The Worst/Best Time For Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Rwanda

The Worst/best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. These months offer easier, less muddy hiking conditions and better visibility, though they are peak season, requiring bookings months in advance.

The worst/best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. These months offer easier, less muddy hiking conditions and better visibility, making them the peak season for trekking.

Best Time For Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Rwanda

Are you being contacted by gorillas? Our clients often ask us when is the best time to visit Rwanda or Uganda to go gorilla trekking. There are a lot of articles that state the brief dry season (June–August) is the only time to go. But hear me out: both Uganda and Rwanda are home to verdant rainforests with mountains. Everything is subject to rain. Anticipating a “guaranteed” period of dryness? The wait will seem endless.

The truth is that, with the exception of the main rainy season (mid-March to mid-May), you may trek gorillas with relative ease during the most of the year. Perhaps even the shorter wet season from the middle of October to the middle of November. Aside from that, weather is fine, sightings are great, and every season has its advantages.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Uganda Gorilla Safaris

1. Best Time for Gorilla Trekking Uganda

The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the two dry seasons: June to September and December to February, offering drier, less muddy trails and clearer skies for easier hiking and better photography, though June-August is peak season requiring early permit booking. The rainy seasons (March-May, Oct-Nov) have fewer crowds and lower prices but present slippery, challenging conditions, while offers for discounted permits may appear in the wet season.

January–February

  • Weather: Short dry season; warm days, less rainfall, occasional morning mist.
  • Trekking Experience: Trails are firm, visibility good, and photography excellent.
  • Permits & Lodges: Still high demand—book early.
  • Best For: Photographers, comfort-focused US travelers seeking clear skies and milestone journeys.

March–May

  • Weather: Long rainy season; frequent showers, slippery trails, and lush green forest.
  • Trekking Experience: Harder hikes but gorilla families often forage lower down, reducing trek length.
  • Permits & Lodges: Easier to secure permits; many lodges offer off-season rates.
  • Best For: Budget-conscious, adventurous travelers; UK visitors who enjoy solitude and don’t mind mud.

June–July

  • Weather: Start of long dry season; cool mornings, sunny days, minimal rainfall.
  • Trekking Experience: Best trail conditions of the year; longer but steady hikes.
  • Permits & Lodges: Peak demand—permits sell out 12–18 months in advance.
  • Best For: Families on summer holidays, US milestone travelers, honeymooners.

August–September

  • Weather: Still dry, with occasional showers late September.
  • Trekking Experience: Easier hikes continue; wildlife active, gorillas mobile.
  • Permits & Lodges: Demand remains high but slightly easier than June/July.
  • Best For: UK travelers looking for peak conditions without July crowds; long-haul US travelers combining East Africa safaris.

October–November

  • Weather: Short rains return; trails muddy, afternoon showers common.
  • Trekking Experience: Challenging hikes but dramatic forest scenes—thick mist and vibrant greens.
  • Permits & Lodges: Good availability; lodges often run seasonal offers.
  • Best For: Adventurers and photographers chasing moody, atmospheric shots.

December

  • Weather: Dry season resumes; pleasant conditions, cooler evenings.
  • Trekking Experience: Trails easier again; gorillas highly active.
  • Permits & Lodges: Peak festive demand—book far in advance.
  • Best For: US travelers on Christmas/New Year journeys, multigenerational families, and couples marking special occasions.

2. Worst/Best Time for Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the two dry seasons: the long dry season from June to September, and the short dry season from December to February, offering easier hiking with less rain and mud. While these peak times mean higher demand and booked permits, the wet seasons (March-May, October-November) offer fewer crowds, lower prices, and gorillas at lower altitudes, though trails are slippery.

Peak Dry Season (Best Conditions)

  • June – September & December – February: Drier, clearer weather, and less muddy, easier-to-navigate trails.
  • Why it’s great: Best for photography and comfortable hiking, but permits sell out months in advance.
  • Tip: Book permits and accommodation extremely early.

Rainy/Green Season (Alternative Experience)

  • March – May & October – November: More rain, making trails muddy and challenging.
  • Why it’s great: Fewer tourists, potentially lower permit costs, and gorillas often stay at lower elevations, making them easier to find.
  • Tip: Offers a unique, misty rainforest experience for adventurous trekkers.