one trip to Africa.
Please note, if the rains are late and with global warming the rainy seasons are not as easy to predict anymore, you have to be prepared for some impressive heat in November. If the rains are significant, some of the lodges/camps may be inaccessible. If you have your heart set on a specific camp, let us know so we can make sure to plan your visit accordingly. Most of the roads on safari are dirt roads and they can quickly wash away in heavy rain. The rainy season in East Africa coincides with warmer temperatures, so be prepared for some humidity and a few more flying insects.
Given the factors that determine the best time to go on safari in Uganda, let’s make this easier on you. Gorilla Safaris Tours can offer outstanding assistance and convenience by motivation of their expert knowledge of the region and network of reliable accommodation suppliers, logistical team partners, guides, and ranger informants who make it possible to offer good service in making the best possible solution to your choices. We custom make itineraries to all these destinations and can plan the perfect safari no matter what time of year you choose to go, just contact us.
