The Bwindi forest climate is a cool climate throughout the year because the forest sits at an altitude of about 2,400 to 4,000 meters above sea level. The temperatures in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park therefore range from 10 to 23 degrees Celsius.
The mountain gorillas are resilient to this climate because they have thicker fur that allows them to survive in such high elevations, where temperatures tend to drop below freezing.
Best times to visit considering Bwindi forest climate
Between the months of December to February and June to August, the climate is conducive and calm, and perfect for park activities. These are usually slightly hotter months, with daytime temperatures peaking in the high 20s in the south and in the 30s in the north. Therefore they are the best time to visit Bwindi forest for amazing gorilla trekking safaris.
During these months the paths or walking trails are easier to hike because they are less slippery. As a result this makes the periods the most popular months for travel to Bwindi. They are also the best seasons for wildlife viewing in other national parks of Uganda.
March to May and September to November are the wettest months in Bwindi, and most parts of Uganda. They are therefore the low seasons for tourism, and not ideal time to travel for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing. But for those who are willing to put up with heavy thundershowers, challenging roads, trails, and difficult hiking to find gorillas, then they’re the perfect seasons.
Most travelers choose to travel during the high season due to the positive weather. Because of this, there is always a high demand for gorilla permits which thus requires travelers to book the permits in advance. At least three months ahead.
The mountain gorillas live in weathered regions with raised landscapes, which makes their climate cool all year round. For this reason, they only live in cool climatic conditions in tropical rainforests of Africa specifically in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.
To trek to see these beautiful creatures, don’t miss to pay a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.