| Activity |
Long Dry Season Jun–Sep |
Short Wet Season Oct–Nov |
Short Dry Season Dec–Feb |
Long Wet Season Mar–May |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game Drives | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Kazinga Channel Boat Safaris | Excellent | High | Excellent | Good |
| Birdwatching | High | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Photography | Excellent | High | Excellent | Good |
The dry seasons from June to September and December to February are ideal for game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Vegetation is lower, animals gather near permanent water sources, and sightings of elephants, lions, and buffalo are consistently strong.
Boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel are rewarding year-round, but the calmest conditions and highest wildlife concentrations occur from June to September and December to February, when hippos, crocodiles, and elephants are most visible along the banks.
Birding is outstanding from October to April, when migratory species arrive and wetlands flourish. With over 600 recorded bird species, Queen Elizabeth is exceptional even outside peak migration months.
For crisp light and classic safari imagery, June to September is ideal. For richer greens, reflective water, and dramatic skies, October to November and March to May offer a more atmospheric photographic experience.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has a warm climate, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 68 – 88 °F (20 – 31 °C). Seasonal rainfall influences road conditions, vegetation, and wildlife distribution.
January
Excellent game drives and boat safaris with clear visibility.
February
One of the best months overall for wildlife viewing and photography.
March
Transition into the wet season; still rewarding boat safaris.
April
Wettest month, vibrant scenery, outstanding birdlife.
May
Rain eases toward the end of the month; quieter safari conditions.
June
Start of peak season with strong game viewing.
July
Dry, clear conditions and popular safari travel.
August
Consistently excellent wildlife sightings.
September
Dry conditions continue with slightly fewer crowds late in the month.
October
Greener landscapes and good game viewing.
November
Peak migratory bird season with dramatic skies.
December
Drier conditions return; popular festive travel period.
Queen Elizabeth National Park remains warm year-round, with daytime temperatures ranging from 68 – 88 °F (20 – 31 °C). Drier periods fall from June to September and December to February, while heavier rains occur from March to May and lighter rains from October to November. Rain typically falls in short bursts rather than all day.
General weather summary in November
Feel like
-
What to wear
-
Daylight length
-
Chance of rain
-
Amount
-
Wind speed
-
Humidity
-
Sunrise
-
Sunset
-
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in December
Feel like
-
What to wear
-
Daylight length
-
Chance of rain
-
Amount
-
Wind speed
-
Humidity
-
Sunrise
-
Sunset
-
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in January
Feel like
-
What to wear
-
Daylight length
-
Chance of rain
-
Amount
-
Wind speed
-
Humidity
-
Sunrise
-
Sunset
-
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in February
Feel like
-
What to wear
-
Daylight length
-
Chance of rain
-
Amount
-
Wind speed
-
Humidity
-
Sunrise
-
Sunset
-
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in March
Feel like
-
What to wear
-
Daylight length
-
Chance of rain
-
Amount
-
Wind speed
-
Humidity
-
Sunrise
-
Sunset
-
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in April
Feel like
-
What to wear
-
Daylight length
-
Chance of rain
-
Amount
-
Wind speed
-
Humidity
-
Sunrise
-
Sunset
-
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in May
Feel like
-
What to wear
-
Daylight length
-
Chance of rain
-
Amount
-
Wind speed
-
Humidity
-
Sunrise
-
Sunset
-
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in June
Feel like
-
What to wear
-
Daylight length
-
Chance of rain
-
Amount
-
Wind speed
-
Humidity
-
Sunrise
-
Sunset
-
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in July
Feel like
-
What to wear
-
Daylight length
-
Chance of rain
-
Amount
-
Wind speed
-
Humidity
-
Sunrise
-
Sunset
-
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in August
Feel like
-
What to wear
-
Daylight length
-
Chance of rain
-
Amount
-
Wind speed
-
Humidity
-
Sunrise
-
Sunset
-
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in September
Feel like
-
What to wear
-
Daylight length
-
Chance of rain
-
Amount
-
Wind speed
-
Humidity
-
Sunrise
-
Sunset
-
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in October
Feel like
-
What to wear
-
Daylight length
-
Chance of rain
-
Amount
-
Wind speed
-
Humidity
-
Sunrise
-
Sunset
-
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
Safaris in Queen Elizabeth combine classic savannah game drives with Kazinga Channel boat cruises and optional forest excursions. Flash McTours curates seamless itineraries that balance wildlife viewing, scenic diversity, and comfortable lodges, guided by experts who know the rhythms of the park.
This action-packed 8-day Uganda safari combines the special experience of meeting the highly-endangered mountain gorillas in both Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes
Price From
Welcome to Uganda! Our 5-day Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Safari invites guests to experience an intimate audience with Ugandan wildlife royalty. The adventure begins in Uganda’s most popular wildlife
Price From
Welcome to Uganda! Africa Flash McTours proudly presents our 8-day Uganda Safari, a package designed to showcase Uganda’s incredible natural heritage to our visitor
Price From
This action-packed 8-day Uganda safari combines the special experience of meeting the highly-endangered mountain gorillas in both Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes
Price From
Welcome to Uganda! Our 5-day Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Safari invites guests to experience an intimate audience with Ugandan wildlife royalty. The adventure begins in Uganda’s most popular wildlife
Price From
Welcome to Uganda! Africa Flash McTours proudly presents our 8-day Uganda Safari, a package designed to showcase Uganda’s incredible natural heritage to our visitor
Price From
June to September and December to February offer the best overall safari conditions.
Yes. Wildlife viewing and boat safaris continue year-round, though some roads may be muddy.
Warm throughout the year, with seasonal rain bringing greener landscapes.
March to May, during the long rains, when fewer travelers visit.
Yes. It’s warm, relatively dry, and excellent for wildlife viewing.
October to April, especially during the migratory season.
Yes, particularly along the Kazinga Channel, though visibility is best in dry months.
For peak seasons, it’s best to book lodges and flights several months in advance to secure the best options.
Do you have any other questions?
Get in touch with one of our experts for a free consultation.
Personalized service by travel experts with first-hand knowledge
Customizable tours to your preference
400+ 5-star TripAdvisor and Google reviews
Booking Security - Money - back guarantee & 24/7 support
Click one of our representatives below to chat on WhatsApp
