Kampala in January
In January, Kampala averages 27°C (81°F) during the day and 18°C (64°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 21 days of the month see precipitation (61 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
January offers comfortable temperatures in Kampala, with some rain to plan around.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Kampala
January is one of the warmest months in Kampala (2nd of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (26°C). January runs 2°C warmer than December (26°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Kampala
Times shown for Kampala local time (Africa/Kampala), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Kampala — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Kampala's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Kampala in January
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 January's tier (Shoulder) and Kampala's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Kampala
Kampala is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Kampala
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
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow 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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kampala in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Kampala in January?
In January, Kampala averages a high of 27°C (81°F) and a low of 18°C (64°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Kampala in January?
January is quite rainy in Kampala, with about 21 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Kampala?
January 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 January?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Kampala for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.