December at a Glance
| Verdict | Excellent |
| Temperature | 15–27°C (59–81°F) |
| Rainfall | Low — dry season returns |
| Sunshine | 6–8 hours per day |
| Trail Conditions | Good to Excellent |
| Permit Availability | Limited for Christmas/New Year period |
| Price Level | High |
| Crowd Level | High for holidays |
Weather in December
The second dry season. Dry, warm, and sunny. Excellent trekking weather. Similar conditions to June, with the added bonus of holiday festivity.
Trail Conditions
Good to Excellent. Trails dry out through December. By mid-month, conditions are firm and comfortable.
Pros
- Dry season returns — excellent conditions
- Warm and sunny
- Great for holiday travel
- Early December is a value sweet spot
- Perfect for year-end celebrations in the wild
Cons
- Christmas/New Year period is very busy and expensive
- Permits limited for late December
- Holiday surcharges at many lodges
Wildlife Highlight
Excellent across the board. Dry conditions return for both forest trekking and savanna safaris. Clear skies for photography.
Permit Availability
Limited for Christmas/New Year period. Book 3–4 months ahead for late December. Early December is easier.
Prices
High. Holiday-season rates at lodges, especially 20 Dec – 5 Jan. Early December may still have standard rates.
Insider Tip
Early December (1st–15th) is our recommendation. You get dry-season weather at pre-holiday prices, with better permit availability. Save the holiday week for family at home and give yourself Uganda's best weather without the crowds.