Climate and monthly weather forecastGulu, Uganda

The climate of Gulu

Located in the Equatorial region of Uganda, Gulu experiences a Köppen climate classification of Aw, denoting a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. Throughout the year, temperatures exhibit moderate variations with highs fluctuating from 26.8°C (80.2°F) to 34.2°C (93.6°F) and lows ranging from 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 21.4°C (70.5°F). The relative humidity values span between 38% and 85%.

There is a distinct differentiation between the wet and dry seasons. Rainfall occurs predominantly in the period from March to November, peaking in the months of May and October with 154mm (6.06") and 161mm (6.34") respectively. The dry period is from December to February with the least amount of precipitation recorded as 7mm (0.28") in January.

Wind speed shows a slight variation over the year with peak average speeds recorded as 8.1km/h (5mph) in February and the lowest at 4km/h (2.5mph) in August and September. UV index remains fairly consistent throughout the year with a value of 6, indicating the need for sun protection due to high UV radiation levels.

The best time to visit Gulu

Considering the climate conditions, the most favorable time to visit Gulu is between December and February. The rainfall is minimal during this period and, coupled with lower humidity levels, makes for a more comfortable climate. Additionally, daylight hours are consistent with an average of 12 hours per day with abundant sunshine, enhancing the experience of outdoor activities and enabling tourists to explore the city and its attractions.

The worst time to visit Gulu

The least recommended period to visit Gulu extends from April to October due to high rainfall rates and relative humidity surpassing 80%. The extensive precipitation can lead to logistical issues and restrict outdoor activities. More importantly, during these months, cloud cover reaches up to 45%, deteriorating visibility conditions and, in general, making the climatic conditions less favorable for tourists.

Spring weather in Gulu

The spring season, as per climatological terms, in Gulu begins from March to May. During this season, the region experiences significant rainfall beginning with 53mm (2.09") in March and reaching up to 144mm (5.67") in May. The temperatures during this period range from highs of 32.5°C (90.5°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F) and lows of 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Consequently, the high rain volumes and steadily dropping temperatures create a less favorable climatic condition.

Summer weather in Gulu

In the months of June to August, akin to the summer season, Gulu continues to encounter heavy rainfall with recorded volumes of 125mm (4.92") to 154mm (6.06"). The temperatures moderately drop to lower averages of 27.2°C (81°F) to 27.1°C (80.8°F) for highs and 17.3°C (63.1°F) to 17.1°C (62.8°F) for lows. The humidity levels remain consistently high above 84%, creating a considerably damp climate condition.

Autumn weather in Gulu

Autumn in Gulu, recognized as the months from September to November, brings slightly alleviated weather conditions. While the rain subsides gradually from 134mm (5.28") to 97mm (3.82"), the temperatures start to rise again, with highs of 28.2°C (82.8°F) to 28.5°C (83.3°F) and lows from 17.4°C (63.3°F) to 17.9°C (64.2°F), creating moderately comfortable weather conditions towards the end of the season.

Winter weather in Gulu

Coming to the winter season of December to February, the weather in Gulu becomes more welcoming with a marked decrease in rainfall recorded as 41mm (1.61") to 7mm (0.28") and temperature highs of 28°C (82.4°F) to 34.2°C (93.6°F). The humidity drops significantly, averaging about 45%, and yields a considerably dry climate. The steady wind speeds of about 6.3km/h (3.9mph) couple with increased sunlight hours to produce the most agreeable and pleasant climatic conditions of the year, making this the ideal period to visit Gulu.

Weather in January

January in Gulu, Uganda sets the tone for the year with warm weather and relatively low humidity. The climatic conditions balance towards the hot side, indicating a balmy tropical climate. The start of the year witnesses clear skies incorporating an average cloud cover of only 11%. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Just a degree warmer than January, February continues to sizzle in Gulu, Uganda with high temperatures averaging at 34.2°C (93.6°F). The second month of the year upholds the reputation of the city's tropical climate, with hot weather dominant throughout the month. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March ushers in a change in Gulu's weather, trending towards a more moist climate. The difference is palpable when compared to the dry and hot conditions of February. Significantly, the rainfall increases dramatically, recording an average of 53mm (2.09"). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April introduces Gulu, Uganda to the rainier side of the tropical climate. A stark contrast from the hot and dry quarter of the year is observed. The conditions are distinctively different with a surge in humidity, reaching an average of 77%, and a corresponding increase in rainfall. Weather in April »

Weather in May

In Gulu, the weather in May exhibits a significant shift from the preceding month. The rainy season peaks in May, with a recorded average rainfall of 144mm (5.67"). The increase in precipitation is coupled with a gradual decrease in temperature, making the month quite pleasant. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June signals the arrival of mid-year in Gulu, Uganda with subtly changing weather conditions. The temperatures stabilize to a more comfortable range, making it a relatively pleasant month. Although June continues the trend of the rainy season, there is a slight dip in rainfall compared to May. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July resonates with a persistent rainy disposition in the tropical city of Gulu. The weather arranges a symphony that matches the rhythm of falling raindrops, albeit with slightly decreased frequency compared to June. A prominent characteristic of July is the reduced visibility, dropping down to an average of 8km (5mi) due to the increased moisture in the air. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August follows in the footsteps of July with continued tropical showers in Gulu, Uganda. Although the rainfall pours down with slightly increased intensity, the month is not devoid of sunshine. The temperature and humidity remain constant, ensuring the weather does not veer off towards extremes. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September brings with it a shift in weather that spells a decrease in rainfall and a slight escalation in temperature in Gulu. Though the decreasing rainfall is a prominent feature, the continuing moisture content in the atmosphere keeps the air loaded with humidity. Weather in September »

Weather in October

The weather in October marks a significant transition from the heavy rains of the previous months in Gulu, Uganda. The major distinction is that the rainfall is at its height, reaching around 161mm (6.34"). However, the humidity starts to drop as the city moves away from the wet season. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November departs from the tropically moist climate of the previous months, welcoming a phase of warm weather in Gulu. This is discernible from the steady rise in temperature and a drop in rainfall, recording an average of 97mm (3.82"). Weather in November »

Weather in December

The year concludes on a warm note in December in Gulu, Uganda. The tropical city experiences a shift towards higher temperatures and reduced rainfall, indicating the dry season. The weather variation is accompanied by a significant reduction in cloud cover, dropping to an average of 21%. Weather in December »