Uganda in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Uganda

29°C (84°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

120mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Prime gorilla trekking conditions - reduced rainfall makes forest paths more accessible and gorillas easier to track through clearer mountain terrain
Excellent wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls - animals concentrate around water sources as dry season begins, vegetation thins for better visibility
Perfect climbing weather for Rwenzori Mountains - clear skies 70% of days, minimal afternoon cloud cover, and comfortable temperatures for multi-day treks at 3,000-5,000m (9,840-16,400 ft) altitude
Cultural festival season - post-harvest celebrations in rural communities, traditional Buganda ceremonies, and fewer tourist crowds mean authentic interactions with locals

Considerations

Unpredictable transition weather - morning sunshine can turn to afternoon downpours within 30 minutes, requiring constant weather contingency planning
Dusty road conditions on safari routes - dry season beginning means increased dust on game drives, affecting photography and comfort levels
Higher accommodation rates approaching peak season - prices increase 20-30% from October as December-February high season approaches

Best Activities in November

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Expeditions

November offers optimal conditions for gorilla encounters in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Reduced rainfall means fewer muddy, slippery trails, and gorillas tend to stay at lower altitudes (2,000-2,500m/6,560-8,200 ft) making tracking easier. Morning temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) are perfect for the 2-6 hour treks through dense forest. Permits are essential and limited to 8 people per gorilla family per day.

Booking Tip: Gorilla permits must be secured 6-12 months in advance through Uganda Wildlife Authority - they cost $700 per person. Book through licensed operators who include transport, guides, and park fees. See current expedition packages in the booking section below.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari Tours

November marks excellent game viewing as animals gather near permanent water sources. The Kazinga Channel boat safari is particularly rewarding with hippo pods at maximum size and elephants making daily visits to drink. Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector are more active in cooler morning temperatures. Game drives are best 6:30-9:30am and 4:00-7:00pm when temperatures drop to 22-25°C (72-77°F).

Booking Tip: 3-day safari packages typically range $400-800 per person including accommodation, meals, and game drives. Book through operators with 4WD vehicles and experienced local guides. Peak viewing requires early morning starts, so choose operators offering 6:30am departures.

Murchison Falls Adventure Tours

The Nile's power is most dramatic in November as water levels remain high from rainy season runoff. Boat trips to the falls base offer spectacular views and wildlife sightings - crocodiles, hippos, and over 450 bird species. The 45-minute hike to the falls top provides panoramic views across the Rift Valley. Water temperatures are comfortable for white-water rafting sections downstream.

Booking Tip: Full-day Murchison Falls tours cost $120-200 per person including boat trip, hiking, and lunch. Combination packages with overnight accommodation range $300-600. Book operators with life jackets and experienced boat captains for safety. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Rwenzori Mountains Trekking Expeditions

November provides the clearest mountain weather for Uganda's highest peaks. The 'Mountains of the Moon' offer spectacular alpine scenery above 4,000m (13,120 ft) with minimal cloud cover obscuring views. Multi-day treks through bamboo forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys are ideal in dry conditions. Night temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) at higher elevations requiring proper gear.

Booking Tip: Rwenzori treks require 5-12 days and range $150-300 per person per day including guides, porters, and mountain huts. Book certified mountain guides through established operators at least 30 days ahead. Essential gear includes warm sleeping bags rated to -5°C (23°F).

Lake Bunyonyi Island-Hopping Tours

Africa's second-deepest lake offers perfect canoeing and swimming conditions in November. Water temperatures reach 24°C (75°F) with calm morning conditions ideal for traditional dugout canoe excursions between 29 islands. The lake sits at 1,962m (6,437 ft) elevation providing cool, comfortable temperatures and impressive terraced hillside views. Local Bakiga communities offer cultural performances and traditional craft demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Day tours including canoe hire, island visits, and lunch cost $40-80 per person. Multi-day packages with lakeside accommodation range $100-250 per night. Book operators providing life jackets and experienced local guides familiar with weather patterns.

Kampala Cultural and Historical Tours

November's pleasant temperatures make walking tours of Uganda's capital ideal. Visit the Kasubi Tombs (UNESCO World Heritage site), explore Nakasero Market's tropical produce, and experience Buganda Kingdom cultural sites. The city's seven hills offer panoramic views best enjoyed in clear November weather. Local matatu (shared taxi) experiences provide authentic urban immersion.

Booking Tip: Half-day Kampala tours cost $30-60 per person including transport and guide. Full-day cultural immersion experiences range $80-150 with meals and multiple site visits. Choose operators with knowledgeable local guides who speak Luganda for deeper cultural insights.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November (typically November 14-17)

Nyege Nyege Festival

East Africa's premier music and arts festival featuring 200+ artists across electronic, traditional, and fusion genres. Held on the Nile banks in Jinja with camping and cultural workshops alongside four days of continuous music. Attracts 8,000+ international visitors for authentic African music experiences.

Late November

Buganda Kingdom Coronation Anniversary

Traditional ceremonies at Mengo Palace commemorating the Kabaka's coronation with royal pageantry, traditional drumming, and cultural displays. Visitors can observe authentic Buganda customs, traditional dress ceremonies, and court protocol demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 1,000km+ - essential for gorilla trekking on muddy forest trails at 2,000-3,000m (6,560-9,840 ft) elevation

Quick-dry long pants in neutral colors (khaki, brown) - required for gorilla trekking and protect against thorns, plus long sleeves for malaria protection during evening hours

High SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 at high altitude and equatorial sun intensity requires constant protection

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation - afternoon showers occur 40% of November days lasting 30-45 minutes, but morning starts are often clear

Binoculars 8x32 minimum - essential for wildlife viewing at 50-200m (164-656 ft) distances during game drives and bird watching

Headlamp with extra batteries - power outages are common in rural areas, and gorilla trekking can start before dawn at 6:00am

Anti-malaria medication started 1-2 weeks before travel - November is still within malaria season, particularly in lower altitude areas below 1,500m (4,920 ft)

Portable phone charger/power bank - limited electricity access during multi-day mountain treks and safari camps

Cash in small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) - many rural areas don't accept credit cards, and tips for guides/porters are expected in cash

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - essential for evenings when mosquito activity peaks, particularly near lakes and rivers

Insider Knowledge

Gorilla permits can be purchased day-of at reduced rates ($600 vs $700) if available, but only locals know to check UWA offices at 7am - foreign visitors should never risk this gamble

Boda boda (motorcycle taxi) drivers in Kampala charge 50% more during November rains - negotiate flat rates before departure or use ride-sharing apps SafeBoda/Bolt for fixed pricing

November mango season means roadside fruit costs drop to 500 UGX (13 cents) per piece - locals buy in bulk and they're perfectly ripe, unlike expensive lodge fruit

Rural communities celebrate post-harvest with traditional brewing - visitors invited to try malwa (millet beer) during cultural site visits, considered rude to refuse

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking gorilla permits less than 3 months ahead - November is increasingly popular and permits sell out, leaving travelers with expensive last-minute rebooking

Packing only lightweight clothing - mountain areas drop to 5°C (41°F) at night and many travelers underestimate altitude temperature changes

Scheduling tight connections through Entebbe Airport - November weather can delay domestic flights to airstrips near national parks, build in buffer days