The climate of Kampala
Spreading along the equator,
Kampala, the dynamic capital city of
Uganda, basks under a stable Tropical Rainforest Climate according to the Köppen Climate Classification. This classification, denoted as Af, describes climates that are continually humid with no shortage of rainfall across yearly periods. This climate arises from Kampala's equatorial location as it results in extremely minor variations in temperature and consistent rainfall supply around the year.
Remarkably stable yet humid, Kampala displays a delicate balance between average high and average low temperatures. These values retain a stable rhythm with the highest temperature ranging from 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F) and the low-end numbers oscillating from 16.3°C (61.3°F) to 17.8°C (64°F). The differences in these temperature fluctuations remain marginal throughout the year, resulting in an incredibly mild and pleasant temperature setting.
As with rainfall, Kampala follows a unique pattern, where an abundance of rain showers through all 12 months. The city receives the most rainfall in the period between
September and
November, peaking to about 70mm (2.76") in
October. In contrast, the city receives the least rainfall, about 18mm (0.71"), in the month of
January.
The best time to visit Kampala
Despite the tropical climate,
Kampala offers comfortable conditions for visitors throughout the calendar year. However, the most favorable period for visiting is between
January and
February. In these months, the city sees a decrease in rainfall, measuring around 18mm (0.71") to 23mm (0.91"). Also, humidity is relatively milder, descending to 72%, accompanied by a comfortable temperature range from 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F) as the high and between 16.8°C (62.2°F) and 17.7°C (63.9°F) for the low.
The worst time to visit Kampala
Whereas
Kampala retains pleasant weather conditions all year round, the most challenging period to visit the city is during
October. Not only does the city experience the maximum rainfall during this month, reaching 70mm (2.76"), but the relative humidity also peaks around 85% leading to a somewhat uncomfortable atmosphere. Additionally, the visibility also drops to approximately 8 km, which may affect travel plans and outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Kampala
In spring, encompassing
March,
April, and
May,
Kampala showcases an increased intensity of rainfall, with April receiving the most significant amount of about 55mm (2.17"). Simultaneously, temperatures hover between a comfortable high of 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F) and a pleasant low of around 17.3°C (63.1°F) to 17.8°C (64°F). However, the relative humidity increases and is at its highest during these months, with the index touching 83% to 84%.
Summer weather in Kampala
Summer months in
Kampala, from
June through
August, offer a welcome dose of warmth with high temperatures from 24.7°C (76.5°F) to 25.7°C (78.3°F) and lows from 16.3°C (61.3°F) to 17°C (62.6°F). Rainfall decreases slightly from the spring to about 20mm (0.79") to 34mm (1.34") across these months, and the relative humidity decreases marginally to about 75% to 77%.
Autumn weather in Kampala
The period from
September to
November is characterized by a slight rise in rainfall, with
October experiencing the highest rainfall of the year, about 70mm (2.76"). The temperature during the season remains in the cosy range of 24.7°C (76.5°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F) highs and the mild lows of 16.9°C (62.4°F) to 17.2°C (63°F).
Winter weather in Kampala
Winter months in
Kampala,
December to
February, are marked by an enjoyable weather range from 25.2°C (77.4°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F) as the high and 16.5°C (61.7°F) to 16.8°C (62.2°F) for the low. Rainfall reduces to a minimum in these months, reaching only 18mm (0.71") in
January, and the relative humidity also shows a decline, forming a comfortable environment perfect for exploration.
Weather in January
January in
Kampala,
Uganda, arrives with markedly warm temperatures and moderate humidity. Compared to the preceding month of
December, January experiences a degradation in visibility, but it still remains within a relatively clear range.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Weather in March
Kampala,
Uganda, in
March experiences considerably more rainfall compared to the previous month of
February, leading to higher humidity levels. This month records the third warmest temperatures of the year, despite a slight drop from February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Kampala,
Uganda, ushers in the highest rainfall measurements for the year. This increased rainfall is accompanied by a significant drop in temperatures from
March, making it noticeably cooler. Despite these changes, the humidity levels rise and the sunshine hours take a dip.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Kampala,
Uganda experiences a further reduction in temperatures and a slight drop in humidity levels from
April. The rainfall also sees a slight decrease and the weather begins transitioning towards the dry season. Although it is not as hot as previous months, May remains warm overall.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Kampala,
Uganda signals the onset of the dry season with a notable drop in rainfall from the preceding month of
May. Despite the decrease in rain, the weather remains warm and sees a slight rise in temperatures. As June transitions into
July, the weather remains relatively unchanged with continued warm temperatures.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The month of
July places
Kampala,
Uganda, deep within the dry season, and it sees the least rainfall relative to the entire year. The weather is characterized by cooling temperatures, an occurrence that is mirrored in the subsequent month of
August.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Kampala,
Uganda, experiences slightly warmer temperatures than the proceeding month of
July, as well as an increase in rainfall. The end of the dry season witnesses a slight resurgence in rainfall, preparing the city for the approaching wet season.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Kampala,
Uganda heads towards the wet season with a subsequent increase in rainfall from
August. Despite the rise in humidity, there is a slight cooling of temperatures. Notably, this month records the lowest wind speeds of the year.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather in
Kampala,
Uganda, in the month of
October features the highest rainfall of the year. A substantial increase in the number of rainfall days and cloud cover make this month the wettest of the year. It records a significant increase in rainfall from
September, making October considerably wetter.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Kampala,
Uganda, marks a decrease in rainfall from the preceding wet month of
October. Although the month experiences a reduction in temperatures, it remains warm overall. The weather transitions from the wet to the dry season, with a subsequent drop in rainfall.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The month of
December in
Kampala,
Uganda, experiences a further decrease in rainfall from
November and sees a slight rise in temperatures. However, the weather remains significantly warm and humid, with December being the fourth warmest month of the year.
Weather in December »