Kampala, Uganda: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Kampala, Uganda? If you're planning to go to Kampala, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Kampala
- Important essentials for Kampala
- Activities for Kampala
- Kampala in January: weather and what to pack
- Kampala in February: weather and what to pack
- Kampala in March: weather and what to pack
- Kampala in April: weather and what to pack
- Kampala in May: weather and what to pack
- Kampala in June: weather and what to pack
- Kampala in July: weather and what to pack
- Kampala in August: weather and what to pack
- Kampala in September: weather and what to pack
- Kampala in October: weather and what to pack
- Kampala in November: weather and what to pack
- Kampala 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 Kampala, Uganda
Based on the climate and weather in Kampala, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Kampala, Uganda
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kampala, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
-
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.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
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.
-
Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. This one works in most places, but check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Kampala, Uganda by month
Already know when you're traveling?
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:
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are intending to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
February
If you vacation in Kampala during February, you may see that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 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:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are intending to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
March
If you are traveling to Kampala in March, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are intending to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
April
If you are traveling to Kampala in April, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are intending to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
May
If you go to Kampala in May, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are intending to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
June
June for Kampala is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are intending to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
July
If you go to Kampala in July, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are intending to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
August
August in Kampala is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are intending to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
September
September in Kampala is warm. 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:
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are intending to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
October
October in this region is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are intending to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
November
If you vacation in Kampala during November, you might see 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:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are intending to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
December
December in Kampala is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are intending to see the majestic Uganda National Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter this mosque; it is best to check with the Kampala tourism authority.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you see the Uganda Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
Activities for Kampala, Uganda
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Kampala.
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