When to Visit Uganda

Classic dry-season start: hot cloud-break mornings, star haze by afternoon. Lodges around Queen Elizabeth fill quickly. Book early.

Often the hottest month. Even locals complain about the noon glare on Lake Victoria. Good for Ssese Island hops. But bring strong SPF.

Humidity clicks upward. Mornings can be clear until 2 p.m., then thunder rolls in. Good for budget deals. But carry a quick-dry shirt.

Peak long-rains: murram roads turn slick, gorilla trekking becomes properly muddy. Yet birding is excellent - lots of migrants.

Rains ease off mid-month; savanna grass grows tall, making predators harder to spot but photographer backgrounds spectacularly green.

Classic East-Africa safari weather: crisp dawns, blue afternoons, cool nights. Every lodge runs generator-off stargazing sessions.

Coolest month. You might want a fleece in Bwindi. Schools are on break, so domestic tourism peaks - book permits months ago.

Still generally dry, though evening thunderstorms increase toward month-end. Good for combining gorillas with Murchison Falls boat cruises.

A transition month: early September is still dry, late September sees the short-rains begin. Prices ease, wildlife stays active.

Rains re-establish; red laterite roads get churned. On the plus side, you'll find cheaper gorilla permits and lush, empty parks.

Wettest month after April. Afternoon showers can last two hours. Migratory birds arrive, making it prime season for twitchers.

Short-rains tail off mid-month; lodges decorate with LED Christmas lights and raise rates. Early booking wise for holiday weeks.