May is one of the wetter months for gorilla trekking in Uganda, at the end of the long rains, though rainfall often eases as the month goes on. The gorilla permit costs US$600 instead of US$800, permits and lodges are easy to book, and the forest is lush and quiet.

Trails are muddy and showers are likely most days, so the trek can be harder than in the dry season, but gorillas are found just as reliably. Late May can be a sweet spot, with less rain than April and the low-season price still in place.

Weather in May

Temperatures at Bwindi stay mild all year, roughly 10–15°C at dawn and low to mid 20s°C in the afternoon. In May, rain still falls on many days, often as afternoon storms, but there are also more dry spells, especially towards the end of the month as the long rains give way to the drier season starting in June. Mist in the valleys and clear mornings are common. See our guide to weather at Bwindi.

Trekking in May

Expect wet, slippery paths, especially on steep sections, and sometimes swollen streams. Good boots, gaiters and a walking stick help, and a porter, at about US$15–20, makes a big difference. The gorillas are tracked every morning as usual, and in the wet season they sometimes stay closer to the forest edge where fresh growth is plentiful. Treks start with the briefing at about 7:30 am, and many finish before the heaviest afternoon rain. See our guide to trekking in the rain.

Advantages of May

The US$600 permit saves US$200 per person, and many lodges offer green-season rates. Availability is good across all sectors, so you can often choose your sector and book a few weeks ahead, which suits groups and last-minute planners. The forest is at its greenest, waterfalls are full, and birding is excellent. Lodges are quiet, and you will often have the trails and the gorillas’ hour largely to your group. See our guide to finding genuine low-season deals.

Things to plan for

Allow extra time on dirt roads, which can be slow after heavy rain, and leave buffers around domestic flights, which can be delayed by low cloud. Savanna parks such as Queen Elizabeth still offer good game viewing, though grass is long. Pack a waterproof jacket and trousers, waterproof boots, gloves, a camera rain cover and a dry bag. Uganda’s Martyrs Day on 3 June brings heavy traffic around Kampala, worth noting if your trip runs into early June; see our guide to public holidays.

May or another month?

If you want the lower price with slightly better weather than April, late May is a good compromise. If you would rather have firmer trails and do not mind paying more and booking earlier, June to September is drier. Compare April and June, or read our main guide to the best time for gorilla trekking.

Frequently asked questions

May Permits and Last-Minute Availability

May is one of the few months in the Bwindi trekking calendar where genuinely last-minute permit bookings (within 2 to 4 weeks of the trek date) are sometimes possible — a direct result of the reduced visitor numbers that the end of the long rains brings. Travellers with flexible schedules who decide to visit Uganda on short notice have a better chance of securing a May permit through direct UWA booking than at almost any other time of year. Tour operators who have pre-allocated permit stocks may also be willing to release May dates at reduced package rates as the month approaches.

The End-of-Rains Opportunity

Late May — from around the third week — often marks the end of the long rains and the beginning of the first dry season. This transition period catches experienced travellers who specifically target the final weeks of May: permit availability is still good, prices have not yet reflected the dry season premium, and the forest is at its most lush and verdant before the dry season begins to reduce moisture levels. The combination of good availability, shoulder-season pricing, and exceptional forest conditions makes late May one of Uganda’s most underrated trekking windows.