Things to Do in Kampala in February

February Weather in Kampala

29°C (84°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

46mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather balance - warm 29°C (84°F) days with cool 18°C (64°F) evenings, ideal for both daytime exploration and comfortable sleeping
Peak dry season means only 8 rainy days with brief afternoon showers lasting 15-20 minutes, leaving mornings and evenings consistently clear
Low tourist season results in 40-60% lower accommodation prices and uncrowded attractions, especially compared to December-January peak
Excellent visibility for outdoor activities - clear skies provide stunning views of the seven hills and Lake Victoria stretches

Considerations

Occasional afternoon thunderstorms between 2-4pm can disrupt outdoor plans, though they're brief and predictable
Dust levels increase during dry spells, which can irritate sensitive airways and affect photography
Some migratory bird species have departed Lake Victoria, reducing wildlife viewing opportunities compared to December-January

Best Activities in February

Lake Victoria Island Hopping Tours

February's calm waters and clear skies create perfect conditions for exploring Ssese Islands. Minimal rainfall means reliable ferry schedules and excellent swimming conditions. Water temperature stays comfortable at 24°C (75°F). The dry season provides stunning sunset photography opportunities without weather interruptions.

Booking Tip: Book island tours 5-7 days ahead through registered boat operators at Nakiwogo landing site. Tours typically cost UGX 150,000-250,000 ($40-67) per person including transport and lunch. Look for operators with life jackets and insurance coverage. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Kampala City Walking Tours

Cool morning temperatures of 20°C (68°F) make February ideal for exploring downtown Kampala on foot. Start at 7am to avoid afternoon heat and potential showers. The dry season means dust-free streets and clear views from Nakasero Hill. Perfect weather for photographing colonial architecture and busy markets without rain concerns.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks work best, or book cultural walking tours 2-3 days ahead. Guided tours range UGX 80,000-120,000 ($22-32) for 3-4 hours. Choose morning departures before 10am. Licensed guides available through Uganda Tourism Board certified operators.

Entebbe Wildlife Sanctuary Visits

February's dry conditions make wildlife viewing exceptional - animals congregate around water sources and walking trails are mud-free. Early morning visits at 6:30am offer cool temperatures and active wildlife before the heat builds. The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre is 45 minutes from Kampala and perfect for day trips.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are UGX 20,000 ($5.50) for East African residents, UGX 30,000 ($8) for others. Combine with Entebbe Botanical Gardens visit. Private transport costs UGX 180,000-220,000 ($48-60) round trip. Book through registered tour operators for better rates.

Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Tracking

February offers optimal shoebill viewing as water levels drop, concentrating birds in accessible areas. Early morning trips at 6am provide cool temperatures and highest bird activity. The 2-hour canoe journey through papyrus channels is comfortable in February's moderate humidity levels.

Booking Tip: Book shoebill tours 3-5 days ahead, especially for weekends. Tours cost UGX 200,000-300,000 ($54-81) including canoe, guide, and transport from Kampala. Success rate is 70-80% in February. Choose operators with experienced local guides who know current nesting sites.

Craft Market Shopping Tours

February's pleasant evening temperatures make browsing Kampala's craft markets comfortable after 5pm. Uganda Crafts 2000 and Nakasero Market offer the best selections when afternoon heat subsides. Vendors are more willing to negotiate during the slower tourist season.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for market visits. Budget UGX 50,000-150,000 ($14-40) for quality crafts. Visit after 4pm when temperatures cool. Bargain respectfully - start at 60% of asking price. Guided shopping tours available for UGX 100,000 ($27) including transport.

Kasubi Tombs Cultural Experiences

February's dry weather provides excellent conditions for exploring Uganda's UNESCO World Heritage sites. The reconstructed Kasubi Tombs offer fascinating insights into Buganda kingdom history. Cool morning visits allow comfortable walking through the traditional architecture without weather concerns.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are UGX 25,000 ($7) for international visitors. Open 8am-6pm daily. Guided cultural tours cost UGX 120,000-180,000 ($32-48) including multiple cultural sites. Book through certified cultural tourism operators. Combine with Mengo Palace visits for full cultural immersion.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Kampala Restaurant Week

Annual culinary event featuring special menus at top restaurants across the city. Local and international cuisine showcased with prix fixe menus and chef collaborations. Perfect opportunity to experience Kampala's growing food scene at discounted prices.

Late February

Uganda Martyrs Day Preparations

Traditional preparation ceremonies begin at Namugongo Shrine in late February, ahead of the June celebration. Witness local pilgrims beginning spiritual preparations and cultural performances. Less crowded than the main June event but equally meaningful culturally.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket - afternoon showers are brief but intense, lasting 15-20 minutes with little warning

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 during midday hours, even with occasional cloud cover

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 65% humidity, natural fabrics dry faster after brief rains

Light sweater for evenings - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) after sunset, especially near Lake Victoria

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - streets can be slippery for 30 minutes after afternoon rains

Dust mask or scarf for sensitive throats - dry season creates dusty conditions on unpaved roads

Quick-dry towel for spontaneous lake activities - perfect weather for impromptu swimming opportunities

Portable phone charger - power outages increase slightly during thunderstorms, lasting 1-2 hours typically

Cash in small denominations - UGX 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 notes for market shopping and boda-boda transport

Insect repellent for early morning activities - mosquitoes are most active at dawn near water sources

Insider Knowledge

Local 'rolex' (egg rolled in chapati) vendors set up at 6:30am near taxi parks - the best breakfast costs UGX 3,000 ($0.80) before tourist prices kick in

Boda-boda motorcycle taxis charge 30% less during afternoon rain showers when demand drops - wait out the 20-minute storms for cheaper transport

Kampala's seven hills create microclimates - Nakasero and Kololo areas are 2-3°C cooler than downtown due to elevation and Lake Victoria breezes

Friday evenings feature live traditional music at local bars in Kabalagala - entry is free, just buy drinks, and you'll experience authentic Ugandan nightlife tourists rarely see

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 2-4pm when afternoon thunderstorms are most likely - schedule indoor activities or lunch breaks during this window

Wearing white clothing during dry season - Kampala's red dust stains light fabrics within hours of walking around the city

Booking accommodation in downtown areas without backup power - choose hotels with generators as brief outages are common during storms