Kampala, Uganda: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Kampala, Uganda? If you're planning to go to Kampala, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Kampala, Uganda

Based on the climate and weather in Kampala, Uganda, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Kampala, Uganda

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kampala, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Kampala, Uganda by month

January

January in Kampala is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kampala may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to find the right type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.

If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in Kampala is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kampala 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.

If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Kampala is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kampala may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you get the correct type. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.

If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in Kampala is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kampala may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to get the right type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.

If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in this region is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kampala may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.

If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in Kampala is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kampala may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you choose the necessary type. Many adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.

If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July here is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kampala may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you choose the right kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.

If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you vacation in Kampala during August, you might notice that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kampala may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.

If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kampala may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to get the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.

If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kampala may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to get the correct type. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.

If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you are traveling to Kampala in November, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kampala may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you pick the correct type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.

If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you vacation in Kampala during December, you might find that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kampala may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to pick the right type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.

If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Kampala, Uganda

Kampala is a vibrant and bustling city that attracts tourists from all over the world. The city is known for its unique blend of African and European cultures, historical landmarks, and stunning natural scenery. If you are planning a trip to Kampala, here are the top tourist attractions that you should not miss.

1. Kasubi Tombs

Located 5 km from the city center, Kasubi Tombs is one of the most important cultural sites in Uganda. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the burial place of the Kabaka (king) of Buganda, and it features a collection of traditional African buildings and artifacts. Visitors can explore the tombs and learn about the history and customs of the Buganda people.

2. Uganda National Museum

The Uganda National Museum is a must-visit destination for history buffs. It showcases the cultural and historical heritage of Uganda through exhibits, displays, and artifacts. The museum has a collection of traditional musical instruments, ancient pottery, and archaeological finds. It also features a section dedicated to the life and works of the country's most famous leader, Idi Amin.

3. Ndere Centre

If you are interested in Ugandan culture, then a visit to Ndere Centre is a must. The center is dedicated to showcasing and preserving Uganda's traditional music, dance, and folklore. Visitors can enjoy live performances by local musicians and dancers as they sample traditional Ugandan cuisine.

4. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a nature lover's paradise. Located in southwestern Uganda, the park is home to an estimated 400 mountain gorillas, which are the park's main attraction. Visitors can take guided tours through the park, during which they can encounter the gorillas in their natural habitat.

5. Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in Africa and is located just a short distance from Kampala. Visitors can take boat trips to explore the beautiful shoreline and visit the fishing villages. Some popular activities include fishing and water sports like kayaking and swimming.

6. Kampala City Tour

A guided tour of Kampala city will give you a chance to explore the city's historical sites and cultural attractions. Visitors can walk through the bustling markets, art galleries, and craft shops, or take a tour of the beautiful architecture of the city, including the Independence Monument and the Uganda Parliament Building.

In conclusion, Kampala is a beautiful and vibrant city that has a lot to offer its visitors. From its rich cultural heritage to the stunning natural scenery, the city is an ideal destination for tourists who seek adventure and cultural immersion. With so many top tourist attractions to choose from, Kampala promises a memorable vacation experience for all visitors.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Arlington Heights, Illinois, United States of America, Copenhagen, Denmark, Gatchina, Russia, Ein Gedi, Israel, Invermere, British Columbia, Canada, Juffureh, Gambia, Luzon, Philippines, Kaifeng, China, Tokyo, Japan, Sterling Heights, Michigan, United States of America, and Lugoj, Romania.