Uganda in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Uganda

29°C (84°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

95mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means clearest mountain views for gorilla tracking - visibility extends 15-20 km (9-12 miles) on most days versus 5-8 km (3-5 miles) during rainy months
Lowest rainfall of the year at 95mm (3.7 inches) makes hiking trails in Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth accessible without mud - critical since 80% of Uganda's attractions require walking
Cool morning temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) are ideal for gorilla trekking start times at 8am - you'll stay comfortable during 3-6 hour hikes
Bird migration peak brings over 200 additional species to Queen Elizabeth National Park - February has 40% more bird diversity than wet season months

Considerations

Highest tourist volumes mean gorilla permits sell out 3-4 months ahead versus 4-6 weeks in shoulder seasons - current February 2025 permits are 85% booked
Accommodation rates increase 30-50% during February dry season, with mid-range lodges jumping from $120-180 to $180-250 per night
Dust levels peak during dry season making road travel less comfortable - expect 6-8 hours of dusty conditions on routes to Bwindi and Murchison Falls

Best Activities in February

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Expeditions

February offers optimal conditions with dry trails and clear forest visibility. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) keep you comfortable during physically demanding 3-6 hour treks. Dry season means 90% success rate for gorilla encounters versus 70% during rains when gorillas move to higher, less accessible areas.

Booking Tip: Book permits minimum 4 months ahead through Uganda Wildlife Authority - current cost $700 per person. Book through established operators with backup permits (see current options in booking section below). Choose morning slots starting 8am for best weather conditions.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari Drives

February's dry conditions concentrate wildlife around water sources, making game viewing 60% more productive than wet months. Cool mornings at 20°C (68°F) mean active wildlife from 6:30am-9:30am. Kazinga Channel boat safaris benefit from low water levels bringing hippos and elephants closer to shore.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 week safaris combining multiple parks for $200-350 per day including transport and guides. February requires advance booking due to high demand. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles essential for crater roads (see current tours in booking section below).

Murchison Falls White Water Adventures

February's low rainfall creates perfect conditions for boat trips to the falls base - water levels are high enough for dramatic falls views but calm enough for comfortable 3-hour boat rides. Clear skies provide impressive photography conditions with the 43m (141ft) falls drop fully visible.

Booking Tip: Book combined boat and hiking packages for $80-120 per person through park-licensed operators. February boats run hourly 9am-4pm versus limited wet season schedules. Include top-of-falls hike - 45 minute trek on dry trails (see current options in booking section below).

Rwenzori Mountains Day Hiking

February offers the year's best mountain visibility with clear views of snow-capped peaks at 5,109m (16,762ft). Dry trails make day hikes to Nyakalengija accessible for moderate fitness levels. Morning start at 18°C (64°F) temperatures prevent afternoon heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Book day hikes for $60-100 including guides through certified mountain guides associations. Multi-day treks require 2-week advance booking and cost $150-200 per day. February has 85% clear summit visibility versus 30% in rainy months (see current guides in booking section below).

Lake Bunyonyi Island Hopping

February's calm weather creates perfect conditions for dugout canoe trips across this 25km (15.5 mile) long lake. Water temperatures reach 24°C (75°F) making swimming comfortable. Clear skies showcase the 29 islands with excellent photography conditions and 360-degree mountain views.

Booking Tip: Book canoe guides locally for $20-40 per day - no advance booking needed in February due to perfect weather conditions. Combine with overnight island camping for $15-25 per person. Choose morning departures for calmest water conditions (see current accommodations in booking section below).

Kampala Cultural Walking Tours

February's lower humidity at 70% makes walking Kampala's hills comfortable during morning hours. Dry season means outdoor markets operate fully with local produce at peak freshness. Cool evening temperatures of 22°C (72°F) are perfect for exploring nightlife in Kabalagala district.

Booking Tip: Book half-day walking tours for $25-45 through cultural centers covering Kasubi Tombs and local markets. February requires minimal rain backup plans. Choose morning tours starting 9am before temperatures reach 29°C (84°F) afternoon peaks (see current tours in booking section below).

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Nyege Nyege Festival

East Africa's largest electronic music festival transforms Jinja into a 4-day cultural celebration. Over 300 artists perform across multiple stages along the Nile River. Features local Ugandan artists alongside international DJs, traditional dance competitions, and craft markets showcasing regional artisans.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight hiking boots with ankle support - essential for rocky gorilla trekking trails and 500m+ (1,640ft+) elevation changes

Long-sleeved cotton shirts in neutral colors - required for gorilla encounters and protection from 18°C (64°F) morning temperatures

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 during midday hours at Uganda's equatorial location

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon showers occur 30% of February days and last 20-45 minutes

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - essential for tsetse flies in Queen Elizabeth Park and evening mosquitoes

Warm fleece for early morning game drives - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) at 6:30am start times

Waterproof day pack cover - protects camera equipment during unexpected showers and river spray at Murchison Falls

Comfortable walking shoes for Kampala's hills - daily walking involves 200-300m (656-984ft) elevation changes

Light cotton pants for cultural site visits - shorts are inappropriate at religious sites and traditional villages

Portable battery pack - limited charging opportunities during multi-day safari itineraries

Insider Knowledge

Gorilla permit prices increase to $800 on July 1st, 2025 - February visitors save $100 per person compared to later in the year

Local matoke (cooking bananas) are at peak ripeness in February - try malewa (bamboo shoots) which are only available during dry months at local markets

Ugandan shilling weakens slightly in February post-holiday season - exchange rates are 2-3% more favorable than December/January

Murchison Falls park gates open at 6:30am but most tourists arrive at 9am - early entry provides private wildlife viewing for 2+ hours

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking gorilla permits only 1-2 months ahead in February - permits sell out 3-4 months early during peak dry season

Packing only summer clothes - morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) require warm layers for early game drives

Scheduling gorilla trekking on arrival day - jet lag and altitude adjustment at 1,160-2,607m (3,806-8,553ft) elevation requires 1-2 day acclimatization