Kampala in December

In December, Kampala averages 26°C (78°F) during the day and 18°C (64°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 26 days of the month see precipitation (109 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December offers comfortable temperatures in Kampala, with some rain to plan around.

26°C
Avg high
18°C
Avg low
26
Rain days
109 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Kampala

6th
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
8%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
12 h 6 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Kampala (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. December runs roughly the same as November (25°C) and warms a further 2°C into January (27°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Kampala

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:41 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:47 PM
Day length
12 h 6 min

Times shown for Kampala local time (Africa/Kampala), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Kampala — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Kampala's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:41 AM – 6:21 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:21 AM – 7:21 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:07 PM – 7:07 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:07 PM – 7:47 PM

📅 When to book — Kampala in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Kampala's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Kampala

High season

This is a busy month in Kampala — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Kampala

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.6
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Kampala in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 27°C / 81°F 18°C / 64°F 61 mm 21
February 28°C / 82°F 19°C / 66°F 65 mm 23
March 27°C / 80°F 19°C / 66°F 131 mm 29
April 25°C / 77°F 19°C / 65°F 194 mm 30
May 25°C / 76°F 18°C / 64°F 142 mm 31
June 25°C / 76°F 17°C / 63°F 99 mm 28
July 25°C / 77°F 17°C / 63°F 63 mm 25
August 25°C / 78°F 17°C / 63°F 107 mm 29
September 26°C / 78°F 18°C / 64°F 117 mm 29
October 26°C / 78°F 18°C / 64°F 139 mm 30
November 25°C / 77°F 18°C / 64°F 179 mm 29
December 26°C / 78°F 18°C / 64°F 109 mm 26

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kampala in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Kampala in December?

In December, Kampala averages a high of 26°C (78°F) and a low of 18°C (64°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Kampala in December?

December is quite rainy in Kampala, with about 26 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Kampala?

December is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Kampala in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Kampala for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Kampala on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.