Mount Elgon National Park is open to tourists all year round, however, some seasons provide a better experience than others. The best time to visit Mount Elgon is during the dry seasons between June – August and December – March, but climbing can be done all year round.
Mount Elgon has moist to moderately dry climate. It receives an average of 3,000 mm of rainfall annually, making it a water catchment area. The forest zone receives maximum rainfall and is important in the mountains role as a water catchment for several million people around the mountain.
April – October is the wettest period on Mount Elgon, although the park can be visited at any time of the year, therefore, mountain climbing can be done pretty much the entire year. It gets extremely cold during the rainy season; snow and hailstorm are common and will put a damper on your volcano climbing experience. Rain gear and warm clothing are necessary regardless of what time of the year you make your trip. There can be abrupt changes in weather so, you do not want to be unprepared for those.
The climb can be completed in 3 long or 4 shorter days. Five days or more are recommended in order to visit the hot springs and craters (Jackson’s Pool), in addition to the summit. This makes June – August the best time to visit Mount Elgon National Park.
In Uganda, most visitors seeking mountain climbing experiences will always compliment their visit with hiking the Rwenzori Mountains. In addition, a safari game drive in the nearby Kidepo Valley National Park is also exciting for many visitors.
After visiting Mount Elgon National Park, you can also extend further west for a wildlife safari in Murchison Falls National Park. Here, you will encounter the Big 5 including the rhinos, African elephants, buffaloes, lions and leopards, making Murchison Falls National Park Uganda’s most spectacular wildlife reserve. You can also opt for the breathtaking gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.