Things to Do in Kampala in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Kampala
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Second dry season means minimal rainfall disruption - those 10 rainy days listed? They're typically brief afternoon showers that clear within 20-30 minutes, not all-day washouts. You'll actually get more consistent sunshine than the March-May period.
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after the September peak tourist rush. Accommodation rates drop 15-25% compared to July-August, and you'll find better availability at popular guesthouses around Ntinda and Kololo without advance booking pressure.
- Lake Victoria is at ideal water levels for boat trips and fishing excursions. The post-wet season months mean the lake is full but not choppy, perfect for the Ssese Islands ferry crossings and sunset cruises from Munyonyo.
- Kampala's green season aftermath means the city's seven hills are lush without being muddy. Parks like the Uganda Museum gardens and Kabaka's Palace grounds are at their most photogenic, and the jacaranda trees around Makerere University are starting their bloom cycle.
Considerations
- October sits in an awkward transition period where you'll get those 10 rainy days scattered unpredictably throughout the month. You can't really plan around them like you can with the predictable afternoon storms of April - they might hit at 11am or 4pm or not at all.
- The 70% humidity combined with 27°C (81°F) highs creates that sticky tropical feeling where you'll want to shower twice daily. It's not the oppressive heat of February, but the moisture in the air makes outdoor market browsing in places like Owino Market genuinely exhausting by midday.
- October is actually when many local schools have their third-term break, so popular family spots like the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre get packed with domestic tourists on weekends. If you're hoping for quiet wildlife experiences, you'll be competing with school groups.
Best Activities in October
Chimpanzee Trekking in Ngamba Island
October's cooler mornings make the 45-minute boat ride across Lake Victoria genuinely pleasant, and the chimps are more active in the post-rainy season when fruit is abundant. The sanctuary runs feeding sessions at 11am and 2:30pm - book the morning slot when temperatures are still manageable at 22-24°C (72-75°F). The island's trails are dry enough for comfortable walking but the vegetation is still thick from the September rains, giving you that proper rainforest atmosphere without the mud.
Kampala City Walking Tours
The variable October weather actually works in your favor for urban exploration - start early at 7:30am when it's cool enough to tackle the steep climbs between Kampala's hills. The Old Taxi Park area is most manageable before 9am, and you'll catch the morning market energy without the afternoon humidity. Focus on indoor-outdoor combinations like the Kasubi Tombs followed by the nearby craft markets, so you have shelter options if those unpredictable showers roll in.
Mabira Forest Canopy Walks and Birdwatching
This 44km (27 mile) drive east of Kampala becomes worthwhile in October when the forest is alive with post-wet season bird activity. The 200+ species are most vocal in early morning, and the canopy walkway - suspended 25m (82ft) above the forest floor - is spectacular when morning mist burns off around 9am. The trails are mostly dry by October but still soft enough that you're not kicking up dust, and that 70% humidity keeps the forest canopy cool even when Kampala is sweltering.
Lake Victoria Sunset Fishing Experiences
October's stable weather patterns make evening boat trips reliable - those brief afternoon showers usually clear by 5pm, leaving calm waters for the 6:30pm golden hour. Local fishermen use traditional methods with kerosene lamps, and you'll see the lake transform as hundreds of lights dot the water after sunset. The tilapia and Nile perch are active in October's warmer water temperatures, and you'll actually catch something worth grilling on the boat.
Ndere Cultural Centre Evening Performances
October is actually when several Ugandan cultural groups perform their harvest celebration dances, making the Ndere Centre's evening shows particularly diverse. The indoor-outdoor venue means you're covered if those unpredictable showers hit, and the 7pm start time catches the cool evening temperatures around 19°C (66°F). The troupe rotates through dances from Uganda's 56 tribes, and October programming tends to feature more energetic harvest themes than other months.
Entebbe Botanical Gardens and Waterfront Exploration
The 40km (25 mile) journey to Entebbe is worth it in October when the botanical gardens are in that perfect post-rain state - lush but with dry walking paths. The gardens sit right on Lake Victoria's shore, and you'll spot colobus monkeys most reliably in the cooler morning hours before 10am. The nearby Entebbe beaches and craft markets make this a full-day escape from Kampala's intensity, and the lakeside breezes cut through that humidity in a way the city's hills don't.
October Events & Festivals
Kampala Restaurant Week
This multi-restaurant promotion typically runs in early October, offering set menus at participating restaurants across Kampala's dining scene. You'll find three-course meals at fixed prices that are 30-40% below regular menu rates, making it the perfect time to try higher-end spots in Kololo and Nakasero. The event has grown significantly and now includes cooking demonstrations and chef meet-and-greets at various venues.
Rolex Festival
October has become the unofficial month for celebrating Uganda's beloved street food - the rolex, a chapati rolled with eggs and vegetables. Various neighborhoods host informal rolex competitions and street food gatherings, particularly around Makerere University and Wandegeya. While not a single organized event, you'll notice increased rolex vendor activity and promotional pricing throughout the month as vendors compete for the unofficial title of best rolex in Kampala.