Kinshasa, DR Congo Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Kinshasa
Located in DR Congo, Kinshasa experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate with year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. Afternoon temperatures peak near 87°F (31°C) in March and dip to about 86°F (30°C) in July, with around 52.1 inches (1323 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: March - highs near 87°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: July - highs near 86°F (30°C)
- Record high: 95°F (35°C) · Record low: 64°F (18°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: November (23 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (10.3 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on March. Highs average 87°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 74°F (24°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows around 69°F (21°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 95°F (35°C) and dropped as low as 64°F (18°C).
Rain, sun and snow
November is usually the wettest month. It brings about 9.6 inches (244 mm) of rain over 23 days, while July is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 10.3 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 85° | 73° | 16 | 5.1 in | 9.1 h/day | 83% |
| February | 87° | 74° | 16 | 5.6 in | 9.0 h/day | 82% |
| March | 87° | 74° | 17 | 5.8 in | 9.1 h/day | 81% |
| April | 87° | 74° | 19 | 6.7 in | 9.1 h/day | 83% |
| May | 87° | 74° | 12 | 3.1 in | 9.8 h/day | 82% |
| June | 86° | 71° | 1 | 0.2 in | 10.3 h/day | 74% |
| July | 86° | 69° | 0 | 0.1 in | 10.1 h/day | 70% |
| August | 87° | 71° | 3 | 0.7 in | 9.3 h/day | 67% |
| September | 89° | 73° | 7 | 1.4 in | 9.5 h/day | 69% |
| October | 87° | 74° | 19 | 6.2 in | 9.2 h/day | 78% |
| November | 85° | 73° | 23 | 9.6 in | 8.6 h/day | 84% |
| December | 85° | 73° | 24 | 7.5 in | 8.8 h/day | 85% |
Kinshasa month by month
Kinshasa weather in January
January brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 73°F (23°C), about 16 wet days.
Kinshasa weather in February
February brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 16 wet days.
Kinshasa weather in March
March brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 74°F (24°C), about 17 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Kinshasa.
Kinshasa weather in April
April brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 19 wet days.
Kinshasa weather in May
May brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 12 wet days.
Kinshasa weather in June
June brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 71°F (21°C), about 1 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Kinshasa.
Kinshasa weather in July
July brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 69°F (21°C), about 0 wet days - typically the coldest month and the driest month of the year in Kinshasa.
Kinshasa weather in August
August brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 71°F (21°C), about 3 wet days.
Kinshasa weather in September
September brings highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 73°F (23°C), about 7 wet days.
Kinshasa weather in October
October brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 19 wet days.
Kinshasa weather in November
November brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 73°F (23°C), about 23 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Kinshasa.
Kinshasa weather in December
December brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 73°F (23°C), about 24 wet days.
Seasons in Kinshasa
September through November
September through November in Kinshasa brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 87°F (31°C) and nights around 73°F (23°C); expect showers on roughly 49 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
December through February
December through February in Kinshasa runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 86°F (30°C) and nights around 74°F (23°C); expect showers on roughly 56 days across the season.
March through May
March through May in Kinshasa is hot, with daytime highs averaging 87°F (30°C) and nights around 74°F (23°C); expect showers on roughly 49 days across the season.
June through August
June through August in Kinshasa runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 87°F (30°C) and nights around 70°F (21°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Kinshasa?
Is Kinshasa hot in summer?
Is Kinshasa cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Kinshasa get in a year?
Best time to visit Kinshasa
The best time to visit Kinshasa is generally June to September, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 87°F (31°C).
Pack for Kinshasa with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - March nights average 74°F (24°C).
Kinshasa temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.