Things to Do in Juba

About Juba

Nestled along the White Nile's winding banks, Juba stands as a testament to human resilience and the vibrant spirit of the world's youngest nation. South Sudan's capital city pulses with an energy born from the fusion of over 60 ethnic groups, where traditional marketplaces hum with multilingual chatter and the warm hospitality of its people serves as a gateway to understanding East Africa's emerging frontier.

Travel Tips

• Arrange airport pickup through your hotel or a trusted contact, as taxis at Juba International Airport are unreliable and can be unsafe, especially for first-time visitors.

• Carry US dollars in clean, newer bills (2009 or later) as they're widely accepted and preferred over the South Sudanese Pound, but ensure they're crisp and undamaged as damaged bills are often rejected.

• Most government offices and businesses in Juba close by 2 PM, so plan any official business or important shopping for the morning hours.

• When dining out, stick to established restaurants in hotels like Quality, Crown, or Pyramid, as they maintain better food safety standards and have reliable power backup during frequent electricity cuts.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Juba is during the dry season from December through March, when temperatures range from 25-35°C and humidity drops significantly, making exploration of the city's markets and the White Nile riverfront far more comfortable than the oppressive wet season heat. April and May mark the transition with temperatures climbing to 38-40°C and sporadic pre-monsoon thunderstorms beginning, though crowds thin considerably and accommodation prices drop by 20-30% for budget travelers willing to endure the heat. June through October brings the heavy rainy season with intense downpours, flooding that can render many unpaved roads impassable, temperatures around 30-33°C, and suffocating humidity above 80%, making this period extremely challenging despite being when the landscape transforms into lush greenery. December coincides with South Sudan's Independence celebrations (July 9th is the actual Independence Day, but many cultural events extend through year-end), while Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter see vibrant church services given the country's significant Christian population, adding cultural richness to dry-season visits. Security-conscious travelers should note that the dry season also unfortunately coincides with periods of increased conflict risk in some regions, so checking current advisories is essential regardless of weather preferences, though Juba itself remains the most stable area year-round.