As long as you pack quality rain gear, March is a great time to visit Uganda. While some roads in the country's south become impassible, and trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has its challenges, in return, accommodation and permits will both be easier and cheaper to book. To avoid the wettest regions, stick to central and northern Uganda and embark on bird-watching excursions and visits to museums and markets.
Landing in the middle of Uganda's shorter dry season, January is a great time to explore Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi National Parks. As the main tourist season is yet to arrive, you can enjoy quieter trails and better accommodation options. However, as it's also the hottest month of the year, you'll want to stick to areas of high altitude, searching for wild mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and leopards.
Falling at the beginning of Uganda's second rainy season, October is a great time to visit for those who enjoy quieter trails. You'll want to pack along good quality rain gear and be prepared for the unexpected, but in return, you'll enjoy intimate moments with Uganda's incredible wildlife and get to know a more authentic side of the country. Accommodations, flights, and permits will also be less expensive than during the dry season months, making it an ideal time for budget travelers to explore.
Due to warm temperatures and minimal precipitation, July is one of the most popular times to visit Uganda. Book in advance, and you'll be able to embark on game drives and walking safaris, watch mountain gorillas up close, and spot magnificent birds feeding in the country's rivers and lakes. Pack layers for the cooler evenings, especially in the south, and you'll find hiking and wildlife-watching very pleasant.
August is one of the best times to visit Uganda, thanks to its warm temperatures and lack of precipitation. Once deep in forests and savannas, wildlife will be easy to spot congregating at watering holes, and trails and roads will be in good condition. Book accommodation and permits early to avoid missing out and pack layers for the cooler evenings, and you'll find August a superb time to visit Uganda.
Though you can experience the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park in three to four days to embark on game drives and see abundant birdlife, a week offers a well-rounded trip to Uganda. Include time in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to trek in search of the mountain gorillas, experience the wonders of the Nile from Jinja, and head to Kibale National Park, where you can watch chimpanzees in virgin rainforests. And with a more leisurely pace, there's also time to discover Entebbe's and Kampala's markets and museums.
February is one of Uganda's hottest and driest months, making it an ideal time to trek through the lush jungle in search of mountain gorillas. Stick to Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Imprenable Forest National Parks to avoid the heat of the north, and be sure to book ahead for permits. In return, you'll be able to enjoy the quieter shoulder-season trails with very reasonable prices for food, flights, and accommodations.
May is an excellent month to visit Uganda for budget-conscious travelers and those looking for a more authentic experience. While May falls in the rainy season, if you pack quality rain gear and plan accordingly, you can still experience the wildlife and landscapes Uganda is renowned for. Plus, toward the end of the month, rains begin to ease, and you can continue to take advantage of the quieter trails and cheaper accommodations.
At the beginning of one of Uganda's dry seasons, December is a great month to visit Uganda. National parks will be lush from recent rains while roads and trails are dry and easy to hike, making game drives and walking safaris enjoyable. Be sure to plan ahead, as late December can become busy with tourists, but in return, you can look forward to sunny and warm days perfect for exploring.
April may be the wettest month in Uganda, but if you pack quality rain gear and don't mind bumpy roads, it's a good time to take advantage of the quiet national parks, cheaper accommodations, and wildlife permit deals. Plus, as mountain gorillas, elephants, and chimpanzees can be seen all year round, you can still tick off most of the country's highlights.