Uganda is a landlocked, equatorial country with a favorable climate suitable for visiting year-round, receiving 1,000 to 2,000 mm of rainfall annually. Daytime temperatures average around 21.5°C (71°F), dropping to about 12°C (54°F) at night. Rwanda has a similar climate, averaging around 22°C in the day and 12°C at night, with comparable annual rainfall.
Dry season (June to September, and December to February): the best overall window for trekking in both countries. Weather is mostly sunny, vegetation is thinner, roads are easier to use, and trails are less muddy, making for clearer views and easier hiking. This is peak season, so book permits and lodges well in advance, since accommodation fills up quickly.
Wet season (mid-March to the end of May, and October to November): mountain gorillas have more food available at lower elevations, making them easier to find since they don’t need to climb as high. However, rain can make roads harder to use and trails muddy and slippery. On the upside, many lodges offer discounted rates, gorilla permits are easier to secure, sometimes even within the same month as your trek, and October and November are particularly good for birding, since migratory birds from North Africa and Europe are present, and for photography, thanks to lush, green vegetation.
Since gorilla habitats sit within tropical rainforest, rain is possible even during the dry season, so it’s worth packing for wet weather regardless of when you visit (see the packing list above). See our full guides on the best time to visit Uganda and best time to visit Rwanda.
Gorilla Trekking Month by Month
- January: Dry and sunny, with easy trails and active gorillas. A strong month for photography.
- February: Still dry season; smooth trekking conditions, though a busy period, so book early.
- March: Rains begin; trails get muddier, but the forest turns green. Fewer visitors and lower prices.
- April: Heavy rains make trekking harder, though gorillas often stay lower and easier to reach. Good for budget-conscious travelers.
- May: Still wet, easing toward month’s end. A strong period for birding.
- June: Start of the long dry season, with clear skies and firm trails, one of the best months to trek.
- July: Continued dry, sunny weather; a peak season, so book early.
- August: Another strong dry month with clear paths and good photography conditions.
- September: Dry season winding down, with occasional light rain; quieter than July and August.
- October: Rains return, trails get muddier, and visitor numbers and prices drop.
- November: Rain continues but more moderate; a calmer trekking period.
- December: Short dry season begins, an excellent month for trekking, though busy with holiday travelers, so book early.
