Best month for safari in Uganda – Best month to go for game drives in Uganda – best months for Nile perch fishing in Uganda.
When is the Best Time to Travel to Uganda? The best month for safari in Uganda is between its two dry seasons: December to February and between June and August. These times are the best for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Game viewing in Uganda’s savannah parks is best at the end of the dry seasons – February and March and September/early October – when wildlife is concentrated around water sources.
The best months for safari in Uganda are during the dry seasons: June to August and December to February. These months offer the most reliable weather, with less rain and easier-to-navigate roads and trails, making them ideal for wildlife viewing and activities like gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
Why these months are best:
Dry conditions: The lack of heavy rainfall means better road conditions for game drives and more accessible, less slippery trails for trekking.
Reliable weather: You can expect plenty of sunshine, particularly in the northern regions.
Easier wildlife viewing: Animals tend to gather around water sources, and the sparser vegetation makes them easier to spot.
Best for trekking: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is more comfortable and successful in the dry season because the trails are less muddy and difficult.
- Other considerations:
Peak season: These dry months are also peak season, so you can expect more tourists and higher prices. Booking well in advance is essential.
Shoulder season: The months between the dry seasons (March–May and September–November) can be a good option if you want to avoid crowds and potentially lower prices, but the weather can be more unpredictable with a higher chance of rain.
Discounts: Some discounts on permits are available during the wettest months of April, May, and November.
Month by Month Guide for Travelling to Uganda
- Visiting Uganda from January & February
January is a hot month and this weather is perfect for encountering chimpanzees and the endangered mountain gorillas, in some of the best places to visit in Uganda. The skies are clear, there is less rain and more sunshine. You can observe families on the move through the lush forests, a spectacularly connective experience with Mother Nature and her wild creatures.
February is quite a dry month which makes it an ideal time to pay a visit to the national parks in the south, and to do some gorilla trekking – without having to trek in muddy conditions. The north of the country can be quite hot and dusty during this period.
- Travelling to Uganda from March to May
March marks the beginning of the first rainfall season. This is the perfect opportunity to spot the animals in the parks giving birth to their young and birdwatchers will be treated to an array of colourful, winged beauties.
April is by far the wettest month of the year. Many roads may be closed due to the consistent downpour and the parks are far quieter. However, this is a great time to take advantage of discounted rates for hotels, lodges, Uganda safari tours, and even on gorilla trekking permits – bearing in mind it will be a wet-weather journey.
May is another rainy month across the country, although there isn’t quite as much rainfall as April. Despite the weather in Uganda during this period, this can be a lovely time to explore the surrounding areas.
- Visiting Uganda from June to August
June is one of the best times to visit Uganda and it is the start of the peak season for luxury Uganda safaris. When it comes to booking a gorilla trek, we advise that you book well in advance, especially for permits, to avoid any unnecessary hassles.
July is one of the best months for gorilla trekking and safaris in Uganda. The wildlife often tend to congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot in the national parks. This is a great time for seeing gorillas in Uganda, mostly due to the fine weather conditions – the hiking trails are clear of mud and are easier to navigate.
When visiting Uganda in August, anyone in search of fantastic game viewing will have the chance to not only see elephants and lions, they may even encounter the elusive leopard. This is pegged as one of the best times to visit Uganda’s many national parks.
- Uganda safari from September to December
September is usually classed as the end of the dry season, but depending on when the rains arrive, you may experience some downpours on your safari. This is not an ideal time of year for gorilla trekking, however if you can brave the possibility of wet weather, you will certainly save on lodging and other travel costs.
October is not a busy month when visiting Uganda. Prices are reasonable and this is a good time of year for specials on gorilla trekking permits. Most of the game parks are still accessible at this time, but the rainfall can be a little unpredictable.
During November the rain continues. The dry plains in the countryside turn a vibrant green due to all the thunderstorms, but there are fewer visitors this month because of less than ideal weather conditions.
December is the end of the wet season when rainfall eases off, making it a great month to visit Uganda. This is a good time to travel to the northern and southern regions for game viewing. Plus, it’s one of the best seasons for birdwatching, with a wide variety of migratory birds making their way into the area.