Things to Do in Kampala in November

November Weather in Kampala

27°C (81°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect transition weather - warm 27°C (81°F) days and genuinely cool 17°C (63°F) evenings make outdoor activities comfortable throughout the day
Start of dry season means minimal rainfall (0.0mm total) despite 10 brief shower days - these are typically 15-20 minute afternoon bursts that cool the air
Tourist crowds haven't arrived yet - major attractions like Kasubi Tombs and Uganda Museum have 40-60% fewer visitors than December-January peak season
Jacaranda trees bloom citywide creating stunning purple canopies along Kampala Road and in residential areas like Kololo and Nakasero

Considerations

Brief afternoon thunderstorms on 10 days can disrupt outdoor plans between 2-4pm - indoor backup activities essential
High humidity at 70% makes the 27°C (81°F) feel closer to 32°C (90°F) during midday hours
Many local festivals and cultural events happen in dry season (December-February) so November has fewer authentic cultural experiences

Best Activities in November

Lake Victoria Island Hopping Tours

November's calm lake conditions and clear skies make this ideal for visiting Ssese Islands. Morning departures at 8am avoid afternoon humidity and potential storms. The 70% humidity creates stunning sunrise mist over the lake that's gone by 9am. Local fishing communities are most active in these cooler months.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed boat operators. Tours typically cost 80,000-120,000 UGX ($22-33 USD) including transport. Look for operators with life jackets and weather radios. See current island tour options in booking section below.

Boda-Boda City Heritage Tours

The cool 17°C (63°F) evenings from 6-8pm are perfect for motorcycle taxi tours through Old Kampala and downtown. November's lower rainfall means better road conditions for navigating the seven hills. Local drivers are more available as tourist season hasn't peaked yet.

Booking Tip: Book same-day through established boda-boda associations. Expect 15,000-25,000 UGX ($4-7 USD) per hour including helmet and basic insurance. Always verify driver registration. Check current heritage tour options in booking section below.

Mabamba Wetland Shoebill Tracking

November marks peak shoebill activity as water levels stabilize before dry season. Early morning departures at 6am take advantage of cooler 19°C (66°F) temperatures and active wildlife. The 8 UV index requires sun protection but creates perfect photography lighting through papyrus.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead with Uganda Wildlife Authority registered guides. Full day excursions cost 150,000-200,000 UGX ($40-55 USD) including canoe and guide. Success rate for shoebill sightings exceeds 80% in November. See current wetland tours in booking section below.

Kasubi Royal Tombs Cultural Walks

The brief afternoon showers actually enhance the spiritual atmosphere of this UNESCO site, and November's lower tourist numbers mean more intimate experiences with Buganda cultural guides. The 27°C (81°F) daytime temperature is manageable for the 2km (1.2 miles) walking tour.

Booking Tip: Visit between 10am-2pm to avoid afternoon storms. Entry fees are 25,000 UGX ($7 USD) for non-residents. Cultural guide tips typically 10,000-15,000 UGX ($3-4 USD). Book cultural heritage experiences through the booking section below.

Nakasero Market Food Discovery Tours

November brings seasonal fruits like passion fruit and jackfruit to peak ripeness. The 70% humidity keeps produce fresh longer, and morning market activity (6-10am) happens in the coolest part of the day. Local vendors are less rushed before peak tourist season.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work best - arrive by 8am for best selection and cooler temperatures. Budget 30,000-50,000 UGX ($8-14 USD) for sampling variety of local foods. Food safety is highest in November due to lower temperatures. Find current food tour options in booking section below.

Ndere Cultural Centre Evening Performances

The cool 17°C (63°F) evening temperatures make outdoor cultural performances comfortable. November shows feature harvest-season dances and music that tourists rarely see. The venue's hilltop location catches evening breezes that provide natural air conditioning.

Booking Tip: Shows run Thursday-Sunday evenings starting 7pm. Tickets cost 40,000-60,000 UGX ($11-16 USD) depending on seating. Book 2-3 days ahead as local attendance increases in pleasant November weather. Check current cultural show availability in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Rolex Festival Kampala

Local street food celebration focusing on Uganda's signature rolex (egg and chapati wrap). Multiple vendors compete across the city's main markets and university areas. Perfect introduction to authentic local cuisine with guided tastings and cooking demonstrations.

Late November

Kampala Art Biennale Preview Events

Pre-festival exhibitions and artist studio visits before the main February event. Smaller crowds and direct artist interaction in galleries around Bukoto and Ntinda. November's pleasant weather makes gallery hopping on foot enjoyable.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket (not umbrella) - November's 10 brief storms include wind that renders umbrellas useless

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with equatorial sun causes burns in 15 minutes even with cloud cover

Moisture-wicking cotton or bamboo clothing - 70% humidity makes polyester uncomfortable and synthetic fabrics trap sweat

Closed-toe walking shoes with grip - brief afternoon rains create slippery surfaces on Kampala's hilly streets

Light sweater for evenings - 17°C (63°F) nighttime temperatures feel surprisingly cool after hot days

Quick-dry pants for wetland/lake activities - morning dew and boat spray common on Lake Victoria excursions

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - November's humidity keeps mosquitoes active despite lower rainfall

Portable phone charger - humidity can drain batteries faster and power outages more common during storm season

Cash in small denominations (5,000-10,000 UGX notes) - many vendors don't have change during low tourist season

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities for 8am-1pm and after 5pm - the 2-4pm window has 60% chance of thunderstorms that locals call 'short rains'

November is when locals shop for December celebrations - join them at Owino Market on weekday mornings for authentic cultural immersion and better prices

Boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) fares increase by 50% during afternoon storms - keep spare indoor activities planned or expect to pay 20,000-25,000 UGX instead of normal 15,000 UGX for short trips

Many restaurants close between 3-5pm during November storm season - eat lunch before 2pm or wait until evening service resumes

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking Lake Victoria activities after 2pm - afternoon storms make boat travel unsafe and most operators cancel departures

Wearing white or light colors to markets - November's dusty conditions (from construction during dry season prep) stain light clothing permanently

Expecting consistent internet/power during afternoon storms - download offline maps and charge devices in morning as outages affect 70% of the city during thunderstorms