Things to Do in Kampala in December

December Weather in Kampala

27°C (82°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather - December marks peak outdoor activity season with minimal rainfall and comfortable morning temperatures of 17°C (63°F), ideal for early starts before afternoon heat
Festival season brings Kampala alive - December coincides with end-of-year celebrations, Christmas markets in Nakasero, and the annual Kampala City Festival drawing locals and visitors together
Optimal wildlife viewing at nearby parks - Dry conditions mean animals congregate around water sources, making December prime time for same-day trips to Lake Mburo (240 km/149 miles away)
Clear skies reveal stunning views - Low humidity and minimal cloud cover provide exceptional visibility of the seven hills of Kampala and perfect conditions for photography at Uganda National Museum gardens

Considerations

Peak tourist pricing hits hardest - December accommodation rates increase 40-60% above shoulder season, with mid-range hotels jumping from UGX 150,000 to UGX 240,000 per night
Afternoon heat becomes intense - Temperatures peak at 27°C (82°F) with 70% humidity making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable; locals retreat indoors 12pm-4pm
Dust levels increase significantly - Dry harmattan winds from the north bring dusty conditions that affect air quality and require daily cleaning of camera equipment

Best Activities in December

Lake Victoria Island Excursions

December's calm waters and clear skies make it perfect for exploring Ssese Islands. Morning departures at 8am avoid afternoon heat, while dry conditions ensure reliable boat schedules. Water temperatures stay warm at 24°C (75°F) for swimming. Local fishermen return with fresh tilapia catches, creating authentic cultural experiences unavailable during rainy months.

Booking Tip: Book island trips 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators at Port Bell or Nakiwogo. Full-day excursions typically cost UGX 180,000-280,000 including transport and lunch. Choose morning departures (8am-9am) to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. See current tour options in booking section below.

Kampala City Walking Tours

December's dry weather transforms Kampala's hilly terrain into perfect walking conditions. Start early (7am) when temperatures are cool at 17°C (63°F) to explore Old Kampala, Nakasero Market, and Kasubi Tombs. Clear skies provide excellent photography conditions, while end-of-year energy brings street vendors and local celebrations to every corner.

Booking Tip: Book guided walks 3-5 days ahead costing UGX 80,000-150,000 for 4-6 hour experiences. Request early morning starts to avoid peak heat. Licensed guides provide cultural context and safety in busy markets. Check current walking tour options below.

Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Tracking

December dry season concentrates wildlife around remaining water sources, dramatically improving shoebill sighting chances to 85% success rate versus 40% in rainy months. Early morning trips (6am departure) take advantage of cool temperatures and active bird behavior. Clear weather ensures boat access to remote viewing spots.

Booking Tip: Book shoebill tours 10-14 days ahead as December is peak season. Tours typically cost UGX 250,000-400,000 including boat transport and guide. Departure times are crucial - insist on 6am starts for best wildlife activity. See available operators in booking widget below.

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Extensions

December's dry trails and stable weather create optimal conditions for extending Kampala visits with gorilla trekking. Clear roads reduce travel time to Bwindi (460 km/286 miles) to 8-9 hours. Dry season means less muddy jungle conditions and better photography opportunities in forest clearings.

Booking Tip: Book permits minimum 60 days ahead - December permits sell out fastest. Trekking packages from Kampala cost UGX 2,800,000-4,200,000 for 2-3 day extensions. Road conditions are best in December, allowing reliable scheduling. Current booking options shown below.

Source of the Nile Day Trips

December's low water levels at Jinja reveal rock formations and rapids usually submerged, creating unique photographic opportunities. Dry weather ensures reliable road conditions for the 81 km (50 mile) journey from Kampala. White-water rafting operates at perfect levels, while sunset boat trips offer crystal-clear views.

Booking Tip: Day trips to Jinja typically cost UGX 200,000-350,000 including transport and activities. Book 5-7 days ahead through operators offering air-conditioned vehicles - essential for December heat. Combine multiple activities for better value. Browse current Jinja tours below.

Entebbe Wildlife Education Centre Visits

December's comfortable morning temperatures make the 36 km (22 mile) trip to Entebbe perfect for wildlife viewing. Animals are most active during cool early hours, while dry conditions allow access to all enclosures. Clear weather provides excellent conditions for photographing rescued chimpanzees and indigenous species.

Booking Tip: Entry costs UGX 15,000 for foreign visitors. Combine with botanical gardens visit and airport transfers for efficiency. Hire guides on-site for UGX 25,000-40,000. Early morning visits (8am-11am) offer best animal activity. Current transport options available below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Kampala City Festival

Annual celebration showcasing Ugandan culture, music, and food across multiple venues in central Kampala. Local artists, traditional dancers, and craft vendors create authentic cultural immersion opportunities. Free outdoor concerts and cultural performances happen throughout the festival period.

Late December

Nakasero Christmas Market

Traditional holiday market in upscale Nakasero district featuring local crafts, fresh produce, and holiday foods. Excellent opportunity to purchase authentic Ugandan textiles, coffee, and handcrafted items while experiencing local holiday traditions alongside Kampala residents.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable by midday

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 during peak hours (11am-3pm) requiring serious sun protection

Light rain jacket or umbrella - despite dry season, 10 rainy days means afternoon thunderstorms lasting 20-30 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Kampala's seven hills require sturdy footwear, especially on wet laterite soil after brief showers

Dust mask or bandana - harmattan winds bring dusty conditions requiring respiratory protection during outdoor activities

Power bank and universal adapter - frequent power outages during peak season demand backup charging solutions

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes remain active despite dry weather, particularly around Lake Victoria areas

Lightweight long pants for evenings - temperatures drop to 17°C (63°F) requiring light layers for comfort

Waterproof camera protection - dust and brief showers require equipment protection during outdoor excursions

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated essential in 27°C (82°F) heat, with reliable refill stations throughout Kampala

Insider Knowledge

Boda boda (motorcycle taxi) fares increase 30-40% during December peak season - negotiate prices beforehand and use established apps like SafeBoda for consistent pricing

Local restaurants serve special December dishes like malewa (bamboo shoots) and groundnut-based holiday stews unavailable other months - ask vendors in Owino Market for seasonal specialties

Banking and government services close December 25-26 and January 1-2, but mobile money (MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money) operates normally - load extra credit before holidays

Morning traffic (7am-9am) moves fastest in December as schools are closed - use this window for cross-city travel and airport transfers

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation too late - December rates increase dramatically and availability drops, especially mid-range properties in safe neighborhoods like Kololo and Nakasero

Scheduling outdoor activities during midday heat (12pm-4pm) - locals retreat indoors during peak temperatures, follow their lead and plan morning or late afternoon excursions

Underestimating gorilla permit booking times - December permits sell out 2-3 months ahead, not the typical 30 days, requiring much earlier planning for Bwindi extensions