Western DRC, Democratic Republic of the Congo: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Western DRC, Democratic Republic of the Congo? If you're planning to go to Western DRC, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Western DRC
- Important essentials for Western DRC
- Activities for Western DRC
- Western DRC in January: weather and what to pack
- Western DRC in February: weather and what to pack
- Western DRC in March: weather and what to pack
- Western DRC in April: weather and what to pack
- Western DRC in May: weather and what to pack
- Western DRC in June: weather and what to pack
- Western DRC in July: weather and what to pack
- Western DRC in August: weather and what to pack
- Western DRC in September: weather and what to pack
- Western DRC in October: weather and what to pack
- Western DRC in November: weather and what to pack
- Western DRC 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 Western DRC, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Based on the climate and weather in Western DRC, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Western DRC, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Western DRC, 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 protection possible.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
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).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
-
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 Western DRC 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.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. This one should be appropriate for most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Western DRC, Democratic Republic of the Congo by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January is hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
February
If you go to Western DRC in February, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
March
March in Western DRC can be very hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
April
April is hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans contaminants:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
May
If you go to Western DRC in May, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
June
If you go to Western DRC in June, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
July
If you go to Western DRC in July, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
August
If you are traveling to Western DRC in August, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters contaminants:
September
September for Western DRC is hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also removes contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
October
Traveling to Western DRC in October, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
November
November here is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
December
If you go to Western DRC in December, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
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