Weather in Kinshasa

Planning a trip or just want to know what to expect from the weather in Kinshasa? In this section, we have gathered up-to-date data, detailed forecasts, and visual charts to help you better prepare for your journey.

The climate of Kinshasa can be described as tropical, with high temperatures and significant humidity throughout the year. The concept of cold weather is virtually non-existent here: thanks to its proximity to the equator, the temperature regime is distinguished by remarkable stability. The average air temperature fluctuates within a comfortable range of +24°C to +27°C, creating a feeling of eternal summer.

The year in the capital of the DR Congo is clearly divided into two seasons: a long wet one and a short dry one. The dry season, which lasts from June to September, is considered the most favourable time for visits. During these months, especially in July and August, rains cease almost completely, the sky clears, and night-time temperatures become slightly cooler and fresher, dropping to +20°C.

The rainy season dominates most of the year, from October to May. Peak rainfall occurs in November and December, when the number of rainy days can reach 28 per month. During this period, air humidity increases significantly, and although tropical downpours can be intense, they are generally warm and do not bring sudden cold spells.

The climate of Kinshasa is characterised by consistently high temperatures throughout the year, which is typical for equatorial latitudes. The hottest period can be considered the spring months (especially March) and early autumn (September), when the average temperature holds at around 27°C, and daily highs regularly exceed 31°C. At this time, which can loosely be considered the local summer, the weather is sultry, often accompanied by high humidity characteristic of the rainy season.

The cooler season, which corresponds here to the calendar summer of the Northern Hemisphere (June, July, and August), brings significant relief from the heat. The "coldest" month is July, with an average temperature of about 24.6°C. Dry and comfortable weather sets in during this period: during the day, the air warms up to a pleasant 29-30°C, but the absence of precipitation makes the heat much milder and easier to bear for walking around the city.

Travellers should take into account the noticeable temperature fluctuations between daylight and dark hours. The difference between the daytime heat and night-time coolness is usually between 7 and 10 degrees. For example, in July and August, night-time readings can drop to 20°C, offering pleasant freshness after a sunny day. However, during the rainy season, especially in November and December, high humidity can smooth out these fluctuations, creating a feeling of mugginess even in the evening.

Kinshasa is characterised by a clear division of the year into a dry season and a rainy season, which directly affects travellers' plans. The dry period here is quite short and falls on the winter months of the Southern Hemisphere — June, July, and August. Precipitation is extremely rare at this time: statistics show that in July there is usually no rain at all, and in June and August, there may be only one rainy day in the entire month.

The rainy season, on the contrary, lasts for most of the year — from October to May. The wettest months are November and December, when it rains almost daily (up to 26–28 rainy days per month). January and February are also distinguished by a high frequency of precipitation, about 20–22 days with rain. If you are planning a trip during this period, be sure to take an umbrella or raincoat with you, as precipitation in this tropical region is a frequent and familiar phenomenon.

When packing for Kinshasa, focus on comfort and lightness, as the city enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round. The basis of your wardrobe should be clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, preferably in light colours. You will need T-shirts, loose trousers, and shorts to tolerate the heat more easily, as the average daytime temperature often stays around +26°C... +30°C. Be sure to bring comfortable, broken-in walking shoes, as you will likely want to walk a lot.

It is important to consider the seasonality of rainfall when planning your luggage. If your trip falls between October and May, and especially in November or December, be prepared for frequent rains: a reliable umbrella and a light raincoat will become indispensable items. In the dry season, which lasts from June to September, precipitation is practically excluded, and the air temperature may drop slightly, especially in the evenings (to +20°C). For such cases, it is recommended to bring a light jumper, windbreaker, or cardigan, using the principle of layering.

Regardless of the time of year, do not forget about sun protection: high-quality sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat or cap are mandatory. Given the high humidity in the rainy season, it is worth taking care of a change of clothes to always feel fresh. Also, a useful addition to the list of things will be insect repellent, which will ensure comfort during evening walks or excursions into nature.