Best Time To Visit Uganda | When To Visit Uganda | When To Travel To Uganda

As you plan to visit the Pearl of Africa, the best time to visit Uganda/when to visit Uganda/when to travel to Uganda is something you should highly consider.

Uganda is a beautiful country located in the tropics, in the great lakes region, and in the Eastern region of Africa. This country welcomes visitors all year round and people traveling to Uganda are free to plan their safari holidays at any time.

This country has a uniform climate making it suitable for visitors traveling any time of the year. The best time of visiting Uganda depends on the country’s weather and climate which is influenced mostly by its altitude.

Uganda’s temperatures range from 20^oc to 31^oc. However, northern Uganda is drier with an average temperature of 33^oc whereas southern Uganda has an average temperature of 20^oc. This is because it is situated on lake shores and receives more rainfall.

All this said, Uganda has 2 seasons it experiences throughout the year. It has 2 dry seasons and 2 wet seasons. The dry season is from December to February and from June to August.

This is the best time to visit Uganda as the conditions are particularly favorable especially when traveling since less rainfall is expected. It is very easy to see Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees since the trekking trails are dry and easy to access.

Note:

Wildlife spotting especially animals and birds is more observed in the dry season as large numbers of animals are spotted along waterbody shores. The dry season is usually the peak season in tourism as accommodation is a bit expensive at this time.

In addition, the wet season is from March to April and from September to November. During this time heavy rainfall is expected and some roads tend to be challenging to navigate.

Also, this is the low season in tourism, and accommodation prices are a bit low, and Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking permits are at times discounted.

 When To Visit Uganda Climate Guide

When To Visit Uganda By Month

Here weather and climate of each month of Uganda are going to be explained with different temperatures received. This will help you choose the good month or best time for you to travel to Uganda.

Traveling To Uganda In January –H3

January is part of the dry season of Uganda and it is among the best time of the year of visiting Uganda. There is little rainfall expected in this month as Uganda is situated near the equator and this month is hot.

The roads are dry and the murram roads become dusty with clear blue skies. The average temperatures during this month are around 24 degrees whereas in the north temperatures are about 30 degrees.

There is less vegetation in the national parks making it easy to spot wildlife, especially Savannah animals and birds. It is also a perfect month for Gorilla trekking and Chimpanzee trekking since the trekking trails are dry.

However, January is peak season in Uganda and accommodation prices are higher and the parks may be a bit crowded.

Traveling To Uganda In February

February is part of the dry season and it is one of the hottest months in Uganda with average temperatures of around 24.5 degrees. However, the average temperature in northern Uganda is a bit higher it is around 32 degrees.

Although the temperatures are high during the daytime, they as well cool down during the nighttime.

It is the best time for Uganda primate safaris, safari game drives, boat cruises, hiking, and rafting. Viewing wildlife becomes easy since the vegetation in the park is sparse gifting visitors with clear views of animals and birds.

February is among the best months for spotting migratory birds in Uganda since these birds are in the country from November to April. Since it is a peak season expect hotel and lodge prices to be high.

Traveling To Uganda In March

March is the beginning of the rainy season in Uganda which goes up to May. During this month expect heavy rains though it still shines during some days of the month with bright skies.

The average temperatures in this month are about 24.5-26 degrees. And, vegetation in the parks is rising again with flowers blooming. Also, it’s when most animals start giving birth to their young ones.

However, the rising of green lush vegetation makes it very hard to spot animals in the wild. And since it is ever raining, it makes some roads and tracks challenging to navigate.

Birding in Uganda is at its peak during March as the food for the birds is abundant and migratory birds are still in the country. It also makes Gorilla and Chimpanzees trekking easy as the trekking trails become shorter since the apes move near as there is food for them everywhere.

On the other hand, March marks the beginning of the low season in tourism making accommodation and many activities discounted. And also the parks are less crowded since there are few people.

Traveling To Uganda In April

April is the wettest and coldest month in Uganda as it receives the highest rainfall with a daytime temperature of 24 degrees. These rains in April cause a poor road network as the remote roads are ever muddy and slippery.

Some lodges in Uganda national parks close temporarily during this month since they cannot be accessed.

However, April is one of the best months to visit Uganda as the parks and reserves are lush green with many animals and birds. It is also easy to spot Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees as the treks are shorter since the apes move closer as the food is abundant.

April is also the best time for budget travelers as most lodges become cheaper in relation to safari activities. Usually, Gorilla permits during this time are often affordable with discounts going up to 25%.

Visiting Uganda In May

May is part of the wet season though it marks the end of this season in Uganda. It may not be the best time to visit Uganda during this month as the rains will still be impacting the road network.

Roads are less accessible making some of the lodges close up since no one can reach them.

However, there is sunshine during the daytime though it remains wet and warm with average daytime temperatures of 23 degrees. For those in love with the landscape, this is the best time to visit Uganda since the green lush and various vegetation is blooming.

The disadvantage of this vegetation is that it hinders the clear viewing of wildlife since the grasses are tall though you will see enough. And, also the Gorilla trekking trails in Bwindi park are wet and slippery making it difficult to see the apes.

Although difficult to trek, the length of the trails is usually shorter since the Gorillas move closer and the permits may still be discounted. Also, photography is nice since the clouds provide a fabulous background for pictures.

May is also a good month for bird watching. Eventually, at the end of this month, the weather conditions get better with less rainfall.

Traveling To Uganda In June

June is the beginning of the dry season and it is one of the best times to visit Uganda. During the daytime, it is hot though temperatures cool down at the night. The mean temperature in June is around 23 degrees with a maximum temperature of 28 degrees.

Also, wildlife viewing in June is outstanding as it is easy to spot animals and birds in the wild, especially during safari game drives. The tracks and remote roads are easy to access since they are dry.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Chimpanzee trekking is more comfortable as the trails are dry though it may take long hours as the apes move deep into the forests.

June is the start of the peak season and this makes the Gorilla permits scarce are they are sold out quickly. Also, most safari activities and accommodations in the parks are a bit more expensive.

Traveling To Uganda In July

July is one of the driest months in Uganda with cooler temperatures across the country. Most days are sunny with bright clear blue skies.

The mean temperatures in July are around 22-23^oc and the average maximum temperature of 28^oc. Indeed, this is the best time to visit the Pearl of Africa since most roads are accessible.

It is the best time for Uganda primate safaris (Gorilla trekking and Chimpanzee trekking), big 5 safaris in Uganda, and bird and Uganda birding tours. It is also a good month for seeing the tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The disadvantage of visiting in July is that it is a peak season meaning that there are higher prices for accommodation and activities.

Traveling To Uganda In August

August is a dry month and it makes the end of the dry season in Uganda. During this month the weather conditions are perfect and favorable. The mean temperature in August is 23^oc with an average maximum temperature of 28.5^oc.

Daytime temperatures are a bit high with lots of sunshine though these temperatures cool at night.

The road network is good as roads are perfectly accessible and it is the best time for Uganda wildlife safaris as it is easy to spot wildlife. This is so because there is less vegetation to obstruct the viewing of animals and birds.

Don’t forget that it is still the peak season and most accommodations and activities are highly-priced. Is it the Best Time To Visit Uganda? We’ll that to you.

Traveling To Uganda In September

September makes the end of the dry season and it is also when the wet season begins as there are rains received at the end of the month. These rains are not heavy and are short making it a good time for visiting Uganda.

For those on Uganda safari holidays, it is the best time for viewing wildlife as animals are still spotted gathering at water sources thus, best time to visit Uganda

The mean temperature in this month is 23^oc with a maximum temperature of 29^oc.

September also marks the beginning of the low season since few tourists are coming into the country. This means that most of the accommodation facilities and activities are a bit cheaper.

Visiting Uganda In October

October is part of the second rainy in Uganda though less rainfall is expected. This month offers excellent sightings of wildlife as the vegetation remains sparse.

The mean temperature in October is 23^oc with the average maximum temperature of 29^oc. there is sunshine during daytime hours though be expecting rainfall.

However, some roads become difficult to navigate since they are muddy and slippery. Gorilla trekking trails are a bit slippery though they are short as the Gorillas are close since the food is abundant.

October is a low season and there are reduced prices on accommodation and safari activities so for those planning for the Best Time To Visit Uganda you can conclude.

Traveling To Uganda In November

November is a part of the wet season of Uganda and this month receives heavy rainfall. As expected, some remote roads and tracks in the national parks become muddy and slippery making it hard to access them.

This causes the temporary closing of some safari lodges in the parks since they cannot be accessed.

November is the final month of the wet season in Uganda and it is still a good time to travel to Uganda. This month has mean temperatures of 23.3^oc and an average maximum temperature of 29.5^oc.

The southern parts of Uganda in this month are wet though northern areas of Uganda receive little or no rainfall. This is a good time for visiting Murchison Falls National Park and seeing 4 of the big 5 animals.

The landscape of Uganda is amazing as it has lush green vegetation during this time. It makes it a little bit hard to see animals in the parks though you get to see more.

November is a shoulder season in the tourism of Uganda making safari lodges and safari activities a bit cheap making it an ideal time Best Time To Visit Uganda.

For bird lovers, this is the best time to see migratory birds in the country as this is when they arrive in the country.

Visiting Uganda In December

December is a dry month and it is part of the first dry season in Uganda that goes up to February. However, some rainfall is received during this month though it is little.

It is the best time to travel to Uganda, especially for those who are interested in seeing the Gorillas and Chimpanzees. Most paths and trails are dry and easy to access and it is also a good time for seeing migratory birds.

Always know that December is a busy month for travelers because it is a festive season month. Many Ugandans are traveling back home for Christmas and new year’s.

So book your accommodation and primate trekking permits in advance if you are willing to travel to Uganda in December.

You can use the above information to help you choose the best time you want to travel to Uganda. In conclusion, the best time to travel to Uganda is during the 2 dry seasons (December to February and from June to August).

The dry season is particularly the best time for seeing wildlife in the national parks and it favors the doing of most safari activities. This is so because the road network during this time is good making accessibility easy.

All in all, visitors can come to Uganda at any time of the year depending on their schedule.

What To Wear When Visiting Uganda?

For those planning to travel to Uganda should keep in mind the weather in the country and bring appropriate wear. Also, they should mind the culture of Uganda in their fashion wear.

Visitors should avoid putting on camouflaging colors as they are only for military personnel of Uganda.

Here are some of the wear you can use;

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers; will keep you protected from bugs and itching plants. These should be light and should not be of bright colors as they stress animals. Khaki and brown are the recommended colors.

Women should wear over-knee clothes so that they cover all their body parts.

Comfortable shoes; these will protect your feet from getting damaged when traveling around Uganda.

Hat or cap; this will protect your head from the hot direct sun rays.

A rain jacket or jacket; will keep you protected from getting wet in case it rains.

Sunglasses; this is for protecting your eyes from the direct sunlight rays. It also reduces the sun’s glazing and gives you superb sightings.

Also, there are other essential items one can pack when visiting Uganda and these are;