Things to Do in Kampala in January

January Weather in Kampala

28°C (83°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

46 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means minimal rainfall - only 4 rainy days with light afternoon showers lasting 15-20 minutes, perfect for outdoor exploration
Cool evenings at 17°C (63°F) make walking tours and night markets comfortable after hot days, unlike the oppressive heat of March-May
Excellent visibility for Lake Victoria activities - dry weather means clearer waters and better conditions for boat trips and island visits
Harvest season for local fruits - January brings peak availability of jackfruit, passion fruit, and mangoes at lowest prices in local markets

Considerations

Harmattan winds from the north bring dusty conditions 2-3 days per week, affecting air quality and requiring face masks for sensitive travelers
High season pricing kicks in mid-January as European winter escapees arrive - accommodation costs increase 30-40% from December lows
Intense UV exposure with index of 8 combined with 1,190m (3,904 ft) altitude requires constant sun protection and can cause severe burns within 20 minutes

Best Activities in January

Lake Victoria Island Hopping Tours

January's dry conditions create optimal visibility and calm waters for exploring Ssese Islands. Morning departures at 8am avoid afternoon heat buildup, and you'll encounter fewer crowds than during European summer holidays. The 45-minute boat rides are comfortable in cool morning temperatures of 20°C (68°F).

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators at Port Bell or Nakiwogo. Tours typically cost UGX 180,000-250,000 ($48-67) including transport and lunch. Look for operators with life jackets and radio communication. See current island tour options in the booking section below.

Boda Boda City Discovery Tours

Cool January mornings are perfect for motorcycle taxi tours through Kampala's seven hills. Start at 7am when temperatures are 18°C (64°F) and traffic is lighter. You'll cover 25 km (15.5 miles) visiting Rubaga Cathedral, Kasubi Tombs, and local markets before the midday heat builds.

Booking Tip: Arrange through established tour operators offering helmets and experienced drivers. Half-day tours cost UGX 120,000-180,000 ($32-48) for 2-3 hours. Avoid unlicensed street operators. Check current guided boda tours in the booking widget below.

Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Tracking

January's low water levels concentrate shoebill storks in accessible areas, increasing sighting chances to 85%. Early morning departures at 6:30am utilize cool temperatures of 16°C (61°F) and active bird feeding times. The 2-hour canoe journey is comfortable without rainy season mosquito swarms.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead with operators providing local canoe guides and binoculars. Full tours cost UGX 200,000-280,000 ($53-75) including transport from Kampala. Departure timing is crucial - later starts reduce sighting probability by 40%. Find current shoebill tours in the booking section below.

Source of the Nile Day Trips

Dry season reveals dramatic water flow differences at Jinja, making January ideal for white-water rafting and boat tours. Water levels are predictable, and the 2-hour drive from Kampala encounters less rain-related delays. Morning activities start in comfortable 19°C (66°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours including rafting cost UGX 300,000-450,000 ($80-120) through established Jinja operators. Book 10-14 days ahead for equipment availability. Transport adds UGX 150,000 ($40) or arrange shared shuttles. See current Nile adventure options in the booking widget below.

Nakasero Market Food Walking Tours

January harvest season brings peak variety and quality to Kampala's largest market. Cool morning temperatures of 20°C (68°F) make the 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable, and reduced rainfall means fewer muddy conditions in outdoor sections. Local fruits are at seasonal price lows.

Booking Tip: Join guided food tours costing UGX 80,000-120,000 ($21-32) including tastings and cultural explanations. Start by 9am before heat builds and vendor energy peaks. Independent exploration possible but guides provide essential cultural context. Check current food tour options in the booking section below.

Uganda Museum and Cultural Center Tours

January's afternoon shower pattern makes indoor cultural attractions perfect for 2-4pm time slots when outdoor activities pause. Air-conditioned spaces provide relief during peak heat hours of 28°C (82°F), and you'll avoid the intense UV exposure common in January.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are UGX 10,000-15,000 ($3-4) for international visitors. Guided tours cost additional UGX 30,000-50,000 ($8-13) and provide essential historical context. Allow 2-3 hours per major cultural site. Current cultural tour packages available in the booking widget below.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Kampala City Festival

Annual celebration featuring local music, traditional dances, and craft exhibitions in Central Kampala. Free outdoor performances showcase Ugandan culture with food vendors offering seasonal specialties. Perfect weather conditions with minimal rain risk.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 at 1,190m (3,904 ft) altitude causes burns in 15-20 minutes

Light cotton long-sleeve shirts for evening temperatures dropping to 17°C (63°F) and mosquito protection

Dust mask or bandana - Harmattan winds create dusty conditions 2-3 days weekly affecting air quality

Waterproof phone case and small umbrella - brief afternoon showers occur 4 days during the month

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support for uneven surfaces and hill climbing throughout the seven-hill city

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - evening mosquito activity increases in Lake Victoria proximity

Light rain jacket or windbreaker for cool morning boda rides and boat trips starting at 16°C (61°F)

Electrolyte supplements - high humidity at 70% and altitude increase dehydration risk during outdoor activities

Cash in small denominations - many local vendors don't accept cards and change for large notes is limited

Power bank and universal adapter - frequent power fluctuations in January affect device charging reliability

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities for 7am-10am and 4pm-6pm to avoid peak heat and UV exposure - locals call midday hours 'muzungu time' because only tourists venture out

January mango season means street vendors offer 4-5 varieties for UGX 1,000-2,000 each - try the local 'Bogoya' variety unavailable in tourist areas

Boda boda fares increase 20-30% after 6pm and during light rain showers - negotiate fixed rates before departure and always wear the provided helmet

Lake Victoria bilharzia risk is lowest in January due to reduced water contact from locals during cooler weather, but still avoid swimming in still water areas near shores

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon heat intensity - many tourists plan full-day outdoor activities and suffer heat exhaustion by 2pm when temperatures peak at 28°C (82°F)

Wearing dark colors that absorb heat and show dust from Harmattan winds - light-colored, loose cotton clothing is essential for comfort

Skipping malaria prophylaxis because it's dry season - mosquito-borne disease risk remains high year-round in Kampala's Lake Victoria climate zone