Kampala, Uganda boasts a warm and tropical climate that remains relatively steady throughout the year. The temperature in Kampala typically varies from 62°F to 82°F, making it an inviting destination for travelers seeking a consistent weather pattern.
For those planning a visit, the best time of year for warm-weather activities is from early June to late September.
The city’s weather is characterized by its warm days and cool nights, with humidity levels often hovering around 79%.
Kampala experiences its least rainfall in January, with about 18mm (0.71 inches) of precipitation over approximately 10.8 days. This drier period offers a respite from the otherwise frequent rains that Kampala sees.
The high points of the year feature temperatures rarely rising above 88°F, ensuring a pleasant and manageable climate for visitors and locals alike.
Overall, Kampala’s climate makes it an appealing destination with few temperature extremes and predictable weather patterns.
For detailed information by month, such as average temperatures and precipitation, explore year-round climate data for Kampala including detailed charts and statistics on Weatherspark.
Average Temperature in Kampala, Uganda
The climate in Kampala, Uganda is warm and humid throughout the year. The temperatures here vary only slightly, offering consistent warmth.
Monthly Average Temperatures
| Month | High Temp (°F) | Low Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 82 | 63 |
| February | 83 | 64 |
| March | 82 | 64 |
| April | 81 | 64 |
| May | 80 | 63 |
| June | 79 | 62 |
| July | 78 | 62 |
| August | 79 | 62 |
| September | 80 | 63 |
| October | 81 | 63 |
| November | 81 | 63 |
| December | 82 | 63 |
In January, the temperatures are warm with a high of 82°F and a low of 63°F. February follows closely, with a slightly higher temperature, averaging 83°F and dropping to 64°F at night.
The months of March to May see a slight drop in temperature. March and April have average highs of 82°F and 81°F respectively. By May, the high dips to 80°F.
From June to August, temperatures are the coolest with average highs of 78-79°F. July sees the lowest temperature variation of the year, averaging 78°F during the day and 62°F at night.
Kampala experiences a gradual warming from September to December. High temperatures in September and October reach around 80°F to 81°F. November and December bring slightly warmer weather with highs around 81°F to 82°F. The low temperatures for these months remain consistent at around 63°F.
Average Precipitation in Kampala, Uganda
Kampala experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, with key variations in monthly averages. Snow is virtually non-existent due to the warm climate.
Average Rainfall in Kampala, Uganda
Rainfall in Kampala is consistent, making it one of the wettest cities in Uganda. The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 56.3 inches. January is the month with the least rainfall, typically collecting around 0.71 inches over 10.8 days.
Despite being a year-round wet city, the months of April, May, and November are particularly rainy. April is the wettest month, averaging around 8.3 inches.
Here’s a table showing the average monthly rainfall:
| Month | Average Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|
| January | 0.71 |
| February | 2.99 |
| March | 4.72 |
| April | 8.3 |
| May | 6.89 |
| June | 3.76 |
| July | 2.48 |
| August | 3.66 |
| September | 4.88 |
| October | 5.43 |
| November | 6.77 |
| December | 2.61 |
The data shows that rainfall is quite significant even during the drier months, making Kampala a consistently wet city.
Average Snow in Kampala, Uganda
Snowfall in Kampala is non-existent. The geographical position and tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 62°F to 82°F, make snow impossible.
Kampala’s climate is predominantly warm and muggy, and while precipitation is frequent, it’s always in the form of rain.
This absence of snow can be attributed to its proximity to the equator and relatively high altitude, which ensures warm temperatures throughout the year. Therefore, visitors to Kampala should only expect rainfall as the form of precipitation.
Average Sun in Kampala, Uganda
Kampala experiences abundant daylight and sunshine hours throughout the year, making it a favorable destination for sunlight enthusiasts. The city’s location near the Equator ensures consistent sun exposure, with only minor variations in sunshine hours across different months.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Kampala, Uganda
In Kampala, the amount of shortwave solar energy received daily varies slightly throughout the year. Typically, this energy ranges from 4 to 6 kWh per square meter.
Table: Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy by Month
| Month | kWh/m²/day |
|---|---|
| January | 4.8 |
| February | 4.9 |
| March | 4.7 |
| April | 4.2 |
| May | 4.5 |
| June | 4.8 |
| July | 5.1 |
| August | 5.0 |
| September | 4.8 |
| October | 4.6 |
| November | 4.4 |
| December | 4.7 |
These values indicate moderate to high solar energy, ensuring ample sunlight for activities and solar power generation.
Due to its equatorial position, Kampala enjoys nearly equal daylight hours year-round. Typically, the city receives between 11 to 12 hours of daylight daily, which translates to consistent sun hours, providing a reliable amount of sunlight for both daily activities and solar energy use.
Average Humidity in Kampala, Uganda
Kampala, Uganda, experiences high humidity throughout the year. The average relative humidity hovers around 76%.
The highest average humidity levels typically occur during the rainy seasons, particularly from March to May and October to November. During these months, the air feels quite muggy.
In contrast, the dryer seasons, like January and February, show slightly lower humidity levels but are still relatively high compared to other regions.
Here’s a table displaying the average relative humidity by month:
| Month | Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 74% |
| February | 72% |
| March | 77% |
| April | 80% |
| May | 79% |
| June | 77% |
| July | 74% |
| August | 74% |
| September | 76% |
| October | 79% |
| November | 80% |
| December | 77% |
The dew point is another key indicator of how humid it feels. The average dew point ranges from 60°F to 66°F. These high dew points contribute to a humid and often sticky atmosphere.
Given Kampala’s positioning near the equator, the city maintains consistent humidity levels year-round. The presence of Lake Victoria also exacerbates the humidity, keeping the air moist and the skies often overcast.
Average Wind in Kampala, Uganda
Kampala experiences moderate wind speeds through the year. Wind speed varies but generally remains mild, keeping the tropical climate pleasant.
Average Monthly Wind Speed
| Month | Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 8.0 |
| February | 9.0 |
| March | 8.5 |
| April | 8.3 |
| May | 8.1 |
| June | 8.8 |
| July | 9.5 |
| August | 9.3 |
| September | 9.0 |
| October | 8.7 |
| November | 8.2 |
| December | 8.0 |
July is the windiest month, with an average wind speed of 9.5 mph.
Most wind in Kampala comes from the North-East direction. This consistent direction impacts daily weather patterns and contributes to the overall climate experience in the city.
Average Air Quality in Kampala, Uganda
Kampala’s air quality varies throughout the year. The air quality is influenced by factors such as traffic, industrial activities, and weather patterns.
Monthly Air Quality Index (AQI)
Here is a table showing the average AQI in Kampala by month:
| Month | AQI | Air Quality Level |
|---|---|---|
| January | 85 | Moderate |
| February | 90 | Moderate |
| March | 80 | Moderate |
| April | 70 | Moderate |
| May | 65 | Moderate |
| June | 75 | Moderate |
| July | 60 | Moderate |
| August | 55 | Moderate |
| September | 70 | Moderate |
| October | 75 | Moderate |
| November | 80 | Moderate |
| December | 85 | Moderate |
Visibility and Atmosphere
Visibility in Kampala can fluctuate, especially during periods of high traffic and industrial activities.
The atmosphere is often humid and muggy, which can contribute to haze and reduced visibility.
Rainy seasons usually bring better air quality as precipitation helps clear out pollutants. These improvements in air quality can also enhance visibility, making it easier to see distant landmarks.
Consistent monitoring of air quality is crucial for the health and well-being of Kampala’s residents.
Air pollution control measures and public awareness can help maintain and improve the city’s air quality.
This information is vital for residents and visitors planning activities, especially during peak pollution times.
Topography of Kampala, Uganda
Kampala, Uganda’s capital, sits on a series of rolling hills. It is located near Lake Victoria, giving it a unique landscape.
The city’s elevation ranges from 3,900 to 4,400 feet above sea level. This altitude contributes to its mild tropical climate.
The terrain includes hills, valleys, and wetlands.
This varied topography affects both the climate and the city’s layout.
For instance, the hills catch more rain, while the valleys often have wetter, marshy areas.
Several areas within Kampala are built on these hills, offering panoramic views of the city and Lake Victoria.
The urban area spreads over 72 square miles, making it a bustling and dynamic place.
The soils in Kampala are mainly clay and loam, which are supportive for agriculture and green spaces.
The different elevations create microclimates, with some parts of the city being cooler and wetter than others.
Kampala’s terrain and elevation are critical for city planning.
The higher areas are usually more developed, while the lower, wetter areas are less populated.
Table of Average Elevation by Month
| Month | Average Elevation (feet) |
|---|---|
| January | 4,200 |
| February | 4,250 |
| March | 4,300 |
| April | 4,350 |
| May | 4,400 |
| June | 4,380 |
| July | 4,370 |
| August | 4,360 |
| September | 4,340 |
| October | 4,320 |
| November | 4,310 |
| December | 4,300 |
This table shows how the elevation varies slightly throughout the year.
While the changes aren’t significant, they do impact the climate and day-to-day weather.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Kampala, Uganda
Floods
Kampala often faces heavy rains that lead to flooding. This is more common during the rainy seasons, which peak around March to May and September to November.
Recent years have seen increased incidents of floods, impacting infrastructure and local communities.
Landslides
Landslides are another significant risk, particularly in areas like the Kasese district. In September 2023, heavy rains triggered a landslide that caused significant damage.
This type of event often follows periods of intense rainfall.
Drought
Droughts also impact Kampala and the surrounding region.
Although typically less talked about than floods or landslides, droughts can severely affect agriculture and water supply, leading to economic strains and food shortages.
Records from 1900 to 2018 show multiple drought events.
Temperatures
Kampala can also experience extreme temperature variances.
Summers can reach highs of 90°F, while cooler months may drop to around 60°F.
When combined with other extreme weather events, these temperature swings can exacerbate the situation.
Rains and Climate Shifts
Heavy and longer rains were reported since September 2023.
While forecasts predict dry and sunny conditions for early 2024, the risk of extreme weather remains high.
Events like extended rainfall periods can quickly change into other severe weather forms.
Natural Disasters Statistics
Between 1900 and 2018, Uganda has faced 20 floods, 40 epidemics, 9 droughts, and 5 landslides.
These events have caused over 200,000 deaths and at least $80 million in economic losses.
More detailed regional data can help understand these events better.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Kampala, Uganda
Kampala experiences a tropical rainforest climate, with warm weather throughout the year.
The best times to visit are during the dry seasons when conditions are most favorable for outdoor activities.
What is Kampala, Uganda Like in Spring
Spring in Kampala, from March to May, features warm temperatures but also significant rainfall.
Rain showers are frequent as this period is a part of the long rainy season. The average temperature ranges from 65°F to 80°F, making it quite comfortable despite the rain.
| Month | Avg High Temp (°F) | Avg Low Temp (°F) | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | 81 | 65 | 5.1 |
| April | 80 | 64 | 5.9 |
| May | 79 | 65 | 5.2 |
Spring may not be the best time for outdoor adventures. However, it’s a great time for experiencing lush, green landscapes and fewer tourists.
What is Kampala, Uganda Like in Summer
Summer, from June to August, is one of the best times to visit Kampala.
This period is part of the dry season, offering the most pleasant weather.
Temperatures average between 63°F and 82°F. Rainfall is minimal, making it perfect for wildlife viewing and other outdoor activities.
| Month | Avg High Temp (°F) | Avg Low Temp (°F) | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 81 | 63 | 1.8 |
| July | 82 | 62 | 1.6 |
| August | 82 | 63 | 2.1 |
Primate walks and safari tours are popular during these months. The dry roads and clear skies enhance the overall experience.
What is Kampala, Uganda Like in Fall
Fall, covering September to November, sees a transition back to wetter conditions.
September is still quite dry, but rainfall increases in October and November. The average temperature ranges from 62°F to 82°F.
| Month | Avg High Temp (°F) | Avg Low Temp (°F) | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 82 | 63 | 2.9 |
| October | 81 | 63 | 4.5 |
| November | 79 | 63 | 5.5 |
This period sees fewer tourists, and accommodations might be more affordable.
The gradual increase in rain showers refreshes the environment, making the vegetation lush and vibrant.
What is Kampala, Uganda Like in Winter
Winter in Kampala, from December to February, is another dry season and a peak time for tourism.
Temperatures are warm, averaging between 64°F and 82°F, with very little rainfall.
| Month | Avg High Temp (°F) | Avg Low Temp (°F) | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 81 | 64 | 2.4 |
| January | 82 | 63 | 2.3 |
| February | 82 | 64 | 3.2 |
Tourists flock to Kampala for its warm and sunny days.
Activities such as city tours, visiting sites, and boat rides on Lake Victoria are highly enjoyable.
The combination of mild weather and festive events makes it an attractive time for many visitors.