Best Time To Visit Uganda

Gorilla young in Bwindi National Park, Uganda, Africa

The famous Murchsion Falls in Uganda, Africa

male Mantled Guereza, also known as Black-and-White Colobus, at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

female mountain gorilla with a baby. Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Learn More About Uganda’s Tropical Climate

Travel in Uganda is possible throughout the year, but the dry months are considered the best time to travel to the country. These months are also best for gorilla trekking. Although Uganda’s climate can be generally described as tropical, it still differs in different parts of the country, and the temperatures in the higher regions of Mount Elgon and the Ruwenzori Range can drop well below freezing.

Best Time To Visit

Most Ideal

Low Season

overview

January remains peak tourist season in Uganda. It’s largely dry throughout the country, with temperatures hovering around the high 60s and 80s. The reduced rainfall means its a good time to head for the safaris and gorilla spotting!

we recommend

Trek through the forests of Bwindi, home to more than half of the world’s population of the highly endangered mountain gorilla
Make the most of the dry conditions and hike to Mt Elgon

overview

Expect the warm and dry conditions to prevail for most of the month with daytime temperatures averaging in the high 60s. Towards the month though, the rains start to set in as the wet season beckons.

we recommend

This is one of the best times to go chimpanzee tracking in the lush tropical rainforest of Kibale National Park, home to more than 1,000 chimpanzees
Head to the bird paradise of Semliki before the rains set in and try and spot the 40 Congolese bird species that are only found here!

overview

This is the start of the long, wet season in Uganda. But you can expect periods of sunlight after the bouts of rain! This is possibly the last month to view the migratory birds in the wild before the leave the region.

we recommend

Make a trip to the Semliki Wildlife Reserve, one of the best localities for sightings of the enigmatic, swamp-dwelling shoebill

overview

April is possibly the wettest month in the country. Some parks may be closed and trekking will be difficult in those that are open, owing to the wet conditions.

we recommend

Savor the region’s traditional dance and music during a dinner-theatre performance by the Ndere Troupe at the Ndere Center in the capital city of Kampala

overview

The wet conditions persist in May as well, so do factor that in when making your plans. But this is also the time the landscape is at its greenest, making for great photographic opportunities!

we recommend

Marvel at the majesty of the Nile at Murchison Falls, whose banks are thronged with hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants and more!

overview

With the rainfall abating, June marks the start of the high season in Uganda, especially in the south of the country. Expect daytime temperatures to average in the mid-60s.

we recommend

See the volcanoes of Uganda as you climb up the Virungas

overview

Largely dry conditions make this one of the best times for gorilla tracking and wildlife safaris – the national parks beckon! But high season means you will have to book well in advance!

we recommend

Head to Uganda’s most popular wildlife reserve, Queen Elizabeth National Park for boat safaris and chimpanzee tracking
Encounter elephants, hippos, antelopes and baboons during your classic game drives at Queen Elizabeth Park
Witness the lions in Ishasha

overview

The high season continues through this month, making it again one of the best times to visit Uganda – wildlife sightings are great and temperatures average around 77°F.

we recommend

Trek through the largely flat-terrain of Budongo Forest, characterized by its biodiversity
Walk through the botanical gardens of Entebbe
If you want a break from the wildlife, head to Bujagali for a range of adventurous activities

overview

This is the last month of the dry season, but keep your rain gear handy as you could witness sudden bursts of sharp rainfall! Temperatures hover in the mid-60s and this is the time the crowds start thinning out.

we recommend

Head to the far northeast, to the remote, Kidepo Valley National Park replete with dry-country species

overview

The rains usually set in around this time so be prepared for muddy and wet conditions should you choose to head for a safari during this time!

we recommend

Take a break at Lake Albert with a range of relaxing activities

overview

This is among the wettest times in the country. Spotting wildlife may not be the easiest around this time and conditions will be especially wet and muddy underfoot.

we recommend

Given the unpredictable weather, plan a trip to Bulgao Island and relax on its beautiful beach

overview

With the rain abating and conditions become drier, wildlife sightings become easier, making this a fairly popular time to visit Uganda, especially around Christmas and New Year’s!

we recommend

Explore the beauteous ‘Mountains of the Moon’
This is the time the migratory birds return to Uganda, so head to Lake Mburo and try and spot the highly secretive African finfoot.

Best Time To Visit Uganda by Season

In most regions of Uganda, you can expect an average of 1,000 to 2,000 millimeters of rainfall, but the rainy season and its duration may vary within the different regions. In general, it can be said that long rains occur from April to June and shorter rainfall can be expected between October and December. During this time it seldom rains all day and brief, strong showers are followed by mostly sunny weather. In the Lake Victoria basin, higher humidity with showers almost all year round can be expected due to the high water evaporation of up to 75-80%. Humidity is significantly lower in the remaining part of the country. The dry season lasts from June to October and from December to March.

While planning your Uganda trip, keep the different seasons in mind.

Long wet season: April – June
Short rainy season: October – December
Drying time: June – October, December – March.

Our travel experts can help you pinpoint the ideal time for your vacation, and also recommend the best places to visit in Uganda to experience the wonderful culture and wildlife of the country.

Lower Bigo Bog Rwenzori Mountains, Kabarole, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda, Africa

What to Pack

It is advisable to pack casual and comfortable clothes for your Uganda wildlife safari. Evenings and early mornings can be chilly so warm sweaters are recommended. Flat, comfortable sports or trekking shoes are most suitable for walking should you intend to join any walking safaris. We recommend you bring warm clothes, including a fleece or a light woolen sweater and socks, apart from typical safari gear. During the day it can get quite hot, so don’t forget your sunglasses and a high SPF sunscreen, as well as a sun hat with a small brim. Some specialist trips, i.e. mountain climbing, require extra items of clothing and footwear. Many hotels, lodges and camps have swimming pools so you are advised to bring swimsuits. Due to limited space in the vehicle and in light aircraft, we advise you to keep your luggage to the minimum. We suggest you pack your luggage into a small bag of no more than 15 kgs – the luggage limit for local flights issued by the airlines. Almost all safari lodges and camps provide same-day laundry service.

Popular Trips to Uganda

Classic Uganda Safari: Gorillas, Mountains and Great Lakes

11 Days from $7,890 USD / person

This Uganda safari tour takes you deep into the heart of the wilderness for fantastic wildlife encounters. Your journey begins in Entebbe, set on the shores of the mighty Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake. In Kibale, heart-stopping moments are guaranteed as you track Uganda’s famed chimpanzees through the dense forest with an experienced…

View Vacation

Uganda: Gorilla Trekking

4 Days from $3,890 USD / person

This private Uganda gorilla trekking tour promises you a heart-stopping, adrenaline-pumping adventure in the misty mountains of this African nation. Your vacation begins in the town of Entebbe, on the shores of the colossal Lake Victoria, which is one of the largest lakes in Africa by area. Explore the peaceful beaches and botanical gardens in…

View Vacation

Kenya and Uganda Safari Tour: Big Five and Gorilla Trekking

9 Days from $8,290 USD / person

This private Kenya and Uganda safari tour is a great way to discover Africa’s diverse wildlife. The adventure begins at Ol Pejeta Private Game Reserve, one of the largest rhino sanctuaries in East Africa, where you can enjoy game drives and sundowners everyday. Classic Africa awaits you in the iconic golden grasslands of Masai Mara,…

View Vacation

Sorry, your search found no results.

Best Places To Visit

The lush tropical rainforest of Kibale National Park has one of the highest diversity and density of primates in Africa, totalling 13 species including more than 1,000 chimpanzees and so is an ideal location for chimpanzee trekking.

Kibale

Set majestically in the shadow of the Ruwenzori, flanking Lake Edward and Lake George, the lush savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park offers prime grazing to buffalo, elephant and various antelope.

Queen Elizabeth

Observe gorillas! Bwindi is home to around 340 highly endangered mountain gorillas, more than half of the world’s population.

Bwindi National Park

With a varying landscape of rolling hills, open grassy valleys, acacia grasslands and marshes, Lake Mburo is home to a huge array of flora and fauna.

Lake Mburo

A bird lover’s haven! Entebbe, the former capital of Uganda during the British colonisation, hosts 50,000 people and is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake of the world.

Entebbe

Budongo Forest is a moist, semi-deciduous tropical rainforest located at the top of the Albertine Rift.

Budongo Forest

Travel Guide

To ensure that you make the most of your vacation, get your lowdown on the top tips and essential details in our Uganda travel guide – from visas to currency, health information, languages and culture, and gorilla trekking in the forests.

Uganda Travel Guide

Things To Do

Get up close to silverback mountain gorillas, marvel at chimpanzee families, watch the threatened 600-pound giant forest hog in its natural habitat, and cruise in Africa’s largest lake – the abundance of fantastic wildlife experiences in Uganda is truly staggering. Plan your perfect vacation with our list of the top things to do in Uganda.

Things To Do in Uganda

What Our Guests Say

The trip was planned perfectly from beginning to the end. We were notified of any changes to the schedule based on delayed flights etc. It is a real advantage to have Enchanting Travels make the arrangements that allowed us to speed through customs and visa checks. Our drivers were always there waiting for our arrival so no time wasted waiting. Just the ease of the logistics that comes with traveling with Enchanting Travels keeps up going back to them when we are planning a trip. The experiences were beyond words. Our game drive guides were exceptional in getting us to where the animals were so we could enjoy seeing cheetah cubs at play while mom watched, lion cubs playing while a group of lioness’s napped in the sun and two male lions did the same. The most incredible sight was watching a group of 6 lioness’s separate a female buffalo and her calf and going on to taking them both down. It was like watching a Nat Geo film but we were there within 30 yards to watch. Our accommodations were top notch, staff everywhere we were were exceptional, and the settings were all different but wonderful. Our trip coordinator was in constant contact just to check in and see if there was anything we needed her to do. The Trip Agent App, our first time using it, was a very nice feature and was so much easier to use rather than pulling out a hard copy of the trip to find the answer to our questions. I wasn’t sure if I would use it or not but became dependent on it. Traveling doesn’t get any better if you travel with Enchanting Travels. We will be back!

Rating 5/5

Carol Brzeczek

USA

From start to finish we were beyond pleased with the trip enchanting travels team provided us. We would highly recommend enchanting travels and especially Peter and Ruth.

Rating 5/5

Kenya or Tanzania: Which wilderness safari is the one for you?

Todd Wood

USA

The process with Enchanting was easy and the proposal provided was exactly what we were looking for. I found that Enchanting listened to our desires and then provided options that allowed us to set up our final travel plan.

Rating 5/5

Lloyd Kelley

USA

Our private tour to Uganda and Kenya was well organized. We had exceptional guides and the lodges provided exceptional services.

Rating 5/5

Enchanting Travels Uganda Tours Bulago Island Lake victoria fishermen go to work - culture of Uganda

Karen Pare

USA

Our trip using Enchanting Travels changed our life. We definitely will be using them again. We felt spoiled with what they provided.

Rating 5/5

Dennise Hartley

USA

Our family trip to Kenya was AMAZING – more than we ever dreamed of! Our interests were addressed with personalized experiences and we had a great guide for the safaris! Our favorite parts were seeing the baby lions, elephants, and hyenas up close! I highly recommend Enchanting Travels for upcoming vacations.

Rating 5/5

Gary Galinat

USA

The Enchanting Difference

Authentic & Unique

Our award-winning, licensed local guides provide incredible insights and exclusive experiences for you.

Personalized & Private

Our experts completely customize your private tour to match your interests and preferences.

High-Quality Experiences

All our accommodations and services are personally tested by our team.

Fully Supported Travel

You’ll have a personal and dedicated trip coordinator, backed by 24/7 support in case of emergencies while you’re traveling.

Financial Protection & Flexibility

Your booking is flexible and completely secure with us.

Safe & Secure

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.

Do you have a vacation in mind? Personalize your itinerary with our Trip Builder.

get started