Things to Do in Uganda in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Uganda
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season conditions make gorilla trekking significantly easier - trails in Bwindi and Mgahinga are less muddy, visibility is better, and gorillas tend to stay at lower elevations where they're more accessible. You're still looking at challenging hikes, but you won't be sliding through knee-deep mud like you would in April or May.
- December marks peak migration season in Queen Elizabeth National Park - you'll see massive herds of Uganda kob and buffalo moving between grazing areas, which attracts predators including tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. The dry conditions also concentrate wildlife around water sources, making game drives considerably more productive.
- Murchison Falls is genuinely spectacular in December - the Nile is running strong from upstream rains but the weather around the park is dry and clear. The boat cruise to the falls base gives you excellent hippo and crocodile sightings, and the reduced vegetation means better visibility for spotting elephants and giraffes during drives.
- Temperatures are comfortable for hiking and outdoor activities - you're getting warm days around 27°C (81°F) but cool mornings and evenings around 17°C (63°F), especially in highland areas like Bwindi, Mgahinga, and around Fort Portal. This is genuinely pleasant compared to the sticky heat of February-March or the constant rain of March-May.
Considerations
- December is peak season, which means higher prices across the board - gorilla permits stay at 800 USD year-round, but accommodation rates can jump 30-40% compared to shoulder months like November or early March. Mid-range lodges that go for 150-180 USD in low season might hit 220-280 USD in December, and you'll need to book popular properties 4-6 months ahead.
- Tourist numbers are noticeably higher, particularly around Christmas and New Year weeks - Bwindi gets crowded by Uganda standards, meaning you might share your gorilla family with 7-8 other trekkers instead of 3-4. Popular lodges and campsites in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison fill up, and you'll see more safari vehicles at key wildlife spots.
- While it's technically dry season, December weather can be unpredictable - you'll still get occasional afternoon showers, particularly in western Uganda near the Congo border. The rain usually lasts 30-60 minutes rather than all-day downpours, but it can temporarily make trails slippery and affect photography conditions with sudden cloud cover.
Best Activities in December
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga
December offers optimal conditions for gorilla trekking - drier trails mean better footing on steep slopes, and gorillas typically stay at lower elevations where they're easier to reach. You're still looking at 2-6 hour treks depending on which family you're assigned, but you won't be dealing with the mudslides and leeches common in rainy months. The permit costs 800 USD regardless of season, but December's clear weather means better photography opportunities and a more comfortable experience overall. Morning temperatures start cool around 15°C (59°F) in the forest, warming to 22-25°C (72-77°F) by midday.
Safari Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
December is arguably the best month for wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth - the dry conditions mean animals concentrate around permanent water sources in the Kasenyi plains and Channel Track areas, making them easier to spot. You're looking at genuine lion sightings most mornings, plus elephants, buffalo herds of 200-plus animals, and Uganda kob everywhere. The Ishasha sector in the south is famous for tree-climbing lions, and December's clear weather gives you the best chance of spotting them lounging in fig trees. Game drives work best early morning 6:30-10am or late afternoon 3:30-6:30pm when animals are most active and temperatures are cooler.
Nile River Boat Safaris at Murchison Falls
The boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls is genuinely one of Uganda's best wildlife experiences, and December conditions are ideal - the Nile is running strong but the weather is clear and dry. The 3-hour upstream cruise gets you within meters of hippos, massive Nile crocodiles sunbathing on banks, and elephants coming down to drink. You'll see buffalo herds, waterbuck, and an incredible variety of birds including shoebills if you're lucky. The falls themselves are thunderous - 300 cubic meters of water per second forcing through a 7-meter (23-foot) gap. Combine this with game drives on the northern bank for giraffes, lions, and Jackson's hartebeest.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Kibale has the highest density of primates in Africa, and December's dry weather makes forest walks more pleasant - you're not slogging through mud and the chimps are often more active in the cooler morning temperatures. Tracking starts at 8am or 2pm and typically takes 2-4 hours. Success rate is around 90-95% year-round. Beyond chimps, you'll encounter red colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The forest canopy is thick so photography can be challenging regardless of season, but December's clearer skies mean better light filtering through. Morning sessions tend to be more active as chimps are feeding.
Lake Bunyonyi Multi-Day Stays and Island Exploration
Lake Bunyonyi offers a genuine break from safari intensity - this is where you decompress after gorilla trekking or before flying home. December weather is perfect for the lake: warm sunny days around 25-27°C (77-81°F), cool evenings around 15-17°C (59-63°F), and minimal rain. The lake sits at 1,962 meters (6,437 feet) elevation, which means comfortable temperatures and no malaria risk. Spend time kayaking between the 29 islands, swimming in bilharzia-free water, or just reading on a dock. The surrounding terraced hillsides are stunning, and local village walks give you insight into Bakiga culture. This is a 2-3 night stop, not a day trip.
Rwenzori Mountains Day Hikes and Multi-Day Treks
December is one of only two reliable months for Rwenzori trekking - the other is June-July. These mountains get serious rainfall most of the year, but December offers relatively clear conditions for tackling what Lonely Planet accurately calls Africa's most challenging trek. Day hikes from Kilembe or Nyakalengija give you waterfalls, river valleys, and montane forest without committing to the full 7-9 day circuit to Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters (16,763 feet). Even day hikes reach 2,500-3,000 meters (8,200-9,800 feet) elevation with spectacular views when clouds cooperate. The vegetation is otherworldly - giant heathers, lobelias, and moss-covered trees straight out of a fantasy novel.
December Events & Festivals
Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
Uganda celebrates Christmas enthusiastically with church services, family gatherings, and traditional meals. In Kampala you'll find special events at hotels and restaurants, though many businesses close December 24-26. New Year's Eve brings street parties in Kampala neighborhoods and beach celebrations on Lake Victoria. This is primarily a local family holiday rather than a tourist event, but it affects availability and pricing - expect higher accommodation rates December 20-January 2 and book well ahead. Many Ugandans travel to rural home areas during this period, which can actually make Kampala less crowded.