Democratic Republic of the Congo Weather by Month

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a vast and ecologically diverse country located in Central Africa. Known for its rainforests, river systems, and expansive natural landscapes, the weather in the DRC is influenced by various geographical features. The DRC’s tropical climate is shaped by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a belt of low pressure that brings alternating wet and dry seasons. However, regional variations across the country—due to the Congo Basin’s rainforests, the savannahs in the south, and the highlands in the east—make the weather vary considerably from one region to another.

Overview of the DRC’s Climate Zones

Before diving into the monthly weather breakdown, it’s essential to understand the different climate zones in the DRC. These zones play a significant role in determining the weather conditions throughout the year.

Equatorial Climate in the Rainforest Regions

The central part of the DRC, particularly the Congo Basin, experiences an equatorial climate. This zone is characterized by year-round high temperatures and high humidity levels, with considerable rainfall throughout the year. This tropical rainforest climate, found in cities like Kinshasa and Mbandaka, is marked by two distinct rainy seasons—one from March to May and another from September to November. Due to the constant warmth and moisture, this region supports dense rainforests and a variety of flora and fauna.

Tropical Savannah Climate in the South

The southern part of the DRC, particularly the areas around Katanga and parts of Kasai, has a tropical savannah climate. This region experiences more defined wet and dry seasons. The rainy season typically runs from November to March, while the dry season occurs from April to October. The temperatures in this region can be slightly cooler than those in the equatorial regions, but the heat and humidity remain high, particularly during the peak of the rainy season.

Highlands Climate in the East

The eastern region of the DRC, including areas such as Goma and Bukavu, is characterized by a highland climate. This region experiences cooler temperatures due to the altitude, with some areas experiencing temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) at night, particularly in the highlands near the Rwenzori Mountains. The weather in the eastern DRC is relatively more temperate than the rest of the country, but it still experiences significant rainfall throughout the year. The rainy season typically runs from March to May and again from September to December, while the dry season is shorter.

Monthly Weather Breakdown

January: Peak of the Wet Season

January is part of the rainy season across much of the DRC, particularly in the central and equatorial regions. In cities like Kinshasa, rainfall is frequent, and the humidity levels remain high. The temperatures typically range from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F), with frequent thunderstorms and intense downpours. The rainfall can be heavy and sustained throughout the day, making outdoor activities difficult during the afternoons. Despite the rains, January is a warm month with little relief from the heat, particularly during the daytime.

In the southern regions, including Katanga, January is also part of the rainy season. The temperatures here can climb up to 30°C (86°F) during the day, while cooler temperatures of 20°C (68°F) can be expected at night. The central and southern savannahs receive significant rainfall, but the storms are less intense than in the rainforests. The eastern highlands, particularly around Bukavu and Goma, experience cooler temperatures, with highs ranging from 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F), and frequent rainfall.

February: Continued Rain and Warm Temperatures

February sees a continuation of the wet season across most of the DRC. Kinshasa and other cities in the Congo Basin experience heavy, persistent rain and high humidity. Temperatures remain steady between 24°C and 30°C (75°F to 86°F), with occasional thunderstorms. The precipitation continues throughout the month, particularly in the afternoons, making travel and outdoor activities more challenging.

In the savannah regions of the south, including Katanga and Kasai, the rains remain significant, although the intensity might decrease slightly. Temperatures can still reach highs of 30°C (86°F), with the humidity levels high due to the combination of heat and frequent showers. In the east, temperatures continue to be more moderate in the highlands, with daytime temperatures between 22°C and 26°C (72°F and 79°F), and cooler evenings around 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F). The rain persists, and the landscapes remain lush and green.

March: Transition to Heavier Rainfall

In March, the DRC sees an increase in rainfall, particularly in the central and equatorial regions. Kinshasa, for example, experiences some of the heaviest rainfall of the year. The daytime temperatures are still quite warm, around 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F), and the humidity remains high. The rainy season is in full swing, with regular downpours expected throughout the month. The persistent rain can result in occasional flooding, especially in urban areas with poor drainage systems.

In the savannah regions, the rains are abundant but more sporadic compared to the central and western parts of the country. Southern regions like Katanga experience temperatures between 22°C and 30°C (72°F and 86°F), with rain showers often cooling down the environment. In the east, the highland areas, such as Goma and Bukavu, remain relatively cool, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F) and regular rainfall.

April: Full Monsoon Season in the Central and Eastern Regions

April is one of the wettest months in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The central region, including cities like Kinshasa, receives continuous rainfall, with heavy showers almost every day. The temperatures remain warm, ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), and the high humidity levels make it feel much warmer. While the rains are vital for agriculture, they can disrupt travel plans, especially in rural areas where roads are susceptible to flooding.

In the southern regions, including Katanga, the rains continue but are slightly less intense than in the central and western regions. The temperatures remain high, with daytime highs around 30°C (86°F) and cooler evenings. The savannahs experience brief rainstorms, which help alleviate the heat. In the eastern highlands, the weather remains cooler, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) during the day and cooler nights, while the rains are steady and frequent.

May: Heavy Rains Continue

In May, the rainy season continues to dominate much of the DRC, especially in the central and western regions. Kinshasa and other cities in the Congo Basin experience consistent rainfall, and the region remains warm and humid. The temperatures in cities like Kinshasa range between 25°C and 31°C (77°F to 88°F), with frequent downpours that make outdoor activities and travel a challenge. The rains are intense, sometimes lasting several hours, and the weather can be unpredictable.

In the southern savannah regions, including Katanga and Kasai, the rains remain significant, with temperatures of around 30°C (86°F) during the day. While the rains may be less intense than in the rainforest zones, the wet conditions still affect agriculture and transportation. The eastern highlands continue to experience cooler weather, with temperatures between 20°C and 26°C (68°F to 79°F) and steady rainfall.

June: Start of the Dry Season in the South

By June, the DRC begins to experience the transition into the dry season, particularly in the southern and southwestern regions. In cities like Katanga, the dry season officially begins, and rainfall significantly decreases. The temperatures remain warm, with daytime highs around 30°C (86°F), but the humidity levels drop. The savannah regions experience more dry days, which means the weather is much more comfortable for travelers.

In the central and western rainforest regions, including Kinshasa, the rain still falls regularly, though it starts to taper off toward the end of the month. Temperatures are still warm, ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), but the frequency and intensity of rainfall begin to decrease as the country heads into the middle of the year.

In the eastern highlands, including Goma and Bukavu, the dry season is less noticeable. The rains are still frequent, but temperatures remain cool, ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with cooler nights.

July: Dry Season Begins in the South and Central Regions

July marks the height of the dry season in the southern regions of the DRC. In cities like Katanga, the weather is predominantly dry, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F). The savannah regions remain dry, with very little rainfall, allowing for more stable travel conditions across this part of the country.

In the central and western regions, including Kinshasa, the rainy season continues to wind down, with reduced rainfall. The temperatures remain warm, ranging from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F), and the humidity levels decrease somewhat, making the weather more tolerable for both locals and travelers.

In the eastern regions, including Goma and Bukavu, the rains continue, though the intensity decreases compared to the wettest months. The cooler temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), make this an ideal time for visiting the highlands.

August: Dry Season Continues in the South

In August, the dry season continues across the southern and central regions of the DRC. Cities like Katanga experience hot temperatures, often reaching 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), with little to no rainfall. This is a good time for visitors to explore the southern savannah regions and the national parks that are found here, as the dry conditions make travel easier.

In the central and western parts of the country, including Kinshasa, the rainfall becomes even less frequent, and the weather becomes drier. While temperatures remain warm, the reduced humidity makes the environment more comfortable. The rainforests, however, remain lush and green, and the landscape is still vibrant, despite the drier weather.

In the eastern highlands, including Goma and Bukavu, the rains are still present but less frequent. The temperatures remain cooler compared to the rest of the country, ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), making August a great time for hiking and exploring the mountainous regions.

September: Transition to the Wet Season

In September, the weather across the DRC begins to transition back to the wet season, especially in the central and western regions. Kinshasa, and other parts of the Congo Basin, begin to experience an increase in rainfall as the month progresses. The temperatures remain warm, typically ranging from 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F), and the humidity levels rise again as the country moves toward the onset of the rainy season.

In the southern regions, such as Katanga, the dry conditions persist for most of the month, with little rain and temperatures continuing to hover around 30°C (86°F). The savannah regions remain hot and dry, but the transition to the rainy season is noticeable toward the end of the month.

In the eastern highlands, the weather begins to change as the rains start to return. Temperatures remain comfortable, ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), and the landscape becomes more lush and green as the wet season starts.

October: Start of the Wet Season in the Central and Western Regions

October marks the beginning of the wet season in much of the DRC, particularly in the central and western parts of the country. Kinshasa and other cities in the Congo Basin experience increased rainfall, with frequent thunderstorms and consistent showers. The temperatures remain warm, ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), and the humidity levels rise as the wet season sets in.

In the southern regions, including Katanga, the rains begin to pick up again, signaling the return of the wet season. Temperatures remain around 30°C (86°F) during the day, with regular rain showers that cool the environment. The eastern regions, particularly Goma and Bukavu, also experience increased rainfall as October marks the beginning of the second rainy season of the year.

November: Peak of the Wet Season

November is typically the wettest month in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The central and western regions, including Kinshasa, experience consistent rainfall, with heavy thunderstorms that can last for several hours. The temperatures remain warm, between 24°C and 30°C (75°F to 86°F), and the humidity is very high.

In the southern regions, including Katanga, the rains continue, and temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The increased rainfall helps nourish crops and maintain the lush green landscapes of the savannah. The eastern regions experience a similar pattern of increased rainfall, with cooler temperatures compared to the rest of the country.

December: Wet Season Continues with High Humidity

December continues the wet season in much of the DRC. Kinshasa and other parts of the Congo Basin receive substantial rainfall, often in the form of heavy downpours and thunderstorms. The temperatures remain warm, typically between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F), and the humidity remains very high.

In the southern regions, including Katanga, temperatures are warm and range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with the rains becoming more frequent. The eastern highlands also experience regular rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), making it a cooler part of the country during the wet season.