Uganda in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Uganda

26°C (79°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means clear mountain views for gorilla trekking - visibility exceeds 10km (6.2 miles) on most days, dramatically improving wildlife photography opportunities
Cooler temperatures averaging 22°C (72°F) make multi-hour hikes comfortable, especially the 4-8 hour gorilla treks that would be grueling in hot months
August coincides with the Great Migration spillover from Kenya, bringing increased wildlife activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park with 40% higher game drive success rates
Road conditions are at their best - the 480km (298 mile) circuit from Kampala to Bwindi and back takes 8-10 hours instead of 12+ during rainy months

Considerations

Peak tourist season means gorilla permits cost $800 USD (highest rate) and sell out 6+ months in advance - compared to $600 in low season
Accommodation prices increase 30-50% above low season rates, with many mid-range lodges charging $200+ per night compared to $120 in shoulder months
Tourist concentrations at major sites like Bwindi can mean 20-30 other trekkers starting simultaneously, reducing the intimate wildlife experience Uganda is known for

Best Activities in August

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

August's dry conditions create optimal trekking with minimal mud on steep terrain and excellent visibility through reduced forest mist. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) keep you comfortable during the 2-6 hour hikes to find gorilla families. Clear weather means better photography opportunities and reduced risk of permit cancellations due to weather. The forest floor is firm, making the challenging 1,500m (4,920 ft) elevation changes more manageable.

Booking Tip: Book permits 6-8 months in advance through Uganda Wildlife Authority or licensed operators - permits are $800 in August and sell out fastest for this month. Budget $900-1,200 per person including transport from Kampala. Look for operators offering small group sizes (maximum 8 people per gorilla family). Reference booking widget for current tour packages.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drives

August brings the tail end of migration patterns, increasing wildlife concentrations around water sources. Early morning drives (6:30am start) capitalize on cooler 18°C (64°F) temperatures when lions and leopards are most active. The Kazinga Channel boat safari is particularly rewarding as animals gather at water points during this drier period. Ishasha sector offers the best tree-climbing lion viewing with 70% success rates in August.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for best lodge availability. Full-day park experiences cost typically $150-250 per person including park fees. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles and experienced guides who know current animal movement patterns. Morning game drives (6:30-10:30am) offer best wildlife viewing before afternoon heat.

Murchison Falls White Water Rafting and River Safaris

August's lower water levels create Class III-IV rapids perfect for intermediate rafting on the Nile below Murchison Falls. Water temperatures remain comfortable at 24°C (75°F) while air temperatures of 26°C (79°F) make water activities ideal. The 3-hour boat trip to the falls base offers exceptional wildlife viewing as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles concentrate along the riverbanks during the dry season.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days in advance as August is peak season for water activities. Full-day rafting experiences typically cost $180-280 per person with transport from Kampala. Choose operators with certified safety equipment and experienced guides. Boat safaris to falls base cost $35-45 per person and should be booked on arrival for flexibility.

Kibale Forest Chimpanzee Tracking

August's dry conditions make forest paths more accessible and increase chimp tracking success rates to 85%+ as primates forage in predictable locations. Cool morning temperatures of 20°C (68°F) create comfortable hiking conditions through the 1,450m (4,757 ft) elevation forest. Reduced rainfall means clearer forest acoustics for locating chimp calls, and less canopy dripping improves photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Permits cost $250 and should be booked 4-6 weeks ahead in August. Choose morning sessions (8:00am start) for highest success rates and cooler temperatures. Budget $300-450 per person including transport from Fort Portal. Look for operators offering habituation experiences ($300 permits) for extended chimp interaction time.

Lake Bunyonyi Island Hopping and Cultural Tours

August's clear skies showcase the lake's 29 islands at their most photogenic, with temperatures perfect for dugout canoe excursions and swimming. Morning mist clears by 9am revealing impressive terraced hillside views. Water temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make swimming comfortable, while the 2,000m (6,562 ft) altitude keeps days pleasantly cool. Cultural village visits are enhanced by August harvest activities in local communities.

Booking Tip: Book accommodation 3-4 weeks ahead as August is peak season for this lake retreat. Island hopping tours cost typically $40-80 per person for half-day experiences. Choose operators offering traditional dugout canoes with experienced local guides. Budget lodges cost $60-120 per night, luxury options $200-350 per night in August.

Sipi Falls Multi-Tier Waterfall Hiking

August's moderate rainfall maintains strong water flow while keeping hiking trails manageable. The 3-4 hour hike to all three falls is comfortable in cooler temperatures averaging 22°C (72°F). Clear weather offers spectacular views of Mount Elgon's 4,321m (14,177 ft) peaks and expansive views across eastern Uganda. Coffee plantation tours coincide with the harvest season, offering authentic farm-to-cup experiences.

Booking Tip: Book through local guides in Sipi town for $25-40 per person for full waterfall circuit. No advance booking needed but start early (7:30am) to avoid afternoon clouds that can obscure mountain views. Budget 6-8 hours including coffee farm visits. Choose guides certified by the local community tourism association.

August Events & Festivals

Mid August

Kampala City Festival

Annual celebration of Kampala's cultural heritage featuring traditional dance performances, local food vendors, and craft exhibitions at Kololo Independence Grounds. The three-day festival showcases Uganda's diverse tribal cultures with authentic performances from Buganda, Acholi, and Karamojong communities. Street food vendors offer seasonal specialties and local brewing demonstrations.

Late August

Mount Elgon Coffee Harvest Festival

Arabica coffee harvest celebrations in Sipi Falls region featuring traditional coffee processing demonstrations, cupping sessions, and cultural performances by local Sabiny communities. Visitors can participate in coffee picking, learn traditional roasting techniques, and purchase directly from farmers at harvest prices.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 500m+ (1,640+ ft) elevation changes - gorilla trekking involves steep, sometimes muddy terrain even in dry season

Lightweight rain jacket - August averages 10 rainy days with sudden 20-30 minute afternoon showers, especially at higher elevations

Layered clothing system: mornings start at 18°C (64°F), afternoons reach 26°C (79°F) - pack zip-off pants and light fleece

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 at 2,000m+ (6,562+ ft) elevations around lakes and mountains

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - mosquitoes are active at dawn/dusk despite cooler temperatures, malaria risk remains year-round

Gardening gloves for gorilla trekking - thick gloves protect hands when grabbing vegetation and branches on steep forest climbs

Gaiters or long socks - protect legs from stinging nettles common in Bwindi forest undergrowth

Portable phone charger - limited electricity at remote lodges, especially during 6-8 hour trekking days

Cash in small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) - gorilla permit payments, park fees, and tips require exact change in many locations

Insider Knowledge

Book gorilla permits directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority website to avoid $50-100 markup from intermediaries - permits are non-refundable but can be rescheduled once with 48-hour notice

Carry your passport original for all park entries - photocopies are not accepted for gorilla permits or other wildlife activities, and this catches many tourists off-guard

Start gorilla treks by 7:00am even though official start is 8:00am - early groups get first choice of gorilla families and avoid afternoon rain that starts around 2:00pm

Withdraw cash in Kampala before heading to parks - ATMs in Fort Portal, Kabale, and other park gateway towns frequently run out of money or don't accept international cards

Book accommodation in park gateway towns (Fort Portal, Kabale) rather than inside parks - you'll pay 40-60% less while being only 30-45 minutes from park gates

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating gorilla trekking physical demands - the 'one-hour' trek often becomes 4-6 hours with 1,500m (4,920 ft) elevation changes on muddy, steep terrain

Packing only summer clothes - mountain areas drop to 18°C (64°F) at night and early morning, requiring warm layers that many first-timers don't expect in equatorial Africa

Not booking accommodation far enough in advance - August is peak season and mid-range lodges ($100-200/night) book out 6-8 weeks ahead, forcing expensive last-minute choices