Things to Do in Kampala in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Kampala
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season comfort with minimal rainfall - those 10 rainy days in the data are typically brief evening showers that clear quickly, not the all-day downpours you'd get in April or May. You can actually plan outdoor activities without constantly checking the sky.
- Perfect hiking and wildlife temperatures - mornings start cool at 17°C (62°F), ideal for tackling trails before the midday heat. By afternoon when it hits 28°C (82°F), you'll want to be near Lake Victoria or in shaded gardens anyway, which naturally paces your day.
- Lower accommodation prices than July-August peak season - international school holidays are over, so family travelers have cleared out. You're looking at 20-30% lower rates at mid-range hotels compared to the summer crush, while still getting excellent weather.
- Jacaranda trees bloom late August through September - the city genuinely transforms with purple canopies lining major roads like Kampala Road and around Makerere University. It's not touristy hype, locals actually notice and comment on it every year.
Considerations
- September sits in shoulder season limbo - not quite peak tourist season (December-February) but past the rainy season lull. Some tour operators reduce their scheduled departures, particularly for gorilla trekking groups, so you might need more flexibility in your dates or pay slightly more for private arrangements.
- That 70% humidity is real and accumulates throughout the day - by mid-afternoon, even locals are moving slowly. If you're coming from a dry climate, the first few days feel noticeably sticky, especially when combined with Kampala's traffic jams in non-air-conditioned matatus.
- UV index of 8 means you'll burn faster than you think - Kampala sits almost exactly on the equator, so the sun comes straight down. First-time visitors from higher latitudes consistently underestimate this and end up crispy by day two, even on cloudy days.
Best Activities in September
Lake Victoria Island Excursions
September's dry conditions make boat access to the Ssese Islands particularly reliable - no choppy water from storm systems. The lake is calmer, ferry schedules run on time, and you can actually plan a day trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary without weather cancellations. Water temperatures hover around 24°C (75°F), comfortable for swimming without a wetsuit. The humidity that feels oppressive in the city becomes pleasant with the lake breeze. Worth noting that September falls outside school holiday chaos, so the islands feel genuinely peaceful rather than overrun with weekend crowds from Kampala.
Kampala City Walking Tours
The cooler morning temperatures in September actually make walking Kampala's hills feasible - start at 7am when it's still 17°C (62°F) and you can cover Old Kampala, the craft markets around Nakasero, and the Kasubi Tombs before the real heat hits. September's lower rainfall means the city's notoriously muddy side streets are passable in regular walking shoes rather than boots. The air quality tends to be better in dry season too, less dust gets kicked up. Local markets are fully stocked with seasonal produce - September brings the last of the passion fruit harvest and early mangoes start appearing.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Trekking
September sits right in the sweet spot between rainy seasons for gorilla trekking - trails are drier and less muddy than March-May, but vegetation is still lush from recent rains, meaning gorillas haven't moved to higher elevations yet. The 6-7 hour drive from Kampala to Bwindi is more manageable on dry roads. Morning treks start around 8am when temperatures in the forest are cool, around 15°C (59°F), perfect for the steep hiking involved. You'll still get occasional afternoon showers in the mountains, but they're brief. Permits are slightly easier to secure than peak December-January season.
Mabira Forest Canopy Walks and Birdwatching
September marks peak bird activity in Mabira as migratory species pass through - you're looking at 300+ species potentially visible, including the African grey parrot and great blue turaco. The forest canopy walkway, about 45 km (28 miles) from Kampala, is far more pleasant in dry conditions when the platforms aren't slippery. Morning mist typically burns off by 9am, creating excellent photography light filtering through the trees. The forest floor trails are actually walkable without gumboots in September, unlike rainy season when they turn into mud channels.
Entebbe Botanical Gardens and Lakefront
The gardens are at their best in September after months of dry season maintenance - paths are clear, grass is trimmed, and the massive fig trees provide crucial shade when afternoon temperatures peak. It's a 40 km (25 mile) drive from central Kampala, manageable as a half-day trip. You'll spot vervet monkeys, monitor lizards, and if you're lucky, the resident otters along the lake edge. The lakefront breeze makes this genuinely comfortable even at midday. Local families picnic here on weekends, which gives you a real sense of how Ugandans actually spend leisure time rather than staged tourist experiences.
Ndere Cultural Centre Evening Performances
September doesn't have major cultural festivals, but the weekly performances at Ndere Centre continue year-round and actually benefit from lower tourist numbers - you get a more local crowd, which changes the energy entirely. The outdoor amphitheater works perfectly in September's dry evenings, performances start around 6:30pm when temperatures have dropped to comfortable levels. You'll see traditional dances from Uganda's 50+ ethnic groups, live drumming, and acrobatics. It's touristy, obviously, but it's also where Kampala families bring visiting relatives, so it occupies this interesting middle ground.
September Events & Festivals
Kampala Restaurant Week
Typically runs mid-September, though exact dates vary year to year. Participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus at reduced prices, usually around 50,000-80,000 UGX for three courses that would normally cost double. It's a legitimate chance to try higher-end spots like Khana Khazana or Mediterraneo without the full price tag. The event has grown significantly since 2019 and now includes 30+ restaurants across the city. Worth checking social media closer to September 2026 for confirmed dates and participant lists.