Best time to visit Uganda/when to safari Uganda – Travel News
Before choosing to tour Uganda, many travelers always ask the question of, when should i visit Uganda? Wild Jungle Trails offers you a whole year insight of the best time to visit Uganda and what the weather is like each month.
Uganda is an all year Africa safari destination. Straddled by the equator, Uganda offers all kinds of traveler’s safaris within a very conducive tropical climate. The best time to visit Uganda however, is in the dry season when the rains are less, grass is shorter and photography is clearer.
Game viewing in the dry season -Best time to visit Uganda
A brief summary about the best time to visit Uganda
High/peak season: June-September (early booking is recommended)
Best months: June – September and December – February (rains are low)
Low season: March –May and October – November (rain totals are high)
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Uganda in January
January is within the short dry season of Uganda and one of the best time to visit Uganda. In January the rains are less and a good time for Uganda gorilla trekking safaris, chimp tracking and bird watching tours. Having low rains, the ground is dry and therefore walking along safari trails is easy as well as game viewing. For avid birders, by this time migratory birds are still present in the country and therefore bird watching tours at this time of the year so rewarding too.
Most of the safari lodges and hotels are becoming quieter in January after the December Christmas celebrations therefore more comfortable. However, being an excellent time for Uganda tours, accommodation prices could still be high by this time.
Where to visit/go in January
Excellent for safaris, in January, tourists can visit all of the 10 Uganda safari parks and other tour destinations; here is a highlight of where to go;
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Semuliki National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Uganda in February
February is still a relatively dry month and a good time to go to Uganda. Since the rains haven’t returned yet, it’s a good time for gorilla trekking safaris to the high altitude parks of Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In February, primate treks, nature walks, bird watching safaris, water sport activities, chimpanzee trekking and much more can be undertaken. By the end of February, tourist numbers are reducing and probably accommodation facility prices lowered. When you plan to tour Uganda at this time, remember that the temperatures will be a bit high and relaxation between safari activities is recommendable.
Where to go / visit in February
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Semuliki National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Uganda in March
By the start of March, Uganda starts to receive rains as it is the start of the long rainy season throughout the country. By this time, rains are not too heavy and Uganda tours are undertaken just as usual. The average amount of precipitation is about 130mm. By this time, travelers to Uganda have reduced and safaris give great game seeing opportunities as well as all kinds of safaris in Uganda. Lodges and hotels offer discounted prices and this makes traveling a little cheaper.
Uganda is in the tropical region therefore don’t expect extreme weather conditions that can keep tourists off limits.
Where to visit/go in March
Yes, by March the rains have started and you may be discouraged to safari Uganda, however, if it’s the only time you have ti visit the country, don’t hesitate to do so and visit these parks;
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Semuliki National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Uganda in April
By the month of April, rains are increasing and tourist numbers reducing too. During this time, the rain totals are increasing which makes safari destinations less accessible and safari activities less conducive.
The advantage with traveling to Uganda during this time is that the parks are less congested and accommodation facilities offer discounts to travelers. For budget travelers to Uganda, this is a wise time to safari Uganda at a cheaper price. Uganda is in the tropical region and therefore it can easily shine during your safari days.
Where to visit in April
Though April is within the rainy season, it doesn’t mean that parks are off limit and therefore a traveler can visit parks like;
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Visiting Uganda in May
The rains continue from the month of April to May making it a less favorable time for a Uganda safari. The rains greatly affect the trails and up country roads to the national parks. However, if you are not worried of the rains and would love to have an experience of a Ugandan safari then this time isn’t very bad since you can visit parks that are not heavily affected by rains.
The advantage of a safari to Uganda during this time is that tourists are few and therefore the park is all to the few travelers making game viewing more exciting. Accommodation facilities during this time are also cheaper as well as safari prices. For budget travelers then this is a good time to enjoy a non congested trip at a low price. However, the disadvantage with a wet season Uganda tour is the fact that the vegetation is lush making photography difficult, trails are hard to maneuver and some parks can be hard to reach.
Where to visit/go while visiting Uganda in May
Being a wet season some parks are not so favorable to visit but these can offer a very rewarding safari;
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- June in Uganda
June marks the start of the long rainy season in Uganda. This means all parks are accessible again making gorilla tracking, wildlife and birding safaris in Uganda easy to undertake. By this time the average amount of precipitation has dropped to 74mm. being popular as the dry season this is also the peak season and tourists flock for Uganda safaris.
If you are planning to visit Uganda during this time make sure to make all bookings including gorilla trekking permits and accommodations early enough most probably during the rainy season to avoid last minute disappointments
The advantages with Uganda rather than any other Africa safari destination is that even during the peak season parks rarely get filled up with tourists and therefore you can still clearly view wild game and bird species. this is also the breeding season for birds and therefore ideal for a Uganda birding safari.
Where to go/visit in June
Since it’s the start of the long dry season and temperatures are rising, all of these safaris parks can be visited.
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Semuliki National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- July Uganda safaris
With the warm temperatures July is known as one of the best months to visit Uganda. There’s minimal rainfall throughout the country with an average total precipitation of 46mm and therefore all Uganda safari destinations and activities are accessible. July sees Uganda receive a huge total of tourists and by travelers planning a safari to Uganda should put in mind to plan all of their accommodation and activities early enough to avoid inconveniences. With the less rains, Mountain Gorilla tracking and chimpanzee trekking becomes easy with the less slippery trails and warm temperatures for a lively trek.
Where to go/ visit in July
For gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and bird watching safaris, this is the best time to enjoy a memorable safari even customized with a safari to Rwanda or Congo. These are the top destinations to visit in July.
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Semuliki National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Visiting Uganda in August
August is a really fantastic month for Uganda safaris since it’s just within the long dry season. During this time it is easier to spot several wild game, track mountain gorillas, trek chimps, sight birds and undertake any kind of tours in Uganda. Visiting Uganda in August is a best time since all of the country’s parks and other safari destinations are at their best.
The advantage of visiting Uganda in this month is the fact that, wildlife is easy to spot, photography is clear and parks accessible. However, this is the peak season for safaris to Uganda and therefore early booking is recommendable for all activities and permits.
Where to go in August
Excellent for safaris, in August, tourists can visit all of the 10 Uganda safari parks and other tour destinations; here is a highlight of where to go;
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Semuliki National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- September in Uganda
September is known as the start of the second dry season in Uganda (short) with few downpours during the month. Depending on when the rains returns, September can experience light rains with an average of almost 91mm or even continue with warm temperatures. All of the parks continue with activities as normal including gorilla trekking safaris. Thanks to the equatorial climate by September Uganda safaris can be undertaken in any of the safari parks. By this time the waterholes still have water and wildlife comes around to quench their thirst, making it a convenient time to view wild game.
Where to go/visit in September
With the return of the rains in the short rainy season, these parks are convenient to visit,
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Semuliki National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- October Uganda safaris
October is the start of the shoulder season so prices will be lower and lodge availability will start to free up. This does of course mean weather will be more unpredictable, but despite rain, temperatures are likely to remain warm. Most of Uganda’s parks will be accessible at this time they just won’t be at their best. The climate at Murchison falls is steady year round so a visit to see the Nile and the impressive falls is a great add on to an October safari.
Where to visit / go to in October
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Semuliki National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Uganda in November
By November the rains are really decreasing and yes, the amazing safari time is here. By this time tourist have already started flocking the country. With the less rains, many of the Uganda Safari Parks are at their best and this is one of the perfect times for mountain Gorilla tracking and chimpanzee trekking safaris to any destination in the country. Birding safaris in Uganda at this time are also possible in all of the best destinations in the country.
Where to visit/ go in November
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Semuliki National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- December Uganda safaris
December is the peak safari season for the short dry season in Uganda. In December, the rains are low and the temperatures are hotter making it more favorable to undertake any kind of safari in Uganda. Be it gorilla tracking, chimp tracking, birding watching or any kind of adventure safari. Undertaking a Uganda safari in December is so ideal because in this month the ground is drier and walking safaris including gorilla trekking are more comfortable.
If you plan to safari Uganda at this time, ensure to make all bookings for accommodation and activities early since at this time most of the parks have many tourists and accommodation facilities can be fully booked months before the trip.
Where to visit/ go in December
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Semuliki National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Neighboring countries like Rwanda and Congo do also experience short dry seasons at almost the same time therefore a good time to combine a safari in Uganda with a Rwanda safari or Congo safari.
Top Uganda safari packages
2 Days Murchison Falls Safari Uganda
3 Days Murchison Falls Safari Uganda
3 Days Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari Uganda
3 Days Bwindi Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
3 Days Gorilla trekking safari Uganda from Kigali
9 days Uganda primate safari and gorilla tour
For bookings, you can reach us on these emails – wildjungletrails@gmail.com, tours@wildjungletrails.com or call us on (+256) 777690798 / (+256) 414663115.
Authored by Wild Jungle Trails Safaris
