Things to Do in Kampala in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Kampala
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season weather with minimal rainfall - those 10 rainy days typically mean brief evening showers rather than all-day downpours, so you can actually plan outdoor activities without constantly checking the forecast
- Post-holiday calm means significantly fewer crowds at major attractions like the Kasubi Tombs and Uganda Museum, while prices for accommodations drop 20-30% compared to December peak season
- Perfect conditions for gorilla trekking prep - if you're using Kampala as a staging point for Bwindi or Mgahinga trips, January's dry weather means better road conditions and clearer mountain views during the 8-10 hour drives
- Lake Victoria is at its most accessible - water levels are stable, winds are gentler than March-May, and boat trips to the Ssese Islands run on schedule rather than getting canceled due to afternoon storms
Considerations
- That 70% humidity combined with midday temperatures hitting 28°C (83°F) creates the kind of sticky heat where you'll want to shower twice daily - not ideal if you're staying in budget guesthouses without reliable hot water
- January is actually peak dust season in Kampala's unpaved neighborhoods, so if you have respiratory sensitivities or wear contact lenses, the combination of dry conditions and construction activity around expanding neighborhoods like Ntinda can be genuinely uncomfortable
- Many local cultural events happen during the wetter months when farming communities have more free time - January is relatively quiet on the festival calendar compared to August or November
Best Activities in January
Lake Victoria Island Hopping
January's calm lake conditions make this the ideal month for visiting the Ssese Islands, about 50 km (31 miles) southwest of Kampala. The ferry crossings are smoother than during rainy season, and you can actually enjoy the 3-4 hour boat rides without seasickness. Water visibility for swimming is better now too - around 3-4 m (10-13 ft) compared to 1-2 m (3-7 ft) during heavy rains. The islands are genuinely quiet in January, maybe 30% of August's tourist traffic, so beaches feel more like local hangouts than resort zones.
Kampala City Walking Tours
The morning hours in January, before 11am when temperatures are still around 22°C (72°F), are perfect for exploring neighborhoods on foot. The dry conditions mean you can navigate the hilly terrain of areas like Nakasero and Old Kampala without muddy pathways. January's lower tourist numbers also mean you get more authentic interactions in local markets - vendors at Nakasero Market and Owino Market actually have time to chat rather than rushing between customers. The UV index hits 8 by midday though, so afternoon walks require serious sun protection.
Boda Boda Food Tours
Riding on the back of motorcycle taxis to sample street food is actually safer in January's dry conditions - roads have better traction and visibility is clearer without rain. The evening food scene, starting around 6pm when temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F), is when Kampala really comes alive. You can hit 6-8 food stops in 3 hours, covering everything from rolex stands in Wandegeya to goat skewers in Kabalagala. January is mango season in Uganda, so you'll find fresh fruit vendors everywhere with varieties you won't see exported.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visits
Located 23 km (14 miles) southeast of Kampala on Lake Victoria, January offers the calmest boat crossings of the year. The 45-minute speedboat ride is actually enjoyable rather than a white-knuckle experience. Chimps are more active in the morning cool, and the 11am feeding session is the highlight. January's dry weather also means the forest trails on the island are accessible for the longer walking tours. You're looking at seeing 40-50 rescued chimps in a genuinely worthwhile conservation project, not a zoo setup.
Ndere Cultural Centre Performances
While not weather-dependent, January is actually when you get more locals in the audience compared to tourist-heavy months, which changes the energy of the performances. The outdoor amphitheater shows, running Wednesday and Sunday evenings, are comfortable in January's temperatures - around 19°C (66°F) by 7pm showtime. You'll see traditional dances from Uganda's 50+ ethnic groups, and the post-show village tour is less rushed when crowd sizes are smaller. Worth noting the center is about 8 km (5 miles) from central Kampala, so factor in 30-45 minutes travel time depending on traffic.
Mabira Forest Day Trips
This rainforest about 54 km (34 miles) east of Kampala is actually at its most accessible in January. The trails dry out enough for comfortable hiking without the mud that makes some paths impassable during April-May rains. Canopy walks and zip-lining operate more reliably when weather is predictable. The forest is noticeably cooler than Kampala - around 24°C (75°F) - which feels refreshing after the city humidity. January is decent for birding too, with both resident and some early migrant species visible. The drive takes 90 minutes in good traffic, 2+ hours during Kampala's rush periods.
January Events & Festivals
Kampala City Festival
Usually held in early October, not January - Kampala doesn't actually have major festivals in January. The city is in post-holiday recovery mode, with most cultural events concentrated in drier months later in the year. What you will find are regular Sunday church services that function as community gatherings, particularly impressive at Rubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals where choirs perform.