Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Best Time to Visit

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Your month-by-month wildlife calendar

When to Visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi has two dry seasons ideal for gorilla trekking: June to September and December to February. The trails can be extremely muddy and slippery during the wet seasons, making the trek more challenging. However, gorilla permits are available year-round and sightings are consistent regardless of season.

Peak Season June - September & December - February
Avoid March - May & October - November

Month-by-Month Calendar

Click on any month to see detailed wildlife and weather information

January

Great
🌤 Dry season, 16-27°C
🦁 Excellent gorilla trekking, drier trails, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

February

Great
🌤 Dry season, 16-28°C
🦁 Good trekking conditions, gorillas at lower altitude, birdwatching excellent
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

March

Fair
🌤 Long rains begin, 16-26°C
🦁 Wet trails, more challenging treks, but fewer tourists and gorillas still visible
👥 Low 💰 Low

April

Avoid
🌤 Heavy rains, 15-24°C
🦁 Very muddy and slippery trails, leeches common, physically demanding trekking
👥 Low 💰 Low

May

Avoid
🌤 Heavy rains, 15-24°C
🦁 Wettest month, trails extremely challenging, but gorillas easily found near food
👥 Low 💰 Low

June

Peak
🌤 Dry season, 15-26°C
🦁 Peak trekking season, dry trails, gorillas at lower elevations, clear forest views
👥 High 💰 High

July

Peak
🌤 Dry season, 15-25°C
🦁 Excellent conditions, gorilla families relaxed, great photography light in forest
👥 Peak 💰 Peak

August

Peak
🌤 Dry season, 15-26°C
🦁 Superb trekking, combine with Mara migration trip, 350+ bird species active
👥 Peak 💰 Peak

September

Great
🌤 Dry, rains approaching, 16-27°C
🦁 Last dry month, good trekking, transitional light beautiful for photography
👥 High 💰 High

October

Fair
🌤 Short rains, 16-26°C
🦁 Rains return, trails muddy, gorillas moving to higher ground
👥 Low 💰 Low

November

Fair
🌤 Short rains, 16-25°C
🦁 Wet conditions but lighter than long rains, fewer tourists, quieter experience
👥 Low 💰 Low

December

Great
🌤 Dry season returns, 16-27°C
🦁 Drying out, holiday season brings visitors, gorilla trekking excellent again
👥 High 💰 High

🎯 Our Recommendation

June to August is the best time — dry trails make the trek more enjoyable, gorilla families are typically at lower elevations, and you can combine with a savanna safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Book permits 6+ months in advance.

Best Time to Visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest FAQ

The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is June to September and December to February during the dry seasons. The wet months from March to May and October to November have better permit availability and lower lodge prices.

Temperatures range from 11 to 23 degrees Celsius year-round at this altitude. Rain is possible any month, even in the dry season.

March to May (wet season) offers lower lodge rates and easier permit booking. Travelling during shoulder or low seasons can save you 20 to 40% on accommodation and tours while still providing excellent wildlife viewing.

Peak season at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is June to August when conditions are driest and most popular. Book accommodation and tours well in advance for peak dates, as popular lodges and camps sell out months ahead.