Weather in Goma

Planning your visit or simply want to know the current situation? Here you will find the freshest weather data for the city of Goma, including detailed forecasts and charts.

The climate in Goma can be described as surprisingly mild and temperate, creating an atmosphere of "eternal spring". Thanks to its location at a high elevation, there is virtually no exhausting tropical heat here. The temperature background remains exceptionally stable throughout the year: average daytime figures hover at a comfortable mark of around +21...+22°C, while nights bring pleasant freshness with temperatures around +15°C.

There is no clearly defined change of seasons with sharp temperature fluctuations here, however, it is worth paying attention to the nature of the precipitation. According to statistics, rainy days occur frequently — for most of the year, precipitation falls on more than 20 days per month. At the same time, the total volume in millimetres is not large, which indicates a prevalence of light drizzle or brief showers rather than prolonged downpours.

The middle of the year can be considered the "driest" period, especially July, when the number of wet days decreases to a minimum. During the rest of the year, the weather in this corner of the DR Congo can be changeable and humid, so tourists are recommended to always have a light windbreaker or raincoat with them. Overall, the absence of extreme heat or cold makes the city accessible and comfortable to visit in any month.

The temperature regime in the city of Goma is distinguished by amazing stability and mildness throughout the year. Due to the proximity to the equator and the features of the terrain, sharp seasonal fluctuations are absent here: the average annual temperature holds steadily at around +18°C. February is conditionally considered the warmest month, when the air warms up on average to +18.6°C, and the coolest is November with a figure of +17.8°C. However, for the traveller, this difference is practically unnoticeable.

The concepts of "summer" and "winter" are quite relative here. The period from June to August can be characterised as a drier and fresher season: at this time, daytime maximums are around +21.4°C...+21.7°C, and the number of rainy days drops to a minimum, especially in July. In the other months, which can be attributed to a conditional "summer", it becomes slightly warmer and more humid, with daytime temperatures reaching +22°C, creating comfortable conditions without exhausting heat.

An important detail for planning your wardrobe is the daily temperature range. Although pleasant warmth reigns in Goma during the day, the air cools down quite perceptibly at night. The difference between the daytime maximum and the nightly minimum averages about 7 degrees. For example, after a midday +22°C, the temperature at night stably drops to +14°C...+15°C. Therefore, despite the general mildness of the climate, tourists are advised to keep a light jacket or warm sweater handy for evening walks.

The weather in the city of Goma is characterised by a high frequency of precipitation throughout the year. Due to the geographical location and proximity to Lake Kivu, rain here is a regular occurrence, so travellers are recommended to always have a raincoat or umbrella with them, regardless of the month chosen for the trip.

The wettest periods, when precipitation falls almost daily, occur during the spring and autumn months. In March, April, as well as from September to November, the maximum number of rainy days is recorded — up to 29 days per month. The peak in precipitation volume is usually observed in November, although the rains themselves may be not so much heavy as they are frequent.

A relatively dry season arrives in the middle of the year. June and July are considered the most favourable months to visit if you wish to minimise the likelihood of getting wet. In July, the amount of precipitation drops to a minimum (about 2 mm), and the number of rainy days is reduced to 12, making this the best time for exploring the nature of the DR Congo.

When preparing for a trip to Goma, it is important to consider that the climate here is quite mild and even, without extreme heat. The average daytime temperature stays around +18...+22°C year-round, while nights can be quite cool (around +14°C). Therefore, the best solution will be the principle of layering: take t-shirts, light long-sleeved shirts, as well as a warm sweater or fleece jacket for evening walks. While shorts might be useful, light trousers will be a more versatile and practical option.

Special attention should be paid to protection from precipitation, as rains in this region of the DR Congo occur quite often. Even in the "driest" months, June and July, humid weather is possible, and during the rest of the year, the number of rainy days is high. Be sure to pack a high-quality raincoat or a waterproof windbreaker with a hood, as well as a compact umbrella in your suitcase. Footwear should be comfortable, closed, and preferably waterproof, to move comfortably around the city and natural locations in any weather.

Despite the moderate temperatures, do not forget about accessories. Sunglasses, headwear, and cream with SPF are necessary, as the sun here can be active even through the clouds. It will also be useful to bring insect repellents for protection, which is relevant for any season in this area.