The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is between June and August, and December and February. This is the best time to see the majestic mountain gorillas, for which Bwindi Forest is known. Also, these are the driest months with the best chances of sunny skies and clear days, although showers are always possible.
Summary of when to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Best Time – June to August and December to February (The trails are drier making gorilla trekking easy).
- High Season – June to September
- Low Season – March to May and October to November
- Worst Weather – March to May and September to November (High rainfall results in trails becoming muddy and slippery)
- Best Weather – June to July and December to February (fewer rain showers)
Climate of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park enjoys tropical climate which means regular weather patterns are hard to predict, and you should expect some mist and short downpours even during the dry season.
Uganda’s proximity to the equator means temperatures are generally mild and constant throughout the year, with temperatures ranging around 23°C in the day and dropping to roughly 11°C at night. At the higher altitudes, temperatures tend to be lower. Rain is consistent, but considerably less intense from June to August and again between December and February.
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Rain falls throughout the year at Bwindi, and short downpours are possible even during the dry season. The park’s annual rainfall ranges from 1,400 to 1,900mm, but it is generally lower during the dry seasons of June to August and December to February.
During the rainy seasons running from March to May and October to November, the forest trails can be slippery and harder to pass, there are more mosquitoes, and the misty and wet conditions may cloud some of the spectacular views of the forest. During the heavy rains, conditions for gorilla trekking are not great. But this is a popular time for birding in Bwindi Forest as the rains bring migratory birds to the park.
The rainy season months are considered quiet months as there are fewer travelers in the country, and so some of the lodges in Bwindi Forest may be closed, although they remain open and offer off-season discounted rates. For the gorilla permits, their price doesn’t change.
When to visit Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking?
During the rainy seasons running from March to May and October to November, the trekking conditions are more difficult as the forest trails can be slippery and trickier to traverse. Also, the mosquitoes can distract you from the trek.
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Note: Cloudy weather conditions can hamper some of the spectacular views.
Gorilla trekking during the dry seasons of June to August, and December to February will maximize your chances of getting the best conditions for trekking mountain gorillas. However, clear skies are not guaranteed at any time of year, and showers are always possible.
When to visit Bwindi for Bird Watching?
The rainy seasons, from March to May and October to November, are a great time for bird watching in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The park is home to about 350 recorded species of birds, including 23 endemic species such as the Regal sunbird, Handsome Spurfowl, Ruwenzori nightjar, and Black bee-eater, among others. Also, migratory birds arrive in Bwindi Forest from November to April.
When to visit Bwindi to enjoy the off-season discount?
June to August is the peak season in Uganda, with the higher demand for gorilla trekking permits results into less chances of securing your gorilla permit, that is if you did not book in advance.
During the rainy seasons, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest attracts fewer visitors, and some lodges close for renovations, while others offer tempting off-season discounts.
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Note: Gorilla Permit Prices do not change throughout the year, but the trekking experience can be more intimate and personal in the off-season due to smaller group sizes.
For travelers who cannot be disturbed by the rain showers and slippery trails, gorilla trekking during the rainy seasons can provide great value for money.
Month–by–Month Guide to the Best Time to Visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
January (Peak/Dry Season, Weather)
January is part of the short dry season, making it one of the best times to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Trails are less muddy, allowing for easier treks through the misty rainforests. Temperatures may be warm, hovering around highs of 84°F (29°C) to a low of 67°F (19°C). But the higher altitudes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are cooler and offer a comfortable trekking experience.
Due to the tropical climate, expect some rainfall, but it is unlikely to disrupt your gorilla adventure.
Since January is part of the peak season, it is crucial to book gorilla permits and accommodations well in advance.
February (Dry Season – Peak Season, best weather)
February is still within dry season, this month sees a slight decrease in crowds making it a fantastic time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Temperatures in Bwindi Forest typically range from highs of 85°F (29°C) to lows of 69°F (20°C).
February is also a prime month for bird watching in Bwindi Forest.
March (Wet Season, bad weather)
The month marks the start of the long rainy season and the low travel season in Uganda. Daytime temperatures average around 23°C/73°F, with morning temperatures around 12°C/54°F.
If you are looking for a best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see mountain gorillas on a budget, March is worth considering. You will find lower prices on accommodations and chances of availability for gorilla permits are greater.
Though the trekking trails can become muddier, the rain usually comes in shorter bursts, leaving you with ample time for a rewarding gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
April & May (Wet Season, worst weather)
April and May experience the heaviest rainfall of the year, with daytime temperatures averaging around 23°C/73°F and mornings around 12°C/54°F. The rains make trails particularly challenging for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest.
While not the ideal time for most travelers, there are advantages to enjoy that is if you don’t mind the rain. Gorilla Permits are more readily available and you will enjoy discounted rates on accommodation.
June & July (Peak/Dry Season, best weather)
June and July mark the start of the peak season and the prime gorilla trekking season in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. These months offer the best weather conditions with minimal rainfall and easily navigable trails. Temperatures range from highs of 78°F (25°C) to lows of 67°F (19°C).
Since this is a popular time to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking, book gorilla permits well in advance and be prepared for potentially higher costs.
From July onward, the drier conditions make it the best time to see gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
August (Peak/Dry Season, good weather)
August is considered the best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see mountain gorillas. It is part of the dry season, with minimal rain and high temperatures of 79°F (26°C) and lows of 66°F (19°C).
In this month, trails are easiest to navigate. Though rainfall is possible at any time of the day in Bwindi Forest, August offers optimal weather for gorilla trekking.
September (end of peak season, fairly good weather)
September marks a transition from dry to rainy seasons, making the weather less predictable. Expect some rain showers during your gorilla trekking, but dry spells are possible. Temperatures in this month range from highs of 80°F (26°C) to lows of 67°F (19°C).
While trekking remains possible year-round, be prepared for rain when visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking in September.
Still, September is considered peak season. So book your gorilla permits and accommodations well in advance to avoid limited availability.
October & November (Low/wet season, worst weather)
October marks the beginning of the shoulder season in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with lodges offering discounted rates and better availability for gorilla permits. However, expect frequent, heavy rainfall. While temperatures stay warm, averaging highs of 78°F (26°C) and lows of 66°F (19°C). Navigating trails in Bwindi Forest can be difficult, making this a less-than-ideal time to see mountain gorillas.
These months are also good for birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
December (Peak/dry season, best weather)
December marks the beginning of another dry season with temperatures averaging highs of 80°F (27°C) and lows of 66°F (19°C), making it a great time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This month, trails become easier to navigate, and the lush landscapes offer incredible photography opportunities.
Because this month is part of the festive season and experiences good weather conditions, the demand for gorilla permits increases. So, book your gorilla permits and accommodation well in advance.
Dreaming of misty trails and a face-to-face moment with mountain gorillas? Our team at GoExplore Safaris is here to help you plan a seamless journey into the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. From choosing the right season to crafting a trek you'll never forget — this is where your adventure begins.
