Weather & Climate

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park has a tropical type of climate with the annual mean temperature ranging from a minimum of 7–15°C to a maximum of 20–27°C.In winter, there is much less rainfall than in summer

Its annual rainfall ranges from 1,400 to 1,900 millimetres. Peak rainfall occurs from March to April and from September to November.

High amounts of evapo-transpiration from the forest’s vegetation increases the precipitation that the region outside the park receives. This rainfall has contributed to the thick green vegetation also in the neighboring places. The vegetation has also reduced on the soil erosion and flooding problem in this region

Normally Bwindi impenetrable forest is cold in the mornings and in the nights with moderate temperatures between 7⁰C and 20⁰C especially in the months of June to July. Months of September to November experience a total annual rainfall of 2390mm raining for long hours with gentle drizzles.

On average, the warmest month is January. Altitude varies from 1160m to 2607m above sea level, which results in variations in temperature. The park is also close to the equator so rain can come when you least expect it. Generally Bwindi impenetrable forest does not experience real dry seasons because even the known dry seasons do receive some short rains.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bwindi

Bwindi forest is predominantly wet because of the equatorial rain forest conditions. So tourists are recommended to carry rain jackets, warm clothing and sturdy hiking boots. The trekking trails go passed steep and muddy valleys and thick bushes with stinging nettles. You can also hire a porter to assist and carry your backpacks.

Many visitors choose to trek gorillas during the dry season in the months of December to February and June to September. Trails tend to be dry for easier hiking though you must be fit because the terrain is very steep and tough. The rainy season on the other hand comes with discount gorilla permit price from $600 to $450 per person. Again, the vegetation is flourishing, gorillas move short distances or sometimes come closer to park boundaries. Lucky visitors may spot them within 30 minutes to 1 hour though it’s rare; a gorilla trek can last from 5-8 hours a day.