“The best time to visit gorillas in Uganda is from June to August as well as December to February”. These months follow in the dry seasons and are the driest months of the year in Uganda which makes trekking much easier, although due to the equatorial climate, rain showers are possible at any time of the year. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two locations that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. By far, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is by far the more popular option. In Uganda, temperatures don’t change much year-round staying between 24°C and 30°C. When planning a gorilla trekking in Uganda, the most important factor to consider is the rains. There are two distinct rainy seasons from March to May and September to November.

The Dry Season

From June to August and December to February is a dry season in Uganda which coincides with the peak season for tourism. This is when conditions are most likely to be dry. The days should be clear and sunny, making trekking more enjoyable. The drier vegetation is easier to hike through, and steep slopes are lot less slippery. In these months gorilla permits sell out well in advance, so you should be planning at least 12 months in advance if you are looking to travel in peak season. There are limited accommodation options in the park, and these properties are generally high-demand, low-capital lodges which also get booked up far in advance. While these months tend to be drier, downpours are possible at any time of year due to Uganda’s tropical climate.

The Rainy Season

The low season in Uganda spans from March to May and September to November. The wetter conditions can make trekking more challenging and uncomfortable, recently it is becoming difficult to predict weather patterns, so you might get lucky. Showers are typically heavy downpours intermittently throughout the day, so you can still enjoy frequent sunny spells when the sky clears. During this low season period, accommodation prices are typically lower and gorilla permits are easier to get (although you still need to purchase them quite far in advance).

Month By Month Guide for Traveling to Uganda

January and February

January is a hot month and this weather is perfect for encountering the endangered mountain gorillas, the skies are clear, there is less rain and more sunshine. In this time of the year you can observe gorilla families on the move through the lush forests, an incredibly connective experience with nature and her wild creatures.

February is quite a dry month which makes it an ideal time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the south. Do gorilla trekking without having to trek in muddy conditions.

March to May

March marks the beginning of the first rainfall season in Uganda, this is the perfect opportunity for an encounter with mountain gorillas in Uganda.

April is by far the wettest month of the year. Most 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 lodges and gorilla trekking permits are easy to get.

May is another month across the country, although there isn’t quite as much rainfall as April. Despite the weather during this period, this can be a lovely time to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking as gorillas are found on the lower slopes of the park.

June to August

June is one of the best times to visit the gorillas in Uganda, and it marks the start of the peak season for Uganda Safaris. When booking a gorilla trek, we advise booking well in advance, especially for permits to avoid any unnecessary hassles.

July is one of the best months for gorilla trekking as well as safaris in Uganda. The trails are relatively dry and less slippery making it easier to navigate the forest to see mountain gorillas.

When visiting Uganda in August, for an encounter with mountain gorillas. This is the best time.

September to December

September marks 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 idea 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 in Uganda thus lower prices on accommodations as well as Uganda Safari Packages.

November – The rain continues making the dry plains in the countryside turn a vibrant green due to all the thunderstorms, but there are fewer visitors this month because of the less than ideal weather conditions.

December marks 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 is one of the best seasons for birdwatching, with a wide variety of migratory birds making their way into the area.

Ready to Meet the Gorillas – Chat with one of our travel consultants to help tailor-make a trip to Uganda to see mountain gorillas.