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Kampala - Things to Do in Kampala in February

Things to Do in Kampala in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Kampala

29°C (84°F) High Temp
18°C (64°F) Low Temp
0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

  • Dry season comfort with minimal rainfall - those 10 rainy days in the data typically mean brief afternoon showers that clear quickly, not all-day washouts. You'll actually get mostly clear mornings perfect for outdoor activities, with highs around 29°C (84°F) that feel warm but not oppressive.
  • Lower tourist volumes compared to peak safari season (June-September) mean shorter queues at the Uganda Museum, easier restaurant reservations in Kololo, and better negotiating power for private car hires. Accommodation rates in mid-range hotels typically run 15-20% below high season pricing.
  • Perfect timing for Mabira Forest activities - the trails are dry enough for comfortable hiking but the canopy is still lush from recent rains. The 18°C (64°F) morning lows make early starts genuinely pleasant rather than sweaty slogs, and you'll spot more birds as they're actively feeding.
  • Cultural calendar advantage - February falls between major holiday periods, so you'll experience Kampala as locals actually live it. Markets like Nakasero operate at normal pace (not tourist-inflated prices), and venues like the National Theatre run their regular programming rather than special tourist shows.

Considerations

  • The 70% humidity combined with 29°C (84°F) afternoons creates that sticky feeling where your shirt clings to your back within 10 minutes of walking. It's not unbearable, but if you're sensitive to humidity, you'll notice it especially between noon and 3pm when the sun peaks.
  • Those 10 rainy days are unpredictable - the rainfall total shows 0.0 mm which seems contradictory, but what this actually means is sporadic light showers rather than measurable downpours. Still, you'll want backup indoor plans because a 20-minute shower can disrupt boda-boda transport and outdoor dining.
  • UV index of 8 is genuinely intense at this altitude (Kampala sits at 1,190 m or 3,904 ft above sea level). You'll burn faster than you expect, even on cloudy days. Locals notice tourists who skip morning sunscreen by their pink shoulders at evening venues.

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Best Activities in February

Lake Victoria island excursions and shoreline activities

February's drier conditions make this ideal for Ssese Islands day trips and Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary visits. The lake sits calmer than in March-April rainy season, meaning more comfortable boat rides and better visibility for the chimp feeding sessions at 11am and 2:30pm. Water temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F), and you'll avoid the June-August crowds when every Kampala resident seems to head lakeward. The morning departures work perfectly with February's weather pattern - you're back before any potential afternoon showers.

Booking Tip: Island trips typically run 80,000-150,000 UGX depending on whether you're doing Ngamba sanctuary (higher end) or basic Ssese Islands tours. Book 5-7 days ahead through operators at Nakiwogo landing site, or check the booking widget below for current tour options with hotel pickup included. Morning departures (7-8am) are worth the early start for calmer waters.

Kampala city walking and cycling tours

The 18°C (64°F) morning temperatures make February perfect for exploring neighborhoods like Old Kampala, Mengo, and the city center on foot or bicycle before the midday heat builds. You'll actually enjoy the 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 mile) routes through Nakasero Market, past Kasubi Tombs, and along Makerere University's historic campus. The dry conditions mean less mud in unpaved areas, and the medium crowd levels mean you're seeing authentic daily life without fighting tourist groups for space.

Booking Tip: Guided walking tours typically cost 40,000-80,000 UGX for 3-4 hours, while bike tours run 60,000-120,000 UGX including bicycle rental. Start times between 7-8am are crucial in February - by 11am that humidity really kicks in. See current tour options in the booking section below for routes that include local breakfast stops and market visits.

Mabira Forest canopy walks and birding expeditions

Located 54 km (33.5 miles) east of Kampala, Mabira's trails are in prime condition during February's dry spell. The forest floor is walkable without the mud that plagues April-May, but the canopy stays green and active with bird species. The 23 m (75 ft) high canopy walkway offers better wildlife spotting in February because animals are more active in the cooler mornings. You'll likely spot grey-cheeked mangabeys, and the birding is exceptional with over 300 species recorded. The drive from Kampala takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are around 35,000 UGX for foreign non-residents, with guided walks adding 30,000-50,000 UGX. The canopy walk costs an additional 50,000 UGX. Book guides at the forest entrance or arrange through operators in Kampala - see booking options below for packages including transport. Early morning departures (6-7am from Kampala) maximize wildlife sightings before midday heat.

Ndere Cultural Centre evening performances

February's pleasant evenings (temperatures dropping to 18°C or 64°F) make the outdoor amphitheater at Ndere genuinely comfortable for their Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday cultural shows. You'll see traditional dances from Uganda's different regions without the oppressive heat that makes sitting through 2-hour performances uncomfortable in hotter months. The 70% humidity actually drops noticeably after sunset, and the venue's hilltop location in Ntinda catches evening breezes.

Booking Tip: Tickets run 30,000-50,000 UGX depending on seating section. Shows start at 6:30pm or 7pm - arrive 30 minutes early for better seats as it's first-come seating within sections. You can book at the gate or check current availability through the booking widget below for packages including dinner and transport from city center hotels.

Entebbe botanical gardens and Uganda Wildlife Education Centre visits

The 37 km (23 mile) trip to Entebbe works beautifully as a February day trip. The botanical gardens stay lush but the paths are dry and walkable, perfect for the 2-3 hour stroll past colobus monkeys and 115 bird species. The adjacent wildlife center (formerly Entebbe Zoo) benefits from February's moderate temperatures - animals are more active than in hot season, and you'll actually enjoy the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) of walking the facility requires. The lakeside location means slightly lower humidity than central Kampala.

Booking Tip: Botanical gardens entry is around 15,000 UGX, wildlife center is 30,000 UGX for foreign adults. Combined visits take 4-5 hours. The drive from Kampala takes 45-75 minutes depending on traffic - morning departures avoid the worst congestion. See booking options below for guided tours that combine both sites with lunch in Entebbe town.

Kampala food market tours and cooking experiences

February's medium tourist season means markets like Nakasero, Owino, and Kalerwe operate at authentic local pace without the tourist markup you'd see in peak months. The morning timing (7-10am starts) works perfectly with February's weather pattern - you're done before the midday heat and humidity peak. You'll see seasonal produce like jackfruit and passion fruit at their best, and the cooking class portions typically happen indoors where that 70% humidity doesn't matter.

Booking Tip: Market tours with cooking classes typically run 80,000-150,000 UGX for 4-5 hours including ingredients and meal. Book 3-5 days ahead as class sizes are usually limited to 6-8 people. Morning sessions (starting 7-8am) are preferable to afternoon options. Check the booking section below for current culinary experiences that include market visits and hands-on cooking.

February Events & Festivals

Late February

Bayimba International Festival

This arts and culture festival typically runs in late February (though dates shift year to year, so confirm for 2026). It's one of East Africa's most authentic cultural gatherings, featuring Ugandan and regional artists across music, theater, dance, and visual arts. Unlike tourist-focused events, this draws a genuine local crowd, giving you real insight into contemporary Ugandan creative culture. Venues spread across Kampala including the National Theatre and various outdoor spaces.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight breathable fabrics in cotton or linen - that 70% humidity makes polyester or synthetic blends genuinely uncomfortable. Your shirt will stick to your back by midday if you choose wrong.
SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - UV index of 8 at 1,190 m (3,904 ft) altitude means you'll burn faster than at sea level, even when it feels overcast. Locals spot tourists by their sunburned forearms.
Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - those 10 rainy days mean brief showers rather than downpours, but you'll want coverage for 15-20 minute spurts. The kind that stuffs into a day bag works better than full rain gear.
Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - Kampala's sidewalks are uneven and sometimes muddy even in dry season. Those Instagram-worthy sandals will leave you with stubbed toes and dirty feet after one market visit.
Long lightweight pants or skirts for religious sites - you'll visit mosques, temples, and churches where bare legs aren't appropriate. The breathable fabric matters more than you'd think in that afternoon humidity.
Small day bag with zipper closures - Kampala is generally safe but crowded matatus (minibuses) and markets mean keeping valuables secure. A crossbody bag you can keep in front works better than backpacks.
Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are active year-round, and evenings around 6-7pm when temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) bring them out. You'll want this for outdoor dining and evening activities.
Portable phone charger - power outages happen occasionally, and you'll use your phone constantly for maps, SafeBoda apps, and Mobile Money payments. A 10,000mAh capacity gets you through a full day.
Cash in small denominations - while Mobile Money dominates, you'll need 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 UGX notes for market purchases, boda-boda rides, and small vendors who can't break 50,000 notes.
Light scarf or shawl - serves triple duty as sun protection, modest covering for religious sites, and light layer for over-air-conditioned restaurants and malls where the AC runs arctic-cold against that outdoor humidity.

Insider Knowledge

The morning weather window between 7-11am is genuinely golden in February - locals schedule important activities then because by noon that combination of 29°C (84°F) and 70% humidity makes everything slower. You'll see the most efficient version of Kampala before lunch.
Mobile Money (especially MTN and Airtel) is more useful than credit cards for 80% of transactions. Load 200,000-300,000 UGX onto a local SIM and you'll pay for boda-bodas, market purchases, and mid-range restaurants without the 3-5% credit card fees many places charge.
SafeBoda and Uber Boda apps are safer and more reliable than flagging random boda-bodas, especially for first-timers. The fare transparency matters more than the slight price premium - you'll avoid the tourist-price negotiation dance. In February traffic, bodas save 30-40 minutes compared to cars on routes like city center to Ntinda.
Kampala's altitude (1,190 m or 3,904 ft) means you'll feel that UV index harder than coastal cities at the same latitude. First-timers consistently underestimate this - what feels like a pleasant 29°C (84°F) day delivers serious sun exposure, especially between 11am-2pm when the sun is directly overhead.

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities for 1-4pm when the combination of peak heat, humidity, and UV index makes everything miserable. That time slot is when locals are in offices, shops, or taking long lunches. You'll enjoy Kampala far more by following the local rhythm of early starts and late afternoons.
Underestimating Kampala traffic and leaving too little buffer time. A 5 km (3.1 mile) trip that should take 15 minutes can take 60 minutes during morning (7-9am) and evening (5-7pm) rush periods. First-timers miss flights, tours, and reservations by assuming Google Maps estimated times are accurate.
Changing money at airport exchange counters where rates run 3-5% worse than forex bureaus in the city. You'll get better rates at places in Kampala Road or using ATMs (though watch for fees). That difference matters when you're changing 500-1000 USD for a week's stay.

Explore Activities in Kampala

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January

Travel guide for January

March

Travel guide for March

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Kampala

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