Uganda is praised by many travelers as having the best weather in the world! But how true is this? Well, to put it into perspective, you can have your shirt off all day and stay shirtless in the night without feeling any serious discomfort. Where in the world can you have this luxury?
Located in the tropics, Uganda is blessed to have amazing weather that is simply warm during day and cool at night.
If therefore you are planning a trip to Uganda, weather should not be a big concern but rather the good weather should be one of the reasons to visit for a safari in Murchison Falls, gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking.
What is Uganda’s weather really like?
Uganda is located along the equator receiving direct sunshine throughout the year. One would think with the direct sunshine Uganda would be a hot country with burning temperatures, but the suitably tagged “Pearl of Africa” enjoys some of the most pleasant temperatures throughout the year, the average temperature being about 27oC (81oF) during the day and dropping to about 23oC (73oF) in the night.
As you plan to travel to Uganda however, note there will be not-so-significant variations in weather and temperatures through the different regions of Uganda.
Central Uganda – average warm weather
You can experience the best weather in Uganda in the central region, especially around Lake Victoria. The cool breeze of the lake soothing away the intensity of the sun’s rays kissing your skin, and maintaining a warmth under the direct sun while a coolness under shade.
If you luck the melanin you have to apply the sunscreen.
The temperature averages 26 – 27oC (81oF). However, some months are a little hot with temperature rising to 28 – 29oC (84oF). Check here for Uganda’s weather seasons.
The more than warm Northern and Eastern Uganda
As you head farther to the north and north east, the temperatures increase gradually as the altitude drops. The far north east is basically semi-arid with relatively higher temperatures. This (northeast) is the hottest part of Uganda with temperatures rising up as high as to 30oC (86oF) during March which is the hottest month.
The north and north east are Uganda’s prime safari regions hosting two safari parks (Murchison Falls National Park & Kidepo Valley National Park). Therefore, you should expect warmer temperatures if you are visiting Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park during the dry seasons (summer).
The chilly and cold West & Southern Uganda
Farther south and western, the temperatures drop gradually due to the increase in the elevation near the Rwenzori mountains and Virunga mountains. The southwestern region has a landscape of rolling highlands. The temperatures are cooler during day and chilly in the evening and morning. Average day temperatures here are 23oC (73oF) and can drop to 16oC (61oF) from evening to early morning.
The chilly southwest is home to the mountains in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. If you plan on doing the famous gorilla trek, expect cool and chilly temperatures. You should carry a sweater for the chilly evenings and mornings.