When to Visit Democratic Republic of the Congo
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Browse tours, activities, and experiences in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Book with free cancellation on most options.
Explore Tours & ActivitiesWhat to Pack
Year-Round Essentials
Dry Season - South (Jun-Sep)
Wet Season - South (Oct-May)
Dry Season - North (Dec-Feb, Jun-Aug)
Wet Season - North (Mar-May, Sep-Nov)
Skip These Items
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January sits right in the middle of the wet season for southern DRC, including Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, with heavy afternoon thunderstorms that can turn roads into muddy challenges. The northern regions around Kisangani are actually entering their drier period. Humidity stays consistently high at 70%, and temperatures across the lowlands typically range from warm to hot, making it feel quite sticky.
February
February continues the wet pattern in the south with persistent rainfall, though storms tend to be shorter and more predictable—usually late afternoon. The Congo River basin around Mbandaka sees some of its heaviest rainfall this month. It's not peak tourist season by any stretch, so you'll have popular sites like Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary largely to yourself.
March
March is one of the wettest months across most of the DRC, with the equatorial regions getting absolutely drenched. Travel becomes genuinely difficult as unpaved roads turn to mud and river levels rise significantly. That said, the rainforests are at their most lush, and if you're interested in the country's incredible biodiversity, everything is green and vibrant.
April
April maintains heavy rainfall particularly in the central and southern regions, making it one of the more challenging months for overland travel. Kinshasa sees frequent downpours, and flights become a more reliable option than road transport. The humidity combined with warm temperatures creates that steamy tropical atmosphere that's quintessentially Congo Basin.
May
May marks the transition toward drier conditions in the south, though you'll still see regular rainfall. Northern regions around Kisangani start getting wetter as their rainy season ramps up. It's still shoulder season for tourism, so accommodations in cities like Lubumbashi and Goma tend to have availability and better rates.
June
June brings the start of the dry season to southern and central DRC, which is genuinely welcome after months of rain. Kinshasa and Lubumbashi see much less precipitation, and roads start to dry out and become passable again. This is when gorilla trekking season in Virunga National Park really picks up, as trails are in better condition.
July
July is one of the driest and coolest months, particularly in the southern highlands around Lubumbashi where temperatures can actually feel quite pleasant. Kinshasa sees minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city's markets and cultural sites. The eastern highlands around Goma can get surprisingly cool in the evenings, so you'll want a light jacket.
August
August continues the dry season with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it arguably the best month for visiting the DRC. Wildlife viewing in parks like Virunga and Kahuzi-Biéga is excellent as animals congregate around water sources. The humidity drops slightly from the peak wet season levels, though 70% is still fairly sticky by most standards.
September
September marks the tail end of the dry season with conditions still quite favorable for travel throughout most of the country. You might start seeing occasional showers toward the end of the month as the wet season approaches. It's still a decent time for gorilla trekking before the October rains begin, and roads remain in reasonable condition.
October
October brings the return of the rains to southern and central DRC, with Kinshasa and Lubumbashi seeing a marked increase in precipitation. The northern regions around Kisangani are actually in their drier period, which shows how the country's size creates these flipped seasonal patterns. Tourist numbers drop as conditions become less predictable.
November
November is solidly in the wet season for most of the DRC, with heavy rainfall across the Congo Basin and southern regions. The combination of rain and heat creates that intense tropical humidity that makes everything feel damp. Travel becomes more challenging, but river levels are high, which actually makes boat transport along the Congo River more feasible.
December
December continues the wet season pattern in the south while northern regions start transitioning to drier conditions. Kinshasa sees frequent thunderstorms, though they're often short and intense rather than all-day affairs. The holiday season brings some increased activity in the cities, but overall tourist numbers remain low compared to the dry season months.