When is the Best Season to Visit Uganda? Best Time is NOW – Uganda is Year-Round!
When is the best season to visit Uganda? The honest answer: Uganda has no bad season!
However, if you want the absolute best season to visit Uganda for wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking, and sunny skies, the best time is June to August and December to February – the dry seasons.
Because Uganda is on the equator, it does not have winter or summer. Instead, it has dry and wet seasons. Therefore, you can visit any month and see animals. Moreover, each season has its own beauty and advantages.
At Peku Adventures, we take tourists every month. As a result, we know exactly what to expect each month. So, let me break down for you month-by-month to help you choose best season for YOUR dream trip.
1. The Two Best Seasons to Visit Uganda – DRY SEASONS (Best for Most Travelers)
A) June to August – Long Dry Season – THE BEST SEASON!
This is peak season and best season to visit Uganda for 90% of travelers.
Why is June to August best?
Firstly, it is dry with little rain. Therefore, park roads are dry and easy to drive. Secondly, grass is short, so animals easy to see – lions, elephants gather at water holes. Thirdly, it is best for gorilla trekking in Bwindi – forest not muddy, gorillas easier to find. Moreover, it is best for hiking Rwenzori and Sipi Falls.
For example, in Murchison Falls, you see 100+ elephants along Nile in July. In addition, Queen Elizabeth has great lion sightings.
Downside? Because it is best season, lodges are 30% more expensive and need booking 3 months early. However, Peku Adventures reserves rooms early for you.
Best for: First-time visitors, gorilla trekking, Murchison safari, photography.
B) December to February – Short Dry Season – Second Best Season!
This is also excellent best season to visit Uganda.
Because it is dry and hot, animals come to water. Therefore, great wildlife viewing. Moreover, this is best time for birding – migratory birds from Europe arrive! For example, you see 300+ bird species in 7 days.
In addition, December is festive – great for honeymoon and Christmas safaris. Furthermore, January and February are less crowded than June-August, so lodges cheaper by 20% but still sunny!
Best for: Bird lovers, budget travelers who want dry season but cheaper, honeymoon.
2. The Green Season to Visit Uganda – WET SEASONS (Best for Budget and Photographers)
A) March to May – Long Rains – LOW SEASON but GREEN & CHEAP!
Many people think wet season is bad. However, March to May is actually best secret season to visit Uganda!
Because it rains 2-3 hours in afternoon, mornings sunny for game drives. Moreover, parks become green and beautiful – best for photography! For example, Murchison Falls is most powerful in April.
In addition, this is best time for budget travelers. Because lodges give 40% discount! A lodge that costs $200 in August costs $120 in April. Therefore, you save $500 on 7 days safari.
Furthermore, it is best for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale – chimps stay low because fruits available. As a result, 95% sighting.
Best for: Budget travelers, photographers, chimp tracking, avoiding crowds.
B) September to November – Short Rains – SHOULDER SEASON
Because September to November has little rain in morning, afternoon showers. Therefore, you get green scenery plus sunny game drives. Moreover, it is best time to see newborn animals – many antelopes give birth.
In addition, gorilla permits easier to get. Because peak season finished, Bwindi not crowded. For example, you can book gorilla permit 1 month before, not 6 months.
Furthermore, costs are 20% less than dry season. As a result, best value for money season!
Best for: Repeat visitors, gorilla trekking with short notice, value seekers.
3. Month-by-Month Guide – When is Best Season to Visit Uganda?
January – EXCELLENT
Weather: Dry, hot 27°C, Animals at water.
Best for: Wildlife safari, birds. Cost: High. Crowd: Medium.
February – EXCELLENT
Weather: Dry, hottest 28°C. Best for: Gorilla trekking, Murchison. Cost: High.
March – GOOD
Weather: Start of rains. Best for: Budget, birds, chimps. Cost: Low – 40% discount. Verdict: Good for budget
April – GOOD FOR BUDGET
Weather: Most rain. However, parks green, falls powerful. Best for: Photographers, cheap safari. Cost: Cheapest Verdict: Best cheap season
May – GOOD
Weather: End of long rains. Best for: Chimp tracking. Cost: Low. Verdict: Good!
June – BEST
Weather: Dry season starts. Best for: Everything Gorillas, wildlife, hiking. Cost: High. Verdict: THE BEST SEASON TO VISIT UGANDA!
July – BEST!
Weather: Dry, cool 25°C. Best for: Gorilla trekking, Murchison, Queen Elizabeth. Cost: Highest. Verdict: THE BEST!
August – BEST!
Weather: Dry. Best for: Wildebeest in Kidepo, lions. Cost: Highest. Verdict: THE BEST
September – VERY GOOD
Weather: Short rains start but light. Best for: Value safari, newborn animals. Cost: Medium. Verdict: Very good – best value!
October – VERY GOOD
Weather: Green, afternoon rain. Best for: Photography, gorillas. Cost: Medium-low. Verdict: Very good
November – VERY GOOD
Weather: Short rains. Best for: Birds, chimps, budget. Cost: Medium-low. Verdict: Very good
December – EXCELLENT
Weather: Dry starts. Best for: Honeymoon, Christmas safari, family. Cost: High in last 2 weeks. Verdict: Excellent best season!
4. Best Season to Visit Uganda For Specific Activities
For Gorilla Trekking – Best Season is June-August and Dec-Feb
Because forest not muddy, easier hike. However, gorillas seen all year 99% success. So, even in April you see gorillas Moreover, low season permits easier.
For Wildlife Safari (Big Five) – Best Season is June-August and Dec-Feb
Because grass short, animals gather at Nile and Kazinga Channel. Therefore, Murchison and Queen Elizabeth best in dry.
For Chimpanzee Tracking – Best Season is March-May and Sept-Nov
Because fruits available low, chimps stay near ground. Therefore, March-May best for Kibale.
For Bird Watching – Best Season is November to April
Because migratory birds from Europe arrive. Moreover, 1063 species. For example, you see shoebill best in dry when swamp low.
For Sipi Falls Hiking & Jinja Adventure – Best Season is June-Aug and Dec-Feb
Because trails not slippery for hiking and abseiling.
For Budget Safari – Best Season is March-May and October-November
Because lodges 40% cheaper, permits easier. Therefore, you save $600 on 7 days!
5. Peku Adventures Advice – Which Best Season Should YOU Choose?
If you are first time, want best weather, and money not problem: Choose June-August. Therefore, best experience.
If you want best weather but cheaper and less crowd: Choose December-February. Moreover, best for birds.
If you want cheapest safari, green photos, no crowds: Choose March-May. As a result, save money.
If you want best VALUE – good weather + good price + baby animals: Choose September-November. So, this is smartest choice!
Honestly, there is NO bad month in Uganda. Because Uganda is on equator, it is 25°C all year!
Book Your Uganda Safari in Best Season For YOU with Peku Adventures!
So, when is the best season to visit Uganda? It depends on YOU!
Want best weather? June-August. Want cheapest? April-May. Want best value? September-November. Want birds? December-February.
Uganda is ready all year – and Peku Adventures ready all year!
We offer special packages for every season:
Dry Season 7 Days Best of Uganda – $2500
Green Season 7 Days Best of Uganda – $2200 – Save $300
Low Season 7 Days – $1900 – Save $600
All include private 4×4, guide, park fees, lodges, meals.
Contact Peku Adventures Now:
WhatsApp: [+256753200349]
Email: info@pekuadventures.com, {pekuadventures@33gmail.com}
Website: www.pekuadventures.com
