At the beginning of one of Uganda's dry seasons, December is a great month to visit Uganda. National parks will be lush from recent rains while roads and trails are dry and easy to hike, making game drives and walking safaris enjoyable. Be sure to plan ahead, as late December can become busy with tourists, but in return, you can look forward to sunny and warm days perfect for exploring.

Weather

With Uganda's shorter rainy season passed, December brings plenty of sunshine and warm to hot temperatures. You'll still want rain gear on hand as you may encounter a few wet days toward the beginning of the month, especially in the south near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. However, toward late December, trails will be dry and easily navigatable, and the chances of precipitation will decrease. Pack plenty of sunscreen as well, and you can look forward to daytime highs around 79ºF (26ºC) and an average low of 62ºF (17ºC).

Crowds & Costs

December is considered peak season in Uganda and is one of the busiest months of the year in terms of visitor numbers. Along with overseas tourists, December is a popular time for Ugandan families to travel, so you'll want to book well in advance, especially if you plan to travel over Christmas and New Year. With the increase in visitors also comes an increase in prices, and flights, tours, and accommodation will be more expensive than during the previous rainy season. Even so, Uganda never feels overly crowded, and you can still enjoy intimate moments with the country's wildlife.

Where to Go

While you'll want to book ahead to avoid missing out, December is a great time to explore Uganda from top to bottom on an 18-day ultimate Uganda adventure. After arriving at Entebbe International Airport and spending a couple of days exploring the highlights of Kampala, you'll begin your trip to northern Uganda, stopping at Jinja, which is home to the source of the Nile River. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, famous for its powerful waterfall that rages through narrow gorges and drops down 148 feet (45 m), and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the rare white rhino.

Next, switch direction and head south, crossing over the equator to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda's smallest national park but home to the country's largest populations of leopards and zebra. While December isn't considered the ideal time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park due to its lush vegetation that camouflages wildlife, it's still worth stopping by to admire the Rwenzori Mountains and spot migrating birds before continuing your journey to the southwestern corner of Uganda.

With the shorter rainy season come and gone, December is a great month to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Once muddy trails and impassible roads are reestablished, and thanks to the recent rains, mountain gorillas will still be at lower elevations compared to the months ahead. Before catching your flight home, head out to the island of Ngamba on Lake Victoria, home to numerous orphaned and rescued chimpanzees rehabilitating at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

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What to Do

December is a great month to split your time between game drives, walking safaris, and cultural experiences, and it is one of the best months to embark on a trek in search of the renowned mountain gorilla. Opt for a four-day Bwindi Impenetrable National Park adventure, where you'll join an expert guide for a once-in-a-lifetime experience trekking through thick bush in search of a family of mountain gorillas. Plan for four to six hours of trekking, and once you've spotted these magnificent animals, you'll have an hour to watch them play, feed, and interact before your guide leads you back to the base.

If you're interested in spotting Uganda's larger wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and buffalo, December is a good month to embark on land and water safaris. Explore the banks of the Victoria Nile on a boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park, follow the popular Kasenyi Sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to giant forest hogs and leopards, and search for cheeky monkeys in Kibale Forest National Park. While lush landscapes make spotting wildlife more challenging, it's hard to mind when the savannas and jungles are extra spectacular, dotted with wildflowers and greenery.

It's not just about wildlife in Uganda, though. December is also the perfect time to escape the busy national parks and learn about Uganda's unique culture and traditions. At the Kasoga Community Experience, you'll be invited to see firsthand how the fishing village of Hamukungu lives and works and get a chance to help milk cows and turn milk into yogurt. Then, at the Batwa Pygmy Cultural Experience, you'll learn the history of the displaced Batwa people and help prepare a typical meal. Before departing for home, stop by the Buganda Craft Market to pick up any last-minute gifts and souvenirs.

Events in December

This is Uganda, Kampala. Each December, Kyandondo Rugby Club welcomes excellent performances, including art, music, poetry, and dance, to promote women's rights, education, and AIDS awareness.

Christmas Day, nationwide. Throughout the country, Christmas is celebrated with large feasts and family gatherings. Businesses will be closed, and instead of immense decorations and snow, Christmas in Uganda is a peaceful day to reflect and enjoy good company.

Traveling to Uganda in December? Check out these great itineraries

Gorillas and Big Game Safari - 6 Days. Explore Uganda's wild landscapes while watching for lions, elephants, and mountain gorillas on this nature-packed six-day itinerary.

Explore the Nature and Wildlife of Uganda - 8 Days. Split your time between the incredible national parks of Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, and the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest while seeking Uganda's remarkable wildlife.

More Helpful Information

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Best Time of Year to Visit Uganda
How Many Days to Spend in Uganda