Uganda in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Uganda

28°C (82°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

80mm (3.1 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means 4x4 roads to remote parks like Kidepo Valley are accessible - rainy season makes these completely impassable from March-November
Cool morning temperatures (18-20°C/64-68°F) create perfect conditions for gorilla trekking - you'll walk 3-8 hours in comfort rather than sweltering heat
Migration season brings massive bird populations - over 200 species concentrate around water sources, making December the absolute best birding month
Clear skies provide 90% success rates for mountain gorilla sightings compared to 60% during cloudy months, plus impressive Virunga volcano views

Considerations

Peak tourism season means gorilla permits cost $800 (vs $600 in low season) and book out 6+ months ahead - spontaneous trips are impossible
Accommodation rates increase 40-60% with minimum 3-night stays required at many lodges, significantly inflating budgets
Intense UV levels (index 9) at altitude combined with equatorial sun causes severe burns within 30 minutes without proper protection

Best Activities in December

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Trekking

December's dry conditions mean clearer forest trails and 90% gorilla sighting success rates. Cool morning temperatures (18°C/64°F) make 4-8 hour hikes manageable. Permits must be booked 6+ months ahead for December due to peak demand. Four sectors available: Buhoma (easiest access), Ruhija (best for birding combo), Rushaga and Nkuringo (more challenging terrain).

Booking Tip: Gorilla permits cost $800 and sell out completely for December by June. Book through Uganda Wildlife Authority or licensed operators. Choose your sector based on fitness level - Buhoma requires 2-4 hours hiking, while Nkuringo can demand 6+ hours. See current trekking packages in booking section below.

Kidepo Valley National Park Safari

December is the ONLY month many visitors can access Kidepo - Uganda's most remote park. Dry roads allow 4x4 access from Kampala (12-hour drive) or daily flights resume. Wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources, creating exceptional game viewing. Lions, cheetahs, and 470+ bird species in landscapes resembling Kenya's Masai Mara.

Booking Tip: Fly-in packages typically cost $800-1,200 per person for 3 days including flights from Entebbe. Road access requires serious 4x4 and 2+ nights minimum due to distance. Book accommodations early - only 3 lodges serve the entire park. Current safari packages available in booking section.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

December's low water levels concentrate hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the 40km (25-mile) channel connecting Lake Edward and George. Morning trips (8-10am) offer cooler temperatures and active wildlife. Afternoon departures provide impressive Rwenzori Mountain views when skies clear. Expect 50+ hippos per trip and 100+ bird species.

Booking Tip: Boat trips run 4 times daily, cost $30-40 per person for 2-3 hours. Book morning slots for better wildlife activity and cooler conditions. December requires advance booking due to high demand. Combination packages with game drives typically $150-200 per day. Check current availability in booking section.

Rwenzori Mountains Trekking

December offers the clearest mountain weather for Africa's third-highest peak. Dry trails and minimal cloud cover provide impressive glacier views typically obscured other months. Day treks to Nyakalengija (1,615m/5,299ft) are perfect for non-technical hikers, while multi-day Margherita Peak attempts (5,109m/16,763ft) have 80% success rates.

Booking Tip: Day hikes cost $40-60 including guides and park fees. Multi-day treks to glaciers require $200+ per day with porters and specialized high-altitude gear. Book through Rwenzori Mountaineering Services or certified operators. 7-9 day summit attempts need 2+ months advance booking for December dates.

Murchison Falls National Park Nile River Cruises

December's low river levels create more dramatic waterfall views as the Nile squeezes through the 7m (23ft) gorge. Wildlife congregates along riverbanks during dry season - expect elephants, giraffes, and massive crocodiles. Bottom-of-falls cruises offer close waterfall access, while delta trips provide shoebill stork sightings.

Booking Tip: Standard 3-hour bottom-of-falls cruises cost $30-35 per person with 4 daily departures. Delta birding trips run $40-50 for specialized shoebill viewing. Combine with game drives for full-day packages $80-120. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for December peak season. Current cruise options in booking section.

Lake Bunyonyi Island Hopping and Cultural Experiences

December's clear skies showcase this 'Switzerland of Africa' - 29 islands scattered across terraced hillsides at 1,962m (6,437ft) altitude. Cool evening temperatures (15°C/59°F) make lakeside camping comfortable. Local Bakiga communities offer traditional weaving, brewing, and farming experiences unavailable in rainy months when activities move indoors.

Booking Tip: Dugout canoe island tours cost $15-25 for half-day trips visiting 4-6 islands. Cultural village experiences range $20-40 including traditional meals and craft demonstrations. Multi-day island camping packages available $50-80 per day. Book cultural activities through community tourism cooperatives for real feels.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Imbalu Circumcision Ceremonies

Bagisu communities in eastern Uganda hold traditional coming-of-age ceremonies throughout December. Young men undergo ritual circumcision accompanied by days of dancing, drumming, and community celebration. Visitors can witness cultural performances and ceremonies with community permission and local guides.

December 25-26

Christmas and Boxing Day Celebrations

Uganda's Christian majority celebrates with unique local traditions including massive church services, community feasts featuring roasted goat and matooke (cooking bananas), and traditional dance performances. Rural areas host inter-village football tournaments and cultural competitions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and UV lip balm - equatorial sun at altitude (UV index 9) burns European/American skin in 15 minutes

Lightweight hiking boots waterproof to ankle height - gorilla trekking involves muddy forest floors and 500m+ (1,640ft+) elevation changes

Quick-dry long pants and long sleeves - mandatory for gorilla trekking and protection from army ants and stinging vegetation

Compact down jacket - mountain areas drop to 10°C (50°F) at night, lodges rarely have heating above 2,000m (6,560ft)

Waterproof daypack cover - afternoon showers happen 7 days per month and electronics need protection

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - tsetse flies in parks bite through thin clothing and regular repellents don't work

Portable phone charger/power bank - many remote lodges have limited electricity (6-10pm only) and no charging during game drives

Cash in small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) - rural areas don't accept credit cards and large bills often can't be changed

Basic first aid kit with anti-diarrhea medication - remote parks are 4+ hours from medical facilities

Lightweight rain jacket that packs small - sudden mountain weather changes can drop temperatures 15°C (27°F) in minutes

Insider Knowledge

Ugandans take Christmas very seriously - banks, shops, and restaurants close December 25-26, so stock up on cash and supplies by December 24th

Book internal flights 2+ months ahead for December - only 2 domestic airlines serve safari destinations and planes hold just 12-15 passengers

Carry exact change for park fees - remote gates often lack change for large bills, causing hours of delays while rangers radio for solutions

December is wedding season for urban Ugandans - expect weekend road closures around churches and cultural centers, especially in Kampala on Saturdays

Avoid These Mistakes

Arriving without confirmed gorilla permits thinking you can buy at park gates - December permits sell out 6+ months in advance with no exceptions

Packing only shorts and t-shirts because it's tropical - mountain parks require full coverage for vegetation protection and temperature drops to 10°C (50°F)

Planning tight schedules between parks - December road conditions and holiday traffic can double normal 4-6 hour driving times between major parks