Uganda weather in the north at a glance
Kidepo Valley National Park lies in Karamoja, between 914 and 2,750 metres above sea level. The park's rainy season runs from April to September, with roughly 890 millimetres a year in the Narus Valley and about 635 millimetres in the northern Kidepo valley. The rest of the year is drier. That differs from the south of Uganda, which has two rainy seasons, so do not carry the southern pattern over to Kidepo.
The season shapes your trip. In the drier months, the remaining water in the Narus Valley draws animals together, and a Kidepo safari has better odds. In the wet months the grass grows tall, water spreads out and some tracks get hard to drive.
Our pick: a seven-day route
A week with full board on every night, so the dates are the main thing to settle; use the seasons above to choose them.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kidepo safaris and trips from Kampala
Guided safaris and trips to Kidepo, with live prices and availability. Check the season for your dates before you book.
Best time to visit Uganda's north
The best time depends on what you want to see.
For wildlife
The drier months. Animals gather at the remaining pools, the grass is shorter and sightings are easier. This is a pattern, not a promise of sightings.
For green scenery
The wet months bring green grass and a fresh look. Allow more time for driving and expect some tracks to be slow.
For birds
Birding works year round on a walk or a drive. Read the birds of Kidepo page for the species and fees.
For the road
Rain and floods make the long drive from Kampala slower. Plan spare days at the start and the end of your trip.
This is also the answer to the question many visitors ask first, the best time to visit Uganda: it depends on the region. The south and west have their own seasons, and the Murchison Falls weather page helps you compare.
Weather by month: Gulu as a reference
Reference values for Gulu, a town in northern Uganda. They are not measurements from the park.
| Month | Max °C | Min °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31 | 17 | 10 |
| February | 32 | 17 | 40 |
| March | 30 | 17 | 80 |
| April | 29 | 17 | 170 |
| May | 28 | 17 | 200 |
| June | 27 | 17 | 140 |
| July | 26 | 16 | 160 |
| August | 27 | 16 | 220 |
| September | 27 | 16 | 170 |
| October | 28 | 17 | 160 |
| November | 29 | 16 | 90 |
| December | 30 | 16 | 40 |
These figures show the pattern in the region: hot days, mild nights, a dry stretch from December to February and rain through most of the rest of the year. Kidepo lies further to the east and at different altitudes, so its own figures will differ. For most visitors who want to watch animals at the remaining water, the drier months around the turn of the year are the safer bet. Allow for road delays after rain in any month.
Rain, floods and the road in the north
In the north-east, travel advice points to a risk of flooding from March to May and from October to November. Roads can be hard to drive then, and a 4x4 with the right equipment is advised in flood-prone areas. Check road conditions before you set out and give yourself buffer days.
The 2026 season
In 2026 the rains failed in parts of Karamoja, and a drought and food crisis followed in August. A seasonal calendar does not describe the weather of one specific year. Ask your operator or the park what conditions are like when you plan your trip. The Karamoja guide gives more background on the region.
What to pack for each season
A short checklist.
Dry months
Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water and a light scarf against dust on the tracks.
Wet months
A light rain jacket, sturdy shoes and a dry bag for electronics. Expect slow roads.
All year
Binoculars, long sleeves for evening and insect repellent. The park gates are open from 07:00 to 19:00.
Park entry is $40 per adult for foreign non-residents and $20 for children aged 5 to 15 for 24 hours (UWA tariff for July 2024 to December 2026). Check the current amount before you book. See getting there for the road and the options from Kampala.
More about Kidepo
Pages that help you pick your dates.
Kidepo weather and best time: frequently asked questions
When is the rainy season at Kidepo?
The park's rainy season runs from April to September. The rest of the year is drier. Rain varies from year to year.
What is the best time to visit Uganda for a Kidepo safari?
The drier months, when animals gather at the remaining water, are the better bet for game drives. Allow for road delays after rain.
How hot is Kidepo?
The Gulu reference values show highs of 26 to 32 °C and lows of 16 to 17 °C. Kidepo lies at different altitudes, so its own figures will differ.
Can the roads flood?
Travel advice points to a flood risk in the north-east from March to May and from October to November. Use a suitable 4x4 and check conditions before you go.
Does the Gulu table show the weather in the park?
No. Gulu is a regional reference town, not a measuring point in the park. Use the table for the pattern, not for exact Kidepo values.
What should I pack?
In the dry months bring a sun hat, sunscreen, water and binoculars. In the wet months add a light rain jacket and sturdy shoes. The park gates are open from 07:00 to 19:00.