Climate & Seasons Of Uganda

Best Season To Travel – The climate and seasons of Uganda

Traveling to new destinations such as Uganda requires adequate planning, and key areas of interest are when you should consider visiting. Before boarding a plane, you should have an idea of how/what the climate/weather of Uganda is like or understand when is the best time to visit the pearl of Africa for a holiday.

This article is aimed at guiding you while preparing for your next vacation in Uganda whether you plan to visit mountain gorillas or wildlife in the savanna parks. Uganda is crossed by the Equator and it enjoys a tropical kind of climate with 2 seasons experienced each year. Due to its strategic position astride the Equator, not much heat is experienced.

Uganda’s climatic & weather conditions soften by high altitude/topography/hills/mountains and the influence of large water bodies. This means the country’s annual temperature range is narrow, with January being the warmest month of the year. The temperature range is between 17 and 24 degrees celsius and July temperatures range from 16 and 21 degrees Celsius. Unlike other countries, in Uganda, there is no real winter or summer. Temperatures are favorable all year round making Uganda a preferred travel destination in Africa.

Wet/rainy seasons

Two rainy/wet seasons are experienced each year in Uganda. The first wet season runs from April to May while the 2^nd phase occurs during the first autumn months. The Northern part of the year records a single rainy/wet season from March to October. On average, the precipitation ranges between 1000 and 1200mm with exception of the Lake Victoria area which experiences about 1600mm.

Dry seasons

Two dry seasons are recorded each year in Uganda. That is from December, January to February, and June, July, and August to early September. Unlike the wet season, there is little/no rain received during the dry season/months of the year. The rainy/wet season on the other hand doesn’t mean it receives heavy rains throughout the day. It can rain for some hours and later, it shines again.

Wet/rainy season in Uganda

During the rainy season, heavy rain and thunder can be experienced at any time of the day/year although this usually takes a shorter time. The rainy months such as March, April, and May record more rainfall all year round. Daytime temperatures range from 28 degrees celsius to 16 degrees celsius in the morning. Places such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park tend to be colder.

Traveling during the rainy/wet season can be challenging because the trails become slippery/muddy. From late September to November, daytime temperatures rotate around 28 degrees celsius and rains aren’t much like it is in March, April, or May. Majority of the regions in Uganda experience rainfall range of 1000 to 2000mm and if you are planning a Uganda safari around this period, you will need warm clothes, waterproof hiking/walking boots, long-sleeved shirts/trousers, sweater, insect repellents, and more.

Traveling during the dry season in Uganda

The dry season in Uganda is also referred to as the peak/high season. The driest months of the year especially in the Southern parts of Uganda run from June to July although it can still rain in the course of the day. An average temperature range of 27 degrees celsius is recorded in the afternoon and in the morning, 16 degrees Celsius. The extreme Northeast where Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve are located do experience a semi-arid climate.

December, January, and February are the months when there is less rain in the South, although slightly more compared to June and July. Daytime temperatures are warmer rising up to 28 degrees Celsius and in the morning, temperatures rise up to 16 degrees Celsius.

How/what to wear

Consider wearing loose clothing throughout the day but, remember that it can be chilly in the evening. You will need long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and a sweater to shield the colder evening. To protect your skin, come along with sunscreen.

When is the best time to travel for wildlife viewing in Uganda?

The dry season is the most preferred season of the year when it comes to Uganda wildlife safaris. That is from June to September or visit your favorite park from December to February. A huge population of wildlife confines in the water points during these dry months of the year, and if you are interested in primate adventures such as gorilla trekking/chimpanzee tracking, they are the ideal months to consider visiting Bwindi or Mgahinga (for gorillas) or Kibale National Park for chimpanzees.