Contemplating on the best time to visit Uganda? Amazingly, not as you thought, I guess; the best time to visit Uganda is any time any day.

Surprised? No! This is so true depending on the reason to why you choose to visit the pearl of Africa and adventure preference. More so, depending on your itinerary because not all parts of Uganda receive the same conditions.

Uganda is a fascinating country with a lot to offer adventurous travelers. The northeast parts of Karamoja region are semiarid and dry with less rainfall amounts in a year while the south western parts of Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi receive large amounts of rainfall annually.

A brief about Uganda

Uganda is landlocked with no direct access to the sea (1013 km: Distance to nearest sea/ocean). The country is mostly plateau with a rim of mountains and numerous lakes and rivers traversing the great agricultural land. The country sits exactly along the equator with an average altitude of around 1,000m.

Uganda has a warm tropical climate with temperatures falling in the 25–29°C (77–84°F) averagely. The months from December to February are the hottest, but even during this season, the evenings can be chilly with temperatures in the 17–18°C (63–64°F) range.

Uganda receives two annual climate seasons, the dry and wet seasons, though sometimes divided into four sub seasons. The dry season, which runs from January to February and June to September is an ideal time for visitors that look up to a simple interesting calm visit with the warm sun rays over their heads. During this period, the vegetation is thinner in the jungle, making paths easier to trek along, landscapes easier to see through and gorillas easier to spot. Surface roads through parks are dry too making them easier to transverse.

Time to Visit Uganda

Game drives during warm afternoons could be a great experience as tourists encounter with grazing wildlife that can be seen out in the wild during such times. Not having to bother getting anywhere at any time due to the dry climate brings more convenience to travelling. The dry condition also make bird watching a vivid activity. The dry season could probably be the better time to travel for simple visitors who wish to have a tranquil stay.

None the less, one could also choose to visit during the wet season too. The rainy seasons normally range from March to May and from September to November. The country receives an annual rainfall of 1,000mm to 1,500mm on average.

During this period, surface roads and terrains tend to be wet and slippery making it a daring voyage through parks. Days are also commonly wet, mild and with cold temperatures. The wet season could also inconvenience travel as some activities such a trekking could be limited.

However, there are a number of reasons I recommend a daring visitor, ready to enjoy even the inconveniences, to travel during this period. First, if you visit during the wet season, the gorillas will probably be easier to find, as they stick to the lower slopes where food is plentiful and temperatures are warmer, meaning trekking times are shorter. Amazing of all, you will view the gorillas surrounded in thick mist, a quiet interesting encounter. To a daring visitor, the memories left behind after a stuck car has to be pushed out of that muddy road side, with the smiles and shouting from the locals, is such an exhilarating experience.

The serenity brought about by a hot coffee on a cold evening too remains impeccable. Forest walks and treks through over grown thick vegetation due to the wet season will give you a ‘king of the jungle’ experience. National parks are lush and green with many species giving birth during this period. More so, the great rapids and falls in a cool afternoon after a morning rain will make your water rafting along the Nile, longest world river, a great twist of experience. Interesting of all, accommodation and even gorilla permits tend to be much cheaper during this period of the year.

So, as we have discussed, you clearly see that depending on why you choose to visit Uganda and the kind of visit you enjoy most clearly determine the best time to visit Uganda.

Come Visit The pearl! You are always welcome.

Uganda weather guide