Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the remote area of the Karamoja region in North Eastern Uganda. It has a semi-arid climate with both wet and dry seasons.
The weather in the park is affected by its landscape, including valleys, rivers, and mountains.
The wet season in Kidepo lasts from April to August and happens once every year. Because the park is remote and isolated, some roads become hard to use when it rains. Some animals also hide during this time, making them harder to see.
On the other hand, fewer tourists visit during the wet season, which means animals are less stressed by people. This can give you a better chance to watch wildlife calmly.
The wet season is as long as the dry season but the park gets low rainfall, about 700 mm per year. The sandy soil in Karamoja does not hold water well because it has low plant nutrients.
Average temperatures in the mornings are about 16°C and rise to around 29°C during the day. The park’s plants and grass grow based on the weather and climate.
During the wet season, the vegetation is green, and grasslands and shrubs grow fresh. This gives visitors a different and nice wildlife viewing experience.
The dry season in Kidepo runs from September to March and is the best time to visit. There may be some rain from September to November as the season changes.
From December to February, there is no rain. March is mostly dry but may have a little rain as it changes to the wet season.
Animals gather in Narus Valley during the dry season because it has water all year round. The Narus River feeds the valley, so there is always water available. The climate in Narus Valley is between arid and semi-arid.
During the day, temperatures can get hot, reaching 31-35°C with clear skies. Nights are cooler, especially from December to February, with temperatures dropping to 15-20°C.
When the sun is very hot during the dry season, plants slow their growth and may wilt.
Kidepo Valley National Park is generally hot and gets little rain during the year. Visitors are advised to pack light clothes when visiting the park.
