Uganda’s conducive weather and climate - Lapwing Holidays

Uganda’s conducive weather and climate

Uganda’s conducive weather and climate
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Uganda’s conducive weather and climate; Uganda is a relatively small African country, covering a land area of only 241,038 km². Interestingly, Uganda is a landlocked country that borders Lake Victoria. Having traveled extensively throughout East Africa, West Africa, and the entire African continent, I can attest that the weather conditions in Uganda are unparalleled. I have never experienced such consistently favorable and conducive weather conditions anywhere else, not even for a single day.

Have you ever witnessed a rain shower on a clear, sunny day? It can be puzzling, but it does happen. Uganda, a country gifted with natural beauty, is home to the highest peak in Uganda, Margherita Peak, which stands at 5,109 meters and is the third-highest point in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. On the other end of the spectrum, Lake Albert is the lowest point in Uganda, sitting 621 meters above sea level.

Geography: Uganda’s conducive weather and climate

Uganda is a landlocked country located in Eastern Africa. It is situated west of Kenya, south of South Sudan, east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and north of Rwanda and Tanzania. Although Uganda’s borders are mostly lakeshore, it is a fertile and well-watered country that is home to several lakes and rivers, including the largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria. The country is situated in the heart of the Great Lakes region, with Lake Edward and Lake Albert forming its western border.

Uganda has a tropical climate with generally rainy weather throughout the year and two dry seasons between December to February and June to August. However, the northeast region of the country is semi-arid. The terrain of Uganda is mostly made up of plateaus surrounded by a ring of mountains, including the Rwenzori mountain range.

Some of the notable national parks in Uganda are Bwindi, Rwenzori Mountains, Kibale, and Mgahinga National Park. In Uganda, inselbergs are often made of granite or gneiss, but never amphibolite or volcanic rock. Quartzite hills tend to form ridges, not true inselbergs.

Land Use in Uganda

Uganda is a country located in East Africa and covers a total area of 241,551 square kilometers (93,263 sq mi). Out of this, the land area covers 200,523 square kilometers (77,422 sq mi), while water covers 41,028 square kilometers (15,841 sq mi).

Land is essential for life, and in Uganda, its use is structured as follows: Arable land, which is used for farming purposes, covers 6900000 hectares (37.8%) as of 2021. Additionally, the percentage of permanent cropland in Uganda is 10.97%. Forest area constitutes 11.45% of the land area in Uganda. These figures have been reported by the World Bank, compiled from officially recognized sources.

Looking closely at Uganda’s conducive weather and climate

Uganda, situated on the equator, experiences consistent temperatures throughout the year. The warmest months occur in January and February, with an average daytime temperature range of 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F) and occasional highs of 40°C/104°F in the far north.

The southern region experiences two Wet seasons, from mid-September to November and March to May, though precipitation can occur at any time. Meanwhile, in the northern region, there is one continuous Wet season from March to November, followed by a distinct Dry season from December to February.

Kampala’s climate compared to Uganda’s parks

Uganda’s conducive weather and climate: The southern region of Uganda experiences a tropical climate similar to that of Kampala. However, due to its proximity to Lake Victoria, the city has a slightly milder climate.

The parks located in the southern region tend to be warmer during the day and cooler at night. Conversely, the high-altitude areas, including the gorilla parks, are considerably colder. The northern parks such as Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley are warmer with daytime temperatures averaging around 32°C/90°F.

Dry Seasons

The average temperature during the afternoon is around 27°C/81°F, while in the morning it is around 16°C/61°F. However, it tends to be colder at altitudes above 1,300m/4,265ft, including the gorilla parks.

June and July are the driest months in the south, but it can still rain. In contrast, these two months are part of the Wet season in the north. The far north, including Kidepo Valley, is semi-arid and may face droughts in some years.

December, January, and February are relatively dry in most of the south but still have more rainfall than June and July. On the other hand, the north has a clear Dry season with little rain.

Wet Seasons

The average daytime temperature in this region is around 28°C/82°F, while the morning temperature is around 16°C/61°F. However, the gorilla parks located at high altitudes would be colder, whereas the northern region would be warmer.

If you plan to visit between March and May, you should know that these months receive more rainfall throughout the country, with April being the peak month in the south. Although there will be some sunshine, the rain can make travel more difficult.

Alternatively, if you choose to visit between September and November, you can expect conditions similar to those of March, April, and May, with slightly less rainfall on average.

Uganda and Tourism

Uganda is an incredible destination for those who wish to witness wildlife in its natural habitats, be it the dense forests or vast savannahs. A must-visit attraction is the gorilla trekking experience offered in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Chimpanzees can be easily spotted in Kibale National Park and various other locations. Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks are great for savannah safaris with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Additionally, the more remote Kidepo Valley National Park is also a fantastic destination for savannah safaris

Wildlife

Uganda’s conducive weather and climate: Uganda is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, hippos, buffalo, and zebra, which are abundant throughout the country. While lions, giraffes, and rhinos are more localized, they can still be easily spotted in the right location. Leopards, on the other hand, are less certain to be seen.

Uganda also boasts of more than 1,000 bird species, making it a great destination for birdwatching. Tracking primates, particularly gorillas and chimps, is another highlight, but there are many other species worth observing. The Uganda kob, a type of antelope, can be found in most savannah reserves and is a favorite prey of lions.

The best time to visit

Uganda’s conducive weather and climate: The best time for wildlife watching in Uganda is during the drier months of June to August and December to February when there is plentiful sunshine. However, during the wetter months, there is a possibility that roads may be cut off and your primate trekking adventure might get washed out due to heavy rainfall.

Uganda is the missing piece of your worldly puzzle. It’s time to complete your adventure and experience all that Uganda has to offer. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this amazing country. Visit Uganda now!

Arthur Mugisha

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