When to go
There is no single best time to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo, since the
dry season comes at different times: in the tropical region north of the Equator, it runs from December to February; in the tropical region south of the Equator (see Kinshasa), it goes from June to August; in the southernmost area (see Lubumbashi), there is little rain even in May, September and October, although in the latter two months, it can get hot during the day, especially below a thousand meters (3,300 feet), for instance, in the Kundelungu National Park.
In the equatorial zone, where it rains throughout the year, there is usually a drop in rainfall in two periods, January-February and June-July.
What to pack
In the equatorial zone, all year round, bring light clothing of natural fibers, a light sweatshirt for the evening, and an umbrella or a light raincoat for the rain showers.
In the tropical areas, in the rainy season, bring an umbrella or a light raincoat for the rain showers; in the relatively cool and dry season (December to February in the north, June to September in Kinshasa and in the south), you can add a sweatshirt and a light jacket, especially in the south and on the coast.
At low-mountain elevations, above a thousand meters (3,300 feet, see Lake Kivu and Goma, Lubumbashi), you can bring a sweatshirt and a light jacket for the evening, all year round.
In the far south, above a thousand meters (3,300 feet, see Lubumbashi), from May to August, you can add sweater, a warm jacket and a hat for nights and early mornings.
For the highest mountains, such as the Ruwenzori, all year round, bring winter clothes, a jacket, a hat, and gloves.
Back to the climate of
Democratic Republic Congo