Most of Uganda has a tropical climate that varies according to altitude. The hottest months are from December to February when the temperature reach 29 degrees Celsius. The rainy seasons are from April to May and October to November, with the wettest month being April. Despite its location to the equator temperatures in some parts of the Uganda can be quite cool owing to the country’s high altitude. The mountain areas become much cooler and the top of Mount Rwenzori is often covered with snow.
Other parts of Uganda are much warmer. There is heavy rain between March and May and between October and November. The best times are December – March and June – September. It can be somewhat rainy then, but not as rainy as in the rainy seasons of March – June. December – February and June -July are the driest times, when things can even be dusty.
Weather in Uganda
Planning to visit Uganda but wondering what its weather is like? Perhaps Uganda is your dream destination and you are not sure what the weather in this country is like. Well, Uganda is situated a stride equator and its weather conditions are very ideal and range from the warmth of the lowland areas to coolness of the highlands in the southwestern side. For long, the temperatures in this magical country range from 29 degrees Celsius with maximum of about 18 to 31 degrees Celsius while its minimum ranges from 15 to 23 degrees Celsius.
For any visitor planning to take a safari in Uganda, two seasons must be put into consideration and they include the dry and wet season. The wet/rainy season for this case is experienced from March to May and this is usually considered as the longest wet season and the short season starts from October to November. The dry season on the hand starts from June to September and from December to February. Looking at the rainfall amount received Uganda’s rainfall ranges between 500 mm and 2500 mm with humidity of about 70 to 100 percent. The rainfall pattern favors two planting and harvesting seasons each year without necessarily using irrigation. 34 percent of Uganda’s terrain is covered with wetlands featuring mostly lakes, rivers and swamps. Besides, it is known for its fertile soil and its weather conditions are modified by expansive Lake Victoria which one of the world’s largest fresh water lake.
Ideally, Uganda is an ideal tourist destination and one can pay a visit at any time of the year. Most importantly, it is perfect for mountain gorilla adventures. Gorilla treks in this magical country are only conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. These parks are located in southwestern side just at a border with the DR Congo. However, there are also other amazing wildlife species for you to catch a glimpse and they include the big game-elephants, leopards, lions plus the rare tree climbing lions, buffaloes, rhinos, antelope families, birds a mention but a few. Usually, the best time to visit Uganda is normally during the dry season as it is characterized by low rainfall amount. During the dry season, rainfall amount ranges from 100 mm and in some areas, rainfall amount received ranges from 1000-2000mm.
Temperatures also differ from towns to towns in Uganda for instance;
Kampala forexample lies at elevation of about 1155 meters and comes with temperature range of about 27 degrees Celsius. Entebbe on the other hand, straddles at elevation of about 1145 meters and high temperatures range by 2 degrees Celsius all year round. The mean temperatures experienced are within 26 degrees Celsius with low temperatures range between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius throughout the year. As you head off to Fort Portal, its altitude is about 1540 meters and features mean temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
Kabale on the other hand lies at altitude of approximately 1950 meters with daily mean temperatures of about 23 degrees Celsius and low temperatures ranges from 9 to 11 degrees Celsius. Gulu-this stands at elevation of about 1110 meters and daily mean temperature of about 29 degrees Celsius. The low temperatures range between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Masindi stands at altitude of approximately 1145 meters and the low temperatures range between 12 and 13 degrees Celsius all year round. Jinja on the other hand features low temperature range of about 14 and 15 degrees Celsius.
In summary, due to its strategic location along equator, Uganda is that one perfect destination that you can pay a visit at any time of the year.