When to Congo
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January marks the dry season in northern DRC with pleasant conditions for travel. Southern regions experience their wet season with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures remain warm and consistent, with moderate humidity making it comfortable for exploration in Kinshasa and the northern provinces.
February
February continues the dry season pattern in the north with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Southern areas remain wet but rainfall begins to decrease. This is a good time for gorilla trekking in the east as conditions start improving, with warm temperatures throughout the country.
March
March transitions into the wet season for northern regions while southern areas see decreasing rainfall. Temperatures remain consistently warm with increasing humidity. This shoulder month sees fewer tourists, making it ideal for budget travelers willing to navigate occasional rain showers and muddy conditions.
April
April brings heavy rains to most of the country, marking peak wet season in many regions. Roads become challenging and river levels rise significantly. Despite the rain, temperatures remain warm and the landscape is incredibly lush. This is the least popular time for tourism due to difficult travel conditions.
May
May continues the rainy season with frequent downpours, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Travel can be challenging but wildlife is abundant and the rainforest is at its most busy. Temperatures remain steady with high humidity, and tourist numbers stay low, offering a more real feel for adventurous travelers.
June
June marks the beginning of the dry season in southern DRC, bringing ideal conditions for travel and wildlife viewing. Northern regions also see decreasing rainfall. This is one of the best months to visit, with comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and excellent accessibility to national parks and attractions.
July
July offers peak dry season conditions across most of the country with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures. This is the best time for gorilla trekking in Democraticrepublicofthecongo and exploring the Congo River. Clear skies and excellent visibility make it ideal for photography and outdoor adventures.
August
August continues the excellent dry season conditions with minimal rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures, particularly at night in higher elevations. This is prime time for all outdoor activities, from wildlife safaris to cultural tours. Roads are at their most accessible, making it the most popular month for international visitors.
September
September marks the end of the dry season with still-favorable conditions for travel. Temperatures begin to rise slightly and occasional rain showers may appear late in the month. Wildlife viewing remains excellent as animals stay near water sources, and the landscape starts showing signs of the approaching wet season.
October
October transitions into the wet season for southern regions while northern areas enjoy drier conditions. Rainfall increases significantly in many parts of the country, and humidity rises. This shoulder month sees fewer tourists and lower prices, but travel conditions become more challenging as roads deteriorate.
November
November brings heavy rains to southern DRC while northern regions experience mixed conditions. The landscape transforms into busy green, and waterfalls reach their most impressive flows. Travel becomes more difficult with muddy roads and high river levels, making this a quiet month for tourism despite warm temperatures.
December
December sees the dry season beginning in northern areas while southern regions remain wet. Holiday travel brings a slight increase in visitors, particularly to Kinshasa and major cities. Temperatures are consistently warm, and conditions vary greatly by region, making it important to plan according to your specific destination within the country.