Uganda Weather and Safari Seasons by Month

Uganda straddles the equator and rises from lowland savanna to mountains of more than four thousand metres, so its weather is more about altitude and rainfall than about hot and cold seasons. There are two drier periods and two wetter ones each year. The calendar below is a guide, not a promise, because rain in the forests and highlands can arrive at any time.

The pattern in one view

• December to February: drier, warm days, the main high season
• March to May: the longer rains, green scenery and fewer visitors
• June to August: drier and cooler, another busy season
• September to November: shorter rains, with showers rather than long wet spells

December to February

Dry, dusty and bright. Grass is shorter, animals gather near water and game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls are at their easiest. Gorilla trails are firmer. Book permits and lodges early, because this is a popular holiday period.

March to May

The longer rains turn the country green and fill rivers. Some roads and trails become slippery, and some lodges offer lower rates. Birding is excellent, and the light is dramatic for photographers. Plan generous drive times, and bring a waterproof camera cover.

June to August

Another drier stretch, with cooler mornings in the highlands. It is a favourite for gorilla trekking and Bwindi, and also very busy, so permits and rooms fill earliest. Nights in the mountains can be cold, so pack a warm layer.

September to November

Showers return, often in the afternoon. The scenery is lush, crowds thin out and prices ease. Migratory birds from the north arrive in the later months, which adds to the birding. Read best time for gorilla trekking for how this affects primates.

What the seasons mean for each activity

• Gorilla and chimpanzee treks: possible all year. Drier months mean firmer trails, wetter months mean mud and fewer crowds
• Game drives: easiest in the drier months. Wetter months bring green landscapes and young animals
• Birdwatching: good all year, with extra migrants from November to April. See our birdwatching guide
• Rafting and boat trips: run in most months. Check conditions with the operator on the day
• Hiking and volcano climbs: best in the drier months, when summits are clearer

Altitude and nights

Altitude matters more than month. The Uganda Wildlife Authority lists Bwindi at 1,160 to 2,607 metres and Mgahinga at 2,227 to 4,127 metres, so mornings and nights can be cold even in the drier months, while the plains of Queen Elizabeth are warm. Layers are the answer, as described in our packing list.

How to choose your month

If you want the easiest roads and trails, choose a drier month and book early. If you want fewer visitors, greener scenery and better value, choose a wetter month and be flexible. Tell us your dates on the plan your trip page and we will plan around the weather.