When you’re planning a Uganda safari tour, one of the first decisions you have to make is when you’ll be packing your bags. That’s probably why you’re searching for the best month for a beautiful Uganda safari!
Why is timing so important? In addition to planning your own schedule – maybe you’ve got to keep in mind the kids’ school vacations or your own work holidays – picking the best month for a Uganda safari can affect the cost of a Uganda safari and what kinds of amazing wildlife you see while you’re here in the Pearl of Africa.
Below, we’re sharing when the major rainy seasons are in Uganda, the best months for a Uganda safari tour, and how you can make the most of Uganda no matter what time of year you’re available to travel.
Rainy and Dry Seasons in Uganda
Uganda has two rainy seasons per year: one from March to May and the other from September to December.
Uganda’s northern region, which forms one quarter of the country and contains regions like Kidepo National Park, lies outside of the tropical belt that most of Uganda finds itself in. Because of that, this area has just one rainy season from March till October.
The majority of Uganda has a relatively humid climate zone. Rather than the changing seasons, its topography, winds, lakes, and rivers that can make a difference in the rainfall patterns.
Uganda Safaris By Month
Below we are breaking down the best months for a Uganda safari in terms of average high temperatures, average low temperatures, and average rainfall.
Uganda Safari in January
January is the dry season in Uganda, with the average high temperature around 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit) and the average low temperature around 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit).
January is the least rainy month. It rains about 46mm (1.8″) of precipitation.
Uganda Safari in February
February is part of Uganda’s dry season, with the average high temperature around 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit) and the average low temperature around 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit).
The average rainfall in Uganda in February is about 61mm (2.4”).
Uganda Safari in March
March is the beginning of the rainy season in Uganda, with the average high temperature around 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit) and the average low temperature around 17 degrees Celsius (63 degrees Fahrenheit).
The average rainfall in Uganda in March is about 130mm (5.1”).
Uganda Safari in April & May
April and May are in the rainy season in Uganda, with the average high temperature around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and the average low temperature around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit).
The average rainfall in Uganda in April is 175mm (6.9”). The average rainfall in May is 147mm (5.8”).
Uganda Safari in June, July & August
June, July, and August are the peak of the dry season, with the average high temperature around 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) and the average low temperature around 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit). Rain is almost non-existent during these months, making them the best time to visit for a safari.
The average rainfall in June is 74mm (2.9”). In Uganda, the average July rainfall is 46mm (1.8”). Closing out the summer dry season, the average August rainfall is 86mm (3.4”).
Uganda Safari in September & October
September and October are the end of the dry season, with the average high temperature around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and the average low temperature around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). Rain is more frequent during these months, but it’s still generally light and sporadic.
On average, it rains 91mm (3.6”) in September and 97mm (3.8”) in October.
Uganda Safari in November & December
November and December are part of the rainy season, with the average high temperature around 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit) and the average low temperature around 17 degrees Celsius (63 degrees Fahrenheit). Rain is more frequent during these months, but it’s still generally light and sporadic.
On average, it rains 122mm (4.8”) in November and 99mm (3.9”) in December.
Best Time To Safari in Uganda
If you are looking to do a short safari tour in Uganda and want the best weather, come in January, February, June, and July.
If you’re looking to do a Uganda safari in August or September, know you’ll have very good weather with a slightly higher chance of rain.
Planning Your Next Uganda Safari Tour
Overall, Uganda is a great destination for a safari at any time of year. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, with the rainy season bringing light, sporadic rain and the dry season offering clear, sunny skies.
One of our favorite ways to explore? Our 21-day You & Uganda tour, which will introduce you to all of the best parts of our country. In addition to a Uganda safari tour, you’ll have opportunities to meet and interact with local people, learn to cook, and even sample the local beer!
We understand you have your own schedules and budgets to work within. When you’re ready to get a boutique safari tour made to your specifications, please reach out to the expert team at Kikooko Africa Safaris. As Ugandan locals with an international support team, it’s been our pleasure to provide safari tours to visitors like you since 2013!
