Uganda Weather & Climate: Monthly Averages

Earning the title of 'The Pearl of Africa', Uganda is home to magnificently rich landscapes, green pastures, and an expansive range of wildlife. From the lush national parks overlooking the Nile River to the snowy peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains—Uganda truly has it all.

Climate and Seasons

Situated along the Equator, Uganda is an equatorial country with consistent temperatures throughout the year, although Uganda’s climate can be subdivided into four—tropical rain forest, tropical monsoon, tropical savannah, and the hot, arid steppe. Being a tropical country, Uganda has only two seasons, namely the dry season and the rainy season. The rainy season usually runs from March to May and from October to December. In southern Uganda, temperatures on average are lower, resulting in more frequent rains than northern Uganda.

Uganda is sunny most of the year with temperatures rarely rising above 29°C (84°F). The average annual temperature is about 26°C (79°F).

Rainfall Patterns

In terms of precipitation, April is Uganda’s wettest month, while February is the driest. Rainfall in April ranges from 92 mm (3.6 in) in Mbarara to heavy in Entebbe with 266 mm (10 in). Meanwhile, rainfall in February ranges from 35 mm (1.4 in) in Gulu to 83 mm (3.3 in) in Entebbe. The rainy season occurs twice a year from March till May and from October till November. Light rain season falls in November and December. Dry seasons are from December to February and June to August.

Top Attractions in Uganda

Certainly, the most popular tourist destinations in Uganda are the national parks that also serve as gorilla sanctuaries. As the mountain gorilla is endangered, it is only found in the African countries of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. In the Ugandan setting, gorillas can be seen in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi National Park, housing an average of 400 gorillas.

Is Uganda Hot?

Although Uganda is an equatorial country, it enjoys moderate temperatures throughout the year in contrast to its neighboring countries. This is in part due to Uganda's steep elevation, as well as the breeze emanating from lakes surrounding the country.

As a matter of fact, Uganda's geographical position in the world can be visited in a tourist destination of the same name, the Uganda Equator. Dubbed one of the best safari destinations in the country, the Uganda Equator is where travelers can stand with one leg in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere.

Best Time to Visit Uganda

The best time to visit Uganda would be from December to late February and from June to September, as these are the sunniest months of the year. Traveling during the wet season would not be as worthwhile, as transportation can get stuck in muddy roads.