Things to Do in Kampala in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Kampala
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season means minimal rainfall despite those 10 rainy days listed - when showers do hit, they're typically brief afternoon downpours that clear within 20-30 minutes. You'll actually get more consistent sunshine than most other months, making it ideal for outdoor exploration around the city's seven hills.
- Pleasant morning temperatures around 17-20°C (63-68°F) create perfect conditions for early starts at Kasubi Tombs or hiking trails in the surrounding areas. The city genuinely wakes up early in December, and you'll want to take advantage of those cooler hours before midday heat sets in.
- December marks the beginning of Uganda's peak tourist season, but Kampala itself doesn't get overwhelmed the way beach destinations do. You'll find the city buzzing with energy as Ugandans return home for holidays and local businesses gear up for festive season, creating an authentic cultural atmosphere without the crushing crowds.
- Visibility around Lake Victoria reaches its best in December - the dry conditions mean you can actually see across the water from spots like Munyonyo or Entebbe. The 70% humidity sounds high, but it's considerably lower than the 85%+ you'd experience during rainy season, making walking around the city far more comfortable.
Considerations
- That 28°C (82°F) high combined with 70% humidity creates sticky midday conditions between 12pm-3pm. The sun feels intense with UV index at 8, and you'll notice most locals retreat indoors during these hours. Plan your outdoor activities for morning or late afternoon, or you'll be miserable and potentially sunburned.
- December is when accommodation prices jump 30-50% compared to shoulder season months like May or October. Hotels around Kampala know they can charge premium rates as both international tourists and diaspora Ugandans return home for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Book at least 6-8 weeks ahead or expect to pay inflated rates.
- Those 10 rainy days are unpredictable - the data shows 0.0 inches total rainfall, which honestly seems like a data quirk, because December typically sees around 75-100 mm (3-4 inches). When afternoon storms do roll in, they can temporarily flood low-lying areas in neighborhoods like Nakawa or Ntinda, making boda boda transport temporarily chaotic.
Best Activities in December
Lake Victoria Island Excursions
December's dry conditions make this the absolute best time for day trips to the Ssese Islands or shorter excursions to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The lake is typically calmer with better visibility, and you'll avoid the choppy waters that come with rainy season. Morning departures around 8-9am give you the smoothest crossing before afternoon breezes pick up. The combination of clear skies and lower water levels also means better wildlife spotting along shorelines.
Kampala City Walking Tours
The dry December weather makes this the ideal month for exploring Kampala's hills on foot - something that's genuinely miserable during muddy rainy season. Focus on early morning tours starting around 7-8am when temperatures are still around 18-20°C (64-68°F). You'll cover neighborhoods like Old Kampala, the Central Business District, and Nakasero Market without dealing with afternoon heat. The festive season also means streets are more animated with holiday preparations and decorations.
Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Extensions
While gorilla trekking happens year-round, December is actually one of the two best months because trails in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga are driest and most accessible. Most visitors use Kampala as their entry point before heading southwest. The 3-4 day extensions from Kampala make sense in December when weather cooperates - you're looking at 8-10 hour drives or short domestic flights. Permits are 700 USD and must be booked months ahead, but December availability tends to be better than June-August peak.
Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Birding
December sits right in the sweet spot for shoebill sightings - the swamps are accessible but water levels haven't dropped so low that birds disperse. Early morning canoe trips starting at 6-7am give you the best chance of spotting these prehistoric-looking birds before they become inactive in midday heat. The 45-minute drive from Kampala to Mabamba Bay is reliably passable in December, unlike rainy season when roads can be challenging.
Jinja Adventure Sports Day Trips
The 80 km (50 mile) trip to Jinja makes for an excellent December day trip when roads are dry and the Nile is at good levels for white-water rafting, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. December water levels are typically stable - not the extreme high flows of rainy season or the low flows of February. The drive takes about 2 hours each way on decent tarmac. You'll also find the Source of the Nile area less crowded than you'd expect given it's high season.
Kampala Food Market and Street Food Tours
December brings seasonal foods and festive preparations that make market tours particularly interesting. Nakasero Market, Owino Market, and evening street food scenes in neighborhoods like Kabalagala are most comfortable to explore in December's drier conditions. You'll find special holiday foods like grasshoppers (nsenene) if the season aligns, plus increased variety as vendors stock up for celebrations. Evening food tours work well because temperatures drop to comfortable levels after 6pm.
December Events & Festivals
Kampala Restaurant Week
Typically runs in early December, this event showcases Kampala's growing dining scene with special prix-fixe menus at participating restaurants. You'll find everything from upscale spots in Kololo to casual eateries offering 3-course meals at discounted rates, usually around 35,000-60,000 UGX. It's a decent way to sample restaurants you might not otherwise try, and reservations are genuinely necessary at popular venues.
Rolex Festival
This celebration of Uganda's beloved street food - the rolex, a chapati rolled with eggs and vegetables - happens in mid-December at various locations around the city. It's become a legitimate cultural event with rolex-making competitions, live music, and crowds of locals. Worth attending if you're around, as it captures Kampala's street food culture in a concentrated, festive atmosphere.
Kampala City Festival
Usually scheduled for late December, this multi-day event takes over parts of the city center with music performances, cultural displays, food vendors, and activities celebrating Ugandan culture. It draws significant local crowds and can cause traffic disruptions around the CBD, but offers authentic insight into contemporary Ugandan urban culture. Free to attend with some activities requiring small fees.