The weather in Queen Elizabeth is warm, typical of most tropical destinations. Temperatures are high and remain stable most of the year. The park doesn’t have a real dry season because it rains anytime of the year. Some months are just drier than others.
The park lies on the rift valley and has an altitude range of 480m to 1390m. It is located directly on the equator. Its low altitude and closeness to the equator give it warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C. It receives heavy rains up to about 1250mm usually during the very rainy months of March-May and September-November.
Queen Elizabeth has 2 wet seasons; October-November and March to May. The dry season is not quite as dry since you can still expect rain every now and then.
The dry season
This is made up of the drier months of the year in this area. June to September and January- February. It is the best time for wild life viewing and chimpanzee trekking in the park. Although these months constitute the dry season, rain should be expected, it can sometimes even rain for a few days during this time.
Temperatures are usually warm. Daytime temperatures are usually about 28°C/82°F and drop to about 15°C/59°F in the night.
If you are going on a Uganda safari to the park in this season please remember to carry some warm clothes. It gets quite cold at night and in the early mornings.
The wet/ rainy season
This season is made up of the wetter months of the year. March, April, May, October, November. It should be noted that the area is rainy throughout the year; these months are only the wettest months. But they are also the best months to go a bird watching in the park.
The rains usually peak in April and October.
Temperatures are usually pleasant during this time, at about 28°C/82°F in the late afternoon hours and cool down to about 16°C/61°F at night and in the mornings.
The roads and trails usually become slippery and impassable and chimpanzee tracking might be quite challenging.
The vegetation and landscape of Queen Elizabeth national park provides a diversity of habitats for its equally diverse population.
With over 90 species of mammals and a count of about 612 bird species, Queen Elizabeth contains an astonishing number of species.
The Kyambura gorge found on the north eastern side of the park is an amazing spot with its thick treetop canopies and dangling vines. It is the home of many chimpanzees that hide up in the trees especially if they do not want to be seen by chimpanzee tacking visitors.
The maramagambo forest is also home to a number of chimpanzees and a few monkey species.
You can enjoy a good view of various birds and other animals while boating on the Kazinga channel.
Queen Elizabeth national park is surrounded by a number of game reserves such as the Kigezi Game Reserve, and Kibale National Park, Virunga National Park and Kyambura Game Reserve.
