Things to Do in Kampala in May

May Weather in Kampala

27°C (81°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - perfect for Lake Victoria boat excursions and Entebbe wetland walks without mud or flooding concerns
Cooler morning temperatures (18°C/64°F) make early market visits and walking tours through Nakasero and Old Kampala comfortable before afternoon heat
Excellent road conditions to Jinja and Murchison Falls - dry season means reliable transport and clear views from scenic viewpoints
Bird migration season at Entebbe Botanical Gardens and Mabamba Swamp - shoebill stork sightings peak with 80% success rates versus 40% in wet months

Considerations

Dust levels increase significantly on unpaved roads in outer districts - respiratory issues for sensitive travelers, especially during harmattan winds
Lake Victoria water levels drop, reducing accessibility to some fishing villages and making certain boat launches unavailable
Higher accommodation rates during peak tourism season - expect 30-40% premium over wet season pricing

Best Activities in May

Lake Victoria Sunset Cruises and Island Hopping

May's dry conditions create perfect visibility across Lake Victoria with minimal wave action. Water levels are optimal for accessing Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Bulago Island. Morning departures (8am) avoid afternoon heat, while sunset cruises (5:30pm) offer spectacular views without rain interruption. Local fishing communities are most active during dry season.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through registered marine operators. Expect costs of UGX 150,000-250,000 per person for day trips. Verify life jackets and radio equipment. See current island tour options in booking section below.

Kampala City Walking Tours and Boda Boda Adventures

Cool morning temperatures (18°C/64°F) make walking through Nakasero Market, Owino Market, and Kasubi Tombs comfortable. Roads are dust-free after brief May showers but dry enough for reliable boda boda transport. Street food vendors are most active during dry season with fresh produce availability.

Booking Tip: Start early (7am) to beat afternoon heat and crowds. Walking tours cost UGX 50,000-80,000 with local guides. Boda boda city tours run UGX 40,000-60,000 for 3-hour routes. Book through verified operators for safety.

Jinja White Water Rafting and Nile Adventures

May offers ideal water levels on the White Nile - not too high from rains, not too low for rapids. Grade 5 rapids at Itanda Falls are perfectly formed. The 80 km (50 mile) drive from Kampala takes 1.5 hours on dry season roads versus 2.5 hours in wet conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 2 weeks ahead as May is peak season. Full day rafting costs UGX 300,000-450,000 including transport from Kampala. Half-day options available for UGX 200,000-280,000. Verify safety certifications and rescue kayak support.

Entebbe Botanical Gardens and Wildlife Viewing

May is prime bird migration season with over 200 species active. Morning walks (6am-9am) offer best wildlife viewing before heat peaks. Shoebill storks at nearby Mabamba Swamp have 80% sighting success versus 40% in rainy months. Clear skies provide excellent photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Entry costs UGX 10,000 for gardens, guided bird walks UGX 30,000-50,000. Mabamba Swamp tours run UGX 100,000-150,000 including canoe and guide. Book swamp tours 3-5 days ahead during peak season.

Murchison Falls Day Trips and Game Drives

Dry season concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources, improving game viewing odds. The 305 km (190 mile) drive takes 4 hours on reliable dry roads. Falls viewing is spectacular with clear skies and reduced mist. Animals gather at riverbanks making boat safaris highly productive.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost UGX 400,000-600,000 including park fees, transport, and lunch. Book through operators with 4WD vehicles and park permits. Boat safaris add UGX 100,000-150,000. Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for May travel.

Kampala Nightlife and Rooftop Bar Scene

Cool evening temperatures (20°C/68°F) make rooftop venues in Kololo and Bugolobi comfortable. May's dry nights ensure outdoor venues stay open without weather disruptions. Local music scene peaks during tourist season with live performances at venues throughout the city.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most venues. Expect drink prices UGX 8,000-15,000 for local beers, UGX 12,000-25,000 for cocktails. Entry fees range UGX 20,000-50,000 for weekend events. Peak hours 9pm-2am.

May Events & Festivals

June 3rd (preparation events throughout late May)

Uganda Martyrs Day Commemoration

Annual pilgrimage to Namugongo Martyrs Shrine draws over 2 million visitors from across East Africa. Traditional processions, religious ceremonies, and cultural performances showcase Ugandan heritage. Requires advance planning for accommodation and transport.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - synthetic fabrics trap moisture in 70% humidity levels

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at 1,134m (3,720ft) altitude with intense equatorial sun

Light rain jacket or umbrella - brief afternoon showers occur 10 days in May lasting 20-30 minutes

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - dusty conditions and uneven sidewalks in city center

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - mosquito activity increases around Lake Victoria

Light sweater for evening boat trips - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) with lake breezes

Dust mask or scarf - harmattan winds carry dust from northern regions, affecting air quality

Power bank and universal adapter - frequent power outages during peak usage periods

Water purification tablets - tap water quality varies, bottled water costs UGX 2,000-3,000

Cash in small denominations - many vendors don't accept large bills, ATMs sometimes empty

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by March - May is peak season for both tourists and business conferences, rates increase 30-40% and availability drops significantly

Avoid boda boda rides during 7-9am and 5-7pm rush hours - traffic gridlock makes taxis or walking faster in city center areas

Shop at Nakasero Market between 6-8am for freshest produce and best prices before tourist markup begins - vendors offer 20-30% discounts for early buyers

Use mobile money (MTN Mobile Money or Airtel Money) for transactions - widely accepted, safer than cash, and offers better exchange rates than forex bureaus

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon heat - many tourists schedule walking tours at 2pm when temperatures peak at 27°C (81°F) with high humidity

Not carrying small denomination bills - street vendors, boda boda drivers, and small restaurants rarely have change for UGX 50,000 notes

Assuming all roads are paved - outer district attractions require 4WD vehicles, especially after brief rain showers turn dust to mud