The seasons
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| June to September | Long dry season | Firmer trails, excellent game viewing, the busiest and most popular months |
| October to November | Short rains | Afternoon showers, green scenery, fewer visitors; Uganda’s low-season permit prices apply in November |
| December to February | Short dry season | Good trekking and game viewing, busy over Christmas and New Year |
| March to May | Long rains | Heaviest rain, muddier trails, lush forests and the quietest parks; Uganda’s low-season prices apply in April and May |
Best time for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking
Trekking runs every day of the year. The dry months make the trails easier and keep your camera drier, but the rainforest stays green and wet even then, so bring waterproofs whenever you go. In the rainy months gorillas often stay lower on the slopes where food is plentiful, which can mean shorter treks.
Best time for game drives
Savanna wildlife gathers around rivers and lakes when the land is dry, so June to September and December to February are best in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo and Akagera. Shorter grass makes lions and leopards easier to spot, and the roads are in better condition.
Travelling in the low season
In April, May and November, Uganda’s gorilla permit drops from $800 to $600 and the Kibale chimpanzee permit from $300 to $200. Some lodges also lower their rates. Rain usually falls in heavy afternoon bursts rather than all day, so the low season is a real option if you are flexible.
