When to Visit
Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.
January
Uganda welcomes the year with warm, dry weather, making it an excellent time for wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. The dry conditions allow for easy wildlife spotting, as animals gather around water sources. It's also one of the best months for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with clearer trails and better visibility. The Kampala City Festival often takes place, bringing vibrant street performances, music, and food stalls.
February
Still within the dry season, February continues to offer prime conditions for game drives and chimpanzee trekking, particularly in Kibale Forest. The Rwenzori Mountains, known as the "Mountains of the Moon," are ideal for hiking before the rains arrive. In Jinja, adrenaline seekers take advantage of the lower water levels for white-water rafting along the Nile River. Temperatures across the country are warm, often reaching 28-32°C, but cool breezes in higher-altitude regions provide relief.
March
The first rains begin to arrive, bringing a fresh, green vibrancy to Uganda’s landscapes. While some roads in remote areas become more challenging to navigate, the shoulder season means fewer tourists and lower lodge rates. The Kasubi Tombs and Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala make for fascinating indoor cultural experiences. Birdwatching thrives as migratory species arrive, particularly in Lake Mburo National Park and along the Kazinga Channel.
April
Rainfall increases, turning Uganda’s national parks lush and green. Although some lodges in remote areas temporarily close, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits become more affordable. The Sipi Falls region near Mount Elgon is breathtaking in the rains, with the waterfalls at their most powerful. Photographers enjoy dramatic skies and fewer crowds, making places like Lake Bunyonyi even more serene.
May
The rainy season is still in effect, but game drives in Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley remain rewarding as wildlife flourishes in the rejuvenated landscapes. The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe offers an alternative for those hesitant about traveling to remote locations. Kampala’s street food scene comes alive, with roadside vendors serving Rolex (a popular Ugandan chapati-egg roll) and roasted plantains.
June
With the arrival of the dry season, Uganda enters peak safari time once more. The climate is comfortable, with temperatures around 25-29°C, making gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga a top activity. The Nyege Nyege Festival, Uganda’s biggest electronic and cultural music festival, sometimes takes place around this time in Jinja, attracting international crowds. Lake Victoria’s Ssese Islands become a tranquil retreat, offering sandy beaches and boat trips.
July
July is one of the best months to visit Uganda, with clear skies and optimal wildlife viewing. Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and untouched reserves, offers stunning safari experiences without crowds. The Buganda Kingdom’s Kabaka Birthday Run is a significant cultural event in Kampala, supporting health awareness initiatives. Hikers take on Mount Elgon’s Wagagai Peak, enjoying cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
August
The dry season continues, making gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi highly sought after. The Karamojong culture in northeastern Uganda draws visitors interested in learning about traditional warrior lifestyles. Lake Bunyonyi’s canoe trekking offers a peaceful way to explore the region, gliding past terraced hills and island villages. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel provide close encounters with hippos, elephants, and crocodiles.
September
The short rains begin to return, though they are usually brief and do not disrupt travel significantly. With fewer visitors, lodges offer better deals, making it an excellent time for luxury safaris at a reduced price. The Ankole cattle farms in southwestern Uganda provide a unique cultural experience, showcasing the traditions of Uganda’s pastoralist communities. Birdwatchers thrive as Lake Victoria’s Mabamba Swamp fills with activity, home to the rare shoebill stork.
October
Temperatures hover around 26-30°C, and the light rains rejuvenate Uganda’s landscapes without significantly affecting travel. Mabira Forest, between Kampala and Jinja, is perfect for zip-lining and forest hikes among rare primates and colourful butterflies. The Imbalu Circumcision Ceremony in Mbale takes place (in even-numbered years), a significant cultural rite of passage for the Bagisu people. Coffee plantations in Mount Elgon National Park welcome visitors to learn about the harvest season and traditional coffee-making methods.
November
The rains pick up again, making it a great time for photographers seeking vibrant greenery and dramatic skies. Although gorilla trekking is muddier, it remains open and permits are easier to secure. Entebbe’s Botanical Gardens burst into bloom, and city explorers enjoy the quieter streets of Kampala, visiting historical sites like Gaddafi National Mosque and the Uganda National Museum.
December
The rains subside, and Uganda enters another peak travel season. Festive celebrations bring a lively atmosphere to Kampala, with concerts and street parties leading up to Christmas. The Ssese Islands are popular for end-of-year getaways, offering relaxation on sandy shores. Safari parks fill with visitors seeking the Big Five, while the Nile River’s rapids in Jinja provide an adrenaline rush for adventure seekers.
Our Ratings
Most Recommended
Recommended
Highly Recommended
Not Recommended
