The best time to visit Buhoma for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. Trails are drier, roads are in better condition, and trekking is less physically demanding. However, gorilla trekking operates every day of the year, and the rainy season offers fewer crowds, lush scenery, and easier permit availability.
Quick Facts
- Best Dry Season:
- June–September
- Short Dry Season:
- December–February
- Long Rains:
- March–May
- Short Rains:
- October–November
- Gorilla Trekking:
- Year-round (daily)
- Peak Tourist Season:
- Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
- Temperature Range:
- 12–27°C (54–81°F)
- Annual Rainfall:
- ~1,400–1,900 mm
Dry Season: June to September
The long dry season from June to September is the most popular time to visit Buhoma. This period coincides with summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing the highest number of international visitors.
What to expect:
- Daytime temperatures of 20 to 27°C (68 to 81°F)
- Cool nights around 12 to 15°C (54 to 59°F)
- Minimal rainfall, though brief showers are still possible in the forest
- Firmer, less muddy trekking trails
- Better road conditions for the drive to Buhoma
- Highest demand for permits — book 3 to 6 months ahead
- Higher lodge rates at many properties
July and August are typically the driest months. September may see some transitional rain toward the end of the month as the short rainy season approaches.
Short Dry Season: December to February
The short dry season is another excellent window for visiting Buhoma. December and January are particularly popular with visitors on Christmas and New Year holidays.
What to expect:
- Warm days with temperatures reaching 25 to 27°C (77 to 81°F)
- Cooler nights around 13 to 16°C (55 to 61°F)
- Generally dry conditions with occasional light showers
- Good trekking conditions, trails are mostly firm
- Popular with European visitors over the holidays
- Permits should be booked 2 to 4 months in advance
February is often slightly less crowded than December and January, making it a sweet spot for good weather and moderate visitor numbers.
Rainy Season: March to May
The long rainy season from March to May is the wettest period in Buhoma. April tends to be the rainiest month. Despite the rain, gorilla trekking continues daily and there are genuine advantages to visiting during this period.
What to expect:
- Frequent rain, often in heavy afternoon downpours
- Mornings are usually drier — treks start at 8:00 AM
- Very muddy trails — expect to slip and slide
- Lush, incredibly green forest scenery
- Significantly fewer tourists
- Better permit availability, sometimes on short notice
- Many lodges offer discounted rates (20 to 40% lower)
- Excellent birdwatching with migratory species present
- Roads can be challenging — a 4x4 is essential
Short Rainy Season: October to November
The short rainy season brings moderate rainfall. October typically sees more rain than November, and conditions are generally less intense than the March-to-May period.
What to expect:
- Moderate rainfall, lighter than the long rains
- Warm temperatures, 20 to 26°C (68 to 79°F)
- Trails can be muddy but usually manageable
- Fewer visitors than peak season
- Good permit availability
- Transitional weather — some days are perfectly dry
- Migratory birds begin arriving from November
Month-by-Month Summary
| Month | Season | Trekking | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Dry | Excellent | High |
| February | Dry | Excellent | Moderate |
| March | Wet (transitional) | Good to muddy | Low |
| April | Wet (peak rains) | Muddy, challenging | Low |
| May | Wet (easing) | Muddy | Low |
| June | Dry (start) | Very good | High |
| July | Dry | Excellent | Very high |
| August | Dry | Excellent | Very high |
| September | Dry (end) | Very good | High |
| October | Wet (short rains) | Variable | Moderate |
| November | Wet (easing) | Good to muddy | Moderate |
| December | Dry | Excellent | High |
Click any month for a detailed guide to conditions, village life, and what to expect.
Rainy Season vs. Dry Season: Which Should You Choose?
Choose the dry season if: You want the easiest trekking conditions, are less flexible with dates, prefer reliable weather for photography, or are combining Buhoma with other Uganda destinations that are weather-dependent (like game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park).
Choose the rainy season if: You want fewer crowds, more flexible permit booking, lower accommodation costs, dramatic moody photography conditions, the greenest possible scenery, or are an avid birdwatcher. You should be comfortable with mud, rain, and longer treks.
Regardless of when you visit, remember that Bwindi is a tropical rainforest. Even in the dry season, pack a quality rain jacket and waterproof your camera equipment. The forest creates its own microclimate, and showers can appear at any time.
