Best Time to Visit Kampala

Two wet seasons, two drier spells

Kampala sits just north of the equator, high enough that it never gets truly hot. Days are warm and nights are mild all year. What changes is the rain.

The long rains run from March to May. April is the wettest month, with rain on most days and grey skies. The short rains come in October and November. They're a bit lighter, but still soggy. Roads in low parts of the city can flood, and boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) get slow and slippery.

The drier spells are December to February and June to August. Even these aren't properly dry. Expect a shower in the afternoon, then sun again.

Which month for which trip

January and February are the easiest months for a city stay. You'll get the sunniest days of the year, and mornings are good for Kasubi Tombs, the Uganda Museum and a walk around Nakasero Market. February is a little cloudier than January, but still comfortable.

July is the other top pick. It's the coolest month at night, and the rain is the lightest of the year. June and August are good too, though August gets showery.

Planning gorilla trekking in Bwindi or a safari at Murchison Falls? Kampala is usually your starting point, so the same dry spells help. Forest trails are less muddy then. Rain doesn't make a trip impossible, though. Wet months are quieter and greener, and they suit you if you'd rather be in cafés and craft shops than on trails.

Crowds and events

High season follows the dry months, so expect more visitors from June to August and from December to February. Safari lodges fill first, and Kampala hotels get busier around Christmas and New Year. April, May, and the short rains are low season. You'll find easier bookings and calmer streets.

Some events are worth planning around. Uganda's Martyrs Day is on 3 June. Pilgrims gather at Namugongo on the edge of Kampala, and the roads get very crowded. If you want to see it, go with a local guide or driver. If you don't, avoid Namugongo that day.

Music fans should look at Nyege Nyege, a big electronic music festival near Jinja, a few hours east of the city. It has usually been held around September, but dates shift, so check before you commit.

My pick? January, February or July. You'll get the best weather and plenty of time outside.