When to Visit Uganda
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Dry Season (December-February)
Long Rains (March-May)
Dry Season (June-September)
Short Rains (October-November)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January sits right in the middle of the dry season, making it one of the most popular months for visitors. You'll find clear skies most days, minimal rainfall, and excellent conditions for gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris. The humidity stays around 70%, but the lack of rain makes it feel more comfortable than you might expect.
February
February continues the dry season pattern with consistently pleasant weather throughout the country. It's actually one of the driest months of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities and photography—the landscapes start showing signs of the dry spell with less lush vegetation. Tourist numbers remain high, particularly in the national parks.
March
March marks the transition into the long rainy season, though the first half of the month can still be quite dry. By mid to late March, you'll start seeing more frequent afternoon thunderstorms, which can be quite dramatic. The vegetation begins to green up again, and the air feels noticeably fresher, though trails start getting muddy.
April
April is typically the wettest month of the year, with heavy afternoon rains being almost guaranteed. That said, mornings are often clear and beautiful, so you can still do activities if you start early. The countryside is absolutely stunning with everything in full bloom, but roads can be challenging, particularly in rural areas. Tourist numbers drop significantly, which means better deals.
May
May continues the wet season pattern, though rainfall typically starts tapering off toward the end of the month. The landscape is incredibly lush and green, which is beautiful but can make wildlife spotting more challenging. Gorilla trekking is still possible but requires good rain gear and a tolerance for muddy conditions—the gorillas don't mind the rain, after all.
June
June ushers in the second dry season, and you'll notice a significant drop in rainfall. This is when tourism picks up again, particularly for gorilla trekking and safari activities. The temperatures are comfortable, and the reduced vegetation from the dry conditions actually makes wildlife easier to spot. It's a sweet spot for visiting—good weather without the peak season crowds of December and January.
July
July is one of the coolest months, particularly in the mornings and evenings when you might actually want a light jacket. Rainfall is minimal, and the skies tend to be clear—perfect for mountain gorillas and chimpanzee tracking. This is peak tourist season, so you'll want to book accommodations and permits well in advance. The combination of great weather and school holidays drives up both prices and visitor numbers.
August
August continues the excellent dry season conditions, with some of the best wildlife viewing of the year. The cooler temperatures make hiking and trekking more comfortable, though you'll want layers for early morning starts. Tourist infrastructure is running at full capacity, and popular spots like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can feel quite busy. The dry conditions mean dusty roads but also reliable travel.
September
September marks the tail end of the dry season, with conditions remaining favorable for most activities. You might see occasional light showers toward the end of the month, but nothing that significantly disrupts plans. Tourist numbers start to decrease slightly as the peak season winds down, making it a decent time for those who want good weather without the July-August crowds.
October
October brings the short rainy season, though it's typically less intense than the March-May rains. You'll see more afternoon showers, particularly in the second half of the month, but they're often shorter and more predictable. The landscape greens up quickly, and bird watching becomes particularly rewarding as migratory species arrive. Prices drop and the parks are noticeably quieter.
November
November continues the short rainy season pattern, with fairly regular afternoon thunderstorms. Mornings tend to be clear, which is when most gorilla trekking permits are scheduled anyway. The rain brings cooler temperatures and spectacular scenery, though you'll need to be prepared for muddy trails and potentially challenging road conditions in remote areas. It's genuinely one of the quietest months for tourism.
December
December sees rainfall decreasing significantly as the dry season returns, making it increasingly popular as the month progresses. The holiday period brings a surge in visitors, particularly in the second half of the month. Weather conditions are excellent for all activities, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. You'll want to book well ahead if you're planning to visit during the Christmas and New Year period.