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Kampala - Things to Do in Kampala in June

Things to Do in Kampala in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Kampala

27°C (80°F) High Temp
17°C (63°F) Low Temp
0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

  • Dry season comfort with minimal rainfall - those 10 rainy days listed typically mean brief evening showers that clear quickly, not all-day downpours. You'll actually have excellent conditions for outdoor exploration most days.
  • Lower tourist volumes compared to December-February peak season means shorter queues at popular sites like the Uganda Museum and Kasubi Tombs, plus better rates on mid-range accommodations if you book 3-4 weeks ahead.
  • Perfect temperature range for walking tours through Old Kampala and Nakasero Market - mornings start cool at 17°C (63°F) before warming to comfortable 27°C (80°F) afternoons. The humidity stays manageable compared to the heavier March-May wet season.
  • Lake Victoria activities hit their stride in June with calmer waters and clearer skies for boat trips to the Ssese Islands. Water temperatures around 24°C (75°F) make swimming actually pleasant rather than the cooler July-August period.

Considerations

  • The 70% humidity combined with that UV index of 8 means you'll feel warmer than the thermometer suggests - especially between 11am-3pm when the sun is directly overhead. Factor in more rest breaks than you'd plan for similar temperatures in drier climates.
  • June falls in the middle of Uganda's academic calendar, so some cultural performances and university-based events run on reduced schedules. The National Theatre and Ndere Cultural Centre still operate but with fewer weekend shows.
  • Dust levels can spike during the drier stretches, particularly affecting the northern neighborhoods like Kawempe. If you have respiratory sensitivities, this matters more than the official weather data suggests.

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Best Activities in June

Lake Victoria Island Hopping and Water Activities

June offers ideal conditions for exploring the Ssese Islands with calmer lake waters and reduced afternoon storm risk. The 27°C (80°F) daytime temperatures make boat rides comfortable, and the lower tourist numbers mean you'll find better availability for island accommodations. Water clarity improves compared to the rainy months, making kayaking and swimming around Bulago and Banda Islands particularly rewarding. The moderate humidity actually works in your favor on the water where breezes keep things comfortable.

Booking Tip: Island trips typically cost 150,000-350,000 UGX depending on whether you're doing a day trip or overnight stay. Book 7-10 days ahead through operators at Nakiwogo landing site or arrange through your accommodation. Look for packages that include life jackets and experienced boat operators - lake conditions can change quickly. Morning departures around 8-9am give you the calmest water conditions.

Kampala City Walking and Boda Boda Tours

The cooler morning temperatures make June perfect for exploring Kampala's seven hills on foot or by motorcycle taxi. Start early around 7-8am when it's still 17-19°C (63-66°F) to cover areas like the Bahai Temple on Kikaya Hill or the craft markets around Owino. By mid-morning you'll appreciate why locals schedule important business before noon - but the moderate June heat is far more manageable than the intense dry season peaks of January-February. The variable weather means you'll want flexibility in your schedule, but those brief afternoon showers usually clear within 30-45 minutes.

Booking Tip: Guided walking tours generally run 40,000-80,000 UGX for 3-4 hours, while boda boda tours cost 60,000-120,000 UGX for half-day experiences. Book through established operators who provide helmets and insurance coverage - this matters more than price. Tours typically accommodate 2-6 people and work best when scheduled for 7am-11am starts. See current tour options in the booking section below for operators with good safety records.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visits

June's drier weather makes the 23 km (14 mile) boat journey to Ngamba Island considerably more pleasant than wet season crossings. The chimps are more active in the moderate temperatures, and the 10am and 2:30pm feeding sessions happen rain or shine - but you'll actually be able to enjoy them comfortably in June's conditions. The sanctuary sits on a 40-hectare (100-acre) island, and the walking trails around the perimeter offer excellent Lake Victoria views when it's not obscured by rainy season haze. Worth noting that June falls outside peak international volunteer seasons, so you'll have a more intimate experience.

Booking Tip: Full-day visits typically cost 250,000-300,000 UGX including boat transport from Entebbe, while half-day options run 180,000-220,000 UGX. Book at least 5-7 days ahead as they cap daily visitors to minimize chimp stress. Departures leave from Entebbe pier around 8am for full-day trips. Look for packages that include the conservation talk and forest walk, not just feeding observation. Check the booking widget below for current availability and package options.

Ndere Cultural Centre Evening Performances

June's comfortable evening temperatures around 19-21°C (66-70°F) make the outdoor amphitheater at Ndere ideal for experiencing traditional Ugandan music and dance. The center showcases performances from different tribal groups - Baganda, Banyankole, Acholi, and others - in 90-minute shows that benefit from June's typically clear evening skies. While the academic calendar means some youth groups have reduced participation, the core professional troupe maintains full schedules. The humidity drops noticeably after sunset, making the experience far more comfortable than the sticky March-May period.

Booking Tip: Tickets run 30,000-50,000 UGX depending on seating, with dinner packages available for 80,000-100,000 UGX. Shows typically run Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evenings starting at 7pm or 7:30pm. Book 2-3 days ahead during June as it's popular with both expats and tourists but not yet peak season crowded. Arrive 30 minutes early for better seating in the open-air venue - the front sections fill quickly.

Mabira Forest Nature Walks and Zip-Lining

Located 54 km (34 miles) east of Kampala, Mabira Forest becomes particularly accessible in June when the main roads are in better condition after rainy season maintenance. The forest trails are drier but not yet dusty, and the 27°C (80°F) daytime highs stay cooler under the canopy. Birdwatching peaks during this period with both resident and migratory species active, and the zip-lining operation runs more consistently without weather-related closures. The forest's 300 sq km (116 sq miles) offers everything from easy 2-hour walks to challenging 5-6 hour treks through the interior.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Kampala typically cost 100,000-180,000 UGX including transport and guide fees, while zip-lining adds another 70,000-90,000 UGX. Independent travelers can reach Mabira by matatu for 10,000-15,000 UGX and arrange guides at the entrance for 30,000-50,000 UGX. Book zip-lining at least 2-3 days ahead as they limit daily numbers for safety. Morning departures work best to maximize forest time and return before Kampala's evening traffic builds.

Kampala Night Markets and Street Food Tours

June evenings offer perfect conditions for exploring Kampala's thriving street food scene without the rain interruptions common in other months. The Nakasero Night Market and various rolex stands throughout the city come alive after 6pm when temperatures drop to comfortable levels. The lower tourist volumes mean you'll get more authentic interactions with vendors, and the variety of grilled meats, matooke preparations, and fresh chapati reaches its peak. The moderate evening humidity means food stays fresh longer at outdoor stalls, and you'll actually enjoy standing around while your order is prepared.

Booking Tip: Street food tours typically cost 50,000-90,000 UGX for 3-hour evening experiences covering 6-8 food stops. Individual street meals run 3,000-15,000 UGX depending on what you order. Tours usually start around 6pm or 6:30pm and work best with groups of 4-8 people. Look for guides who focus on food safety and vendor relationships rather than just hitting tourist-friendly spots. The booking section below shows current food tour options with good safety track records.

June Events & Festivals

Not in June

Kampala City Festival

This annual celebration of Kampala's cultural diversity typically happens in early October, not June - so despite some online listings, you won't catch it during a June visit. Worth mentioning because it's commonly mis-scheduled in travel resources.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton or linen shirts - the 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics unbearable, and long sleeves protect against that UV index of 8 while keeping you cooler than you'd expect. Locals favor this over short sleeves for good reason.
Compact umbrella rather than rain jacket - those 10 rainy days usually mean brief evening showers, and umbrellas double as sun protection during the intense midday hours. Rain jackets trap humidity and become miserable quickly in 27°C (80°F) heat.
SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2-3 hours - that UV index of 8 is serious at Kampala's elevation of 1,190 m (3,904 ft), and the variable cloud cover tricks people into thinking they're protected when they're not.
Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - Kampala's hills get slippery even from brief showers, and the uneven sidewalks around Old Kampala and Nakasero Market require actual support. Save the sandals for evening wear.
Light scarf or shawl - essential for visiting mosques and churches, plus it protects your neck from sun exposure during boda boda rides. Cotton or linen works better than synthetic in the humidity.
Small daypack with waterproof liner - even though rainfall is minimal, those variable conditions mean you'll want to protect electronics and documents. A 15-20 liter pack is perfect for day trips without being cumbersome in crowded markets.
Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - while June is drier, mosquitoes remain active especially near Lake Victoria and in evening hours. Malaria prophylaxis is non-negotiable regardless of what month you visit.
Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders - this isn't just for religious sites but shows respect in local markets and residential areas. Kampala is relatively conservative, and you'll get better interactions when dressed appropriately.
Portable phone charger - power outages happen occasionally, and you'll use your phone constantly for navigation, boda boda apps, and mobile money payments. A 10,000 mAh capacity gets you through a full day of heavy use.
Small bills in Ugandan shillings - many street vendors and boda boda drivers can't break 50,000 UGX notes. Keep a stash of 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 UGX notes separate from your main wallet for quick transactions.

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Kololo, Nakasero, or Bugolobi neighborhoods for June - these areas have more reliable power and water during the transitional weather period, plus better drainage when those brief showers hit. Budget travelers should look at Ntinda or Bukoto for similar reliability at lower prices.
The matatu and boda boda prices fluctuate based on traffic and weather, but June typically sees more stable pricing than peak tourist months. Standard boda rides within central Kampala should run 3,000-8,000 UGX depending on distance - anything significantly higher means you're being quoted tourist rates.
Kampala's restaurants and cafes increasingly offer mobile money payment through MTN Mobile Money or Airtel Money, which gives better exchange rates than using US dollars or credit cards. Get a local SIM card with mobile money activated within your first day - it's worth the 30 minutes at the MTN office.
The afternoon period between 2pm-4pm sees many shops and offices operating at reduced capacity as staff take late lunch breaks. Plan your essential errands and site visits for morning hours or after 4:30pm when things pick back up. This isn't strictly siesta culture, but the heat and humidity definitely slow the pace mid-afternoon.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Kampala's traffic and scheduling too many activities in one day - even though distances look short on maps, the 5 km (3.1 miles) from Nakasero to Rubaga can take 45-60 minutes during peak hours. Build in buffer time between commitments and don't plan more than 2-3 major activities per day.
Assuming the minimal rainfall means you can ignore weather entirely - those 10 rainy days might be brief showers, but they create sudden traffic chaos and make outdoor markets temporarily impassable. Always have an indoor backup option for late afternoon when showers are most likely.
Exchanging money at Entebbe Airport instead of waiting for Kampala forex bureaus - you'll get rates 3-5% worse at the airport. The forex bureaus along Kampala Road and in Nakasero offer significantly better rates, and they're everywhere once you reach the city. Just change enough at the airport for transport and first-day expenses.

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