Updated
Gorilla treks run in almost any weather, so a forecast will not decide whether you trek, but it can help you dress, pack and plan travel days. For Bwindi, use apps with good mountain models, such as Yr or Windy, and look at nearby points like Buhoma, Kabale or Kisoro rather than one exact spot; treat the forecast as a guide, because the park’s steep, forested ridges create their own showers. The safest assumption is that it may rain at some point on any day, especially in the afternoon.
Why Bwindi is hard to forecast
Bwindi covers steep ridges and valleys between about 1,160 and 2,600 m, on the edge of the Albertine Rift. Moist air from the west rises over the hills, condenses and falls as showers that can be very local: one valley can be soaked while the next stays dry. Forecast models work at a coarser scale, so they show the general pattern well but not exactly when and where a shower will fall. Mornings are often misty and cool, with showers more likely in the afternoon. Our guide to Bwindi’s micro-climates explains why.
Where to check
Weather apps that show hourly rain and cloud, such as Yr and Windy, are useful a few days ahead. Compare two sources: if both show heavy rain, it is likely to be a wet day; if they disagree, expect showers. The Uganda National Meteorological Authority publishes seasonal outlooks, which help you understand whether a rainy season is starting early or late. Your lodge and driver-guide are often the best guide of all, as they know local patterns and road conditions.
How to read the forecast
A “60% chance of rain” means rain is fairly likely somewhere in the area during that period, not that it will rain for 60% of the time. Rain amounts matter more: a few millimetres means passing showers; more suggests heavy rain and muddy trails. Look at temperatures for the morning, when you start the trek and may be chilly at altitude, and at cloud cover if you are flying, since low cloud can delay small aircraft into Kihihi and Kisoro. See our guide to the weather at Bwindi.
Using the forecast to plan
Pack a rain jacket and gloves whatever the forecast says. If heavy rain is likely, wear waterproof trousers or quick-drying ones, use gaiters, protect your camera with a rain cover and dry bag, and hire a porter, who helps a lot on slippery slopes.
On travel days, leave extra time for slow, muddy roads and avoid driving after dark. If you have flexibility in your trip, a heavy-rain day is a good day to travel rather than to do an optional walk. Our guide to what happens if it rains on trek day covers the trek itself.
Seasons versus forecasts
Seasonal patterns matter more than any single forecast when you choose your dates. Uganda has two main rainy seasons, roughly March to May and September to November, and drier spells from December to February and June to August, although Bwindi gets rain in every month. April, May and November are wetter but cheaper, with gorilla permits at US$600 instead of US$800. See our guide to the best time for gorilla trekking.
Frequently asked questions
Rarely. Treks go ahead in rain; only dangerous conditions would stop them.
Apps with hourly mountain forecasts, such as Yr or Windy, are useful. Compare two sources and ask your lodge.
It can rain in any month, most often in the afternoon, and most in March to May and September to November.
Yes. Low cloud and heavy rain can delay light aircraft into Kihihi and Kisoro.
