Climate, Weather & Temperature in Uganda
Climate, weather & temperature in Uganda is probably one of the reasons as to why some visitors do visit Uganda in Uganda. Climate, weather and temperature in Uganda is quite interesting, as you may learn shortly. For any traveller intending to visit Uganda on a Uganda safari tour, knowing the climate, weather and temperature in Uganda throughout the year is vital for better preparations.
Uganda is gifted with tropical weather which is literally perfect all year long with temperatures ranging from 16-28 degrees Celsius for most times of the year. Uganda is crossed by the Equator line, and therefore the climate of Uganda is controlled by an altitude of 900-1800m. Uganda’s climate is influenced by the amazing topography of the country say the mountains, hills, elevated plateau, many lakes and rivers and forests. The temperatures in Uganda are always pleasant with warm or hot days as well as cool or cold nights. The temperature patterns do not fluctuate much.
Uganda experiences both the rainy seasons and the dry seasons throughout the year. The dry season in Uganda is experienced from June to July/August, and from December to February, while the wet season is experienced from September to November and March through May. The dry season in Uganda doesn’t go all throughout, some few rains are experienced, and the rainy season doesn’t necessarily mean that there are heavy downpours throughout the day. Rains can be experienced in the night and the day is bright or gloomy, or it can shine in the morning and experience rains later in the afternoon, only to have sunshine again shortly after. Traveling during the wet season is therefore also possible.
The north-eastern part of Uganda mostly experiences dry spells, with one continuous wet season. The southern part of Uganda due to the presence of Lake Victoria receives rainfall as a result of precipitation brought about by the lake.
The rainy season in Uganda
The rainy season in Uganda is characterised by heavy rains with thunder sometimes, lasting for short durations, and not necessarily the whole day, with the sun coming through shortly after.
During the months of March, April and May, more rainfall is received countrywide, with the month of April being the peak of the rainy season in the south. During the rainy season in these months, daytime temperatures are usually averaging 28 degrees Celsius with morning temperatures usually averaging 16 degrees Celsius. In the Uganda gorilla parks, it is colder during this time especially in the higher altitudes with the lower altitudes slightly warmer.
During the months of September to November, rain is usually received in the night and early morning, less in terms of quantity compared to the season of March, April and May. Daytime temperatures are usually 28 degrees Celsius.
The rains can make travel quite hard, given that the usually dirt roads and paths leading to the parks and in the parks become muddy and hard to navigate. It is advised that travellers have boots with a grip and preferably waterproof for easy movement during gorilla trekking and nature walks. Travellers are also advised to carry warm cloths, as well as have long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect one from the cold weather as well as insect bites especially mosquitoes. Insect repellent creams could come in handy. Having a 4WD vehicle is important for one to use to navigate the muddy and slippery roads.
The dry season in Uganda
The dry season in Uganda is the best time to visit Uganda. The dry season is characterised by hot and sunny days, with random drizzles sometimes.
The months of June, July and August are the dry season months, with June and July being the driest. Average temperatures are approximately 27 degrees Celsius in the afternoon and about 16 degrees Celsius in the morning. In Kidepo Valley National Park, the nights can be excruciatingly cold, with the very opposite during the day.
The months of December, January and February are dry months too but receive downpours sometimes, though not as much as during the wet season. It is basically a dry season with little rains here and there. The temperatures during this time have the daytime slightly warmer with temperatures about 28 degrees Celsius and morning temperatures usually at 16 degrees Celsius.
Travellers are advised to carry light clothing, with a few for the cooler and chilly evenings and nights. Sunscreen, large hats and shades could do a traveller good on hot and dusty days. Remember to always keep rehydrated during this time.
The dry season is by far the best time to visit Uganda for wild game drives and wildlife safaris, especially in the driest of months for many wildlife species concentrate on water points to cool off their thirst. Gorilla trekking is also best done during the dry season, for the paths are more passable and the vegetation is not so over grown to hinder proper viewing of gorillas, as well as chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park.
The climate, weather and temperature in Uganda is one of the very reasons that travellers visit Uganda. Uganda has a favourable climate and weather that one cannot totally fail to get something to do just because of the prevailing conditions. Your tour operator shall guide you on the best time to visit for what activity, for is the dry season is perfect for game drives and gorilla trekking, the wet season is perfect for bird watching, and of course also gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking! Visit Uganda any time of the year, and you shall know why it is called The Pearl of Africa.
