Gulu, Uganda: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Gulu, Uganda? If you're planning to go to Gulu, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Gulu
- Important essentials for Gulu
- Activities for Gulu
- Gulu in January: weather and what to pack
- Gulu in February: weather and what to pack
- Gulu in March: weather and what to pack
- Gulu in April: weather and what to pack
- Gulu in May: weather and what to pack
- Gulu in June: weather and what to pack
- Gulu in July: weather and what to pack
- Gulu in August: weather and what to pack
- Gulu in September: weather and what to pack
- Gulu in October: weather and what to pack
- Gulu in November: weather and what to pack
- Gulu in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Gulu, Uganda
Based on the climate and weather in Gulu, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
Important essentials for Gulu, Uganda
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Gulu, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear away. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gulu may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. This one should be sufficient for most areas, but check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Gulu, Uganda by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
Traveling to Gulu in January, you will notice that it is extremely hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
February
February in Gulu can be sweltering. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
March
March in Gulu is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
April
If you visit Gulu during April, you will probably see that it is hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
May
If you vacation in Gulu during May, you are likely to find that it is hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
June
If you are traveling to Gulu in June, you will notice that it is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
July
July in Gulu is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
August
August is hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
September
September in Gulu is hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
October
In October, Gulu is hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Gulu, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters harmful contaminants:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
November
November in Gulu is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
December
December for Gulu is really hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
Activities for Gulu, Uganda
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Gulu.
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