Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo? If you're planning to go to Kinshasa, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Kinshasa
- Important essentials for Kinshasa
- Activities for Kinshasa
- Kinshasa in January: weather and what to pack
- Kinshasa in February: weather and what to pack
- Kinshasa in March: weather and what to pack
- Kinshasa in April: weather and what to pack
- Kinshasa in May: weather and what to pack
- Kinshasa in June: weather and what to pack
- Kinshasa in July: weather and what to pack
- Kinshasa in August: weather and what to pack
- Kinshasa in September: weather and what to pack
- Kinshasa in October: weather and what to pack
- Kinshasa in November: weather and what to pack
- Kinshasa in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Based on the climate and weather in Kinshasa, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kinshasa, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kinshasa may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. This one should work in most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you visit Kinshasa during January, you are likely to notice that it is hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
If you visit the National Museum of Kinshasa, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
February
If you vacation in Kinshasa during February, you might notice that it is extremely warm and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally around 60 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
If you visit the National Museum of Kinshasa, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
March
If you visit Kinshasa during March, you will probably find that it can be sweltering, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
If you visit the National Museum of Kinshasa, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
April
If you are traveling to Kinshasa in April, you will notice that it is consistently hot, somewhat rainy, somewhat stormy and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
If you visit the National Museum of Kinshasa, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
May
In May, Kinshasa is hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Kinshasa, with several of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
If you visit the National Museum of Kinshasa, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
June
June in this region is warm, somewhat hazy and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
If you visit the National Museum of Kinshasa, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
July
July is a perfect temperature, very hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
If you visit the National Museum of Kinshasa, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
August
If you vacation in Kinshasa during August, you will probably see that it is pretty consistently hot, very hazy and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
If you visit the National Museum of Kinshasa, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
September
September for Kinshasa is pretty consistently hot and very hazy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
If you visit the National Museum of Kinshasa, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
October
If you vacation in Kinshasa during October, you are likely to notice that it is pretty consistently hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
If you visit the National Museum of Kinshasa, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
November
In November, Kinshasa is pretty consistently hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Kinshasa, with several of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
If you visit the National Museum of Kinshasa, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
December
If you vacation in Kinshasa during December, you might see that it is hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
If you visit the National Museum of Kinshasa, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
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