Uganda safari in December

Monthly Safari Guide

Uganda Safari in
December

Short Dry Season Begins 17-28°C 70mm rain 3674 tours
December brings the return of dry conditions and the festive holiday rush. Gorilla trekking is excellent with drying trails and clear mornings. The Christmas and New Year period is extremely popular, driving prices up and requiring advance booking for permits and accommodation. The combination of good weather, holiday spirit, and world-class primate encounters makes December Uganda's most celebratory safari month. Book at least six months ahead for the festive period, as gorilla permits for late December are among the first to sell out.

Season overview

Short Dry Season Begins in Uganda

December falls within Uganda's short dry season begins, characterised by daytime highs of 28°C and overnight lows of 17°C. Average rainfall is 70mm, making this a moderately wet period.

The dry conditions mean vegetation is thinner, making wildlife easier to spot. Animals concentrate around permanent water sources, creating dense and dramatic viewing opportunities. Clear skies provide excellent visibility and photography conditions.

Wildlife & nature

Wildlife Highlights in December

  • Short dry season returns with improving trekking conditions
  • Festive season gorilla treks are hugely popular
  • Chimpanzee communities settle into dry-season groups
  • Murchison Falls boat safaris resume at full capacity

Where to go

Best Parks in Uganda for December

Bwindi Impenetrable

Top pick this month

Kibale Forest

Recommended for December

Queen Elizabeth

Recommended for December

Murchison Falls

Recommended for December

Planning

Crowds & Pricing in December

Crowd Level

High

Price Level

High Season

Average price per person

Budget

$2524

from $80 · 693 tours

Mid-range

$2947

from $80 · 1496 tours

Luxury

$4907

from $400 · 155 tours

Ultra-Luxury

$2353

from $1051 · 12 tours

December commands high-season pricing in Uganda due to excellent conditions and strong demand. Booking 3-6 months ahead is recommended for the best selection of camps and lodges.

Preparation

What to Pack for December

Hiking boots
Light layers
Festive outfit
Camera gear
Binoculars

With temperatures between 17 and 28 degrees Celsius, layering is essential. Early morning game drives can be cold, while midday is warm. Neutral colours (khaki, olive, brown) are best for safari. Avoid bright whites and dark blues which attract tsetse flies in some areas.

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Frequently asked questions

Uganda Safari in December FAQ

Is December a good time for a safari in Uganda?

December falls in Uganda's short dry season begins, with temperatures of 17-28 degrees Celsius and 70mm average rainfall. Crowd levels are high, and pricing is at high season rates. Short dry season returns with improving trekking conditions. Overall, December is a solid choice for a Uganda safari.

How much does a Uganda safari cost in December?

Uganda safari costs in December vary by comfort level. Budget safaris average $2524/person from $80. Mid-range options average $2947/person. Luxury safaris average $4907/person. Ultra-luxury experiences average $2353/person. Prices are moderate in December. Compare 3674 tours on SafariPicked.

What wildlife can I see in Uganda in December?

December wildlife highlights in Uganda include: Short dry season returns with improving trekking conditions. Festive season gorilla treks are hugely popular. Chimpanzee communities settle into dry-season groups. Murchison Falls boat safaris resume at full capacity. The best parks to visit this month are Bwindi Impenetrable, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls.

What should I pack for a Uganda safari in December?

Essential packing for a December Uganda safari: Hiking boots, Light layers, Festive outfit, Camera gear, Binoculars. Temperatures range from 17 to 28 degrees Celsius with 70mm rainfall, so layering is key for variable temperatures.

Which parks are best to visit in Uganda in December?

The top parks in Uganda for December are Bwindi Impenetrable, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls. During the short dry season begins, these parks offer the best game viewing conditions. Bwindi Impenetrable is particularly recommended this month. Browse all Uganda park guides and tour options on SafariPicked.