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Large Ugandan great white pelicans, Kazinga Channel

When is the best time to visit Uganda?

The best time to visit Uganda is during its two dry seasons: between December and February, and between June and August, when conditions are particularly good for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

Game spotting in national parks is also good at this time, as well as between February and March. Large numbers of wildlife can be seen at waterholes from September through to early October.

Temperatures barely change throughout the seasons, sitting around 24°C to 30°C, so you can visit Uganda all year round. The country is also fabulous for bird spotting at any time of year.

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Month-by-month guide for travelling in Uganda

Silverback gorilla in Uganda

Visiting Uganda in January - February

Considered a dry season, this is one of the best times to visit Uganda, although rainfall can be expected here in any month. Wildlife spotting is particularly good at this time of year as there is less vegetation to obstruct your view and a variety of wildlife can be seen seeking waterholes. This is also a great time for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, while bird watchers can enjoy spotting migratory birds.

Chimpanzee tracking through the forest

Visiting Uganda in March - May

Considered one of Uganda's wet seasons. Parks are lush and green and animals give birth to their young. It's also an excellent time to spot migratory birds. Heavy rain showers are frequent so the roads can often be in bad condition. As such expect bumpier journeys.

Rhino Tracking, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Visiting Uganda in June - August

This is one of the best times to visit Uganda and is considered a dry season, although rainfall can still be expected. It is particularly good for wildlife spotting as there is less vegetation to obstruct your view and a variety of wildlife can be seen seeking waterholes. It's also a great time for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

Mother and baby gorilla

Visiting Uganda in September - October

A good time to visit, although rainfall can be expected. There are still excellent opportunities to observe wildlife as vegetation remains low and animals continue to seek out waterholes.

Baby Gorilla

Visiting Uganda in November

Considered a wet season, November sees dry plains gradually turn green in the national parks as heavy rain showers fall across the landscape. It is a good time to see migratory birds.

Chimpanzee

Visiting Uganda in December

You can expect some rainfall during December, but wildlife spotting opportunities are good. This is also a great time for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, as well as for spotting a variety of migratory birds.

Uganda Climate Guide

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 25°C 89mm 25°C 114mm 25°C 138mm 24°C 174mm 24°C 124mm 24°C 54mm 25°C 41mm 25°C 96mm 25°C 136mm 24°C 156mm 24°C 166mm 24°C 118mm
Jinja 29°C 58mm 29°C 83mm 29°C 128mm 28°C 194mm 27°C 144mm 27°C 72mm 27°C 64mm 27°C 85mm 28°C 104mm 28°C 134mm 28°C 155mm 28°C 91mm
Kampala 28°C 63mm 28°C 74mm 28°C 133mm 27°C 181mm 26°C 135mm 26°C 71mm 25°C 61mm 26°C 86mm 27°C 106mm 27°C 130mm 27°C 151mm 27°C 93mm
Kibale Forest National Park 30°C 36mm 30°C 48mm 29°C 107mm 28°C 172mm 28°C 119mm 27°C 72mm 27°C 71mm 27°C 124mm 27°C 142mm 27°C 159mm 28°C 135mm 28°C 59mm
Lake Mburo 27°C 43mm 28°C 56mm 27°C 98mm 26°C 127mm 26°C 72mm 26°C 17mm 27°C 16mm 27°C 54mm 27°C 85mm 27°C 91mm 26°C 112mm 26°C 73mm
Queen Elizabeth National Park 30°C 32mm 30°C 50mm 30°C 83mm 29°C 126mm 29°C 84mm 29°C 44mm 29°C 31mm 30°C 72mm 30°C 101mm 29°C 97mm 29°C 113mm 29°C 59mm

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Travel advice

Practical tips for travelling to Uganda, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.

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