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Kampala - Things to Do in Kampala in July

Things to Do in Kampala in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Kampala

27°C (80°F) High Temp
17°C (62°F) Low Temp
0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

  • Dry season comfort - July sits right in the middle of Kampala's long dry season (June through August), which means you can actually plan outdoor activities without constant rain anxiety. The mornings start genuinely cool at 17°C (62°F), perfect for early market visits or hillside hikes before the midday warmth kicks in.
  • Festival season hits its stride - July brings Nyege Nyege Festival preparations and the tail end of Martyrs Day activities, meaning the city's cultural calendar is active without being overwhelmingly crowded. You'll catch live music spilling out of venues in Kabalagala and Kololo most weekends, with local artists performing before the August peak.
  • Agricultural abundance at markets - July marks harvest time for many crops in the surrounding regions, so Kampala's markets like Nakasero and Owino overflow with fresh produce at genuinely low prices. Expect perfect avocados for 1,000-2,000 UGX (about $0.30-0.60), massive pineapples, and the season's best matoke (cooking bananas) that locals actually get excited about.
  • Clearer skies for photography and views - The dry season means Kampala's seven hills offer consistently spectacular views without the haze that builds up during rainy months. The visibility from spots like Namirembe Cathedral or the Bahai Temple extends across the city and out toward Lake Victoria, particularly stunning in the golden hour between 5:30-6:30pm when the light hits just right.

Considerations

  • Dust becomes relentless - The flip side of dry season is that Kampala's unpaved roads and construction sites generate clouds of red laterite dust that coats everything. You'll notice it on your shoes within hours, and if you're staying anywhere near major roads, that 70% humidity combines with dust to create a sticky film on surfaces. Locals carry handkerchiefs constantly for a reason.
  • Mid-season pricing without peak-season infrastructure - July sits in an awkward spot where accommodation prices have climbed from low-season rates (March-May) but haven't quite hit the December-January peak. You're paying 20-30% more than shoulder season without necessarily getting better availability or service, since many businesses are still operating at normal staffing levels.
  • The 10 rainy days are unpredictable wildcards - That 0.0 inches average rainfall is misleading because when July storms do hit, they're brief but intense. The challenge isn't the amount of rain but the randomness - you might get a 45-minute downpour that floods streets and stops traffic completely, then sunshine 20 minutes later. Kampala's drainage hasn't caught up with development, so even short storms create chaos in areas like Nakawa and Ntinda.

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Best Activities in July

Lake Victoria island exploration and fishing village tours

July's dry weather makes this the ideal time for boat trips to the Ssese Islands or shorter excursions to fishing communities along Lake Victoria's northern shore. The water is calmer than rainy season, and you'll see traditional fishing methods in action as catches are brought in during early morning hours. The combination of 27°C (80°F) days and lower humidity near the water makes this genuinely pleasant rather than the sweaty ordeal it becomes in March-April. Visibility is excellent for birdwatching, with African fish eagles and kingfishers active along the shoreline.

Booking Tip: Book boat tours 5-7 days ahead through operators at Entebbe or Ggaba landing sites. Expect to pay 150,000-300,000 UGX per person for half-day trips including transport from Kampala. Morning departures (7-8am) offer the best wildlife viewing and avoid afternoon heat. Look for operators with life jackets and covered boats - the UV index of 8 means sun exposure is serious on open water. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Kampala city walking tours through historical neighborhoods

Those cool 17°C (62°F) mornings make July perfect for exploring Kampala's hills on foot before midday heat arrives. The dry conditions mean you can navigate the steep paths around Old Kampala, Mengo, and Nakasero without mud concerns. July timing lets you catch the city waking up - markets setting up around 6:30am, street vendors preparing breakfast (rolex and samosas), and commuters flooding boda-boda stages. The lower tourist volume compared to December means you'll have more authentic interactions with locals who actually have time to chat.

Booking Tip: Guided walking tours typically cost 80,000-150,000 UGX for 3-4 hour routes covering multiple neighborhoods. Book 3-5 days ahead to ensure English-speaking guides are available. Start by 8am to complete outdoor portions before 11am when temperatures peak. Tours should include water and rest stops - that 70% humidity is deceptive even in dry season. Check current walking tour options in the booking section below.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary day trips

The dry season is objectively better for this experience because the 45-minute boat ride from Entebbe is less choppy, and the island's viewing platforms aren't slick with rain. July's weather means chimps are more active during feeding times (11am and 2:30pm) rather than sheltering from storms. The sanctuary's forest trails are walkable without rubber boots, letting you explore the island properly. Worth noting that July falls outside peak tourist season, so viewing platforms are less crowded - you'll actually get unobstructed photos during feedings.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips including boat transport, sanctuary entry, and lunch typically run 350,000-500,000 UGX per person. Book at least 7-10 days ahead as daily visitor numbers are capped at around 50 people. Departures leave from Entebbe between 8-9am. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (that UV index of 8 is no joke on the water) and a light rain jacket for the 10% chance of afternoon showers. See available Ngamba Island tours in the booking section below.

Kampala nightlife and live music venue tours

July is when Kampala's music scene really comes alive before the August festival rush. Venues in Kabalagala, Kololo, and Ntinda host live bands Thursday through Sunday, with a mix of Afrobeat, reggae, and Ugandan pop. The dry weather means outdoor venues and rooftop bars are reliably open without rain interruptions. Entry fees are lower than peak season (December-January), typically 10,000-30,000 UGX, and you'll encounter more locals than tourists. The cool evening temperatures starting around 8pm make bar-hopping between venues actually comfortable.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most venues - just show up after 9pm when things get going. Budget 50,000-100,000 UGX for a full night including cover charges, drinks, and boda-boda transport between spots. Thursday nights tend to be quieter with better deals on drinks. Stick to established neighborhoods and use registered boda-bodas or SafeBoda app for transport between venues. Local tour operators offer nightlife tours for 120,000-200,000 UGX including transport and venue entry - check current options in the booking section below.

Mabira Forest canopy walks and nature trails

July's dry conditions transform Mabira Forest (about 54 km or 34 miles east of Kampala) from a muddy slog into an accessible rainforest experience. The main trails are firm enough for regular hiking shoes rather than boots, and the canopy walkway - suspended 40 m (131 ft) above the forest floor - offers spectacular views without rain obscuring the scenery. Birdwatching peaks in July as migratory species overlap with residents, and the lower humidity means less fog in the morning hours. The drive from Kampala takes 75-90 minutes on improved roads.

Booking Tip: Entry to Mabira Forest is 20,000 UGX for foreign visitors, with canopy walk access an additional 50,000 UGX. Guided nature walks cost 30,000-50,000 UGX depending on trail length. Book guides at the forest entrance or arrange through Kampala operators 2-3 days ahead for guaranteed English-speaking guides. Tours typically run 100,000-180,000 UGX including transport from Kampala, guide, and entry fees. Start early (7-8am departure) to catch morning bird activity and return before afternoon heat peaks. See current Mabira Forest tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional food market tours and cooking experiences

July's harvest season means Nakasero Market, Owino Market, and neighborhood markets overflow with fresh produce at peak quality. A guided market tour teaches you to identify the ingredients that make Ugandan cuisine distinct - different matoke varieties, fresh cassava, groundnut paste, and seasonal vegetables. The dry weather makes navigating crowded market aisles more pleasant than rainy season mud. Many tours include hands-on cooking sessions where you'll prepare dishes like luwombo (steamed meat in banana leaves) or groundnut sauce, usually in local homes or small restaurants.

Booking Tip: Market and cooking tours typically cost 100,000-200,000 UGX for 3-4 hour experiences including ingredients and meals. Book 3-5 days ahead to arrange home visits or restaurant kitchen access. Morning tours (8-11am) catch markets at their busiest and freshest. Tours should include bottled water and hand sanitizer. Look for experiences that support local women's cooperatives or social enterprises. Check current food tour options in the booking section below.

July Events & Festivals

Throughout July

Kampala City Festival preparations and pre-events

While the main Kampala City Festival typically happens in October, July sees planning committees hosting preview events, street art installations going up, and local performers doing showcase concerts around the city. You'll catch the creative energy building without the massive crowds of the actual festival. Various cultural centers and venues in areas like Bukoto and Kololo host smaller music and art events throughout July that give you a taste of Uganda's contemporary creative scene.

Weekend afternoons throughout July

Monthly Rolex Festival at various venues

Rolex (rolled chapati with eggs and vegetables - nothing to do with watches) is Kampala's signature street food, and various neighborhoods host informal rolex competitions and festivals on weekend afternoons in July. These aren't heavily advertised tourist events but rather community gatherings where vendors compete for best rolex titles. Kabalagala and Makerere University area are hotspots. You'll pay 3,000-5,000 UGX per rolex and get to vote for your favorite.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - Those 10 rainy days in July are unpredictable, and when storms hit, they flood streets within 20 minutes. You need something that stuffs into a day bag, not a full raincoat. Local shops sell cheap plastic ponchos for 5,000 UGX if you forget.
SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply religiously - That UV index of 8 is serious, especially if you're doing boat trips on Lake Victoria or walking tours on exposed hilltops. The humidity makes you feel like you're not burning until it's too late. Bring from home as quality sunscreen in Kampala costs 3-4x international prices.
Breathable cotton or linen clothing, avoid polyester - The 70% humidity means synthetic fabrics become sweat traps by 10am. Locals wear light cotton for good reason. Bring clothes you don't mind getting dusty because that red laterite dust is unavoidable and stains light colors permanently.
Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - Kampala's hills are steep and sidewalks are irregular when they exist at all. You need shoes with traction for wet surfaces (those brief storms make everything slippery) and ankle support for uneven terrain. Leave the flip-flops for your hotel room.
Small daypack with anti-theft features - You'll be carrying water, sunscreen, rain jacket, and purchases from markets. A bag that zips fully and can be worn on your front in crowded areas is essential. Kampala isn't particularly dangerous but opportunistic theft happens in busy markets and on public transport.
Wide-brimmed hat or cap - Sun protection for your face and neck during midday hours when temperatures hit 27°C (80°F) and that UV index peaks. Baseball caps work but something with a full brim protects your ears and neck better.
Reusable water bottle (1 liter minimum) - Kampala's altitude (about 1,190 m or 3,900 ft) and humidity mean you'll dehydrate faster than you expect. Tap water isn't drinkable so you'll be buying bottled water constantly unless you bring a bottle and refill at hotels. Budget 5,000-10,000 UGX daily for bottled water if you don't bring one.
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes - Essential for market visits and street food adventures. Public restrooms are hit-or-miss for soap and water availability. The dust also means you'll want to clean your hands frequently.
Light scarf or shawl - Useful for temple visits (covering shoulders at religious sites), sun protection, dusty boda-boda rides, and the surprising chill of early mornings at 17°C (62°F) if you're out for sunrise activities.
Small bills in Ugandan Shillings - Break large notes at hotels or supermarkets because street vendors, boda-bodas, and market stalls rarely have change for 50,000 UGX notes. Keep 1,000 and 5,000 UGX notes accessible for small purchases and tips.

Insider Knowledge

The 10 rainy days statistic is deceptive because July storms are short but paralyzing - when rain hits, traffic stops completely as roads flood and visibility drops to nearly zero. Locals know to just wait it out at the nearest shop or restaurant for 30-45 minutes rather than trying to push through. If you're in a boda-boda when rain starts, tell the driver to pull over immediately under covered space. Trying to continue is both dangerous and pointless.
Book accommodations in Kololo, Nakasero, or Bukoto rather than city center if you want reliable power and water during July - these neighborhoods have better infrastructure and backup generators. The city center hotels are cheaper but you'll deal with more frequent outages. July's dry season actually increases power demand (more AC usage) which can strain the grid in older areas.
The best exchange rates aren't at banks or the airport but at forex bureaus along Kampala Road and in Garden City mall - you'll get 3-5% better rates than official bank exchanges. Count your money carefully before leaving the counter and don't exchange large amounts on streets despite offers. As of 2026, most places accept mobile money (MTN or Airtel) which is actually more convenient than cash for amounts over 50,000 UGX.
Boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) are the fastest way around Kampala but July's dry season creates dangerous dust clouds that obscure vision - insist your driver goes slower than they want to, especially on unpaved roads. The SafeBoda and Uber Boda apps cost slightly more but drivers are vetted and you get helmets. Regular boda stages are cheaper (3,000-10,000 UGX for most trips) but negotiate price before getting on and confirm the destination clearly.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming 0.0 inches of rainfall means no rain - Those 10 rainy days can still dump intense storms that flood streets and stop traffic for 30-60 minutes. Tourists get caught without rain gear because they see the low rainfall number and think July is bone dry. It's not. Pack a rain jacket and build flexibility into afternoon schedules.
Underestimating how early Kampala wakes up and how early things close - Markets are in full swing by 7am and many restaurants outside tourist areas close by 9pm. Tourists sleeping until 9am miss the best market hours and coolest temperatures. Meanwhile, showing up for dinner at 8:30pm leaves you with limited options outside major hotels and tourist zones in Kabalagala.
Relying entirely on Google Maps for navigation - Kampala's streets change names, roads shown on maps don't exist yet or have been rerouted, and traffic conditions make estimated times meaningless. Locals navigate by landmarks (the Old Taxi Park, Nakumatt junction, etc.) rather than street names. Ask your driver or guide to explain routes using landmarks you'll recognize on return trips.

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