Uganda in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Uganda

27°C (81°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

125mm (4.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wildlife viewing season - migratory birds arrive and resident animals gather near water sources as dry season reaches its end
Perfect gorilla trekking conditions with minimal mud on trails and comfortable 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures in mountain forests
Lower accommodation rates than June-August peak season, with 15-20% savings on lodges and mid-range hotels
Excellent road conditions throughout the country before heavy rains begin in earnest, making self-drive safaris optimal

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur 8-10 days per month, typically lasting 45-90 minutes and potentially disrupting outdoor activities between 2-5pm
Higher malaria risk due to increased mosquito activity from recent rains - requires strict prevention measures
Some remote hiking trails in Rwenzori Mountains may close without warning due to unpredictable weather patterns

Best Activities in May

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

May offers ideal conditions with firm, less muddy trails and comfortable morning temperatures of 16-20°C (61-68°F). Gorilla families are more active in cooler weather, and afternoon rains rarely affect morning treks starting at 8am. Permits are easier to secure than peak season.

Booking Tip: Book permits 3-4 months ahead through Uganda Wildlife Authority. Treks cost $700 per permit. Choose morning slots (8am start) to avoid afternoon rains. Book through licensed operators - see current tour packages in booking section below.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drives

Animals concentrate near water sources as dry season peaks, making wildlife spotting exceptional. Morning drives (6-10am) offer perfect 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures and active animals. Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector are most visible during cooler May mornings.

Booking Tip: Book safari packages 2-3 weeks ahead, typically costing $150-250 per day including park fees. Request early morning slots and afternoon boat cruises on Kazinga Channel to avoid 2-5pm rain window.

Murchison Falls White Water Rafting

Nile River levels are perfect in May - high enough for thrilling rapids but not dangerous flood conditions. Water temperature stays comfortable at 24-26°C (75-79°F). Morning sessions avoid afternoon storms and offer spectacular views of the falls in clear conditions.

Booking Tip: Half-day rafting typically costs $80-120 per person. Book through certified operators with proper safety equipment. Morning departures (8am-12pm) are essential to avoid weather. See current operators in booking section below.

Lake Bunyonyi Island Hopping

May offers crystal-clear lake conditions before heavy rains begin. Perfect 22-26°C (72-79°F) temperatures make swimming and canoeing ideal. Traditional dugout canoe tours showcase 29 islands without the haze common in other months.

Booking Tip: Canoe rentals cost $15-25 per day. Multi-island tours typically $40-60 per person. Book accommodation on Bushara Island 2-3 weeks ahead. Avoid late afternoon (3-6pm) for water activities due to potential storms.

Rwenzori Mountains Day Hiking

Lower altitude trails (up to 2,500m/8,202ft) are accessible with impressive views of snow-capped peaks on clear mornings. Alpine vegetation is lush and temperatures range from 15-20°C (59-68°F). Perfect for acclimatization hikes before multi-day treks.

Booking Tip: Day hikes cost $50-80 including guide and park fees. Book through Rwenzori Mountaineering Association for certified guides. Start early (7am) to complete before afternoon weather. Multi-day treks require different planning.

Cultural Village Experiences in Kisoro

Batwa pygmy cultural performances are more frequent in May as communities prepare for tourist season. Cooler highland temperatures of 16-22°C (61-72°F) make walking tours comfortable. Traditional hut construction demonstrations showcase dry-season building techniques.

Booking Tip: Community visits cost $25-40 per person including traditional meals. Book through community-based tourism offices 1-2 weeks ahead. Morning visits (9am-12pm) offer better weather and more authentic daily activities.

May Events & Festivals

May 1

International Workers' Day Celebrations

National holiday on May 1st features parades in Kampala and regional centers. Experience Ugandan political culture and traditional music performances. Expect bank closures and reduced transport services.

Mid to Late May

Coffee Harvest Festivals

Arabica coffee harvest season brings local festivals in Bugisu region (Mount Elgon area). Participate in traditional coffee ceremonies and learn about Uganda's coffee culture from bean to cup.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof rain jacket - afternoon showers last 45-90 minutes and can be intense

Quick-dry hiking pants in neutral colors for gorilla trekking and game drives

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days at altitude

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - mosquito activity increases with May rains

Waterproof hiking boots for muddy forest trails, plus lighter shoes for dry activities

Long-sleeved shirts in light cotton for evening protection against mosquitoes

Portable umbrella - more practical than rain poncho for short afternoon storms

Warm fleece or jacket for highland areas where temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F)

Waterproof phone case and camera protection for unexpected rain during activities

Multiple pairs of moisture-wicking socks - feet stay drier in humid conditions

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights rather than long road trips - afternoon rains can add 2-3 hours to drives between national parks as roads become slippery

Carry cash in small denominations - many rural areas don't accept cards and ATMs are unreliable during power outages common in rainy season

Schedule gorilla treks for first available day of your visit - permits can't be transferred if weather delays affect later bookings

Stay in accommodations with backup generators - power outages increase during May storms and can affect hot water and lighting for 2-6 hours

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only sandals - many trails become muddy and proper hiking boots are essential for forest activities

Scheduling tight itineraries without weather buffers - afternoon rains can delay activities by 1-2 hours regularly

Ignoring malaria prevention - increased mosquito activity in May makes prophylaxis and protection absolutely critical