Best time to visit Bwindi and southwest Uganda
You can visit Bwindi in any month, because the park is open all year. What changes is the mud on the trails, the chance of rain and the permit price. Rain can fall in any month. The wetter months are March to May and September to November, and the drier months are June to August and December to February. Drier months mean less slippery paths on the steep ridges.
This page covers Bwindi and the southwest highlands, not the whole country. Other Ugandan parks lie in different regions, and their weather is covered in their own guides. If you are still choosing a date, compare the Bwindi gorilla tours for the months you are considering.
Bwindi weather by month
Long-term monthly averages for Kabale, a highland town outside the park. They guide the region, not each sector.
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24.2 | 10.8 | 65.4 |
| February | 24.7 | 10.9 | 81.1 |
| March | 24.3 | 11.2 | 112.8 |
| April | 23.7 | 11.9 | 139.8 |
| May | 23.3 | 11.9 | 97.6 |
| June | 23.6 | 9.9 | 28.5 |
| July | 24.1 | 9.3 | 20.0 |
| August | 24.5 | 10.3 | 54.4 |
| September | 24.7 | 10.7 | 99.2 |
| October | 24.1 | 11.5 | 111.1 |
| November | 23.4 | 11.4 | 117.4 |
| December | 23.6 | 11.0 | 88.6 |
For most trekkers, June to August is the easiest window if you want firmer ground, and December to February is the second choice. If your dates are fixed in the wetter months, you can still trek: pack rain gear and boots with a good grip.
Our pick: a Bwindi trek with Lake Mburo
A three-day trip with the permit in the price, which you can plan around the drier months.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Gorilla trips to Bwindi through the year
Gorilla treks and multi-day safaris to Bwindi, with live prices and availability for the month you pick. Check whether the permit and park fees are included.
What the weather means for a trek
Altitude, mud and layers.
Altitude and cool mornings
The park rises from about 1,160 m to roughly 2,600 to 2,700 m. Mornings and nights are cool, so bring layers even in the drier months. The packing list shows what to take.
Mud and steep ground
The trails run on steep ridges and in deep valleys. After rain they are slippery, which makes the walk slower rather than impossible.
Rain in any month
Rain can fall in any month. Carry a waterproof layer and a cover for your camera and phone every time.
The 2026 outlook
The national weather service's outlook for September to December 2026 points to near or above normal rainfall in parts of the west. That does not by itself close roads or cancel treks. Pack for rain and ask your operator about the roads before you travel.
Best time to visit Uganda for permits and prices
The season also affects what you pay and how flexible the booking is.
Standard permit
The gorilla trekking permit is $800 for foreign non-residents under the UWA tariff for July 2024 to December 2026. Check the current amount before booking, and check whether a tour price includes the permit and park fees. See gorilla permits.
April, May and November
Reduced permits of $600 for foreign non-residents and $500 for foreign residents are announced for these months. They cannot be rebooked to another date. Check the current price and terms before you pay.
Payment
Since 1 March 2026 there is no unpaid 7-day reservation. Permits are paid in full when you book, so book only when your dates are fixed.
Booking ahead
Plan the permit first and the flights and lodge after it. A permit date cannot be moved easily, and the booking terms limit changes.
Weather elsewhere in Uganda
For parks in other regions, see the weather pages of Queen Elizabeth, Kibale and Murchison Falls.
Best time to visit Bwindi: frequently asked questions
When is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
You can trek all year. June to August has the least rain in the long-term averages for Kabale, followed by December to February. The wetter months are March to May and September to November.
Does it rain every month in Bwindi?
Yes, rain can fall in any month, even in the drier months. Always carry rain gear.
How cold does it get?
Lows are about 9 to 12 °C in the long-term averages for Kabale, and highs are about 23 to 25 °C. Bwindi is higher in places, so mornings and evenings feel cooler.
Is a trek more likely to succeed in the dry season?
Nothing can be promised for any season, because gorilla families move through the forest. Good chances are all an operator can honestly offer.
Are permits cheaper in some months?
Reduced permits of $600 for foreign non-residents are announced for April, May and November. They cannot be rebooked. Check the current price and terms with your operator.
Does this cover the whole of Uganda?
No, it covers Bwindi and the southwest highlands. Parks in other regions have their own weather and are covered in their own guides.