Uganda
Coffee fields in southwestern Uganda
Saint Mary's Cathedral Rubaga, is the parent cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala.
Cultural celebrations in Northern Uganda
uganda, flag
mountain gorilla, uganda
lion, queen elizabeth national park, uganda
village weaver, bigodi wetland sanctuary
lake bunyonyi
gorilla, kalinzu forest, uganda
lioness, kidepo valley national park
Best Time To Visit Uganda
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons from December to February and from June to August. The weather is warm and dry, perfect for activities like gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and outdoor adventures.
The least ideal time to visit Uganda is during the rainy seasons, from March to May and from September to November. Heavy rainfall can disrupt travel, make roads muddy and hard to pass, and limit outdoor activities like gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris.
Peak Season (June to August and December to January):
- Ideal weather with warm temperatures and little rain.
- Lots of tourists, especially in popular spots like national parks.
- Prices are higher, and attractions can get crowded.
- Wildlife watching is great with lots of animals visible.
- Transition periods between the dry and rainy seasons.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rainfall and fluctuating temperatures.
- Fewer tourists compared to peak season.
- More affordable accommodations and fewer crowds at attractions.
- Wildlife can still be seen, but vegetation starts thinning out.
- Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are common
- Muddy roads and limited outdoor activities.
- Wildlife is harder to spot, and vegetation is thick.
- Fewer tourists.
- Lower prices for accommodations and tours.
- Some attractions may close temporarily.
More about Best Time to Travel to Uganda
June to August (Peak Dry Season)
During Uganda's dry season from June to August, the weather is sunny with little rain and warm temperatures, making it great for outdoor activities. This is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather near water sources, and the clear skies are perfect for photos. Daytime temperatures are around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with cooler evenings.
However, there are more tourists, especially in popular places like national parks, so accommodation costs are higher, and it can be crowded. Activities like wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are popular and would require advance bookings.
However, there are more tourists, especially in popular places like national parks, so accommodation costs are higher, and it can be crowded. Activities like wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are popular and would require advance bookings.
September to November (Short Wet Season)
During Uganda's wet season from September to November, expect rain and occasional thunderstorms, making the landscape lush and green. Temperatures range from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F) during the day, cooling down in the evenings. While outdoor activities might be affected, it's a quieter time with fewer tourists.
Accommodation prices are cheaper, and attractions are less crowded. You can still enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and nature walks despite the rain. The wet season showcases Uganda's waterfalls and greenery, perfect for scenic drives and photography. Migratory birds are also a highlight during this time.
Accommodation prices are cheaper, and attractions are less crowded. You can still enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and nature walks despite the rain. The wet season showcases Uganda's waterfalls and greenery, perfect for scenic drives and photography. Migratory birds are also a highlight during this time.
December to February (Short Dry Season)
During Uganda's dry season from December to February, the weather is sunny with hardly any rain, making it great for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. Days are warm, around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while nights are cooler, about 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Expect more tourists and higher prices for accommodation, especially in popular places like national parks.
Activities include safaris, gorilla trekking, birdwatching, boat cruises, and cultural experiences. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of mammals, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), as well as abundant birdlife. There are also opportunities for adventure activities like white-water rafting in Jinja.
Activities include safaris, gorilla trekking, birdwatching, boat cruises, and cultural experiences. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of mammals, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), as well as abundant birdlife. There are also opportunities for adventure activities like white-water rafting in Jinja.
March to May (Wet Season)
During Uganda's wet season from March to May, expect heavy rain and thunderstorms, making the landscapes lush and rivers flow. This attracts migratory birds making it the perfect time for birdwatching and nature lovers. Temperatures are around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) during the day, getting cooler at night.
Since there are fewer tourists, accommodations are cheaper. Some attractions might be closed or have limited hours because of the weather, but travellers can benefit from lower prices and fewer people. Even if outdoor activities are limited due to rain, you can still enjoy cultural experiences like visiting local villages and participating in community activities. Indoor options such as museums and cultural performances also offer insights into Uganda's heritage and traditions.
Since there are fewer tourists, accommodations are cheaper. Some attractions might be closed or have limited hours because of the weather, but travellers can benefit from lower prices and fewer people. Even if outdoor activities are limited due to rain, you can still enjoy cultural experiences like visiting local villages and participating in community activities. Indoor options such as museums and cultural performances also offer insights into Uganda's heritage and traditions.
