Best time to visit Uganda

Last updated June 21st, 2023.

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The east African nation of Uganda has attracted tourists, including none other than Queen Elizabeth II, for decades. And no wonder, for its landscapes make it one of the region’s most diverse countries. The Rwenzori Mountain range, home to gorillas, sweeps down into authentic Big Five country. In turn, these grassland plains lead to the enormity of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest. Tempted? You’ll need to know the best time to visit Uganda.

Average temperatures in Uganda

Crossed by the equator, Uganda is by definition equatorial. Firmly situated within Earth’s tropical zone, it has consistently warm temperatures throughout the year.

Minimum temperatures fall to no less than 16°C (60F), although this still means that early morning game walks and drives can be a touch on the chilly side. Thermometers see maximums of 29°C (84F), making it hot under the strong equatorial sun.

The lack of variability in temperature across the year means Uganda doesn’t experience specific seasons such as spring, summer, autumn or winter. Instead, the climate of Uganda is best divided into dry and wet seasons.

Uganda’s dry seasons

The first thing to say about Uganda’s dry seasons is that this doesn’t mean there’s no rain. Small amounts of rain, totalling 60-80 mm (2.3-3.1 inches) per month, fall even during the so-called dry seasons.

These seasons last roughly from December to February and from June to September. That said, the start of the dry seasons is dependent on local weather patterns, and it’s not unusual to see the heavier rain drifting into the month of December.

The period between June and September is the country’s peak season for tourism. If you plan your visit for these months, you’ll want to book ahead in plenty of time to visit any must-see destinations within the country.

However, tourist numbers come nowhere near the couple of million safari goers that pour into Kenya and Tanzania each year.

The wet seasons

The wettest months of the year in Uganda are March to May and then October and November. The rains in the earlier part of the year are generally referred to as the heavy or long rains and those in October and November the short rains.

These descriptions suggest a difference in rainfall patterns between the two periods, although in reality they are very similar to each other. All these months see approximately double the amount of rain of the dry season months, recorded at around 150 mm (6 inches).

Best months for safaris and gorilla tracking

Uganda’s multitude of animal species can be seen right throughout the year. However, the tall well-watered grasses of the beginning of the dry seasons can make spotting and photographing animals more difficult.

This might rule out February and September for some, although birders should note that the first of these months is considered the very best time to see migratory species.

As the dry seasons progress and water becomes more difficult to find, animals begin to congregate around remaining waterholes. This makes spotting those iconic species easier, but also increases the number of safari vehicles in one place.

Gorilla tracking can also take place during any month of the year. Treks during the rainy season months are obviously soggier, and you’ll need waterproofs. Likewise, unsurfaced roads can make journeys across the country rather more expeditionary than at other times of year.

On the plus side, gorillas are thought to gather at lower altitudes, making hikes shorter. At the same time, significant discounts of around 25% on tracking permits are generally offered in these months.

Best time to visit Uganda

There’s no bad time to visit Uganda, although there are better times to visit the country and its national parks. The best time to visit Uganda is generally regarded as being the dry season months of June to September. Coinciding with the school summer holidays, they equate to peak season, but the remaining months shouldn’t be discounted.