About Democratic Republic of Congo

Sara and John say...

Given the size of this large country, straddling the equator, it’s not surprising that there are variations in weather conditions. However, heat, humidity and high rainfall amounts are common themes.

If it’s dry weather you’re after, then there’s a contrast from north to south. Northernmost areas have least rainfall during the period from December to February, whereas the south of the country, including the capital, Kinshasa, enjoys least rainfall from June to September.

The far south, towards the Angolan and Zambian borders, is even drier, with the rains less intense and confined mostly between November and March.

The dry seasons are also notably cooler, with lower humidity and less cloud-cover, making them the best time for visiting, whether sightseeing or wildlife-watching.

But for the wetter periods of the year - including central areas of the country, where it rains for much of the year - daytime temperatures are constantly near 30 degrees by day, with high humidity and muggy nights. Downpours are often intense and mostly occur in the afternoon, leaving the morning drier and brighter.

Mountainous areas in the extreme east and coastal areas in the far west benefit from a cooling influence; but wherever you are in this vast country, sunscreen is a ‘must’.