Bwindi Forest Gorilla Tours

Best Time to See Gorillas

The Best Time to See Gorillas 

When to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda & Uganda

Best Time to See Gorillas
Mountain Gorilla in Volcanoes National Park

As a gorilla expert, the best time to see gorillas in Rwanda & Uganda are during the dry (but hot) seasons between June – September, and December – February.

High / peak season: June-August.

Low season: April-May and September to November.

Best weather: Between June-September, and between December-February.

Worst weather: Between March-May and September-November.

When to see gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda?

Climate, seasons and best months to visit

The climate, gorilla trekking conditions and tourism seasons are similar in both Rwanda and Uganda. Gorilla trekking is a year round activity, but there are some important considerations when timing your trip.

Generally, the overall best weather is during the two dry seasons, which run from June – September, and December – February. Still you can expect some rains during these periods, but conditions are generally more comfortable and the trails are less muddy.

Of the two seasons, June – September are the driest, with light showers during December – February.

The rainy seasons, from March – May and September – November, can be very soggy. March – May brings the heaviest rains, and the going can be tough – especially in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is generally steeper, muddier and more dense than in Rwanda. That being said, gorilla tourism is open year-round. It will be much quieter during the rainy/off season and you might find some good deals.

Traveler Tip – the advantage of visiting during the “Shoulder” period either side of the rainy season, when prices are lower, crowds are lighter and the rains might be easing off.

Best Time to See Gorillas
Silverback in Volcanoes National Park

When to go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done year-round, however, rainfall is heavier in September – November and March – May, when paths can become muddy and difficult to hike. Always remember that it can be wet all year round in the rainforest.

That said, there is still a marked difference between the dry and rainy seasons. The weather is generally drier and hotter between June and September, and again from December to February. These are preferred months to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

During March and May, and again from September to November you can expect more frequent and heavier rain showers. Muddy roads and paths can become tricky to handle.

Temperatures are fixed year round between 21°C (70 F) and 30°C (86 F), dropping to 10°C (50 F) at higher altitudes. Although chilly at night, the

 

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