Best time to visit Uganda

Updated: 17th May 2021

Known for its protected population of endangered mountain gorillas, Uganda is a fascinating country with a lot to offer intrepid explorers. The best time to visit is during one of the country’s dry seasons, which run from January to February and June to September. During these periods, the vegetation is thinner in the jungle, making paths easier to trek along and gorillas easier to spot. However, if you visit during the wet season then the gorillas will probably be easier to find, as they stick to the lower slopes when food is plentiful.

Uganda At a Glance: Best Time to Visit Uganda Climate | Kampala Uganda Recommended tours

The weather shows the average daily minimum and maximum temperatures in Celsius and the average monthly precipitation.

Lake Bunyoni in Uganda - Best time to visit - On The Go Tours — Visit Uganda and Lake Bunyonyi during the dry seasons for the best weather

Uganda at a Glance: Best Time to Visit

Recommended time to visit: Uganda's two dry seasons last from December - February and June - August and are characterised by dry, pleasant weather, perfect for trekking.

Less popular time to visit: March - May is by far the wettest period in Uganda, with heavy rainfall making trekking more challenging. National parks are lush and green however, with many species giving birth in this period.

Best time to see gorillas: June - August is the best time for spotting gorillas, with dry weather making trekking easier and vegetation less dense, so you can better spot gorillas. It also coincides with the Great Migration in nearby Tanzania, which is easily combined with gorilla trekking. One benefit of visiting Uganda in the wet season, however, is that gorillas tend to stick to the lower slopes as food is plentiful, meaning trekking times are short.

Best time for safari: The dry seasons from December - February and June - August are also best for heading into the country's game reserves. Uganda is a great bird-watching destination year round.