Updated
Bwindi’s weather is cool, humid and changeable all year: daytime temperatures are usually in the high teens to low 20s °C, nights and early mornings around 10–15°C, and it can rain in any month. There are two wetter seasons, March to May and September to November, and two drier ones, June to August and December to February. Because the park ranges from about 1,160 to 2,607 m, the higher sectors such as Ruhija are noticeably cooler than Buhoma.
Here is what the climate means for your gorilla trek, how it differs across the park and how to dress for it. For choosing the month of your trip, see our guide to the best time for gorilla trekking.
Bwindi’s climate in numbers
| Typical values | |
|---|---|
| Daytime temperature | About 18–24°C at most trekking altitudes |
| Early morning and night | About 10–15°C, cooler in Ruhija |
| Ruhija (around 2,300 m) | Long-term averages of roughly 19°C by day and 14°C at night |
| Annual rainfall | Roughly 1,400–1,900 mm measured; higher figures are often quoted |
| Wetter seasons | March–May and September–November |
| Drier seasons | June–August and December–February |
A typical day in the forest
Mornings often start cool and misty, with cloud lying in the valleys — the scene that gave rise to the “gorillas in the mist” image. By the 07:30 trekking briefing, you will want a fleece and a jacket. As the sun climbs and you start walking uphill, the air warms quickly and the humidity under the canopy makes you sweat, so layers come off. Showers can arrive at any time, but heavier storms are more common in the afternoon, especially in the wetter months. Evenings cool down again, and many lodges light fires.
How the weather varies across Bwindi
Altitude makes a clear difference between sectors. Buhoma, in the north, is the lowest starting point and feels the mildest. Rushaga and Nkuringo, in the south, are higher and cooler, and Nkuringo’s ridge can be windy and misty. Ruhija, at around 2,300 m in the east, is the coolest sector, with chilly mornings and evenings for much of the year. Nearby Mgahinga, on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, is higher again. If you are trekking in Ruhija or Mgahinga, pack an extra warm layer. See Bwindi’s sectors compared.
How rain affects your trek
Treks go ahead in the rain. What changes is the ground: Bwindi’s red clay becomes slippery, streams rise and steep sections take longer. In the wetter months, the same walk can take an hour more than in the dry season, and the gorillas may shelter under trees during downpours. The drier months bring firmer trails, though dew and showers still keep the undergrowth wet. Read what happens if it rains on your trekking day.
Dressing for Bwindi’s weather
Layers are the answer to Bwindi’s mix of cold starts, warm climbs and sudden showers. A long-sleeved quick-drying base layer, a light fleece and a hooded waterproof jacket cover almost any day, with long trousers, gaiters and waterproof boots for the wet undergrowth. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and cold. In the evenings, a warm jumper and long trousers are welcome at the lodge. See what to wear for gorilla trekking and rain gear for gorilla trekking.
Frequently asked questions
Cool rather than cold. Early mornings and nights are around 10–15°C, cooler in Ruhija, so bring a fleece and a warm layer for evenings.
April and May are usually the wettest, with another wet spell from September to November. Rain is possible in any month.
Temperatures change little through the year; rainfall is what varies. The drier months bring firmer trails and fewer storms.
Yes. Under the forest canopy it is often humid, especially on climbs, which is why breathable, quick-drying clothing helps.
