Best time to travel to Uganda: month-by-month seasonal guide + tips

Planning a trip to Uganda? Then you’ll probably want to avoid the rainy season. But which month should you travel in and what other seasons are there? In this short but complete travel guide, you’ll discover Uganda’s monthly weather patterns so you can choose the best time to visit.

Want to start the new year with an adventurous trip to Uganda? January and February are excellent months to visit. While Belgium and the Netherlands are cold and rainy during this time, Uganda offers warm, sunny weather. With clear blue skies, these months are perfect for safaris because the grass is still short, making wildlife spotting much easier.

January and February are also an ideal period for a gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi, thanks to the dry trails and good visibility.

Were you planning to travel to Uganda in March or April? Then it's a good thing you found this guide. These months fall right in the middle of the rainy season. If you still prefer to visit during this time, we highly recommend bringing proper rain gear.

But the rainy season isn’t necessarily a bad thing; in fact, nature comes alive. Dramatic skies, lush green landscapes and intense rain showers make this period incredibly photogenic. It’s a fantastic time for photography lovers who enjoy capturing raw, moody scenery.

March and April are also excellent months for birdwatching in Uganda. So along with your rain jacket, make sure to pack your binoculars and camera.

Do you prefer to avoid both rain and extreme heat? Then May to August is the perfect time to travel to Uganda. During these months, the temperatures are pleasant and the humidity is low. This season is ideal for a chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and a gorilla trekking in Bwindi. The landscapes remain lush and green.

Planning a safari during your Uganda holiday? Make sure to visit the waterholes. Because this is a dry period, wildlife gathers around these spots to drink and cool off, offering some of the best safari viewing opportunities of the year.

September and October mark the transition from the dry, cool season to the short rainy season. You can still expect plenty of beautiful weather during these months, although occasional rain showers are possible. It remains a great time for safaris and birdwatching.

Another advantage: this period is generally quieter than the rest of the year, making it ideal for travellers who prefer fewer crowds.

Uganda doesn’t only experience a rainy season in March and April. November also brings a short rainy season. This makes it a less ideal month to travel, as the rain continues throughout most of the month and the landscapes become lush and green again.

If you still plan to visit Uganda in November, be extra careful during hikes. Due to the frequent rain showers, the trails can become very slippery.

Want to escape the winter blues and spend your holiday in a warm, sunny destination? Then Uganda is an excellent choice for December. The dry season returns, temperatures rise again and the skies are clear and blue.

It’s a wonderful month to explore Uganda in the sunshine and an ideal time to plan a safari, as wildlife sightings are especially good in December. End the year with a true adventure!

Don’t wait any longer and start planning your adventure to the Pearl of Africa. No matter which season you choose to travel, Uganda has something unique to offer all year round.
Book your 15-day road trip with Uganda Nomads now and experience it firsthand.