August is one of the best times to visit Uganda, thanks to its warm temperatures and lack of precipitation. Once deep in forests and savannas, wildlife will be easy to spot congregating at watering holes, and trails and roads will be in good condition. Book accommodation and permits early to avoid missing out and pack layers for the cooler evenings, and you'll find August a superb time to visit Uganda.

Weather

With an average temperature of 77ºF (25ºC) throughout the country and only the occasional rain shower, August is considered one of the best months to travel to Uganda in terms of weather. Mornings and evenings dip to around 58ºF (14ºC), perfect for hiking, while the warm daytime highs are perfect for game drives. Toward the end of August, you'll see more rain, especially in the northern region around Gulu, so you'll want to pack plenty of layers and be prepared for the unexpected. However, unlike the rainy season, you won't have to worry about rain interfering with your travel plans.

Crowds & Costs

August is one of the most popular times to visit Uganda, and with the influx of visitors comes an increase in price and limited availability for accommodations and permits. Trekking in search of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park is especially popular, and booking a tour at least a few months in advance is recommended to avoid missing out.

It's also harder to travel on a budget in August, as lodges across the country and national parks fill up fast, and scoring a good deal becomes almost impossible. Flight prices will also be higher, and once-quiet towns will be bustling with visitors. Even so, Uganda doesn't receive the high tourist numbers as other popular African countries, and you can still enjoy intimate moments with the country's wildlife without the crowds.

Where to Go

Pleasant temperatures and minimal precipitation make August one of the best times to tour Uganda's National Parks. In the north, head to Murchison Falls National Park, located at the end of the Albertine Rift Valley and famous for its roaring waterfall cascading down a 148-foot (45 m) drop. Also in northern Uganda is Kidepo National Park, where elephants, zebras, and lions roam the plains, and birds of prey soar above, looking for their next meal.

Next, head south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the most famous in Uganda for its population of lions, leopards, Nile crocodiles, and elephants. Opt for a safari along the Kasenyi Sector and take a water safari along the Kazinga Channel for your best chance at spotting these spectacular animals. Nearby, you can visit the less famous but equally as exciting Kalinzu Central Nature Reserve to watch blue, velvet, and colobus monkeys play high in the trees.

Continuing to the south of Uganda, you'll arrive in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. With little precipitation over the past two months, the roads will be easily navigable, and it'll be less challenging to hike through the forests searching for mountain gorillas. The same is true of Mgahinga National Park, and while you'll want to pack warm layers for the cooler mountain temperatures, August is a great time to spend a full day searching for wildlife. Before heading home, spend a few days in Entebbe and Kampala to learn about local culture and enjoy the unique blend of old and new.

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What to Do

There's hardly a better time for wildlife lovers to visit Uganda than August. As small creeks and wetlands have mainly dried up due to the previous two months' lack of rain, animals congregate along rivers and watering holes, making them significantly easier to spot. Opt for a two-week Uganda National Parks trip and embark on game drives and walking safaris in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, and other less-known national parks. Then relax during the warm afternoons.

For those looking to get deep into Uganada's wilderness, head south to go trekking in search of mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Plan for a full-day experience where you'll hike alongside an expert guide through village gardens and thick bush until you encounter a family of mountain gorillas. Once you've spotted the troop, enjoy an hour of uninterrupted time watching these great apes play, feed, and interact with one another before trekking back to the base.

Besides wildlife, there's plenty to do in Uganda if you want to learn about local culture. At the Batwa Pygmy Cultural Experience, you'll learn about the customs and history of the displaced Batwa people. At the Kasoga Community Experience, you can try your hand at milking cows and escorting them through the bush. Then, in Kampala, do as the locals do and shop and socialize at the Buganda Craft Market. Or, tour Kabaka's Palace and stop by the Ndere Cultural Center to learn more about Uganda's history.

Events in August

The Nile Festival, Jinja. Over four days, locals and visitors celebrate the River Nile through storytelling, parade, workshops, and children's activities. It's also a tradition for kayakers and rafters to float down the river in a party-like atmosphere.

Bayimba International Festival of the Arts, Lunkulu Island. Each August, the shores of Lake Victoria come to life with music, cinema, theater, dance, and more put on by local and East African artists.

Traveling to Uganda in August? Check out these great itineraries

Uganda's National Parks: Kidepo to Bwindi - 14 Days. Split your time between Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks on this wildlife-focused itinerary for nature lovers.

Uganda Mountain Gorilla Adventure: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - 4 Days. On this bucket list adventure, you'll search the forest for mountain gorillas, baboons, chimpanzees, and elephants.

More Helpful Information

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