Things to Do in Kampala in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Kampala
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is March Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + March lands in that narrow window between the short dry season and the long rains—red dirt roads still firm underfoot, jacarandas along Acacia Avenue bursting into purple bloom against sharp blue skies.
- + Lake Victoria's water levels hold steady after the dry months, making boat trips to the Ssese Islands pleasant—no choppy waves or sudden storms to drench your camera gear.
- + The Uganda Museum gardens throw their annual crafts fair in mid-March, where local artisans sell bark cloth and traditional drums straight from their stalls—no tourist markups like the larger markets.
- + Room rates at Kololo's guesthouses drop 30-40% from December/January peak—you might score that hilltop view overlooking the city lights for mid-range prices.
- − March humidity hits 70% by 10 AM, which means your cotton shirts glue themselves to your back within minutes of stepping outside—linen earns every inch of suitcase space.
- − The Equator sun at 8.0 UV index will scorch unprotected skin in under 20 minutes, and shade proves surprisingly scarce around the main attractions.
- − Local beer prices inch upward as breweries wrestle with rising maize costs—not dramatic, but that Nile Special runs noticeably higher than six months back.
Year-Round Climate
How March compares to the rest of the year
Best Activities in March
Top things to do during your visit
March mornings (before 10 AM) suit exploring the colonial architecture of Nakasero Hill—the temperature rests at a comfortable 70°F (21°C) and the humidity hasn't yet climbed to afternoon levels. Start at the Uganda National Mosque's minaret for 360-degree views, then descend through the old Indian quarter where cardamom and cumin drift from family-run spice shops that predate independence.
March evenings deliver that golden hour photographers chase—the sun drops over the lake at 6:45 PM, painting the water copper while fishermen in wooden canoes glide past. The lake breeze slices through the day's humidity, and you'll reach for that light jacket you packed for the flight home.
March water levels on the Nile at Jinja (85 km/53 miles east) sit ideal—high enough for serious rapids but not the dangerous torrents of April's rains. The 5-hour journey includes grade 3-5 rapids with names like 'The Bad Place' that'll flip your raft in 68°F (20°C) water, followed by calm stretches where you can drift past riverside fishing villages.
March marks cassava harvest season, so stalls at Nakasero Market overflow with fresh roots that locals peel with practiced knife skills. The air hangs heavy with charcoal-roasted plantain and goat stew simmering in aluminum pots. Evening tours (6-9 PM) hit the night food stalls when the temperature drops and crowds thin.
March's dry conditions keep the rescued chimpanzees at Entebbe's center active—not hiding from rain like they'd be in May. The 1 km (0.6 miles) boardwalk through the forest stays dry, and morning feeding sessions at 9 AM draw the animals out for photos minus weekend crowds.
March Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
East Africa's largest fashion event transforms the Sheraton Gardens into a three-day show where local designers mix traditional kikoy fabric with contemporary cuts. The Saturday night runway show starts at 8 PM under string lights, with after-parties that spill into Kololo's rooftop bars until sunrise.
Essential Tips
What to pack, insider knowledge and common pitfalls