Uganda in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Uganda

26°C (79°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

40mm (1.6 inches) Rainfall

55% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 40mm (1.6 inches) across 4 days, perfect for gorilla trekking and outdoor activities
Excellent wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is less dense after dry months
Clear mountain views and minimal cloud cover - ideal for photography at Rwenzori Mountains and Queen Elizabeth National Park
Comfortable temperatures 16-26°C (61-79°F) with low humidity at 55% - perfect for multi-day hiking and camping

Considerations

Peak tourist season means higher accommodation prices (30-50% above low season) and advance booking essential for gorilla permits
Dusty conditions on unpaved roads, especially in northern Uganda - expect 2-3 hour drives to take longer due to road conditions
High UV index of 9 requires constant sun protection, and afternoon temperatures can feel intense during midday activities

Best Activities in January

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Trekking

January's dry conditions make forest trails more accessible and gorilla families easier to locate. Morning mist clears by 9am, providing perfect visibility for encounters. Cooler temperatures 16-22°C (61-72°F) make the steep terrain more manageable.

Booking Tip: Gorilla permits ($700 USD) must be booked 3-6 months ahead through Uganda Wildlife Authority. Book through licensed operators who include transport and guides. January has highest permit demand. See current tour packages in booking section below.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drives

Dry season concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources, making game viewing exceptional. Early morning drives (6-9am) offer cooler temperatures and active animals. Kazinga Channel boat safaris show massive hippo and elephant congregations.

Booking Tip: Multi-day safari packages typically cost $200-400 USD per day including accommodation. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for January. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles essential for park roads. Check current safari options in booking section below.

Murchison Falls National Park Nile Boat Safaris

January's low water levels create dramatic waterfall views and concentrate Nile crocodiles along riverbanks. Boat trips to waterfall base show full 43m (141 ft) drop power. Wildlife viewing peaks as animals depend on river water sources.

Booking Tip: 2-3 day packages range $180-350 USD per person. Include both game drives and boat safaris for complete experience. Book through operators offering camping or lodge options. See current Murchison packages in booking section below.

Rwenzori Mountains Trekking

Clear January skies provide impressive views of Africa's third-highest peaks. Dry trails and minimal cloud cover make multi-day treks to 4,267m (14,000 ft) Margherita Peak feasible. Cool mountain temperatures perfect for challenging ascents.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks cost $150-250 USD per day including guides, porters, and mountain huts. Require good fitness and proper gear. Book 6-8 weeks ahead with certified mountain guides. Check current trekking packages in booking section below.

Source of the Nile White Water Rafting

January's consistent water levels create perfect Grade III-V rapids near Jinja. Warm 26°C (79°F) temperatures make full-day river adventures comfortable. Clear weather ensures reliable rafting conditions without rain delays.

Booking Tip: Full-day rafting costs $120-180 USD including safety gear, lunch, and transport. Half-day options available $80-120 USD. Book 1-2 weeks ahead with certified operators using international safety standards. See current rafting options in booking section below.

Lake Bunyonyi Island Hopping and Canoeing

January's calm conditions and clear skies make this bilharzia-free lake perfect for swimming and traditional dugout canoe trips. Visit 29 islands with local guides sharing cultural stories. Perfect respite after gorilla trekking adventures.

Booking Tip: Canoe rentals cost $15-25 USD per day, guided island tours $40-80 USD. Combine with nearby Bwindi visits for efficient itinerary. Local operators provide cultural experiences and bird watching. Check current lake activities in booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Kampala City Festival

Annual celebration of Ugandan culture with traditional music, dance performances, and local food vendors throughout the capital. Features Buganda kingdom cultural displays and contemporary African music concerts in Central Division.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in neutral colors (khaki, olive) for game drives - bright colors spook wildlife and attract insects

Waterproof hiking boots essential for gorilla trekking - forest floors remain muddy despite dry season

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 at 1,200m (3,937 ft) elevation

Quick-dry pants for multiple activities - comfortable for hiking and appropriate for cultural site visits

Light rain jacket despite dry season - occasional brief showers in mountain regions

Insect repellent containing DEET 30% minimum - tsetse flies active during game drives

Dust mask or bandana for unpaved road travel - January's dry conditions create significant dust

Layered clothing for temperature variations - mornings start at 16°C (61°F), afternoons reach 26°C (79°F)

Comfortable walking shoes for cultural sites and town exploration separate from hiking boots

Power bank and universal adapter - rural lodges have limited charging opportunities

Insider Knowledge

Gorilla trekking groups depart at 8am sharp - arrive at park headquarters by 7:30am for briefing and ranger assignment. Late arrivals forfeit permits without refund.

Hire local community guides in addition to official park rangers - they know recent gorilla movement patterns and provide cultural context rangers don't share.

Pack lunch for game drives even if lodge provides meals - January's excellent wildlife viewing means you'll want to stay out longer than scheduled meal times.

Exchange money in Kampala or Entebbe before heading to national parks - rural areas have limited banking and poor exchange rates, especially for smaller denominations.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating travel times between parks - roads require 4-6 hours between major destinations, plan overnight stops rather than day trips

Booking accommodations inside national parks only - staying in nearby communities provides cultural experiences and supports local economies while costing 40-60% less

Bringing cotton clothing for multi-day activities - cotton retains moisture from morning mist and takes hours to dry, choose synthetic or merino wool materials