The climate of Uganda
Uganda, often termed as the 'Pearl of Africa,' is an East African country straddling the equator. The country's geography is a mixed blend of mountains, lakes, forests, and savannahs, thus contributing to its diverse climate. The country mainly experiences three types of climates: tropical rainforest (Af), tropical monsoon (Am), and savanna (As/Aw). Uganda is generally warm and tropical throughout the year, characterized by little temperature fluctuation, ranging from 18°C (64.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). The annual rainfall averages between 1000mm (39.37") to 1500mm (59.06"). Precipitation is well distributed across the year, but two distinct rainy seasons prevail - from
March to
May and from
September to
November.
The Best Time to Visit Uganda
The optimal period to visit
Uganda is during the dry seasons, from
December to
February and from
June to
August. These periods offer comfortable traveling conditions, with temperatures averaging between 25°C (77°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). In these months, the chances of rainfall are minimal, providing clearer roads and easier access to wildlife reserves and other tourist attractions. Dry seasons also favor activities like gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris, as the animals are easier to spot near waterholes and the thinner vegetation enhances visibility.
The Worst Time to Visit Uganda
The less favorable times to visit
Uganda are the rainy seasons - from
March to
May and from
September to
November. During these periods, heavy rainfall is common, making some roads nearly impassable and increasing the difficulty of outdoor activities such as trekking and safaris. Temperatures remain mild, around 18°C (64.4°F) to 25°C (77°F), but the elevated humidity levels can make the climate feel much warmer. These conditions may be unfavorable for tourists not accustomed to high humidity and rainfall.
Spring Weather in Uganda
The concept of spring as known in temperate climates doesn't apply in
Uganda, due to its equatorial location. The months of
March,
April, and
May are part of the rainy season. The rainfall can vary from 150mm (5.91") to 200mm (7.87"), making the environment lush and green. Despite the frequent rain showers, the temperatures remain relatively consistent, averaging between 18°C (64.4°F) to 25°C (77°F).
Summer Weather in Uganda
Similarly,
Uganda does not have a traditional summer season. The months of
June,
July, and
August represent the dry season. It is during this period that the country experiences the least rainfall, averaging between 50mm (1.97") to 100mm (3.94"). Temperatures during these months are pleasant and range from 25°C (77°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). These conditions make it an excellent time for wildlife viewing and outdoor explorations.
Autumn Weather in Uganda
Uganda lacks a distinct autumn season due to its location on the equator. However, the months from
September to
November are known for the second rainy season of the year. Rainfall averages between 100mm (3.94") to 150mm (5.91"), and temperatures are fairly stable, varying from 18°C (64.4°F) to 25°C (77°F). Despite the rainfall, the landscape's transformation into a vibrant green canvas offers a unique spectacle.
Winter Weather in Uganda
As
Uganda is located on the equator, it doesn't experience a traditional winter. Instead,
December,
January, and
February mark the second dry season of the year. Precipitation is minimal during this period, with averages ranging from 60mm (2.36") to 100mm (3.94"). Temperatures remain comfortable, fluctuating between 25°C (77°F) and 28°C (82.4°F), making it an excellent time for tourists seeking outdoor activities and wildlife safaris.
Weather in January
January is one of the driest months of the year in
Uganda, offering favorable conditions for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. The weather remains largely sunny and dry, forming part of the country's extended dry season from
December through
February.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
Uganda,
February marks the tail end of the dry season, making it another great month for outdoor activities, including wildlife safaris and mountain trekking. The country experiences a tropical climate with average temperatures fluctuating between 23°C (73.4°F) and 28°C (82.4°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals a shift in
Uganda's climate as the country transitions from the dry season to the first rainy season of the year. This season lasts from March to
May and is characterized by increased precipitation across the country.
Weather in March » Weather in April
April stands as one of the wettest months of the year in
Uganda, in the heart of the first rainy season that runs from
March to
May. Increased rainfall is a key characteristic of this period, with precipitation reaching peaks between 180mm (7.09") and 220mm (8.66").
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the conclusion of the first rainy season in
Uganda, characterized by a decline in rainfall towards the end of the month. However, May still experiences substantial precipitation, with averages ranging from 100mm (3.94") to 150mm (5.91") across the country.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June signifies the start of the dry season in
Uganda, a period that extends through
August. This time of the year is characterized by reduced rainfall and generally clear, sunny weather. Average temperatures during June vary between 20°C (68°F) and 26°C (78.8°F), providing an agreeable climate for various outdoor activities. In major urban areas, the conditions in June follow a similar pattern.
Weather in June » Weather in July
July in
Uganda is characterised by a predominantly dry and sunny climate, with this month sitting in the middle of the country's long dry season from
June to
August. Average temperatures across the country during July fluctuate between 19°C (66.2°F) and 25°C (77°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
Uganda,
August represents the tail end of the dry season. During this month, the weather continues to be predominantly dry with occasional short rains signalling the onset of the second rainy season which typically begins in
September.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Uganda marks the onset of the second rainy season, which lasts until
November. Despite the return of the rains, the precipitation levels during this period are typically lower than the first rainy season, averaging between 100mm (3.94") to 150mm (5.91") across the country.
Weather in September » Weather in October
In
Uganda,
October falls within the second rainy season, which lasts from
September to
November. Rainfall is relatively high during this period, with precipitation averages reaching between 120mm (4.72") to 170mm (6.69") across the country.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November signifies the end of the second rainy season in
Uganda, with rainfall beginning to taper off towards the month's end. Precipitation levels remain relatively high, however, averaging between 100mm (3.94") to 150mm (5.91") across the country.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Uganda heralds the onset of the short dry season, a period that extends through
February. This month sees a significant drop in rainfall, with precipitation averages falling to between 60mm (2.36") to 90mm (3.54") across the country.
Weather in December »