Best Time to Visit Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking

One of the most common questions we receive from prospective trekkers is simple: when should I go?

The honest answer is that gorilla trekking in Bwindi is possible year-round — the gorillas are there every day, and the forest is always extraordinary. But the conditions underfoot, the ease of the trek, and the competition for permits vary significantly by season. Here is what you need to know.

Uganda's Two Dry Seasons

Uganda has two distinct dry seasons, and these are generally considered the best times to trek.

June to August (Long Dry Season)

This is peak season for gorilla trekking, and for good reason. The trails are drier and firmer underfoot, making the trek physically easier. Visibility in the forest is better. And the weather, while never guaranteed in a tropical rainforest, is more reliably pleasant.

The trade-off is demand. June to August is when permits are hardest to secure and prices for accommodation are at their highest. If you want to trek during this window, book your permits at least six months in advance — ideally longer for popular families.

December to February (Short Dry Season)

The short dry season is an excellent alternative to the peak June–August window. Conditions are similar — drier trails, good visibility — but demand is lower and permits are somewhat easier to secure. December is particularly popular with travellers combining Uganda with a Christmas holiday, so book early for that month.

The Wet Seasons

March to May (Long Rains)

March to May brings Uganda's heaviest rainfall. The trails in Bwindi become genuinely challenging — steep, muddy, and slippery. Treks that take two hours in the dry season can take four or five in the wet. You will get wet, your boots will get muddy, and the forest will be at its most impenetrable.

And yet, many experienced trekkers prefer the wet season. The forest is at its most lush and green. The gorillas tend to stay at lower elevations, which can mean shorter treks. Permits are easier to obtain and accommodation prices drop. And there is something undeniably atmospheric about the forest in the rain.

If you trek in the wet season, waterproof everything, hire a porter, and embrace the mud. It is part of the experience.

September to November (Short Rains)

September and October bring lighter, more intermittent rainfall. Conditions are generally better than the long rains, and this period represents a good balance between reasonable trekking conditions and lower permit demand. November can be wetter, particularly in the second half of the month.

Month-by-Month Summary

Month	Conditions	Permit Availability	Our Rating
January	Dry, excellent	Moderate	★★★★★
February	Dry, excellent	Moderate	★★★★★
March	Wet, challenging	Good	★★★☆☆
April	Very wet, difficult	Excellent	★★☆☆☆
May	Wet, improving	Good	★★★☆☆
June	Dry, excellent	Limited	★★★★★
July	Dry, excellent	Very limited	★★★★★
August	Dry, excellent	Very limited	★★★★★
September	Light rain, good	Moderate	★★★★☆
October	Light rain, good	Moderate	★★★★☆
November	Wetter, variable	Good	★★★☆☆
December	Dry, excellent	Limited	★★★★★

Does the Season Affect the Gorillas?

The gorillas are present and active year-round. Their behaviour does not change dramatically with the seasons — they eat, rest, play, and move through their home range regardless of the weather.

What does change is where they tend to be. In the wet season, when vegetation is abundant at lower elevations, gorilla families often stay lower in the forest, which can mean shorter, easier treks. In the dry season, they may range higher in search of food, which can mean longer treks but more dramatic scenery.

Your guide will always know where the family was last seen, and the trackers who go out before dawn each morning will have located them before you reach the trailhead.

Our Recommendation

For first-time trekkers who want the most comfortable experience, we recommend January–February or June–August. For travellers who are flexible, adventurous, and want to avoid the crowds, September–October offers excellent value and good conditions.

Whatever time of year you choose, book your permits as early as possible. The mountain gorillas of Bwindi are one of the world's great wildlife experiences — and the permits that protect them are always in demand.