Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo? If you're planning to go to Lubumbashi, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Lubumbashi
- Important essentials for Lubumbashi
- Activities for Lubumbashi
- Lubumbashi in January: weather and what to pack
- Lubumbashi in February: weather and what to pack
- Lubumbashi in March: weather and what to pack
- Lubumbashi in April: weather and what to pack
- Lubumbashi in May: weather and what to pack
- Lubumbashi in June: weather and what to pack
- Lubumbashi in July: weather and what to pack
- Lubumbashi in August: weather and what to pack
- Lubumbashi in September: weather and what to pack
- Lubumbashi in October: weather and what to pack
- Lubumbashi in November: weather and what to pack
- Lubumbashi 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 Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Based on the climate and weather in Lubumbashi, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Lubumbashi, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear away. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. This one should work in most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Lubumbashi may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you vacation in Lubumbashi during January, you might see that it is hot. 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 (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
If you plan to go to the must-see Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Paul, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Lubumbashi Zoological Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
February
February for Lubumbashi is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
If you plan to go to the must-see Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Paul, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Lubumbashi Zoological Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
March
If you are traveling to Lubumbashi in March, you will notice that it is hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
If you plan to go to the must-see Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Paul, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Lubumbashi Zoological Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
April
If you vacation in Lubumbashi during April, you may find that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
If you plan to go to the must-see Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Paul, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Lubumbashi Zoological Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
May
May in Lubumbashi is pretty consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
If you plan to go to the must-see Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Paul, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Lubumbashi Zoological Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
June
If you vacation in Lubumbashi during June, you will probably see that it is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
If you plan to go to the must-see Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Paul, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Lubumbashi Zoological Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
July
If you are traveling to Lubumbashi in July, you will notice that it is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
If you plan to go to the must-see Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Paul, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Lubumbashi Zoological Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
August
August in Lubumbashi is pretty consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters contaminants:
If you plan to go to the must-see Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Paul, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Lubumbashi Zoological Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
September
Traveling to Lubumbashi in September, you will notice that it can be sweltering and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
If you plan to go to the must-see Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Paul, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Lubumbashi Zoological Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
October
If you go to Lubumbashi in October, you will notice that it is extremely hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
If you plan to go to the must-see Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Paul, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Lubumbashi Zoological Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
November
November in Lubumbashi is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
If you plan to go to the must-see Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Paul, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Lubumbashi Zoological Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
December
If you go to Lubumbashi in December, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
If you plan to go to the must-see Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Paul, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Lubumbashi Zoological Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
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