Rwenzori Mountains lie astride equator and the area experiences tropical climate which is characterized by plenty of rainfall. The weather varies from year to year and when planning a successful Rwenzori Mountain climbing/hiking, the dry and wet seasons should be marked on your calender because each season comes with its own advantages or disadvantages.
Low rainfall amount is often recorded from June to August, December to February being the drier months unlike the wet or rainy season when plenty of rains are experienced. The 2 drier seasons are also characterized clear days/skies, drier steep slopes making this period the best for hikers to conquer the snow-capped Margherita Peak and several of Rwenzori Mountain ranges peaks.
Day temperatures during the dry season range from 10 to 15 Degrees Celsius and usually, it is chilly. Night temperature often drop 2-6 Degrees Celsius and the night can be cold.
To most hikers, July, August and September and the most preferred months of the year to hike Rwenzori Mountain ranges or October, January, January, February. December is usually the peak month of the year in Rwenzori Mountains just like it is a case with most of the destinations in Uganda. The low season often falls around April, May and November, and these are months when travelers on Uganda safari get to enjoy discount offers not only from tour operators but also accommodation facilities.
The advantage the high season has is that the Rwenzori Mountain region tends to stay drier for a longer period of time. Precipitation is low during the high season and this entirely means that hikers find it comfortable to climb the mountain. The stress of the area being wet or cold is removed and chances of you getting acclimatized rises. Besides, hikers enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding areas.
Interestingly, climbing Mount Rwenzori during the low months of the year is possible. These are months of the year when Rwenzori Mountains receives fewer climbers-they avoid these months (March to May) because of heavy rains. But, treks to the snow-capped Margherita and other peaks can be done during these months of the year since rains often start in the afternoon. With this, it means hiking Rwenzori Mountains is possible since hikes start early morning.