Things to Do in Uganda in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
December Weather in Uganda
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
82°F (27°C)
High Temp
63°F (17°C)
Low Temp
3.6 inches (91 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Dry season begins - wildlife clusters around shrinking water sources, making game viewing in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth parks almost guaranteed
- + Gorilla trekking trails in Bwindi dry out - December mud is manageable compared to October's quagagmires, and permits are easier to secure than July peak
- + Lake Victoria's breeze keeps Entebbe at 79°F (26°C) while inland hits 82°F (28°C) - good for sunset cruises without the oppressive March humidity
- + End-of-year celebrations mean local music festivals in Kampala's Ndere Cultural Centre, where traditional Acholi dancers perform under string lights until 2am
Considerations
- − Tourist numbers spike around Christmas - expect 45-minute queues at Entebbe Airport immigration and booked-solid safari vehicles from December 20-30
- − Afternoon thunderstorms still hit 40% of days, usually 3-5pm, turning red-dirt roads in Kidepo Valley into slippery messes that strand vehicles
- − Gorilla permits cost more than June - December falls in 'high season' pricing despite weather being nearly identical to November's 'shoulder season'
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Murchison Falls Boat Safaris
December's receding water concentrates hippos and crocodiles along the Victoria Nile. The 3-hour upstream journey to the 43m (141 ft) falls passes elephant herds drinking at 3pm when temperatures peak at 82°F (28°C). Morning departures at 7am catch Nile perch jumping while afternoon light turns the falls golden for photography.
Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators - December boats fill fast but cancellations happen when storms roll in. See current options in booking section below.
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
December trails are firm enough for the 3-6 hour hikes to gorilla families, unlike October's knee-deep mud. The 1,160m (3,806 ft) elevation keeps mornings cool at 59°F (15°C) - perfect trekking weather before afternoon storms. Rushegura and Habinyanja groups tend to feed closer to trailheads this month.
Booking Tip: Secure permits 2-3 weeks ahead through Uganda Wildlife Authority - December slots disappear faster than you'd expect. Licensed guides mandatory, insurance recommended.
Kampala Night Food Tours
December evenings at 72°F (22°C) make walking tours comfortable through Nakasero Market's food stalls. Try December-seasonal malewa (bamboo shoots) and roasted grasshoppers harvested after November rains. The pork joints on Acacia Avenue stay open past midnight when locals celebrate Christmas parties.
Booking Tip: Evening tours start 6pm to avoid storms and catch sunset over Lake Victoria. Book 2-3 days ahead - December Fridays book up with expat groups.
Lake Victoria Island Hopping
December's 10-knot breezes make the 45-minute speedboat ride to Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary pleasant - not the stomach-churning journey of March's rough water. Water visibility hits 15m (49 ft) around Ssese Islands, good for spotting Nile tilapia while snorkeling.
Booking Tip: Morning departures recommended - afternoon storms build over the lake around 3pm. Speedboats preferable to slow ferries for wildlife timing.
Jinja White-Water Rafting
December's moderate water levels on the Nile create Grade IV-V rapids at Itanda Falls without the dangerous volume of April's floods. The 25km (15.5 mile) route from Bujagali starts cool at 7am but warms to perfect 75°F (24°C) swimming temperature by the lunch stop at Malindi Falls.
Booking Tip: Full-day trips include riverside BBQ lunch - December's lower water means more rock formations visible. Book day before, not weeks ahead.
Where to Stay in Uganda in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
★★★★
Mid-Range
Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe
From $101 / night
Check Prices on Trip.com →
Public Holidays in December
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Boxing Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Boxing Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Boxing Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Uganda Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Book gorilla permits for Buhoma sector - the 3-hour drive from Kihihi airstrip beats 8 hours from Kampala to Rushaga, and December clouds make afternoon photography better anyway
Skip Christmas week game drives - Ugandan families flood Queen Elizabeth Park December 23-30. Instead, book December 15-22 when wildlife viewing is identical but you'll have sightings to yourself
Download SafeBoda app before landing - Kampala's motorcycle taxis cost half Uber prices and weave through traffic that stalls cars for 45 minutes on Jinja Road
Order the December-special grasshopper dish at Lawns Restaurant in Kololo - seasonal nsenene arrive fried with onions, tasting like crispy shrimp when fresh
Carry photocopies of your yellow fever certificate - Entebbe immigration occasionally asks despite digital records, and copies speed the 30-minute queue
Avoid These Mistakes
Booking safari vehicles through hotels - they mark up 40% compared to direct operator booking, common in December when demand spikes
Do not skip cover. December's slick Bwindi trails snap more ankles than dry season paths. A heli lift out starts at $5,000. One twisted foot costs more than the policy. Buy the insurance. Sleep easy.
December still spits rain. Forty percent of afternoons explode into storms. Open trucks become bathtubs. Cameras die. Pack dry bags. Expect thunder.
Skip the the airport booth. Entebbe forex trims 8% off every dollar. Walk into Garden City mall in Kampala. Locals swap shillings there. You keep more cash.
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