Often Asked, “When is the Best Time of the Year for Gorilla trekking in Uganda?”
Anytime is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in the Pearl of Africa
When is the Best Time of the Year for Gorilla Trekking?
When is The Best Time of the Year for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda? Gorilla Tracking takes place all year long, come rain or shine.
The best and busiest time of the year is during the Dry and High Seasons in Uganda, July through September, and Mid-December through March.
While the best Season of the Year for Gorilla Trekking is during the high or dry seasons there are disadvantages. Gorilla Trekking Permits will become scarce and harder to obtain. There will be more tourists and choice lodges that you would like to stay at are fully booked.
If the cry season are your choice you should plan six or more months in advance of your Safari. An alternative is the shoulder season which is the time in between the dry season and the wet season when there are more gorilla trekking Permits.
More and more are choosing the Rainy Seasons of the Year. The rainy season does not mean that it rains all day. Normally it rains during the night and early morning hours. The sun most often comes out, however, the trails will be muddy. The positive is that there gorilla trekking permits and luxury Lodges discount their rates in order to attract more tourists.
When is the Best Time of the Year to track Gorillas in Uganda?
Gorilla Tracking from January through February
January and February are part of the dry season. It is one of the best times to track gorillas in Uganda, although rainfall can be expected here during any month.
January and February have become some of the most popular months with Gorilla Trekkers. There are more gorilla trackers in January or February than during July and August during some years.
Gorilla Tracking from March through May
It is the time referred to as the long rains, one of its two wet seasons. The trails will be muddier as you track gorillas. Still, you will be overwhelmed by the rich and lush foliage, flowers, and Afro-montane plants that you will see trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
The advantage of fewer tourists, readily available gorilla permits, and lower luxury lodging prices will outweigh the benefits of the dry season. Many enjoy the rainy seasons, and even Winston Churchill wrote about the rains in his 1908 Book “My African Journey.” Even the Rainy Seasons are not like you might imagine them.”
Gorilla tracking from June through August
June through August is the high and dry season and one of the best times to track Gorillas in Uganda. You might find that it rains here and there at night or during the early morning hours before sunrise, with the sun coming out during the morning.
On the negative side, gorilla permits will be harder to obtain, and you must book your safari well in advance to get them. The same can be said when it comes to the availability of lodging. Should June and August be your months of choice, then plan your gorilla safari early with us.
Gorilla Tracking from September through October
September and October are great months to visit Uganda. There are fewer tourists, but the weather remains nice until the latter part of October when the short rains arrive. September and October are good months for gorilla trekking with fewer tourists and more available permits.
September and October are also excellent months for the Gorilla Habituation Experience Permits.
During October the shoulder season begins. Luxury Lodges discount their prices. Each Luxury Lodge has their own dates for the shoulder season.
Gorilla Tracking during November
November is a rainy season month with the so-called short rains arriving. You will have muddy trails and will need a poncho and waterproof boots. However, you will have permits and a choice of lodging at a discount.
Gorilla Tracking during December, including the Holiday Season
You can expect some rainfall in early December, but it is an excellent month for trekking to see mountain gorillas, especially during the latter part of the month.
From Mid-December on, there is an increase in tourists, and once again, gorilla permits become scarce. It is best to plan and book your safari well to ensure both permit and lodging availability.
The Festive Season in Uganda is high season and requires advanced booking for Primate Permits and lodges.
When is the Best Time of the Year to track Gorillas in Uganda?
It is up to you; the choice is for you to make. The best Weather Months of the year are also the busiest months for gorilla tracking. More tourists and fewer permits are available, and you must plan your gorilla safari dates.
The Shoulder months are an excellent choice if you want nice weather, yet fewer tourists, and more permits.
We like to point out that Climate Change has affected the Weather Patterns in the Country. The Dry and Rainy Seasons are no longer as predictable as they once were, and Rainstorms can happen during the dry Seasons.
The Best Time of the Year for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda depends on your choice of dates.
Reality Check – Gorilla Trekking takes Place in a Rainforest:
Tourists often will not know or forget that they will be tracking the gentle giants in a Rainforest. That alone should give you an indication of what you might encounter on your trek. It can rain any time whether it is dry or rainy season. You are in a rainforest. Whether you track Gorillas in Rwanda, DR Congo or Uganda it will be in an Afro-montane Rainforest. That is why we recommend that you bring a hooded rainjacket or poncho as part of your Gorilla Wear and Gear.
Current Weather and Forecast for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park
The Weather for both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga is unlike much of Sub-Saharan Africa. You are not trekking in a steamy jungle. The daytime temperature rarely exceeds 26 degrees Celsius and drops down to 12 degrees Celsius or lower at night, depending on the elevation. You are in what is called the Switzerland of Africa. The weather usually is suitable for Gorilla Trekking and hiking.
Going on Safari during the Rainy Season
