Weather & Climate
In Uganda

Weather & Climate in Uganda

Uganda lies on the elevated basin which rises between the eastern and western branches of the Great Rift Valley. Most of the country is over 1,000 meters in altitude and topography is generally flat as you move west to east.

The most mountainous part of Uganda is the Kigezi region in the southwest (where Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is located). North of Kigezi, on the Congolese border, the 70×30 kilometres Rwenzori Mountains form the highest mountain range in Africa with Margherita Peak (5, 109 meters), on Mount Stanley the highest point in the Rwenzori, only exceeded in altitude by the free-standing Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro.

With the exception of the semi-desert in the extreme northeast, tracking gorillas during this period you will probably see some rain but don’t worry you will quickly dry in the summer sun.

April to June

The rains arrive and heavy showers can be expected for a few hours every day or so. Don’t be put off by the long rains: safaris are good during this period, fewer visitors around the parks and all lodges are offering low season rates at this time.

However, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park roads may be too difficult to navigate during the rainy seasons for the roads are not paved with tarmac and could wash away easily. Make sure you talk to your travel agent to assure you of safe travel during this period.

July to December

The October to December short rains notwithstanding, these months are mostly dry and sunny forcing animals to gather at permanent water. July to September offers the most pleasant weather in East Africa for all activities including gorilla tracking.

Mild temperatures and classic dry-season game viewing make these months a popular time to visit East Africa and go into the rainforest jungle to track the gentle mountain giants. Book accommodation and gorilla permit well in advance, visitor numbers peak in August.

The Weather in Bwindi and at The Lodge

Bwindi has a wet, yet mild, climate. Temperatures remain consistent year-long due to its short distance from the equator. Daytime temperatures of around 23°C/73°F are usual, with a significant drop at night to around 11°C/52°F. Remember, this is a rainforest and it could rain any time even during the dry seasons.

Bwindi receives a lot of rain throughout the year. The months of June and July receive the least rain. From March to May and October to November the rainfall is highest. Waterproof clothing, warm clothing and hiking shoes are essential when planning your trip to stay with us.

Uganda Local Time

All East Africa countries, including Uganda, use a single time zone (EAT), GMT +3. The time zone is three hours ahead of UTC (UTC+03:00).

Does Uganda observe Daylight Saving Time?

Most countries in East Africa Time Zone, including Uganda, do not operate Daylight Saving Time. Most of Africa spans the Equator so daylight hours don't vary that much across the year so Daylight Saving Time (DST) is not used in Uganda.