Best Time to Visit the Gorillas in Uganda

The best time to visit the gorillas in Uganda is during the dry seasons from June to August, and again from December to February.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is by far the more popular option. 

The temperatures in Uganda don't change much year-round, staying between 24°C and 30°C. The most important factor to consider is the rains - there are two distinct rainy seasons from March to May and September to November. 

The peak season is from June to August and December to February. This is when conditions are most likely to be dry. The days should be clear and sunny, making trekking more enjoyable. The drier vegetation is easier to hike through, and steep slopes are a lot less slippery.

Gorilla permits for these months sell out well in advance, so you should be planning at least 12 months in advance if you're looking to travel in peak season. There are limited accommodation options in the park, and these properties are generally high-demand, low-capacity lodges which also get booked up far in advance.

While these months tend to be drier, downpours are possible at any time of year due to Uganda's tropical climate. 

The low season spans from March to May and September to November. The wetter conditions can make trekking more challenging and uncomfortable, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to predict weather patterns - so you might get lucky!

Showers are typically heavy downpours intermittently throughout the day, so you can still enjoy frequent sunny spells when the sky clears. 

Accommodation prices are typically lower during this quieter period and permits easier to get a hold of (although they do still need to be purchased quite far in advance).