Kinshasa in December

In December, Kinshasa averages 29°C (84°F) during the day and 22°C (71°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 26 days of the month see precipitation (205 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December offers comfortable temperatures in Kinshasa, with some rain to plan around.

29°C
Avg high
22°C
Avg low
26
Rain days
205 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Kinshasa

12th
warmest month of the 12
6th
wettest month of the 12
15%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
12 h 23 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Kinshasa (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (30°C). December runs roughly the same as November (29°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (29°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Kinshasa

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:42 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:05 PM
Day length
12 h 23 min

Times shown for Kinshasa local time (Africa/Kinshasa), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Kinshasa — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Kinshasa's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:42 AM – 5:22 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:22 AM – 6:22 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:25 PM – 6:25 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:25 PM – 7:05 PM

📅 When to book — Kinshasa in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Kinshasa's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Kinshasa

Shoulder

Kinshasa is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Kinshasa

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.1
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Kinshasa in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 29°C / 85°F 22°C / 71°F 127 mm 29
February 30°C / 86°F 22°C / 71°F 144 mm 24
March 30°C / 87°F 22°C / 72°F 160 mm 27
April 30°C / 86°F 22°C / 71°F 194 mm 27
May 30°C / 86°F 22°C / 71°F 94 mm 24
June 30°C / 86°F 20°C / 67°F 4 mm 7
July 30°C / 86°F 19°C / 66°F 2 mm 5
August 30°C / 86°F 20°C / 68°F 20 mm 10
September 31°C / 88°F 21°C / 70°F 29 mm 18
October 31°C / 87°F 22°C / 71°F 167 mm 27
November 29°C / 84°F 22°C / 71°F 246 mm 29
December 29°C / 84°F 22°C / 71°F 205 mm 26

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kinshasa in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Kinshasa in December?

In December, Kinshasa averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 22°C (71°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Kinshasa in December?

December is quite rainy in Kinshasa, with about 26 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Kinshasa?

December is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Kinshasa in December?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Kinshasa for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Kinshasa on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.