Uganda in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Uganda

29°C (84°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

68% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means clearest mountain gorilla tracking conditions - visibility up to 2km (1.2 miles) in Bwindi forests with minimal mud on trails
Lowest rainfall period makes 4WD roads to Kidepo Valley and remote parks most accessible - typically 15-20% faster journey times
Prime wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around permanent water sources - elephant herds of 50+ gather at Kazinga Channel
Perfect hiking weather with cool 18°C (64°F) mornings for Rwenzori treks and comfortable 29°C (84°F) afternoons for crater lake walks

Considerations

Highest accommodation prices of the year - lodge rates 40-60% above low season, especially in Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth
Peak dust season on unpaved roads requires daily vehicle cleaning and can trigger respiratory issues for sensitive travelers
Extremely high UV exposure at 1,200m+ (3,937ft+) elevations - sunburn possible within 15 minutes without SPF 50+

Best Activities in March

Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Tracking

March offers the absolute best gorilla tracking conditions with dry forest floors, clear sightlines, and gorillas staying in lower, more accessible areas. Trails are 70% less muddy than wet season, making the challenging 2-8 hour treks more manageable. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) provide comfortable hiking before afternoon warmth.

Booking Tip: Permits must be booked 6-12 months ahead for March dates - they sell out first. Costs typically $700-800 USD per permit. Book through Uganda Wildlife Authority or licensed operators with confirmed allocations. See current tour packages in booking section below.

Queen Elizabeth Park Game Drives

Dry season concentrates wildlife around Kazinga Channel and permanent waterholes. Elephant herds of 50-100 animals, buffalo congregations, and tree-climbing lions are most reliably spotted. Clear skies provide excellent photography conditions and 15km+ (9+ mile) visibility across savanna plains.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 week safaris ahead for March as lodges fill up. Multi-day packages typically range $200-400 per person per day including accommodation. Early morning drives (6am start) offer best wildlife activity. Current safari options available through booking widget below.

Rwenzori Mountains Trekking

March provides the clearest mountain weather with minimal cloud cover obscuring peaks. Snow-capped Margherita Peak is visible 80% of days versus 30% during wet months. Cool morning temperatures and stable afternoon weather create ideal conditions for multi-day treks up to 5,109m (16,763ft).

Booking Tip: Book guided treks 4-6 weeks ahead through certified mountain guides. 7-10 day treks typically cost $800-1,200 per person including equipment. Requires good fitness - daily gains of 500-800m (1,640-2,625ft) elevation. See current trekking operators in booking section.

Kidepo Valley Wildlife Safaris

March's dry conditions make the 571km (355 mile) journey to Uganda's most remote park feasible via road. This is prime season for spotting cheetahs, bat-eared foxes, and other species found nowhere else in Uganda. The Narus Valley concentrates massive wildlife populations around seasonal rivers.

Booking Tip: Book fly-in safaris or extended 4-5 day road trips only. Road access requires 4WD and experienced drivers - journey takes 8-10 hours from Kampala. Safari packages typically $300-500 per person per day. Current Kidepo tour options available below.

Crater Lakes Hiking and Cycling

Perfect weather for exploring the 50+ crater lakes around Fort Portal. Clear skies reveal impressive views from 1,500m (4,921ft) viewpoints, and dry trails make cycling between lakes safe and enjoyable. Lake Nyinambuga offers swimming in 24°C (75°F) water with 20m+ (66ft+) visibility.

Booking Tip: Rent mountain bikes locally for $15-25 per day or book guided cycling tours for $40-60 per person. No advance booking needed - arrange upon arrival in Fort Portal. Self-guided hiking requires good navigation as some trails aren't marked. See current cycling tour options below.

White Water Rafting on the Nile

March's lower water levels create perfect Grade 3-5 rapids for rafting and kayaking. Water temperatures reach 26°C (79°F) making swims refreshing rather than shocking. Clearer water and stable flows provide safer conditions for beginners while still offering thrills for experts.

Booking Tip: Book day trips 1-2 weeks ahead during peak season. Full day rafting typically costs $120-180 per person including equipment and lunch. Half-day options available for $80-120. Multiple operators in Jinja offer similar quality - compare group sizes and safety records. Current rafting tours in booking section.

March Events & Festivals

March 8th

International Women's Day Celebrations

Major celebrations across Uganda with cultural performances, women's Kampala, and traditional dance competitions in Kampala and regional centers. Excellent opportunity to experience local culture and purchase authentic crafts directly from artisans.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index of 11 at high elevations causes burns in 10-15 minutes

Lightweight long pants in neutral colors - mandatory for gorilla tracking and reduces tsetse fly bites

Waterproof hiking boots - essential even in dry season for muddy gorilla trails and rocky terrain

Light rain jacket - afternoon showers still occur 8 days per month lasting 20-30 minutes

Layers for temperature swings - 18°C (64°F) mornings to 29°C (84°F) afternoons require versatile clothing

Dust mask or bandana - dry season creates significant dust on dirt roads during game drives

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - tsetse flies and mosquitoes active despite dry conditions

Headlamp with extra batteries - essential for early morning gorilla tracking departures at 6am

Quick-dry shirts in earth tones - bright colors prohibited for gorilla tracking and wildlife viewing

Gaiters for hiking - prevent seeds, thorns, and dust from entering boots on forest trails

Insider Knowledge

Book internal flights between parks 6-8 weeks ahead - March demand drives up prices 50% and reduces availability to remote airstrips

Carry cash in pristine USD bills (series 2013 or newer) - older or damaged bills often rejected at parks and lodges despite official policy

Pack extra phone batteries/power banks - many remote lodges only provide electricity 6pm-10pm during peak season to conserve generator fuel

Hire local guides in addition to tour operators - they know current animal locations and can spot wildlife tour groups miss, typically costing $20-30 per day

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating gorilla tracking difficulty - even in dry season, expect 2-8 hours of steep hiking through dense forest at altitude

Packing only summer clothes - March mornings at 1,500m+ (4,921ft+) elevations start at 18°C (64°F) requiring warm layers

Assuming dry season means no rain gear needed - sudden afternoon showers still occur and can last 30+ minutes