Updated 15 October 2026

The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the drier months of June to September and December to February, when forest trails are firmer and easier to walk. But gorillas can be seen all year, and the wetter months of April, May and November have a real advantage: the permit costs US$600 instead of US$800, and lodges and permits are easier to book. The right time depends on what you value more: easier trails, or a lower price and a quieter forest.

Bwindi and Mgahinga lie close to the equator but high in the hills, so temperatures change little through the year; what changes is the rain. Here is how each season affects your trek, a month-by-month guide and what else to consider when choosing your dates.

Best Time to Visit Uganda for Gorilla Trekking

Month-by-month guide

The drier months: June–September and December–February

These are the most popular months for good reason. With less rain, the trails through Bwindi’s steep valleys are firmer, streams are lower and the hike is easier on your legs and less likely to involve sliding down clay slopes. Drier months also suit savannah parks such as Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, where animals gather around water and roads are in better condition, so a combined safari works especially well.

The downside is demand. Each gorilla family takes only eight visitors a day, so permits for July, August and the Christmas holidays can sell out months ahead, along with the best lodges. If you want to travel in these months, book your permit as soon as your dates are fixed — ideally four to six months ahead, and earlier for groups. In 2027, the Africa Cup of Nations (19 June–18 July) will add extra demand for flights and hotels around Kampala. See planning for 2027.

The wetter months: March–May and October–November

The rain does not stop gorilla trekking. Treks run every day, and the gorillas are found just as reliably, but the experience is harder. April and May are usually the wettest months, with heavy afternoon storms; trails become slippery red clay, streams swell and the same walk can take an hour longer than in July. Mornings are often clear, and many treks finish before the heaviest rain arrives.

In return, you get the US$600 low-season permit in April, May and November, quieter forest and lodges, and often lower lodge rates. The forest is at its greenest, and the gorillas are sometimes found closer to the forest edge, feeding on fresh growth. If you are reasonably fit, bring good waterproof boots, gaiters and a proper rain jacket, and hire a porter, the wet season can be excellent value. See what happens if it rains on your trekking day and rain gear for gorilla trekking.

Temperature and altitude

Because Bwindi sits between about 1,160 and 2,607 m, it is cooler than many visitors expect. Daytime temperatures are usually in the low to mid 20s °C, while early mornings and nights can drop to around 10°C, and colder in the high Ruhija sector. Mgahinga, on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, is cooler still. This pattern is much the same all year, so pack warm layers whatever month you travel. See our gorilla trekking packing list.

Other things to time around

If you are combining gorillas with other experiences, they may tip the balance. Birdwatchers often prefer November to April, when migrant species from Europe and Asia join Uganda’s resident birds and many species are in breeding colours. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale works all year but, like gorilla trekking, is easier in the drier months. Climbing in the Rwenzori Mountains is best in the drier periods, especially June–August and December–February.

Your own calendar matters too. School holidays in Europe and North America push up demand in July, August and around Christmas, while January, February and September offer dry-season conditions with slightly less competition for permits. For travellers who are flexible, early June, late September and early December are often a good balance of weather and availability.

How the season affects your photos

Photographers often prefer overcast days in the forest, because bright sunlight breaking through the canopy creates harsh contrast on the gorillas’ black fur. The wetter months bring more cloud and softer light, and the vegetation is a vivid green, while the drier months bring more sunshine and sometimes hazy skies from burning in farmland. Rain itself is the main risk to your gear, so whatever the month, carry a dry bag and rain cover for your camera. See photography spots in Uganda.

Holidays and events that affect travel

A few dates in Uganda’s calendar change how busy the roads and hotels are. Uganda Martyrs’ Day on 3 June draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to Namugongo, near Kampala, and roads around the city are extremely busy in the days around it. Christmas, New Year and Easter are family holidays when domestic travel increases and lodges fill. In 2027, the Africa Cup of Nations brings football fans to Kampala and Hoima from 19 June to 18 July. None of these affects gorilla trekking itself, but they are worth knowing when you plan arrival days and city stays.

So when should you go?

If you want the easiest trekking and plan to add savannah parks, go between June and September or December and February, and book early. If you are on a budget, flexible and comfortable with mud, April, May and November give you the same gorillas for US$200 less per permit, with quieter forests. Whichever you choose, arrive at your lodge the day before your trek and pack for rain. For booking details, see how gorilla permits work.

Frequently asked questions