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Kampala, Uganda · Equatorial tropical

Kampala in December: go or not?

Good time. Kampala in December gets 7.3/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 0.35°N · 32.58°E
⚡ This month's verdict
Go for it
Kampala · December
7.3
17–26°
Temperature
64%
Rain
4h
Sun
🌴 Tropical☀️ High UV🌧️ Monsoon season
Photo : Hennie Stander via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in December

December falls in the wet season in Kampala. Showers are often brief but intense. With 64.0% of rainy days, always have indoor alternatives planned. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. January (7.8/10) is significantly better if possible.

December ranks 7 out of 12 months in Kampala. Compared to November: 14 pts fewer rainy days, −1.0h of sun per day.

This month's conditions

What it's like in December

UV index
8 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
muggy at times
18°
Daylight
12.0h of daylight
Air quality
fair
AQI 57
Compare

Is December the right month?

The best month in Kampala is January (7.8/10), 0.5 pt higher than December.

See January →See all 12 months →
Context

Our verdict

Kampala, capital of Uganda : 1.7 million inhabitants in urban area on 7 hills ("7 hills of Kampala"), 22 miles north of Lake Victoria , the largest lake in Africa. Temperate equatorial altitude climate (3,900 ft) year-round.

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🎟️ Activities & tours · Kampala

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

See all →
Affiliate link · GetYourGuide
Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.

Country · Uganda

🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyShilling ougandais (USh)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety Very safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living Very cheap · 1/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeEquatorial tropical
📈Climate trend +1.55°F/decade
🔥Hottest monthFebruary · 82°F
❄️Coolest monthApril · 77°F
🌧️Rainiest month April · 88%

🏝️ Tropical stay

🌞Dry season May → Sep
🌧️Wet season Dec → Mar
🌀Cyclones None (equator)
Location

Where is Kampala ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
Uganda
Equatorial tropical climate with a 7.8 → 4.3 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
0.35°N · 32.58°E
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Kampala?
January is the best month with 81°F highs, 64°F lows, 5.0h of sunshine and 43.0% rainy days. The months of January & February offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Kampala get in January?
Kampala averages 5.0 sunshine hours per day in January. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.3/10.
What is the rainiest month in Kampala?
April is the most unfavourable month with April has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Kampala in January?
In January, overnight lows reach 64°F, while afternoon highs average 81°F.
Is Kampala good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Kampala scores 7.2/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains January with a score of 7.3/10.
When should you avoid Kampala?
April is the most difficult month to visit Kampala, with April has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Do you need sun protection in Kampala in December?
The average UV index reaches 8 in December in Kampala (very high), with about 12.0h of daylight. Protection essential.