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January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
Visiting Uganda in January
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are year-round activities but in January you can experience some of the warmest weather of the year. The forests are alive with birds and butterflies, as well as a high number of primate species such as the black and white colobus and the red-tailed and blue monkey. In fact, you can find as many as 120 species of mammal within the spectacular UNESCO-recognised Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Visiting Uganda in February
As the warm days continue, you can explore the River Nile as it passes through Jinja, close to the source. This a hot spot for wetland birdlife – eyes open for the black-and-white-casqued hornbill, the hadeda ibis, the marabou stork and many others.
With the warmth of the dry season, most waters will be at their lowest throughout the country. This means it’s one of the best time to spot hippopotamus wallowing in the muddy shallows.
Visiting Uganda in March
Although the rains have now begun, the climate will remain comfortably warm throughout the year. In Uganda, there’s always something to do on a rainy day when the forests are little too muddy to navigate. The town of Entebbe sits on the beaches of Lake Victoria, home to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Amakula Kampala International Film Festival, held from 14-17 March, showcases both modern and classic films. It also features activities and workshops for film enthusiasts. This is a great opportunity to see Uganda at its most lively.
Visiting Uganda in April
The wet-season month of April is a good time to visit another key Ugandan attraction and UNESCO site; the Rwenzori Mountains. They’re filled with stunning waterfalls and an astonishing diversity of flora. Seek out giant heather, groundsel and other species of Africa’s ‘botanical big game’.
The threatened mammal species found here include the African forest elephant, eastern chimpanzee, l’Hoest’s monkey and the Rwenzori black-fronted duiker.
Visiting Uganda in May
May is the last month of the first wet season and another great time to see Uganda’s waterfalls at their most impressive. Murchison Falls is the country’s oldest national park, containing wetlands, forest and savannah. Poaching on a serious scale ended in the 1980s and biodiversity has been on the increase ever since. With such a large range of habitats, you can find all the Big Five here, as well as many rarer and more unusual creatures.
Visiting Uganda in June
While the wet season continues towards the northern reaches of the country, the dry season quickly takes effect in the south. Murchison Falls is still flowing heavily where the mighty Nile forces its way through a seven-metre gap.
Meanwhile, Kibale Forest to the west is starting to dry out. This makes the forest less muddy and easier to traverse as you follow the trail of the mysterious gorilla.
Visiting Uganda in July
Uganda is home to a diverse range of habitats, from lowland plains to montane forests. It’s this variety that allows the country to play host to so many different species.
In July, you can trek for gorilla with relative ease, enjoy Big Five safari drives over the savannahs or head up to the north of the country where it’s still wet season – the best time for bird-watchers. Over 1,000 species have been recorded here, so any tenacious twitchers will be more than ready to brave the northern rains.
Visiting Uganda in August
August is a prime safari and gorilla-trekking month in the south while the birds are still active and abundant further north. It’s also a great month to grab a slice of culture.
This year the Bayimba Festival will be held from the 2-5 August on the shores of Lake Victoria. This event showcases the finest Ugandan arts, music and entertainment and is the perfect addition to a nature- or activity-based visit.
Visiting Uganda in September
September sees the beginning of the rains, yet primate viewing is still very much on the menu for those of adventurous heart. The many tropical butterflies found throughout the country will also become more visible and active in the rains.
Towards the end of the month, Kampala hosts the B-Global Indigenous Hip Hop Festival, where artists throughout the country perform to the country’s many hip-hop fanatics.
Visiting Uganda in October
In October, the north sees the end of the rains while they’re just beginning further south. Head up to Kidepo Valley National Park to see a huge variety of species, from African golden cat to the elusive and endangered African wild dog. The Kavirondo bush baby is one primate which can only be found here.
In Kampala, culture vultures won’t be disappointed either. The Kampala City Festival takes place every October, and it takes the form of a huge street party, complete with music, dancing and food galore.
Visiting Uganda in November
It’s still driest and warmest in Uganda’s northern regions, which become a magnet for wildlife lovers. Meanwhile, Kamapala is brimming with activities. The UNESCO-listed Kasubi Tombs are well worth a visit and will bring the rich history of Uganda alive before your eyes. You can also visit the Ndere Centre for theatre performances. Peruse the atmospheric Kampala Fair for local products, traditional handicrafts and Ugandan clothes.
Visiting Uganda in December
The dry season spreads to the whole country, making December a good month to see as much wildlife as you can.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most biodiverse game reserves in the world, with around 95 mammal species, which can be seen on boat trips on the Kazinga Channel. The nearby Ishasha Plains are known for their tree-climbing lion – an incredible safari spectacle. Here, a small population of chimpanzee are a delight to view.
