When Is The Best Time To Visit Uganda For Safari?

For the record, Uganda an underrated African safari destination with plenty of wildlife to showcase, and apart from its popular gorilla trekking safaris, there’s still so much that you can add on to your list of things to do in Uganda. Discover some of the best months for visiting Uganda and at the same time understand the different monthly safari seasons in Uganda as you plan ahead of time.

This is a lovely country to visit most times of the year, and we can see you’re one step ahead to planning your vacation to Uganda – but when is the best time to visit Uganda, you ask? Let’s give you a clue of what to expect, including Uganda’s climate guide to enable you successfully plan your African trip.

Whatever draws you, plan the perfect time for your visit with this guide to Uganda’s safari seasons and events.

Month-By-Month Guide On When To Go To Uganda

In this guide, we explain further about the best time of the year to visit Uganda for safari by month, and apart from sharing with you insights to Uganda’s best safari months, our listed Uganda’s climate guide is designed to assist you plan your ultimate safaris to Uganda.

Travelling to Uganda from June to August (Dry Season) – Best time for gorilla trekking due to drier months and best time for wildlife game viewing

Travelling to Uganda from December to February (Dry Season) – Best time to see gorillas due to drier months and best time for wildlife game viewing

Travelling to Uganda from March, April and May – Peak wet season

Best Weather – June to July and January to February

Travelling for Uganda safari in January?

January in Uganda is considered one of the hottest months of the year with high temperatures ranging from 90ºF (32ºC) in Gulu to 75ºF (24ºC) in Kabale, while mornings and evenings across the country are cool. January the dry season therefore expect the days to be warm and sunny, though you’ll want to pack a raincoat for visits around the Volcanoes National Park.

Visiting Uganda in January, the conditions are perfect for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, despite the hot temperatures, the altitude takes the edge off the heat. This makes it one of the best month to visit Uganda, in our belief.

Travelling for Uganda safari in February?

Uganda in February is the hottest and driest month with average temperatures at around 25 °C, making it an ideal time for gorilla trekking in Uganda in the lush jungle. You can stick to Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Imprenable Forest National Parks to avoid the heat of the north. Just be aware that during the late February, the more likely you are to run into rain, especially near Volcanoes National Park.

The reduction in rainfall brings the wildlife to the remaining watering holes, meaning February offers some of the best game viewing in Uganda.

Travelling for Uganda safari in March?

Uganda in March marks the start of the long rainy season in southern Uganda, while it’s still dry in northern Uganda. This is probably not the best time of year to visit. That said, there is still a slight opportunity to spot the animals in the parks giving birth to their young and birdwatchers will be treated to an array of colorful, winged beauties.

Travelling for Uganda safari in April?

Uganda in April is by far considered the wettest month of the year. Many roads may be closed, and some accommodations, due to the consistent downpour, the parks are far quieter. However, this is a great time to take advantage of low discounted rates for hotels, lodges, Uganda safari tours, and even on gorilla trekking permits – bearing in mind it will be a wet-weather journey.

Travelling for Uganda safari in May?

Uganda in May sees extended periods of heavy downpours, followed by brief moments of soothing sunshine, it’s just another rainy month across the country, although there isn’t quite as much rainfall as April.

Despite the weather in Uganda during this period, this can be a lovely time to explore the surrounding areas like Murchison Falls National Park where rainfall will be minimal, and average temperatures hover around 88ºF (31ºC), making it a great place to visit if you want to avoid getting wet. Toward the end of the month, precipitation decreases, and even in Mgahinga National Park, you can enjoy sunny days.

Travelling for Uganda safari in June?

Uganda in June marks the start of the long dry season which is characterised by bright-blue skies, emerald green landscapes, and increasingly great wildlife viewing opportunities.

As June marks the driest months of the year in the south of Uganda, it’s the rainy season in the north of the country it’s one of the best times to visit Uganda and it is the start of the peak season for luxury Uganda safaris.

When it comes to booking a gorilla trek in Uganda, we advise that you book well in advance, especially for permits, to avoid any unnecessary last minute hassles.

Travelling for Uganda safari in July?

Uganda in July is characterized by warm temperatures and minimal rainfall meaning all activities are possible, thanks to the favorable weather conditions, hiking routes accessible clear and easier to navigate, safari lodges remain open, with an average day time temperatures at around 25 degrees Celsius.

Consider July as one of the best months for gorilla trekking tours and safaris in Uganda. In parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, the wildlife often tend to gather around water sources, making them much easier to spot.

Travelling for Uganda safari in August?

Uganda in August, the country’s parks are at their best at this time of year, thanks to its favorable warm temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius and lack of precipitation.

Safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park are excellent in August, with four of the ‘Big Five’ most active in this month.

When visiting Uganda in August is another excellent month, anyone in search of fantastic game viewing will have the chance to not only see elephants and lions, they may even encounter the elusive leopard. A great time for gorilla tracking, and there’s superb wildlife viewing in national parks with dry vegetation.

Travelling for Uganda safari in September?

Uganda in September is the start of the short rainy season in Uganda. Slightly less favorable weather conditions, expect warm days and the occasional heavy rainfall meaning the visitor numbers and safari prices are lower.

It’s not an ideal month to visit national parks or go gorilla trekking, but if you’re the type of traveler willing to put up with heavy thundershowers, challenging roads and difficult hiking trails to find gorillas, then you’ll be able to save on lodging costs with low season rates, and you may be able to get discounted gorilla trekking permits.

You will certainly save on lodging and other travel costs.

Travelling for Uganda safari in October?

Uganda in October marks the start of the short rainy season, the sunny days are broken up by heavy rainfall downpours, and it’s not a busy month when visiting Uganda. Prices are reasonable and this is a good time of year for specials on gorilla trekking permits. Most of the game parks are still accessible at this time, but the rainfall can be a little unpredictable.

Travelling for Uganda safari in November?

Uganda in November is considered a wet season, and the month sees dry plains gradually turning vibrant green in the national parks as heavy rain showers continue across the landscape but there are fewer visitors this month because of less than ideal weather conditions. It is a good time to see migratory birds. You can expect some rainfall during December, but wildlife spotting opportunities are good.

Travelling for Uganda safari in December?

Uganda in December ushers the end of the wet season when rainfall eases off, bringing in plenty of sunshine and warm to hot temperatures – conditions across the country are perfect, and it’s a great month to visit Uganda.

The ground starts to dry out, making for excellent conditions for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking. In December, the Gorillas usually move to higher grounds, meaning the treks are usually longer.

Although you may still want to carry your rain clothes as you may encounter a few wet days toward the beginning of the month, especially in the south near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Ready to Start Planning Your Visit to Uganda?

Not yet close to finding your best time to travel to Uganda? Worry not, chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help tailor-make a trip that’s right for you.

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