The Best Time to See Gorillas
When to go gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda
“The best time to see gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda 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.
The best time to see gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda? – Climate, seasons and best months to visit.
Gorilla trekking conditions, climate, and tourism seasons are more or less the same in both Uganda and Rwanda. Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity, but there are some important consideration when timing your trip.
Generally, the best weather is during the two dry seasons, which run from June – September, and December – February. Still, you can still expect some rain during these periods, but conditions are generally more comfortable and the trails less muddy.
Of the two, 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’s Volcanoes National Park.
That said, gorilla tourism remains open year-round. During the rainy/off season, it will be much quieter and you might find some good deals. Normally lodges offer discounted rates as well as tour operators.
The Best Time to See Gorillas 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 you are visiting a rainforest, so by definition it will be wet all year round. 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 travellers preferred months to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
During March and May, and again from December 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 exertion of hiking and climbing will keep you warm during the day.
The advantages of visiting in the dry season are less muddy paths, easier hiking and clearer views of the wildlife. The disadvantages is that this is peak gorilla tracking season and therefore availability for gorilla permits is lower. You will need to book well in advance.
Peak Season and when to book
Peak tourism seasons in Rwanda are June to August and around Christmas and New Year. If you plan to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda during peak season or if you are in large group, you should book six months or more in advance. The earlier you book the more choice you have on where you trek and where you stay. Last minute bookings may be possible during low season or with smaller groups.
Aside from more choice in permit and accommodation availability, there are some other pros to visiting during rainy season – not least that smaller group sizes allow a more intimate tracking experience.
If you have little time it is, in theory, possible to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda in just one day. If you fly in very early in the morning. However, it is strongly recommended to spend at least two or three days in the region. The altitude and exertion of the climb can be unpleasant when rushed, and it is worth spending some time acclimatizing. And besides, there is so much more to Rwanda than just one hour with the gorillas.
The Best Time to See Gorillas in Uganda
Following Rwanda’s almost doubling the price of gorilla trekking permits, it has become more difficult to secure gorilla permits in Uganda.
If you plan to travel during peak season or if you are in a large group. I strongly recommended you book six months or even a year in advance. Peak seasons are June to October and Christmas and the New Year. The earlier you book the more choice may be possible during low season or with smaller groups, but cannot be guaranteed.
You can track gorillas in Uganda throughout the year, however, rainfall is heavier in November and April/May. During these times, it can be very muddy underfoot. The advantage is that permits are a little easier to obtain plus you may find fewer tourists on your trail which some travellers prefer.
Gorilla Permit Availability
Gorilla permits and accommodation during the peak season months of June – August sell out a long way in advance. If you are set on visiting during the peak months, you need to book at least a year in advance.
